Physics, Fieldwork & Key Skills for Geophysicists

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Communicate effectively by writing reports with appropriate structure and referencing and by making oral presentations.
• Generic skills: Data handling and reporting. Simple use of Unix computers.
• Use a compass-clinometer with familiarity to measure simple geological structures.
• Accurately locate yourself in the field, and make essential field observations and measurements, including recognition of major rock types and geological structures and relationships between geology and landscape.
• Use GMT software to analyse and present 1D and 2D data.
• Understand and apply the principles of data analysis and interpretation in a number of geophysical exploration methods.
• Subject-specific Skills: Use of GMT and Seismic-Unix software. Shell scripting.
• Make a simple geological map and construct a geological cross-section on the basis of a geological map.
• Carry out basic physical laboratory experiments, analysing and interpreting the results and keeping records in a laboratory logbook.

You will:

• Receive instruction in data handling, processing and analysis using software such as GMT.
• Be trained in the collection of applied geophysical datasets.
• Carry out a series of exercises to analyse and report on results from applied geophysical surveys.
• Be trained in basic geological field mapping and carry out a simple mapping exercise.

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures/tutorials: To introduce the basics of data handling and analysis using the GMT software. To develop skills in reading and assimilating scientific papers. To provide feedback and review sessions on the computing practicals.

Computer Practicals: To give experience in using GMT and lead to extended exercises in applied geophysical data analysis and reporting.

Fieldwork: Field course; which will develop the student's observation and mapping skills, necessary to complete a comprehensive geological map, and to produce a report on the geology of the area.

Lecture: preparation prior to the field course.

Physics laboratory classes: Laboratory classes are held in the first year teaching laboratory on level 3 of the Physics Building (Building 46). These nominally consist of 11 weeks of Experiments, including training in data analysis, handling of common apparatus, and logbook keeping. Experiments will focus on key Physics themes including electronic circuits, optics, dynamics, renewable energy, thermodynamics, acoustics and more. Data analysis training includes handling and propagating errors, Normal distributions, and understanding of goodness-of-fit statistics. A range of analysis and writing software packages are introduced, though students are free to use any package or analysis software of their choice.

Attendance at all classes is compulsory. There are no referrals or deferrals for the Physics part of this module in the Summer Supplementary Examination period. If you fail in this module (or are deferred), the normal referral (deferral) procedure is to take the module again in the following academic year.

A wide range of support is available for those students who have further or specific learning and teaching needs.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.