Geophysics (GEO130)

Delve into the fascinating world of underground exploration, where you'll learn to decipher the Earth's geological language, discover natural resources, and tackle real-world challenges while gaining valuable skills for a career in environmental consulting, archeology, natural resource exploration, or geotechnical engineering.

The course gives a general introduction to the theory and practice of geophysical exploration, with a focus on the physical principles, methodology, interpretational procedures, and fields of application of various methods.


Course description for study year 2024-2025. Please note that changes may occur.

Facts

Course code

GEO130

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

10

Semester tution start

Autumn

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Autumn

Language of instruction

English, Norwegian

Offered by
Time table

View course schedule

Content

The methods covered include surface methods such as reflection seismic (emphasized), refraction seismic, gravity, magnetic, electric, and electromagnetic methods. Furthermore, the course also covers borehole geophysical methods used in Formation evaluation, such as resistivity, sonic and radioactive methods. Data from these methods will be used to determine lithology, porosity, water saturation, permeability, and hydrocarbon volumes.

Programming languages, such as python and Matlab, are used to help model different geological scenarios and visualize the different methods and data.

Learning outcome

After completing this course the student should be able to:

  • Identify how the various geophysical methods used in petroleum exploration, development, and production, including seismic, gravity, magnetic, electric, and electromagnetic methods can be used to obtain geological information about the subsurface.
  • Explain how geophysical data is acquired in the field.
  • Process and analyze geophysical data using the Python programming language.
  • Perform a petrophysical evaluation of lithology, porosity, water saturation, net to gross, permeability, and segmentation using well logs and core measurements.

Required prerequisite knowledge

FYS100 Mechanics

Exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Written exam 1/1 4 Hours Letter grades Approved, basic calculator, One A4 sheet of your own handwritten notes,

Pen and paper exam.

Coursework requirements

Assignments
Six obligatory assignments must be approved before the student can take the exam.

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Wiktor Waldemar Weibull

Study Program Director:

Lisa Jean Watson

Study Adviser:

Karina Sanni

Head of Department:

Alejandro Escalona Varela

Overlapping courses

Course Reduction (SP)
Geophysics and Well Logging (PET110_1) 10
Geophysical methods applied to petroleum (BPG150_1) 5
Well logging (BIP210_1) 5

Open for

Energy and Petroleum Engineering - Bachelor in Engineering Geosciences and Energy Resources - Bachelor in Engineering
Admission to Single Courses at the Faculty of Science and Technology
Exchange programme at Faculty of Science and Technology

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital subject evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature

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