Geophysics Field Methods

George R. Jiracek
,
gjiracek@geology.sdsu.edu

San Diego State University
a
University with graduate programs, including doctoral programs
.

Summary

Introductory acquisition, processing, and analysis of field geophysical surveys including dc resistivity, gravity, magnetics, and seismic refraction/reflection methods.

Course URL:
Course Size:

15-30

Course Context:

This is a one-semester, upper-division required course for geology/geophysics majors with prerequisites of one year of calculus, one year of calculus-based physics, and structural geology. A 3 ½ hour laboratory and 2 ½ hours of lecture comprise the weekly course meetings.

Course Goals:

Students should know the underlying principles and sensitivities inherent in dc resistivity, gravity, magnetics, and seismic refraction/reflection methods.

Students should be able to perform and interpret dc resistivity, gravity, magnetics, and seismic refraction/reflection surveys.

Students should be able to design geophysical surveys to avoid spatial and/or temporal aliasing.


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

Field data collection and analysis are completed for each geophysical method.

Students sketch and explain expected results for each geophysical method in front of the entire class.

Three quizzes, two exams, in-class discussions, and homeworks are used to assess student success.

Skills Goals

Quantitative skills
Critical analysis of web sites and literature
Peer-teaching/learning
Oral presentations
Teamwork
Technical writing


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

Field data collection and analysis are completed for each geophysical method.

Students sketch and explain expected results for each geophysical method in front of the entire class.

Three quizzes, two exams, in-class discussions, and homeworks are used to assess student success.

Attitudinal Goals

Increasing student awareness that quantitative/analytical skills are needed in geoscience.


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

Field data collection and analysis are completed for each geophysical method.

Students sketch and explain expected results for each geophysical method in front of the entire class.

Three quizzes, two exams, in-class discussions, and homeworks are used to assess student success.

Assessment

Three quizzes, two exams, in-class discussions, and homeworks are used to assess student success.

Syllabus:

Syllabus (Microsoft Word 24kB Jul6 07)