Program Overview

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Geophysics Program

The BSc Honours in the field of Geophysics provides students with a sound theoretical understanding and solid training in applied knowledge of geophysics and the workings of the earth.

Overview

Geophysics is the application of physics to problems in Earth Science. Physics principles, mathematical concepts, and advanced technologies are used to study the properties, structure, composition, and evolution of the Earth. The geophysics Honours course provides graduates with a sound theoretical base, training in applied geophysics, and knowledge of how the Earth works. Successful completion of the Honours course is considered to be the minimum academic requirement for a professional southern African geophysicist.

Curriculum

The geophysics Honours course includes formal lectures and associated assignments, seminars, and tutorials. There are five core theoretical topics, the AfricaArray Field School, and an Honours project. The final mark is made up as follows:

• Core lecturing topics: 80 credits
• Field School: 10 credits
• Honours Project: 30 credits
  • TOTAL: 120 credits

Examinations are held twice yearly, in June and November. To pass the year, a minimum average of 50% is required, a subminimum of 35% is required for written examinations, and the candidate must achieve a minimum mark of 50% for the Honours project. An external examiner monitors the standard of the examinations and the marking of the scripts.

Lecturing Topics

There are five core lecturing topics:

1. Mathematical and Computational Methods in Geophysics (GEOP4004A)
   • Fundamental mathematical and computational knowledge are required by geophysicists and this course provides important background in these areas and for most of the other geophysical courses.
   • The course includes current theories of image processing, inverse theory, signal processing, and wavelet theory, with applications to gravity, geomagnetism, and resistivity.
   • Students are introduced to computer hardware and operating systems and are taught programming.
2. Global Geophysics (GEOP4010A)
   • This course presents an introduction to planetary physics and the main branches of geophysics (including gravity and geodesy, geomagnetism, seismology, electrical and electromagnetic methods, heat flow, and radiogenic isotope physics).
   • It shows how these methods are employed to understand the physics and composition of the Earths interior and the process of plate tectonics.
3. Advanced Potential Theory (GEOP4005A)
   • Gravity and geomagnetism are core topics in geophysical exploration.
   • The course starts with a discussion of the fundamentals of potential field theory in two and three dimensions.
   • This is followed with particulars of exploration methods employing the gravity and geomagnetic methods (including instrumentation, field procedures, and data interpretation).
   • More in-depth discussions of the applications of gravity and magnetism to the Earth as a whole are presented.
4. Seismology (GEOP4006A)
   • Seismology is fundamentally important for geophysical exploration and understanding the deep structure and workings of the Earth.
   • The course covers important aspects of instrumentation, survey design, data collection, and data interpretation in exploration using refraction and reflection seismology.
   • Rock mechanics and mine seismology are particularly relevant to the mining industry in South Africa and this constitutes an important component of the course.
   • Global seismicity and teleseismology are used to develop a more detailed knowledge of the Earths internal structure.
5. Electrical and Electromagnetic Methods (GEOP4006A)
   • These methods deal with the propagation of electrical currents and of electromagnetic fields within the Earth and its atmosphere.
   • This course provides background in fundamentals of geo-electricity and electromagnetism.
   • A strong emphasis is placed on geophysical applications in the mining, geo-hydrology, engineering, and environmental disciplines.

AfricaArray Field School

The AfricaArray Field School is a compulsory component of the Honours course and is also offered to selected international students. It involves training in survey design and tendering for contracts, extensive field work on an actual mine or exploration project, use of most modern geophysical methods, data interpretation, and a project report. It provides hands-on training for practical geophysicists and consultants.

Honours Research Project

A research project, with a time commitment of roughly six weeks, is a compulsory component of the Honours course. It is considered to be essential in preparing the student for future independent research or project work, including planning of a project, conducting a literature survey, conducting scientific research, interpreting results, presenting the findings orally, and writing a research report. The subject of the research work is drawn from the wide range of research activities in the School. A list of projects is normally given to the students and a student is expected to pick a project of his/her own interest. Students are also encouraged to bring their own research projects.

Prescribed Reading

• Potential Theory in Gravity & Magnetic Applications. ISBN: (Pbk) Author: Blakely, RJ
• Encyclopedic Dictionary of Applied Geophysics. 4th (2002 edition) ISBN: Author: Sheriff, RE
• Applied Geophysics. (1990 edition) ISBN: (Pbk) Author: Telford, WM; Geldart, CP & Sheriff, RE

Entry Requirements

Minimum pre-requisites are a BSc degree with passes in Geology I, Mathematics II, and Physics II. In the third year of BSc, an average of at least 60% must be achieved in any two of the following subjects: Geology III, Mathematics III, or Physics III. Subject to the approval of the Head of School, Geology I can be taken concurrently with the Honours course.

Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results, and other entry requirements where applicable.

University Fees and Funding

The Fees site provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied, you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.

For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, the University's Postgraduate Funding portal is a database of scholarships, bursaries, and other funding opportunities available to Wits postgraduate students. Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities. The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies.

Programme Details

• Programme Code: SHA00
• Faculty: Science
• School: Geosciences
• Qualification: BScHons
• Duration: 1 year
• Study Mode: Full-time
• Closing Date: 30 November
• Programme Coordinator: Prof. Musa Manzi