Course details

Summary

Geophysics is the study of the Earth and environment using physics and mathematics. It spans from the deep interior of the Earth to its surface, oceans and atmosphere. It investigates and aims to explain the physical phenomena we observe today to discover the past history and to model their future behavior.

Geophysicists research global processes such as plate tectonics, earthquakes, the oceans and atmosphere and climate. They explore for natural resources such as oil, minerals and groundwater, and help solve environmental problems from natural hazards to pollution monitoring and civil engineering.

If you like physics and mathematics and are also interested in the natural world then Geophysics is for you. If you have a good science background and Geology, Oceanography, or Meteorology appeals to you, specializing in Geophysics at undergraduate level or studying for a Geophysics degree at postgraduate level will open new doors. If you want to apply your Physics outdoors but also like Data Analysis and Mathematical Modelling, choosing Geophysics can equip you with much sought after practical and computational skills.

Within the major it is possible to focus on applied, atmospheric or marine geophysics at BSc, PGDipSci and MSc levels.

Further study options

• Bachelor of Science (Honours)
• Graduate Diploma in Science (GradDipSci)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
• Master of Science (MSc)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Where could this programme take you?

Because science plays a vital role in addressing the key issues that confront us and future generations, studying the Sciences opens up a wide range of career opportunities. Students find employment in business, small industry, government, teaching and health sectors, as well as research and development.

Structure

First or single major must include:

15 points: EARTHSCI 103

30 points: GEOPHYSICS 213, PHYSICS 201

15 points: MATHS 253

30 points from EARTHSCI 201, 204, MATHS 260, PHYSICS 203, 240

30 points from GEOPHYS 330-361

30 further points from EARTHSCI 301-307, 372, GEOPHYS 330-361, MATHS 302–389, PHYSICS 315–391

Second major must include:

15 points: EARTHSCI 103

30 points: GEOPHYSICS 213, PHYSICS 201

15 points: MATHS 253

30 points from EARTHSCI 201, 204, MATHS 260, PHYSICS 203, 240

30 points from GEOPHYS 330-361

15 further points from EARTHSCI 301–372, GEOPHYS 330-361, MATHS 302–389, PHYSICS 315–391

Entry criteria

Secondary school qualifications

You need to have one of the following: International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum total score of 24. General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level. You must have completed a minimum of three A-Level subjects with at least a 'C' grade or higher. General Studies or similar general papers cannot be included.

GCE ‘A’ Level requirements apply to ‘A’ Level qualifications examined by bodies such as AQA, OCR, Edexcel, WJEC, CCEA, Pearson Education Limited and CIE taken outside of New Zealand.

English language requirements:

IELTS 6.0; TOEFL (iBT) 80; TOEFL (paper-based) 550; CAE or CPE 169; PTE 50; MELAB 80.