"How would you like to turn your passion for science and technology into an amazing and rewarding career?"
When you complete a degree course in Exploration Geophysics at Curtin University, you could ...
|
... |
be in charge of a multimillion dollar exploration team searching for the next billion dollar oil or gas reserve |
|
... |
discover new ways of using the Earth's geothermal energy to power the planet |
|
... |
seek new sources of underground water to supplement our shrinking reserves |
|
... |
map the layout of a 2000 year old city buried in the desert sands of Egypt |
|
... |
make new discoveries as to how the air around us affects the motion of the planet |
|
... |
determine new ways to understand the thermal structure and dynamics of oceans |
|
... |
apply the techniques and skills you learn from us to reveal the internal structure of other planets and stars ... |
These are just some of many exciting and challenging scenarios you can find yourself in when you leave us as a qualified exploration geophysicist. It's up to you to decide how to tackle these challenges using the latest geophysical methods and technology taught to you by some of the best trainers in the industry at Curtin Geophysics.
| "If science is your passion, then go for it and don't let anything stop you..." - Trang Nguyen, geophysicist, graduated with honours, 2000 - advice for other young women considering a similar career. (Fremantle Cockburn Gazette, 4th March 2008) |
 |
What is geophysics?
Geophysics combines the sciences of physics, geology, mathematics and computing into something much more…
| Geophysics is a non-destructive and non-invasive Earth Science that uses the very latest science and technology in instrumentation, data acquisition and, advanced computer modelling and interpretation in subsurface exploration. We use seismic, magnetic, electromagnetic, radiometric and gravitational technologies and techniques to determine the structure and composition of natural (and sometimes artificial) materials below the Earth's surface without the need for drilling or excavation. |
Geophysics is at the very frontier of science and exploration and
is used
in areas such as:
 |
Oil, gas and mineral exploration | |
|
|
Underground water exploration | |
|
|
Archaeology | |
|
|
Atmospherics | |
|
|
Oceanography | |
|
|
Planetary science | |
|
|
Astronomy and astrophysics | |
|
|
Urban utility mapping | |
|
|
Geohazards such as volcanos or earthquakes | |
|
|
Forensics | |
|
|
And many more... |
| “Geophysics applies the principles of physics with a knowledge of geology, mathematics and computing, to study the composition of the planets and stars...” |
Why study geophysics with us…
The Curtin University Department of Exploration Geophysics is the ONLY higher education, specialist geophysics training facility in Australia offering an internationally recognised, professional degree in geophysics. We are NOT an offshoot of another earth sciences department but a dedicated team of highly respected, professional trainers and researchers with just one aim in mind when it comes to you: to provide you with all the skills and training you need to become a fully qualified, world class geophysicist!
And when you complete your geophysics degree with us you'll be able to gain admission to the following prestigious societies:
- The Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists (ASEG)
- The Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG - USA)
- The European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE)
- The Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM)
 |
Our facilities... We're located in the Australian Resources Research Centre (ARRC) at Technology Park in Kensington, Western Australia. This is an active research facility owned and operated by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). The facility is home to over 200 leading scientists and researchers from CSIRO and Curtin University who have come together to create a petroleum and minerals centre of expertise for the south-east Asia region. |
||
|
|
Our
Staff...
|
||
|
|
Our Computing Environment... When you study geophysics with us you'll have access to the very latest computer hardware and software applications we have available. We maintain two specialist computer laboratories that run current geophysical and mathematical software in addition to standards such as the latest Microsoft and Adobe products. The geophysical software you'll find in our labs is used extensively throughout the commercial world. Some of the specialist geophysics software applications we have available include: |
||
|
|
Landmark (Seismic data processing, modelling and interpretation) | ||
|
|
Paradigm (Visualisation, interpretation and modelling) | ||
|
|
Encom (Magnetics and gravity, modelling and remote sensing) | ||
|
|
Geosoft (Mapping and processing) | ||
|
|
MatLAB (Mathematical computation, analysis, visualization and development) | ||
|
|
Petrosys (Mapping, visualisation and surface modelling) | ||
|
|
ERMapper (Geospatial imagery processing) | ||
|
|
and many others... | ||
| "Do it. Have fun at uni, study hard. The industry is huge at the moment and with the demand for hydrocarbons increasing worldwide there are endless opportunities in this field." - Amanda Davies, geophysicist, graduated with honours 2003. |
 |
| Read On to find out how a career in Exploration Geophysics will change your life! |
An
Application Sampler...
Using geophysical techniques you'll probe deep into the Earth’s crust and gather data about structures hidden far below the surface using state of the art technologies such as seismic, ground penetrating radar, gravity, magnetics and electromagnetics.
Once you have collected all the data you'll then use
cutting edge computer hardware and software technologies to create graphic models of
the earth’s crust.
Finally, using what you've learned from us, you'll be able to interpret your models and reveal detailed features hidden deep within the earth's surface such as oil, gas, mineral or water reserves. This is just one of many ways you can use your skills.
| “Geophysicists are the largest users of supercomputers in the world…” |
What you learn at Curtin Geophysics...
You have a variety of options
when you study geophysics with us.
The basic undergraduate course takes three years of full time study to complete. After this you have the option of starting work as a fully qualified geophysicist or completing a fourth year specializing in your area of interest in fields like oil and gas, groundwater. or mineral exploration.
Even after you leave us and are working in the field you can still come back and complete a postgraduate course that provides you with advanced training in various aspects of exploration geophysics.
How is the undergraduate course structured?
