Fundamentals of Geophysics I:

Seismology, Gravity, and Geomagnetism

Logistics:   

    This course is designed as a 500 introductory-level course, and will target our geophysics majors as well as our graduate students. Students will be provided with an understanding of applications of physics to studies of Earth structure and dynamics from crust to core. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience in measurement and analysis of geophysical data. Although this course will provide fundamental theory and background of geophysical methods, the majority of the assignments will require the use of computers since geophysics can be computationally involved.

Objectives:

(1) To help our students develop the ability to think critically, objectively, and quantitatively.
(2) To provide an introduction to the physics of the earth in light of constraints from the seismology, gravitational and magnetic fields. The fundamentals of wave propagation in earth materials will be developed and applied to inferring earth structure.
(3) Develop the student’s ability to understand and assess a given geologic problem and determine the appropriateness of the geophysical methods to be applied in solving that problem.
(4) To provide students basic knowledge of the principles of geophysics, geophysical methods, instrumentation, and geophysical field procedures.

Exams:  All exams will be based on the lectures and textbook readings. There will be a total of two mid-term exams and a final exam. The exam scores will be equally weighted, and will count for 45% of the final course grade.

Grading:   

Exams	45%
Exercises	40%
Quizzes	10%
Participation	5%

 

 

 

 

Assignments: Assignments will be handed out most every week. A week is allowed to complete the assignments, unless otherwise specified. A penalty of 5% per day after the due date will be applied unless a very good reason is presented in advance for not being able to complete the assignment.

Graduate vs. Undergraduate Requirements: Graduate students should do all assigned problems, including bold-faced ones. Undergraduates may leave out the bold-faced problems, but are welcome to do them for extra credit.

Attendance: Mandatory! Attendance sheet will be signed every lecture time.

Software: Lab exercises represent the main part of this course. Practical demonstrations will make use of some specialty software.

Pre-Requisites:

    MATH241 or 250; Co-requisite:   MATH242

Schedule of Course Topics

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Maintained by Camelia Knapp (camelia@geol.sc.edu)
Last updated 9 January 2006

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