Geophysics MSc

If you have an interest in the earth in relation to minerals extraction Geophysics offers you plenty of scope to get involved in the profession itself and expertise required to explore different types of terrain. You also discover the newly evolving landscape of assistive technology companies offering the latest methods of discovering more about the earth and its various surface layers with exciting new techniques based on solid methods and skills. You learn the latest methods of data retrieval and analysis to understand risk and potential engineering issues in difficult to reach places. You learn how to work with the latest developments in signal processing which uses the latest advances in sensor development to set up an alert system to monitor specific areas which are normally difficult to reach. This clever technology widens the scope of your profession considerably to provide more sophisticated methods of analysis alongside traditional methods of discovery. Apart from load bearing you understand all natural movement which may affect the earth. Seismic processing looks at how the earth moves not only in times of earthquakes but natural movement from chemical reactions beneath the surface of the earth.

Borehole extraction is used in many instances to determine if reserves are live or loading is safe. You apply your skills in different ways to look at remediated land over time at a coal mine for example where loading can be critical to safe future use. The programme equips you with skills and understanding in hydrocarbon, minerals and associated industries. You understand earth structure from near surface to deep interior learning from geophysical data analysis and interpretation.

Geophysics professionals go on to work in consultancy to map and advise about risks in relation to new development and planning good practice. Currently there is a growth in new development which brings challenges to new development such as sink holes, mines, under ground caverns and rivers and more. The need to use land becomes ever greater in areas which previously may not have been considered and this need needs to be strictly managed and assessed for safety reasons. Boreholes and other types of sampling plus use of digital technologies can all predict how stable the ground beneath our feet is. You can get involved in understanding how the earth moves in relation to natural occurring disasters such as earthquakes, volcanos and more. Your skills and understanding will allow you to consult, advise, and support risk assessments for government, groups, individuals and organisations who require trained professionals to determine and map areas of risk and provide guidance and policy.

Courses listed for the programme

Semester 1

• Earth Physics, Structure and Processes
• Seismic Reflection Processing, Imaging and Quantitative Interpretation
• Time Series Analysis and Signal Processing
• Geophysical Inverse Theory and Statistics

Semester 2

• Seismology and Earth Imaging
• Field Geophysical Data Acquisition
• Borehole Geophysics', Including Petrophysics and Well- Log Analysis
• Topics in Advanced Applied Geophysics

Semester 3

• Project in Geophysics

Find out more detail by visiting the programme web page

Why study at Aberdeen?

• You will gain hands on experience within our facilities with a large range of relevant equipment
• Join the Aberdeen Geological Society for guest lectures and learning and networking opportunities
• Study in a department ranked no 1 in Scotland for Earth Sciences
• We research Earth Science over time, with strengths in Geology, Sedimentology, Geochemistry and more.

Where you study

• University of Aberdeen
• Full time
• 12 Months
• September start

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Entry Requirements and Study Support

• English Language Requirements – view the programme page
• Pre-Sessional English Language Support
• Access Courses – English and Maths
• Free Online Courses
• Short Courses

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• Catered Accommodation
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Visit the Geophysics MSc page on the Aberdeen University website for more details!