First Year
During your first year with us you are trained in the basic requirements of geophysics, mathematics, physics, geology and computing. This provides you with a solid grounding in the knowledge required to move on to the more advanced and specific topics in this course.
In first year you'll:
|
|
Go on excursions to operational geophysical and exploration companies and attend follow up seminars and presentations by selected industrial personal to provide you with further insight into this career |
|
|
|
Discover how computers and computing technologies can be used in geophysics |
|
|
|
|
Investigate the properties of matter and electricity and cover an early history of quantum mechanics |
|
|
Find out how about a variety of introductory physics related topics such as physical data analysis, Newtonian mechanics, gravitation and thermodynamics |
|
|
|
Determine the origin, composition and structure of the Earth and cover an introduction to palaeontology and other geological topics such as the arrangement and succession of the Earth’s strata (stratigraphy) and the laboratory and field studies of fossils and rocks |
|
|
|
Understand the basic techniques and applications of mathematics involving calculus and algebra. |
| “The best part of the degree at Curtin was the outdoor labs. We learned the theory in class rooms but got to go outside and collect our own data. Towards the end of my degree I enjoyed the computer modelling where we modelled the shape of ore bodies from the data we collected.” - Leon Matthews, geophysicist, graduated with honours 1995. |
 |
Second Year
During your second year
of study your knowledge and skills are further expanded in
all areas relating to geophysics. You'll cover more units in
geophysics, geology, maths, physics and some chemistry.
In your second year you'll:
|
|
Cover an Introduction to geophysical methods relating to minerals including collecting and displaying geophysical data, gravity, magnetics and electrical properties and how these topics relate to minerals exploration |
|
|
|
Gain an understanding how energy can be transported and stored in various media |
|
|
|
Study how geophysics is used in natural resources exploration |
|
|
|
Investigate the electromagnetic fields in the Earth and gain knowledge of the important processes that govern the storage, coupling and transport of electromagnetic energy |
|
|
|
Find out about stratigraphy principles, terminology and procedures in areas such as geology and sedimentology and cover structural geology and mineralogy including an introduction to petrology and chemical analysis of rocks and minerals |
|
|
|
Understand the fundamental
concepts of multivariate calculus and solve ordinary and partial
differential equations, multivariate integral and vector
calculus problems and discover the theory and practice of linear
algebra |
Third Year
In this final year you'll cover more
advanced areas of knowledge in geophysics and build skills that will complete your
preparation for employment in the field.
In your third year with us you'll:
|
|
Gain an understanding of measurement techniques and instrumentation and gain experience in data collection, processing and interpretation, and learn advanced techniques and exploration practice in geophysical processing and interpretation |
|
|
|
Discover how potential fields can be used in interpretation techniques and how electrical techniques are used in geophysical prospecting |
|
|
|
Attain a fundamental understanding of the seismic exploration method and its application, and gain a sound knowledge of seismic data acquisition methods |
|
|
|
Develop the skills needed for advanced geophysical analysis and gain a comprehensive knowledge of the electromagnetic and radiometric methods |
|
|
|
Gain a fundamental understanding of the major physical properties of the Earth with respect to tectonics, seismology, magnetic fields and geochronology |
|
|
|
Determine how geophysical methods can be used to study the environment |
|
|
|
Find out how to plan, execute and interpret geophysical surveys in a variety of environments and gain field experience in the operation of geophysical instruments |
|
|
|
Gain experience in writing exploration reports |
Fourth Year
(Honours) Program
If you choose
you can complete a fourth year in geophysics. During this
year you'll select
a specialist stream in either oil and gas, minerals or
groundwater exploration geophysics then design a project that will
require independent research and compilation of a final written thesis.
There's also a program of advanced
coursework to complement and enhance your existing knowledge.
In your honours year you'll:
|
|
Expand your knowledge in seismic acquisition methods |
|
|
|
Understand the importance of seismic data processing |
|
|
|
Gain a thorough understanding of the theory and use of advanced geophysical techniques in exploration and mapping of the Earth's crust |
|
|
|
Gain sound knowledge of borehole geophysical methods; well logs and borehole seismic |
|
|
|
Uncover the theory and acquire a practical introduction to seismic interpretation, especially as used in the oil industry |
|
|
|
Attain an understanding of the principles of operation of many advanced data processing techniques on potential field data. You'll also develop a knowledge of modern practices in numerical calculation of potential and electromagnetic fields and gain a comprehensive understanding of the practical influences of on-ideal acquisition, processing and modelling of upon electromagnetic data |
|
|
|
Prepare and submit a dissertation relating to the research you complete in your honours year |
| “I had a friend who had completed the course and he enjoyed it so much that he convinced me to do it as well” - Jarred Townsend, geophysicist, graduated with honours, 2002. |
 |
Is geophysics for me?
Still not sure? Then try this short survey:
If you answered "yes" to most of the above questions then you must seriously consider checking out a career in geophysics.
Employment
Our department has developed close
ties with industry leaders in this field over many years. These
companies include the likes of BHP Billiton, Chevron, Santos, Saudi Aramco and
Woodside.
100% of our students are approached by employers before they even complete their studies with us. Once you leave us with your degree you will walk straight into a job where you can use your new skills. This gives you an idea of the world wide demand for qualified geophysicists.
What will you earn? Really, the sky's the limit when it comes to exploration geophysics. You can choose where you want to work and how much money you want to earn. A six figure salary in this career is not uncommon.
DON'T MISS OUT!!Here's what you can do TODAY to kick-start your career in
Geophysics...
|
 |