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Curriculum in Geophysics
The B.S. degree in Geophysics is offered
through the Department of Geology and Geophysics. Geophysics
includes all areas of scientific inquiry which deal with the
physical state of the planets, with the dynamic physical processes
which act on and within the planets, and with their evolution.
The deep interior, crust, atmosphere, oceans and space all lie
within the province of the geophysicist. To work effectively
in so broad an area requires considerable depth and breadth of
understanding of physical principles and considerable proficiency
in mathematics.
The objective of the undergraduate program
is to develop a physically motivated approach to the study of
earth phenomena. The curriculum provides a thorough treatment
of the principles of physics. The courses in geophysics and geology
introduce the principles, key observations and the major problem
areas. Mathematical tools are developed to the point where the
student can analyze problems in a resourceful and constructive
manner. Electives provide the student with an opportunity to
broaden cultural and scientific interests or to specialize in
preparation for a specific career objective. Because of the emphasis
on fundamentals, the student is admirably equipped for advanced
study.
Geophysicists continue to play key roles
in the development of new and novel exploration systems required
in the oil and mineral industries. Recently, they have been finding
new uses for their abilities in implementing enhanced production
techniques in existing hydrocarbon reservoirs. They also are
finding challenging careers in diverse government activities
such as the exploration of ocean basins and the crust beneath
them, the detection of underground nuclear explosions, the exploration
of the solar system, earthquake and volcanic hazards reduction,
and toxic waste disposal. It is in the latter area of environmental
geophysics that many opportunities for contributions to society
are anticipated. Geophysicists are expected to play a major role
in this area both in the governmental and private sectors.
Questions pertaining to degree requirements
for professional work in geophysics cannot be answered unequivocally
because of the wide diversity of viewpoints among employers.
However, there has been a trend toward requiring an M.S. degree
for employment in petroleum and related industries.
Students interested in teaching in a
university or working in one of the industrial or government
research laboratories should seek the Ph.D.; however, teaching
and research account for less than half of the total job opportunities
in geophysics. Note that the first two years of the curriculum
in geophysics are the same as the first two years of the curriculum
in geology. Some courses in geophysics require field trips. Students
are required to pay expenses incurred on such trips.
To graduate, as well as remain in satisfactory
academic standing, geophysics majors are required to maintain
a 2.0 or better GPR in all chemistry, geology, geophysics, mathematics
and physics courses in the curriculum. These are considered "the
courses in the major department" (see "Requirements
for a Baccalaureate Degree" in this catalog).
Environmental Geophysics Track. The environmental
geophysics track is intended for students interested in pursuing
a career in
the application of near-surface geophysics for hydrogeological,
structural and stratigraphic characterization of the uppermost
100 meters, with applications to shallow resource and groundwater
assessment and the solution of environmental and engineering
problems. The student will acquire a basic understanding of
traditional and emergent geophysical methods such as high-frequency
electromagnetic induction, shallow seismic reflection, ground-penetrating
radar, and high-resolution magnetic surveying techniques. Applications
of environmental geophysics may include groundwater pollution
studies, detection of buried hazardous wastes, landmines or
unexploded ordnance, coastal subsidence studies, delineation
of leakage from acid mines, landfills, and agricultural or
industrial facilities, shallow-fault mapping, archaeological
prospecting, etc.
Environmental geophysicists typically
work as independent environmental consultants or with industrial
corporations or government agencies. Specific classes recommended
for this track include GEOL 410 Hydrogeology, GEOL 420 Environmental
Geology, and GEOL 440 Engineering Geology, GEOP 413 Near-surface
Geophysics, GEOP 435 Principles of Geophysical Exploration.
Petroleum Geophysics Track. The
petroleum industry is the largest employer of geophysicists
in the United
States. The Texas A&M
degree program provides a number of courses for students interested
in careers in the petroleum industry. The overwhelming majority
of petroleum geophysicists work in some area related to petroleum
seismology. Reflection seismology is the principal tool used
by industry to explore the subsurface and is a major tool in
development and production of petroleum.
