Geophysics

Robert Cicerone
,
rcicerone@bridgew.edu

Bridgewater State College
a
Public four-year institution, primarily undergraduate
.

Summary

This is an introductory course designed to provide an overview of both global geophysics and applied geophysics.

Course URL:
Course Size:

less than 15

Course Context:

This is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to provide an overview of both global geophysics and applied geophysics. The lecture portion of the class will discuss the application of physics to the study of the solid Earth, with emphasis on results from seismology, gravity, earth magnetism, heat flow, and plate tectonics. We will introduce concepts from basic physics as needed. The emphasis in lab will be on applying geophysical imaging techniques to the Earth's shallow subsurface, with specific reference to engineering and environmental applications. These techniques include seismic reflection, seismic refraction, gravity and magnetic surveying, and electrical resistivity.

Course Goals:

  • Students will be able to apply the methods of classical physics to geological problems.
  • Students will be able to analyze geophysical data in a quantitative way.
  • Students will be able to interpret the results of these analyses to image the Earth.


How course activities and course structure help students achieve these goals:

The lectures are designed to introduce the students to the basic comcepts of physics and how the physics relates to the study of the Earth. The laboratory exercises are designed to allow the students to analyze small data sets and make interpretations.

Skills Goals

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How course activities and course structure help students achieve these goals:

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Attitudinal Goals

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How course activities and course structure help students achieve these goals:

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Assessment

Student learning is assessed through interaction with the instructor during laboratory sessions, the completion of laboratory assignments, and written examinations.

Syllabus:

Syllabus (Microsoft Word 32kB Aug1 07)