MS - Geophysics Track

Geophysics curricula offered through Dr. Wilson consist primarily of two courses, which provide basic introduction to the theory and applications of seismic and GPR (Geology 554), and gravity, magnetic, terrain conductivity and resistivity methods (Geology 454). These courses highlight the use of computer modeling in geophysical interpretation. Advanced topics in geophysics are offered on demand in areas of signal processing, seismic stratigraphy and computer modeling.

Core Courses

• Geol 454 (Environmental and Exploration Geophysics 1) - covers basics of terrain conductivity, resistivity, gravity and magnetic methods
• Geol 554 (Environmental and Exploration Geophysics 2) - covers basics of reflection and refraction seismology and ground penetrating radar methods
• Geol 659 (Quantitative methods in Geoscience)
• Geol 493M (Special Topics: 3D seismic interpretation)
• Geol 493S (Special Topics: Computer Aided Subsurface Interpretation)

Related Courses

Graduate level geophysical studies conducted in the department are generally applied in nature, thus related courses vary depending on the particular research application.

For example, students interested in environmental and hydrogeology applications may want to take:

• Geol 562 (Quant. Hydrogeology)
• Geol 564 (Environmental Hydrogeology)
• Geol 488 (Environmental Geochem.)
  (see hydrosciences for list of related courses)

Those interested in applications to energy exploration may want to take:

• Geol 615 (Strat. of Porous Media)
• Geol 543 (Tectonics)
• Geol 591 (Advanced Petroleum)
• Geol 755 (Adv. Remote Sensing)
  (see Energy Exploration for additional courses)

Geophysical applications are encountered in most geology career tracks.