Petroleum geophysicists work closely
with petroleum geologists, petroleum engineers and other scientists
and engineers involved in petroleum exploration and development.
As a consequence, petroleum geophysicists need to have a working
knowledge of engineering and geology. The mix depends on the
geophysical specialty.
There are three main petroleum geophysics
specialties: seismic theory, seismic imaging and seismic interpretation.
All petroleum geophysicists should have a basic understanding
of seismic theory, seismic imaging and seismic interpretation.
In addition, they should have knowledge of gravity, magnetic
and electrical methods used in petroleum exploration and development.
Required courses provide for each of the above except for seismic
interpretation and gravity-magnetics. Seismic interpretation
is usually taught as a graduate course, but is available as
an elective for undergraduates through Directed Studies (GEOP
485). Gravity and magnetics are covered in GEOP 475 Interpretation
of Gravity and Magnetic Fields.
Students planning careers in seismic
theory may wish to take additional courses in Physics, Mathematics
(for example, MATH 417 Numerical Analysis I) and Computer Science.
Students planning careers in seismic imaging may wish to take
electives in Electrical Engineering (ELEN 444 Digital Signal
Processing) and Computer Sciences. Other course recommendations
are available from the teaching faculty. Students planning
to specialize in seismic interpretation will benefit from GEOL
306 Sedimentation and Stratigraphy, GEOL 312 Structural Geology
and Tectonics, PETE 201 Introduction to Petroleum Engineering,
PETE 311 Reservoir Petrophysics, and PETE 320 Drilling and
Production Systems.
Geophysics
Freshman Year
First Semester
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(Th-Pr)
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Cr
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Second Semester
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(Th-Pr)
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Cr
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CHEM 101 Fund. of Chemistry I
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(3-3)
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4
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CHEM 102 Fund. of Chemistry II
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(3-3)
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4
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ENGL 104 Comp. and Rhetoric
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(3-0)
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3
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GEOL 106 Historical Geology
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(3-3)
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4
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GEOL 104 Physical Geology
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(3-3)
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4
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MATH 152 Engineering Math. II
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(3-2)
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4
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MATH 151 Engineering Math. I
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(3-2)
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4
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U.S. history or political science
elective
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3
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15
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|
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15
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Sophomore Year
GEOL 203 Mineralogy
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(2-6)
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4
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GEOL 302 Introduction to Petrology
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(3-3)
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4
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GEOP 341 Intro. to Global Geophysics
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(3-0)
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3
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GEOL 309 Intro. to Geol. Field
Methods
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(1-6)
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3
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MATH 251 Engineering Math. III
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(3-0)
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3
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MATH 308 Differential Equations
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(3-0)
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3
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PHYS 218 Mechanics
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(3-3)
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4
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PHYS 219 Electricity
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(3-3)
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4
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* KINE 198 Health and Fitness Activity
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(0-2)
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1
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* KINE 199 Required Physical Activity
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(0-2)
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1
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15
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15
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Junior Year
ENGL 301 Technical Writing
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(3-0)
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3
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GEOL 312 Struct. Geology and Tectonics
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(3-3)
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4
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GEOP 435 Principles of Geophysical
Exploration
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(3-3)
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4
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GEOP 413 Near-surface Geophysics
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(3-0)
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3
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PHYS 221 Optics and Thermal Physics
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(3-0)
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3
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MATH 311 Topics in Applied Math.
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(3-0)
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3
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Computer science
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3
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Social and behavioral sciences
elective
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3
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Visual and performing arts elective
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3
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U.S. history or political science
elective
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3
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16
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16
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Senior Year
GEOP 421 Petroleum Seismology I
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(3-3)
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4
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GEOP 470 Computational Methods
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(3-0)
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3
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MATH 412 Theory of PDES
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(3-0)
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3
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Technical electives
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8
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Humanities elective
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3
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U.S. history or political science
elective
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3
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Technical elective
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4
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Free electives
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5
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U.S. history or political science
elective
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3
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19
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17
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