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").
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 petroleum exploration and production.
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.
FRESHMAN YEAR
| First Semester |
(Th-Pr)
|
Cr
|
|
Second Semester |
(Th-Pr)
|
Cr
|
| CHEM 101 Fund. of Chemistry I |
(3-3) |
4 |
|
CHEM 102 Fund. of Chemistry II |
(3-3) |
4 |
| ENGL 104 Comp. and Rhetoric |
(3-0) |
3 |
|
GEOL 106 Historical Geology |
(3-3) |
4 |
| GEOL 104 Physical Geology |
(3-3) |
4 |
|
MATH 152 Engineering Math. II |
(3-2) |
4 |
| MATH 151 Engineering Math. I |
(3-2) |
4 |
|
U.S. history or political science elective |
|
3 |
| |
|
15 |
|
|
|
15 |
SOPHOMORE YEAR
| GEOL 203 Mineralogy |
(2-6)
|
4
|
|
GEOL 302 Introduction to Petrology |
(3-3)
|
4
|
| GEOP 341 Intro. to Global Geophysics |
(3-0) |
3 |
|
GEOL 309 Intro. to Geol. Field Methods |
(1-6) |
3 |
| MATH 251 Engineering Math. III |
(3-0) |
3 |
|
MATH 308 Differential Equations |
(3-0) |
3 |
| PHYS 218 Mechanics |
(3-3) |
4 |
|
PHYS 219 Electricity |
(3-3) |
4 |
| * KINE 198 Health and Fitness Activity |
(0-2) |
1 |
|
* KINE 199 Required Physical Activity |
(0-2) |
1 |
| |
|
15 |
|
|
|
15 |
JUNIOR YEAR
| ENGL 301 Technical Writing |
(3-0)
|
3
|
|
GEOL 312 Struct. Geology and Tectonics |
(3-3)
|
4
|
| GEOP 435 Principles of Geophysical Exploration |
(3-3) |
4 |
|
GEOP 413 Near-surface Geophysics |
(3-0) |
3 |
| PHYS 221 Optics and Thermal Physics |
(3-0) |
3 |
|
MATH 311 Topics in Applied Math. |
(3-0) |
3 |
| Computer science |
|
3 |
|
Social and behavioral sciences elective |
|
3 |
| Visual and performing arts elective |
|
3 |
|
U.S. history or political science elective |
|
3 |
| |
|
16 |
|
|
|
16 |
SENIOR YEAR
| GEOP 421 Petroleum Seismology I |
(3-3)
|
4
|
|
GEOP 470 Computational Methods |
(3-0)
|
3
|
| MATH 412 Theory of PDES |
(3-0) |
3 |
|
Technical electives |
|
8 |
| Humanities elective |
|
3 |
|
U.S. history or political science elective |
|
3 |
| Technical elective |
|
4 |
|
Free electives |
|
5 |
| U.S. history or political science elective |
|
3 |
|
|
|
19 |
| |
|
17 |
|
|
|
|
