Course

Geophysics (GEO130)

Facts

Course code GEO130

Credits (ECTS) 10

Semester tution start Autumn

Language of instruction English, Norwegian

Number of semesters 1

Exam semester Autumn

Time table View course schedule

Literature The syllabus can be found in Leganto

Introduction

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.

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

  • Mechanics (FYS100)

Exam

Foder evaluation

Weight 3/5

Marks Letter grades

Aid All

Withdrawal deadline 31.10.2025

Written exam

Weight 2/5

Duration 4 Hours

Marks Letter grades

Aid One hand written A4-page with notes, Approved, basic calculator

Withdrawal deadline 03.12.2025

Exam date 17.12.2025

Foder evaluation and written exam

Weight 1/1

Marks Letter grades

Withdrawal deadline 03.12.2025

The written exam is a digital on-capus exam

The portfolio consists of up to 6 written assignments that are equally weighted and given a combined grade. The assignments can be worked on in groups, but must be submitted individually.

No re-sit opportunities are offered for the portfolio. Students who do not pass the portfolio can retake it the next time the course is held.

Both the portfolio and the written exam must be passed in order to get a passing grade in the course.

Coursework requirements

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

Method of work

This course has physical only meetings. The student is responsible for checking the course syllabus and class meeting information provided by the instructor in Canvas.

Overlapping courses

Course Reduction (SP)
Geophysics (GEO130_1) , Geophysics and Well Logging (PET110_1) 10
Geophysical methods applied to petroleum (BPG150_1) , Geophysics (GEO130_1) 5
Well logging (BIP210_1) , Geophysics (GEO130_1) 5

Open for

Battery and Energy Engineering - Bachelor Biological Chemistry (Biotechnology) - bachelor Civil Engineering - Bachelor Computer Science - Bachelor Computer Science - Bachelor (Part-Time) Electrical Engineering - Bachelor (Part-Time) Electrical Engineering - Bachelor Energy and Petroleum Engineering - Bachelor Geosciences and Energy Resources - Bachelor Environmental Engineering - Bachelor Mechanical Engineering - Bachelor Medical Technology - Bachelor Medical Technology - Bachlor (Part-Time) Advanced teacher education for level 8-13 in science Mathematics and Physics - Master
Exchange programme at The Faculty of Science and Technology
Mathematics - One Year Programme Science and Technology - One year Programme

Course assessment

The faculty decides whether early dialogue will be held in all courses or in selected groups of courses. The aim is to collect student feedback for improvements during the semester. In addition, a digital course evaluation must be conducted at least every three years to gather students’ experiences.

Contact

Study Adviser:
Karina Sanni
Study Program Director:
Ingrid Carita Augustsson
Course coordinator:
Wiktor Waldemar Weibull

Offered by

Faculty of Science and Technology

Department of Energy and Petroleum Engineering

The course description is retrieved from FS (Felles studentsystem). Version 1