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FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE YEAR
GPGN198.
SPECIAL TOPICS IN GEOPHYSICS (I, II)
New topics in geophysics. Each member of the academic faculty is
invited to submit a prospectus of the course to the department head
for evaluation as a special topics course. If selected, the course
can be taught only once under the 198 title before becoming part
of the regular curriculum under a new course number and title.
Prerequisite: Consent of department.
Credit-variable, 1 to 6 hours.
GPGN199.
GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATION (I, II)
Individual project; instrument design, data interpretation, problem
analysis, or field survey.
Prerequisites: Consent of department and "Independent Study"
form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar.
Credit dependent upon nature and extent of project, not to exceed
6 semester hours.
GPGN210.
MATERIALS OF THE EARTH (II)
Introduction to the physical and chemical properties and processes
in naturally occurring materials. Combination of elements to become
gases, liquids and solids (minerals), and aggregation of fluids
and minerals to become rocks and soils. Basic material properties
that describe the occurrence of matter such as crystal structure,
density, and porosity. Properties relating to simple processes of
storage and transport through the diffusion equation (such as Fick's,
Ohm's, Hooke's, Fourier's, and Darcy's Laws) as exhibited in electric,
magnetic, elastic, mechanical, thermal, and fluid flow properties.
Coupled processes (osmosis, electromagnetic, nuclear magnetic relaxation).
The necessity to statistically describe properties of rocks and
soils. Multiphase mixing theories, methods of modeling and predicting
properties. Inferring past processes acting on rocks from records
left in material properties. Environmental influences from temperature,
pressure, time and chemistry. Consequences of nonlinearity, anisotropy,
heterogeneity and scale.
Prerequisites: PHGN200 and MAGN112, or consent of instructor.
3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 4 semester hours.
GPGN249.
APPLIED MATHEMATICS FOR GEOPHYSICISTS (II)
The course bridges the gap between skills acquired in mathematical
courses and skills required in advanced geophysical courses. Moreover,
it links both to the physical phenomena they represent and their
importance in geophysical applications. The course reviews mathematical
topics such as vector algebra and calculus; line, surface, and volume
integrals; complex variables; series; sequences; Fourier series
and integrals, and gives examples of how these concepts are used
for acoustic and electromagnetic wave propagation, magnetic and
electrical fields, and spectral analysis. Prerequisites: MACS213,
PHGN200, and concurrent enrollment in MACS315. 3 hours lecture;
3 semester hours.
GPGN298.
SPECIAL TOPICS IN GEOPHYSICS (I, II)
New topics in geophysics. Each member of the academic faculty is
invited to submit a prospectus of the course to the department head
for evaluation as a special topics course. If selected, the course
can be taught only once under the 298 title before becoming a part
of the regular curriculum under a new course number and title.
Prerequisite: Consent of department.
Credit-variable, 1 to 6 hours.
GPGN299.
GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATION (I, II)
Individual project; instrument design, data interpretation, problem
analysis, or field survey. Prerequisites: Consent of department
and "Independent Study" form must be completed and submitted
to the Registrar. Credit dependent upon nature and extent of project,
not to exceed 6 semester hours..
JUNIOR
YEAR
GPGN302.
SEISMIC METHODS I:
INTRODUCTION TO SEISMIC METHODS (II)
This is an introductory study of seismic methods for imaging the
earth's subsurface, with emphasis on reflection seismic exploration.
Starting with the history and development of seismic exploration,
the course proceeds through an overview of methods for acquisition
of seismic data in land, marine, and transitional environments.
Underlying theoretical concepts, including working initially with
travel time equations for simple subsurface geometries, are used
to introduce general issues in seismic data processing, as well
as the nature of seismic data interpretation. The course introduces
basic concepts, mathematics, and physics of seismic wave propagation
(including derivation of the one-dimensional acoustic wave equation
and its solution in multi-layered medium), emphasizing similarities
with the equations and physics that underlay all geophysical methods.
