Introduction to Global Geophysics
Steve Dickman
, dickman@binghamton.edu
Binghamton University
a University with graduate programs, including doctoral programs
.Summary
Application of physical concepts to understanding the solid earth. Topics: origin of Earth; gravitational and geomagnetic fields and effects; earthquakes and seismic waves; composition and structure of Earth's interior; radioactivity and its geothermal consequences; fluid flow; principles of geophysical exploration for natural resources. Applications to moon, sun and planets as appropriate. Three lectures, one two-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: one semester of physics, calculus and geology; or consent of instructor.
Course URL:
Subject: Geoscience:Geology:Geophysics
Resource Type: Course Information:Goals/Syllabi
Course Type: Upper Level:Geophysics
Course Size:
less than 15
Course Context:
This is an upper-division elective for the geology major, cross-listed on the graduate level. A semester each of geology, calculus, and physics are prerequisite. Its format is 3 hours of lecture and a 2-hour lab each week. This course is open to all science and engineering majors (and others by petition), but is intended primarily for geology seniors and graduate students.
Course Goals:
This is an upper-division elective for the geology major, cross-listed on the graduate level. A semester each of geology, calculus, and physics are prerequisite. Its format is 3 hours of lecture and a 2-hour lab each week. This course is open to all science and engineering majors (and others by petition), but is intended primarily for geology seniors and graduate students.
How course activities and course structure help students achieve these goals:
The primary activity of my course is the lecture. Students are expected to assimilate and master a large amount of geophysical material. Key homework assignments and lab activities provide focus for the students' effort; those plus the exams allow me to assess the students' success.
Skills Goals
see above
How course activities and course structure help students achieve these goals:
see above
Attitudinal Goals
- developing a geophysical outlook on the world around them
- seeing the relevance of math and physics to their own scientific endeavors, and seeing the value of using math and physics in those endeavors
- seeing the importance of errors in modifying conclusions (in field work)
How course activities and course structure help students achieve these goals:
Throughout the course, I try to provide examples illustrating the relevance of geophysics, math, and physics to other sciences and to the world around them.
I require that lab reports include an error assessment.
I require that lab reports include an error assessment.
Assessment
see above
Syllabus:
Syllabus (Microsoft Word 46kB Jun20 07)
