Course details

Summary

Geophysics is the study of the structure, properties and processes of the Earth using tools from physics and mathematics.

Topics include:

• Physical structure, properties and dynamics of the whole Earth
• Deformation and earthquakes
• Rock magnetism and gravity
• Heat-flow processes and volcanism
• Physical oceanographic and atmospheric processes.

Geophysics at Victoria is grouped into two themes - Solid Earth Geophysics and Meteorology. Meteorology courses are taught in conjunction with staff from New Zealand MetService, which is based in Kelburn, only five minutes from campus. Geophysics research interests include meteorology and forecasting methodologies, geomagnetism, magnetotellurics and palaeomagnetism, earthquake seismology and earthquake recurrence, fault mechanics and the state of stress in the Earth, active source seismology and tectonics, anisotropy or the crust and mantle and lithospheric structure.

Careers:

The combination of maths, physics, computing and earth sciences provides a range of skills attractive to many employers. Many work opportunities for geophysics graduates are in government organisations and research institutes, such as the Ministry for the Environment, the Ministry for Economic Development, GNS Science, NIWA and ESR. State-owned enterprises such as Meridian Energy, MetService and Solid Energy employ Victoria geophysics graduates, as well as companies with international operations, for example in oil and gas exploration, drilling services or environmental management. Local city and regional councils employ geophysics graduates in areas such as emergency management, resource investigations and consents. GIS (Geographic Information Systems) skills are relevant for a range of organisations, including central and local government, regional councils, research organisations and consultancies.

Entry criteria

• A Bachelor's degree in Geophysics, Mathematics, Physics or another relevant subject
• To be accepted by the head of the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study

Other English Language requirements:

• IELTS: minimum overall score of 6.5 with no sub-score below 6.0
• TOEFL: minimum score of 90 for the internet-based test with a minimum of 20 in writing
• Pearson Test of English: minimum score of 65 (with a ‘Communicative’ score of not less than 58)
• EPP: minimum final scores of 4,4,5,5