Geophysical surveys are utilised across a wide range of public and private sectors that require investigation of the shallow sub-surface. This includes resource exploration, groundwater management, storage of waste products, archeological investigations, and in general, detection of underground structures or objects (e.g. locating buried utilities). This course builds on concepts from EMSC2022 (Introduction to Global Geophysics) to demonstrate practical applications of common geophysical tools and methods. Students across the breadth of Earth Sciences are expected to encounter such geophysical datasets in future careers. Students will be equipped with the practical skills and knowledge to make informed geological insights and decisions based on such datasets.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the physical principles underpinning geophysical methods.
2. Critically evaluate geophysical techniques, acquisition procedures, and survey designs for various subsurface targets.
3. Process and analyse collected geophysical data.
4. Employ appropriate modeling methodologies, and evaluate strengths, weaknesses, and limitations.
5. Infer physical properties at depth and formulate geological interpretations from those properties.
6. Demonstrate effective team-work and communication skills.

Research-Led Teaching

Students will be provided with the opportunity to design and undertake their own research assignments.

Field Trips

An excursion will be held in Week 4 to see the Geoscience Australia Borehole Geophysics rig. The timing of this excursion will be agreed with the students at the start of the semester. The excursion will not be assessed.

Additional Course Costs

None

Required Resources

A list of recommended texts will be provided in-class and available on Wattle.

Recommended Resources

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• end of lecture Q&A sessions
• written comments via Wattle and email
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

Please note, that where there are multiple assessment tasks of the same type, e.g weekly quizzes, a date range is used in the Assessment Summary. The first date is the approximate due date of the first task, the return date is the approximate return date for the final task. Further information is provided in the assessment section of the class summary, and details are provided on the course wattle site.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Week 1Course introduction and setting-up survey grids
2	Week 2Module 1 - Seismic techniques: Lecture and practicals
3	Week 3Module 1 - Seismic techniques: Lecture and practicals
4	Week 4Module 1 - Seismic techniques: Lecture and practicals	Assessment/report on Module 1 - Seismic techniques
5	Week 5Borehole geophysics excursion hosted by Geoscience Australia
6	Week 6Module 2 - Gravity techniques: Lecture and practicals
7	Week 7Module 2 - Gravity techniques: Lecture and practicals	Independent project: Brief Project plan
8	Week 8Module 2 - Gravity techniques: Lecture and practicals	Assessment/report on Module 2 - Gravity techniques
9	Week 9Module 3 - Magnetic techniques: Lecture and practicals	Independent project: Marking rubric
10	Week 10Module 3 - Magnetic techniques: Lecture and practicals
11	Week 11Module 3 - Magnetic techniques: Lecture and practicals	Assessment/report on Module 3 - Magnetic techniques
12	Week 12In-class presentations on individual projects	Independent project: Report submission and in-class presentation

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Module assessments/reports (3 assessments)	60 %	15/03/2024	22/05/2024	1,2,3,4,5
Independent project: Brief Project plan	5 %	19/04/2024	26/04/2024	4,5,6
Independent project: Marking rubric	5 %	03/05/2024	10/05/2024	4,5,6
Independent project: In-class presentation	10 %	21/05/2024	22/05/2024	4,5,6
Independent project: Report submission	20 %	24/05/2024	07/06/2024	4,5,6

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Participation in all components of the class is required.

Assessment Task 1

Module assessments/reports (3 assessments)

There are three assessments at the end of the seismics, gravity and magnetics modules worth 20% each. These assessments will include a series of short questions covering material from the lectures and practicals. The assessment will be submitted in the final practical of each module. It is intended that the marked assessments will be returned within 2 weeks of submission. Further details can be found on the Course Wattle site.

Assessment Task 2

Independent project: Brief Project plan

Students will give a report outlining their aims and design of their final project. This assessment task is due in Week 7. Please check the course Wattle site for the exact date.

Assessment Task 3

Independent project: Marking rubric

Students will create a marking rubric for the different aspects of their individual projects. Each rubric should consider what levels of accomplishment correspond to different grades in the ANU marking scheme. This assessment task is due in Week 9. Please check the course Wattle site for the exact date.

Assessment Task 4

Independent project: In-class presentation

Summary of the independent project to be presented to the class in the final week of teaching.

Assessment Task 5

Independent project: Report submission

Individual projects designed with a focus on a chosen aspect of the course. Student projects are expected to develop as the course progresses and more geophysical techniques are introduced. The final project is to be submitted via Wattle on the last day of the semester. Please check the class Wattle page for submission information.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Returning Assignments

Assignment grades and written feedback will be provided by email. Feedback on Wattle take-home quizzes will be provided directly via Wattle.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Resubmission of assignments will not be permitted.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students