Using analysis of seismometry as a first example of linear time-invariant
systems, the course brings Fourier theory and filter theory to life
through demonstrations of their immense power in large-scale processing
of seismic data to improve signal-to-noise ratio and ultimately
the accuracy of seismic images of the earth's subsurface.
Prerequisites: PHGN200, MACS213, MACS315 and GPGN210, GPGN249, or
consent of instructor.
3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 4 semester hours.
GPGN303.
GRAVITY AND MAGNETIC METHODS (I)
Introduction to land, airborne, oceanographic, and borehole gravity
and magnetic exploration. Reduction of observed gravity and magnetic
values. Theory of potential-field anomalies introduced by geologic
distributions. Methods and limitations of interpretations.
Prerequisites: PHGN200, MACS213, MACS315, and GPGN210, GPGN249,
or consent of instructor.
3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 4 semester hours.
GPGN306.
LINEAR SYSTEMS (I)
Beginning with simple linear systems of coupled elements (springs
and masses or electrical circuits, for instance) we study linearity,
superposition, damping, resonance and normal modes. As the number
of elements increases we end up with the wave equation, which leads,
via separation of variables, to the first signs of Fourier series.
One of the unifying mathematical themes in this course is orthogonal
decomposition, which we first encounter in the comfort of finite
dimensional vector spaces associated with springs and masses. But
the idea extends naturally to infinite dimensional spaces where
it appears as a Fourier series. The course culminates in an exposition
of Fourier series, integrals and transforms, both discrete and continuous.
Throughout, these ideas are motivated by and applied to current
geophysical problems such as normal mode seismology, acoustic wave
propagation and spectral analysis of time series. In addition to
the lectures, there will be classroom and laboratory demonstrations,
and all students will complete a variety of computer exercises,
using packages such as Mathematica and Matlab.
Prerequisite: PHGN200, MACS213, and MACS315, or consent of instructor.
3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours.
GPGN308.
INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRICAL AND ELECTROMAGNETIC METHODS (II)
This is an introductory course to the study of electrical and electromagnetic
methods for exploring the subsurface of the ground. The history
of the various methods is included as the course progresses through
the introduction of the various methods. Electrical properties of
rocks including electrical anisotropy are reviewed. Methods introduced
include: natural source methods (self potential, telluric, audio-magnetotelluric,
and magnetotelluric) and man-made methods (direct current resistivity,
sounding and profiling, variety of electrode arrays, imaging, induced
polarization, ground penetrating radar, ground and airborne electromagnetic
methods, and laboratory methods). Both theory and practice of the
large variety of electrical and electromagnetic methods are introduced,
along with their advantages and limitations, ambiguities and uncertainties,
and the extremely wide range of applications in exploring the subsurface
to depths ranging from less than a meter to tens of kilometers.
Application of these methods is demonstrated for a large variety
of exploration goals including environmental, mining, groundwater,
petroleum, geothermal, basin studies, and deep crust investigations.
Included are methods of data acquisition and field procedures, and
pitfalls in data interpretation are introduced.
Prerequisites: PHGN200, MACS213, MACS315, GPGN210, GPGN249, and
GPGN321, or consent of instructor.
3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 4 semester hours.
GPGN311.
SURVEY OF EXPLORATION GEOPHYSICS (I)
The fundamentals of geophysical exploration are taught through the
use of a series of computer simulations and field exercises. Students
explore the physics underlying each geophysical method, design geophysical
surveys, prepare and submit formal bids to clients contracting the
work, and collect, process, and interpret the resulting data. Emphasis
is placed on understanding the processes used in designing and interpreting
the results of geophysical exploration surveys. Prior exposure to
computer applications such as web browsers, spreadsheets, and word
processors is helpful.
Prerequisites: MACS213, PHGN200, and SYGN101..
3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 4 semester hours.
GPGN315.
