1104 Adventures in Geophysics. The basic principles of remotely probing the Earth's shallow subsurface (geophysics) will be introduced through a series of existing case studies (adventures) such as the one served as the basis for “Jurassic Park”. This course will also provide students with the opportunity for “hands-on” experience with high-tech geophysical tools. (Sp) [II-NL]
3413 Principles of Geophysics. Prerequisite: Mathematics 2423; Physics 2524; or equivalent or permission. A survey of current methods of geophysical measurements and their interpretations. The earth's gravity, magnetic, seismic, mechanical and thermal properties will be discussed. (Sp)
3423 Introductory Petroleum Geology and Geophysics. Prerequisite: Geology 1114, Mathematics 2423, Physics 2514, and Geology 3003. Fundamentals of the utilization of geological and geophysical data in the exploration for and development of petroleum reserves. Fundamental principles, geological and geophysical data acquisition, processing and interpretation. (Sp)
4102 Advanced Field Geophysics (Slashlisted with 5102). Prerequisite: senior standing. Provides students with practical experience in designing and executing geophysical field studies as well as experience in interpreting the acquired data. Basic principles are reviewed at the beginning of the course. Up to five field studies will be performed and students will process and interpret processed data. No student may earn credit for both 4102 and 5102. (F)
G4124 Environmental and Geotechnical Geophysics II. Prerequisite: Mathematics 2433, Physics 2524, or permission of instructor. Part of a two-semester sequence covering the major geophysical tools for environmental and geotechnical problems. Consider techniques used to locate and identify isolated targets such as buried tanks, drums, pits, and trenches. Techniques to be covered include magnetics, resistivity, electromagnetic induction, and ground penetrating radar. (Sp)
4243 Computational Geosciences (Slashlisted with 5243). Prerequisite: Mathematics 1823, 2423, 2433 and 2443. MATLAB is a C-based programming environment that has become a standard in scientific computing. This course begins with basic concepts of MATLAB programming and then proceeds to one-, two-, and three-dimensional graphics, interpolation and filtering. No student may earn credit for both 4243 and 5243. (F)
G4874 Seismic Exploration. Prerequisite: Physics 2524; Mathematics 2433 or concurrent enrollment. Lectures and laboratory/problem sessions covering theory and applications of reflection and refraction seismic exploration methods. Emphasis is on the common-depth-point reflection method. (F)
4953 Senior Thesis in Geophysics. Prerequisite: senior standing with a major in geophysics and permission. May not be repeated. Individual research of a geophysical topic selected by the student in consultation with the instructor. The project may involve fieldwork, theoretical analysis, computer modeling, and/or data analysis and interpretation, culminating in a written thesis. (F, Sp, Su) [V]
G4970 Seminar. 1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. May be repeated with change of content; maximum credit nine hours. (F, Sp)
4990 Independent Study. 1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: three courses in general area to be studied; permission of instructor and department. May be repeated; maximum credit nine hours. Contracted independent study for topics not currently offered in regularly scheduled courses. Independent study may include library and/or laboratory research and field projects. (F, Sp, Su)
G5003 Rock Physics for Seismic Applications. Prerequisite: graduate standing. Introduction to rock physics for geophysical applications; rock properties; elastic constraints; link to geophysical response; empirical relationships; poroelasticity; attenuation; dispersion; fluid properties; fluid substitution; prediction of velocities; anisotrophy applications. (F)
G5102 Advanced Field Geophysics (Slashlisted with 4102). Prerequisite: graduate standing. Provides students with practical experience in designing and executing geophysical field studies as well as experience in interpreting the acquired data. Basic principles are reviewed at the beginning of the course. Up to five field studies will be performed and students will process and interpret processed data. No student may earn credit for both 4102 and 5102. (F)
5243 Computational Geosciences (Slashlisted with 4243). Prerequisite: Mathematics 1823, 2423, 2433 and 2443. MATLAB is a C-based programming environment that has become a standard in scientific computing. This course begins with basic concepts of MATLAB programming and then proceeds to one-, two-, and three-dimensional graphics, interpolation and filtering. No student may earn credit for both 4243 and 5243. (F)
G5364 Paleomagnetism. Prerequisite: permission. Concerns the magnetic properties of minerals and rocks and the physical and chemical processes which produce them. Laboratory techniques used in investigations are discussed. (F)
G5513 Introduction to Seismic Processing. Prerequisite: Physics 2524, Mathematics 3333, or permission. Introduction to 2-D seismic data processing, the critical link between acquisition and interpretation. Extensive use of mathematical software for theory as well as complimentary state-of-the-art industry software on selected marine and land seismic data sets from around the world. Topics addressed include the theoretical and applied analysis of the acquisition array models, temporal and spatial sampling, noise, wavelet non-stationary, amplitude normalization, FFT and IFFTs, filter theory, predictive, signature, and spike deconvolution, F-K filtering, velocity analysis, and migration. Students will process from beginning to completion their own seismic lines. (F)
G5613 Introduction to Seismic Stratigraphy. Prerequisite: Physics 2524, Mathematics 3333, or permission. Introduction to the stratigraphic interperetation of reflection seismic data, emphasizing 2-D exploration seismic reflection group analysis. Topics covered include the theory and practice of borehole constrained interpretation, analysis, and mapping of seismic sequences, fault mechanical stratigraphy, chronostratigraphy, seismic facies, relative changes in sea level, and integrated geohistory analysis with emphasis upon providing a foundation for petroleum system analysis. Seismic sections for the analyses are taken from varying tectonic and depositional settings worlwide. (Alt. F)
G5713 Solid Earth Geophysics. Prerequisite: Mathematics 2433, Physics 2524, or permission of instructor. A survey of the physical and chemical origins of the earth and its development through pregeologic and geologic history, as inferred from modern cosmology, geochemistry, geomagnetism, seismology and satellite gravity data. The dynamic processes occurring in the earth are emphasized. (F)
G5723 Tectonophysics. Prerequisite: Physics 2524, Mathematics 3333, Geology 5813 or permission. Strongly recommended are 5713 or 5813. Overview of tectonics of plates through the integration of geology and geophysics. Theory, analysis, and modeling of the creation, modification, and destruction of plates, basins, and mountains through geologic time and space through the integration of borehole and outcrop geology with such geophysical disciplines as: earthquake seismology, refraction geophysics, reflections geophysics, heat flow, magnetics, and gravity. Required fieldtrip to the western U.S.
