Geophysics
Please note: Information on this page relates to the 2013 academic year unless otherwise specified.
On this page:
- Overview
- Undergraduate Information
- Postgraduate Information
- How To Find Out More
- Related Subjects and Careers
This subject is taught by the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences.
Overview
Geophysics offers the chance to combine a love of the outdoors with expertise in maths and physics to explore the atmosphere around us and the ground beneath our feet. Geophysicists work at understanding some of the biggest and most exciting physical phenomena we know, earthquakes, volcanoes, mountain building, the Earth's magnetism, gravity, and the deep structure of our land, New Zealand.
You can go in two directions at Victoria: up in the sky with Meteorology, the science of weather, or down inside the Earth studying Solid Earth Geophysics. You will investigate the structure and properties of the Earth, earthquakes, the Earth's magnetism and gravity, volcanic and geothermal activity, and mineral and energy resources, the Earth as a planet, the structure of the Earth's interior, and dynamical and physical meteorology.
Geophysics is a Bachelor of Science (BSc) major subject, where you will use mathematical techniques to understand natural forces and to probe the Earth's interior and atmosphere.
Undergraduate Information
BSc major requirements
The Geophysics major gives a broad introduction to fundamental concepts in Physics, Mathematics and Earth Sciences that are later developed in the postgraduate Geophysics programme. Most students choose between Solid Earth Geophysics or Meteorology, although you may pursue both streams if you wish.
Geophysics - Solid Earth
- MATH 142, 151; PHYS 114, 115; either ESCI 111 or 112
- ESCI 203, PHYS 209, 223; MATH 251, (MATH 243 or 244)
- ESCI 305, 344; MATH 323; 15 further approved MATH or PHYS 300-level points
Geophysics - Meteorology
- MATH 142, 151; PHYS 114, 115; either ESCI 111 or 112
- PHYS 209, 223; MATH 251, (MATH 243 or 244), COMP 102
- MATH 322, 323; 30 further approved 300-level points from (MATH, OPRE, PHYS)
Postgraduate Information
Please visit our postgraduate study pages for information about postgraduate qualifications in Geophysics.
How To Find Out More
You can order more information on this subject by registering on our Request for Study Material database.
Victoria's Student Recruitment, Admission and Orientation Office offers advice on courses and help with planning your degree.
Contact the Science Faculty Office for information on Admission, qualifications and courses, course advice and selection criteria, exemptions and prerequisites and your Application to Study.
Geophysics courses are taught within the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences, Cotton Building.
A/Prof Tim Little
Programme Director
Phone: 04 463 6198
Email: julie.vry@vuw.ac.nz
School Office
Phone: 04 463 5337
Email: geo-enquiries@vuw.ac.nz
Related Subjects and Careers
| Related Subjects | Careers |
|---|---|
|
Environmental Studies |
Crown Research Institutes |