SUPPORTING GEOPHYSICAL FIELD INVESTIGATIONS (II)
Prior to conducting a geophysical investigation, geophysicists often
need input from related specialists such as geologists, surveyors,
and land-men. Students are introduced to the issues that each of
these specialists must address so that they may understand how each
affects the design and outcome of geophysical investigations. Students
learn to use and understnad the range of applicability of a variety
of surveying methods, learn the tools and techniques used in geological
field mapping and interpretation, and explore the logistical and
permitting issues directly related to geophysical field investigations.
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in GEOL309, or consent of instructor.
6 hours lab; 2 semester hours.
GPGN320.
ELEMENTS OF CONTINUUM MECHANICS AND WAVE PROPAGATION (I)
Introduction to continuum mechanics and elastic wave propagation
with an emphasis on principles and results important in seismology
and earth sciences in general. Topics include a brief overview of
elementary mechanics, stress and strain. Hooke's law, notions of
geostatic pressure and isostacy, fluid flow and Navier-elastic media,
plane wave and their reflection/transmission at interfaces.
Prerequisites:
MACS213, PHGN200. 3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours.
GPGN321.
THEORY OF FIELDS I: STATIC FIELDS (I)
Introduction to the theory of gravitational, magnetic, and electrical
fields encountered in geophysics. Emphasis on the mathematical and
physical foundations of the various phenomena and the similarities
and differences in the various field properties. Physical laws governing
the behavior of the gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields.
Systems of equations of these fields. Boundary value problems. Uniqueness
theorem. Influence of a medium on field behavior.
Prerequisite: PHGN200, MACS213 and MACS315, and concurrent enrollment
in GPGN249 or consent of instructor.
3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours.
GPGN322.
THEORY OF FIELDS II: TIME-VARYING FIELDS (II)
Constant electric field. Coulomb's law. System of equations of the
constant electric field. Stationary electric field and the direct
current in a conducting medium. Ohm's law. Principle of charge conservation.
Sources of electric field in a conducting medium. Electromotive
force. Resistance. System of equations of the stationary electric
field. The magnetic field, caused by constant currents. Biot-Savart
law. The electromagnetic induction. Faraday's law.
Prerequisite: GPGN321, or consent of instructor.
3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours.
GPGN340.
COOPERATIVE EDUCATION (I, II, S)
Supervised, full-time, engineering-related employment for a continuous
six-month period (or its equivalent) in which specific educational
objectives are achieved.
Prerequisite: Second semester sophomore status and a cumulative
grade-point average of 2.00.
0 to 3 semester hours.
Cooperative Education credit does not count toward graduation except
under special conditions.
GPGN398.
SPECIAL TOPICS IN GEOPHYSICS (I, II)
New topics in geophysics. Each member of the academic faculty is
invited to submit a prospectus of the course to the department head
for evaluation as a special topics course. If selected, the course
can be taught only once under the 398 title before becoming a part
of the regular curriculum under a new course number and title.
Prerequisite: Consent of department.
Credit-variable, 1 to 6 hours.
GPGN399.
GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATION (I, II)
Individual project; instrument design, data interpretation, problem
analysis, or field survey.
Prerequisites: Consent of department and "Independent Study"
form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar.
Credit dependent upon nature and extent of project, not to exceed
6 semester hours.
SUMMER
- JUNIOR YEAR
GPGN486.
GEOPHYSICS FIELD CAMP (S)
Introduction to geological and geophysical field methods. The program
includes exercises in geological surveying, stratigraphic section
measurements, geological mapping, and interpretation of geological
observations. Students conduct geophysical surveys related to the
acquisition of seismic, gravity, magnetic, and electrical observations.
Students participate in designing the appropriate geophysical surveys,
acquiring the observations, reducing the observations, and interpreting
these observations in the context of the geological model defined
from the geological surveys.
Prerequisites: GEOL309, GEOL214, [Origin & Evolution of earth],
GPGN302, 303, 308, and 315, or consent of instructor. Up to 6 weeks
field; up to 6 semester hours, minimum 4 hours.
SENIOR
YEAR
GPGN404.