G5864 Gravimetric and Magnetic Exploration. Prerequisite: Mathematics 2433, Physics 2524, or permission of instructor. Lectures and laboratory/problem sessions covering theory and applications of gravimetric and magnetic exploration. Includes potential theory, filtering, modeling and interpretation. Emphasis is on exploration for minerals, oil and gas. Concepts of geodesy and isostasy are briefly considered. Laboratory (Sp)
G5980 Research for Master's Thesis. Variable enrollment, two to nine hours; maximum applicable toward degree, four hours. (F, Sp, Su)
G5990 Special Studies. 1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: permission. May be repeated; maximum credit nine hours. Advanced special studies in geophysical problems. May include directed reading in geophysics, fieldwork, laboratory research or preparation of reports. (F, Sp, Su)
G6013 Near-Surface Geophysical Imaging. Prerequisite: graduate standing. Presents the mathematical basis and algorithms for near-surface geophysical imaging. These techniques are based on standard measurement configurations for seismic and radar surveys. Students will learn to implement these imaging algorithms using MATLAB programming. (F)
G6174 Advanced Seismic Exploration. Prerequisite: 4874. A survey of the latest concepts of exploration seismology including the use of integral transforms and information theory as applied to the digital processing of seismic data. (Irreg.)
G6523 Advanced Seismic Processing. Prerequisite: 5513, or permission. Advanced topics in 2-D and 3-D seismic data processing. Theory and practice with intensive use of mathematical software on selected 2-D and 3-D seismic data sets from around the world. Topics addressed include processing design for complex geologies, advanced amplitude-phase-frequency normalization techniques, advanced filter design including time and spatially variant processes, Q analysis, linear and parabolic Tau-P filtering, 2-D and 3-D AVO data preparation, inversion, and analysis, DMO, pre-stack depth migration, finite-difference, Stolt, Kirchhoff, and other time and depth migration and cascaded model-driven migration methods, surface consistency, coherency, and other topics. (Alt. Sp)
G6623 Advanced Seismic Stratigraphy. Prerequisite: 5613 or permission of instructor. Advanced topics of theory and practice in seismic stratigraphy with an emphasis upon wavelet analysis in 3-D and 4-D development geophysical settings. Topics covered include the theory and practice of modeling, interpreting, and mapping principle reservoir characterization tools: velocities, frequency, phase, attributes, 2-D and 3-D AVO, and DHIs as well as the seismic characterization of wedges and fans (deltas and turbidites), and carbonate buildups (reefs and banks). Seismic projects are taken form various fields worldwide and include the integration of borehole petrophysical data. (Alt. Sp)
G6874 Applied Seismic Modeling. Prerequisite: 4874. Theory and use of seismic ray trace modeling in survey design, testing or processing algorithms, and interpretation. Methods are developed in 1-, 2-, and 3-dimensions and focus on asymptotic ray theory. The lab requires formulation, solution, and class presentation of a ray tracing problem of the student's choice. Laboratory (Irreg.)
G6950 Research. 1 to 4 hours. Prerequisite: graduate standing and permission of faculty supervisor. May be repeated with change of content; maximum credit 12 hours. Individual research in various areas of geophysics. (F, Sp, Su)
G6960 Directed Readings. 1 to 6 hours. Prerequisite: graduate standing and permission of faculty supervisor. May be repeated; maximum credit six hours. Supervised reading at an advanced graduate level. (F, Sp, Su)
G6970 Seminar. 1 to 4 hours. Prerequisite: graduate standing, permission. May be repeated with change of subject matter; maximum credit twenty hours. Directed seminar on selected aspects of geophysical knowledge and inquiry. (F, Sp)
G6980 Research for Doctor's Dissertation. 2 to 16 hours. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. (F, Sp, Su )
Updated: April 1, 2007