DIGITAL SIGNAL ANALYSIS (I)
The fundamentals of one-dimensional digital signal processing as
applied to geophysical investigations are studied. Students explore
the mathematical background and practical consequences of the sampling
theorem, convolution, deconvolution, the Z and Fourier transforms,
windows, and filters. Emphasis is placed on applying the knowledge
gained in lecture to exploring practical signal processing issues.
This is done through homework assignments that require the programming
and testing of classroom derivations in Matlab, or some such similar
programming language, and applying the resulting algorithms to data.
Knowledge of a computer programming language, not necessarily Matlab,
is assumed.
Prerequisite: MACS213, MACS315, GPGN249, and GPGN306, or consent
of instructor. Knowledge of a computer programming language is assumed..
2 hours lecture; 2 hours lab,3 semester hours.
GPGN414.
ADVANCED GRAVITY AND MAGNETIC METHODS (II)
Instrumentation for land surface, borehole, sea floor, sea surface,
and airborne operations. Reduction of observed gravity and magnetic
values. Theory of potential field effects of geologic distributions.
Methods and limitations of interpretation.
Prerequisite: GPGN303, or consent of instructor.
3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 4 semester hours.
GPGN419/PEGM419.
WELL LOG ANALYSIS AND FORMATION EVALUATION (I, II)
The basics of core analyses and the principles of all common borehole
instruments are reviewed. The course shows (computer) interpretation
methods that combine the measurements of various borehold instruments
to determine rock properties such as porosity, permeability, hydrocarbon
saturation, water salinity, ore grade, ash content, mechanical strength,
and acoustic velocity. The impact of these parameters on reserves
estimates of hydrocarbon reservoirs and mineral accumlations are
demonstrated. In sprnig semesters, vertical seismic profiling, single
well and cross-well seismic are reviewed. In the fall semester,
topics like formation testing, and cased hole logging are covered.
Prerequisites: MACS315, GPGN249, GPGN302, GPGN303, GPGN308. 3 hours
lecture, 2 hours lab; 3 semester hours.
GPGN422.
ADVANCED ELECTRICAL AND ELECTROMAGNETIC
METHODS (I)
In-depth study of the application of electrical and electromagnetic
methods to crustal studies, minerals exploration, oil and gas exploration,
and groundwater. Laboratory work with scale and mathematical models
coupled with field work over areas of known geology.
Prerequisite: GPGN308, or consent of instructor.
3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 4 semester hours.
GPGN432.
FORMATION EVALUATION (II)
The basics of core analyses and the principles of all common borehole
instrucments are reviewed. The course teaches interpretation methods
that combine the measurements of various borehole instruments to
determine rock properties such as porosity, permeability, hydrocarbon
saturation, water salinity, ore grad and ash content. The impact
of these parameters on reserve estimates of hydrocarbon reservoirs
and mineral accumulations is demonstrated. Geophysical topics such
as vertical seismic profiling, single well and cross-well seismic
are emphasized in this course, while formation testing, and cased
hole logging are covered in GPGN419/PEGN419 presented in teh fall.
The laboratory provides on-line course material and hands-on computer
log evaluation exercises.
Prerequisites: MACS315, GPGN249, GPGN302, GPGN303 and GPGN308. 2
hours lecture, 2 hours lab; 3 semester hours. Only one of the two
courses GPGN432 and GPGN419/PEGN419 can be taken for credit.
GPGN438.
GEOPHYSICS PROJECT DESIGN (I, II)
Complementary design course for geophysics restricted elective course(s).
Application of engineering design principles to geophysics through
advanced work, individual in character, leading to an engineering
report or senior thesis and oral presentation thereof. Choice of
design project is to be arranged between student and individual
faculty member who will serve as an advisor, subject to department
head approval.
Prerequisite: GPGN302, 303, 308, and completion of or concurrent
enrollment in geophysics method courses in the general topic area
of the project design.
Credit variable, 1 to 3 hours. Course can be retaken once.
GPGN439.
GEOPHYSICS PROJECT DESIGN (II)
GEGN439/PEGN439. MULTI-DISCIPLINARY PETROLEUM DESIGN (II)
This is a multidisciplinary design course that integrates fundamentals
and design concepts in geological, geophysical, and petroleum engineering.
Students work in integrated teams consisting of students from each
of the disciplines. Multiple open-end design problems in oil and
gas exploration and field development, including the development
of a prospect in an exploration play and a detailed engineering
field study, are assigned. Several detailed written and oral presentations
are made throughout the semester. Project economics including risk
analysis are an integral part of the course.
Prerequisites: GP majors: GPGN302 and 303. GE majors: GEOL308 or
GEOL309, GEGN316, GEGN438. PE majors: PEGN316, PEGN414, PEGN422,
PEGN423, PEGN424 (or concurrent).
2hours lecture; 3 hours lab; 3 semester hours.
GPGN452.
ADVANCED SEISMIC METHODS (I)
Historical survey. Propagation of body and surface waves in elastic
media; transmission and reflection at single and multiple interfaces;
energy relationships; attenuation factors, data processing (including
velocity interpretation, stacking, and migration) interpretation
techniques including curved ray methods. Acquisition, processing,
and interpretation of laboratory model data; seismic processing
using an interactive workstation.
Prerequisites: GPGN302 and concurrent enrollment in GPGN404, or
consent of instructor.
3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; 4 semester hours.
GPGN494.
PHYSICS OF THE EARTH (II)
Students will explore the fundamental observations from which physical
and mathematical inferences can be made regarding the earth's origin,
structure, and evolution. These observations include traditional
geophysical observations (e.g., seismic, gravity, magnetic, and
radioactive) in addition to geochemical, nucleonic, and extraterrestrial
observations. Emphasis is placed on not only cataloging the available
data sets, but on developing and testing quantitative models to
describe these disparate data sets.
Prerequisites: GEOL201, GPGN3249, GPGN302, GPGN303, GPGN306, GPGN308,
PHGN200, and MACS315, or consent of instructor.
3 hours lecture; 3 semester hours.
GPGN498.
SPECIAL TOPICS IN GEOPHYSICS (I, II)
New topics in geophysics. Each member of the academic faculty is
invited to submit a prospectus of the course to the department head
for evaluation as a special topics course. If selected, the course
can be taught only once under the 498 title before becoming a part
of the regular curriculum under a new course number and title.
Prerequisite: Consent of department.
Credit-variable, 1 to 6 hours.
GPGN499.
GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATION (I, II)
Individual project; instrument design, data interpretation, problem
analysis, or field survey.
Prerequisite: Consent of department in "Independent Study"
form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar.
Credit dependent upon nature and extent of project, not to exceed
6 semester hours
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have completed their junior year. Students prepare geological maps
and cross sections and then use these as the basis for conducting
seismic, gravimetric, magnetic, and electrical surveys. After acquiring
these various geophysical datasets, the students process the data
and develop an interpretation that is consistent with all the information.
In addition to the required four-week program, students may also participate
in other diverse field experiences. In recent years these have included
cruises on seismic ships in the Gulf of Mexico, studies at an archeological
site, investigations at an environmental site, a ground-penetrating
radar survey on an active volcano in Hawaii, and a well-logging school
offered by Baker Atlas. Click 
In
addition to the summer field camp experience, students are given opportunities
every summer throughout their undergraduate career at CSM to work
as summer interns in various aspects of geophysics within the industry,
at CSM, or for government agencies. Students have recently worked
outdoors on geophysics crews in various parts of the US, in South
America, and offshore in the Gulf of Mexico.
Geophysics
are located in the Green Center. The Department maintains equipment
for conducting geophysical field measurements, including magnetometers,
gravity meters, ground-penetrating radar, and instruments for recording
seismic waves. Students have access to the Department's petrophysics
laboratory for measuring properties of porous rocks. Undergraduate
students also have their own room that is equipped with networked
PC's and provides a friendly environment for work, study, relaxation,
and socializing. 