Geophysics

Geophysics is the application of physical laws and principles to the study of the Earth: how it formed, and how it is evolving, from the largest to the smallest scale, and from the deep interior to the upper reaches of its atmosphere.

Geophysicists make observations on land, at sea, in the air, and from space, to probe the planet. They search for resources within the Earth, especially oil and gas, and learn techniques that might lead to prediction of natural and manmade hazards and disasters.

The department fully supports the strategic aims of Imperial College London and in particular the
educational aims:
To identify, attract and develop students of the highest ability who are most able to benefit
from an education at the College and in this department
To provide a research-led education of the highest international quality within an intellectually
challenging and inspiring environment
To provide an educational experience that empowers graduates to be leaders in their chosen
careers and contribute to the long-term needs of society
To maintain excellence in organisation by being efficient, effective, adaptable and integrated. 

Year 1

Dynamic Earth 1
Stratigraphy
Earth Materials
Physical Processes (4)
Programming for Geoscientists
1
Maths Methods 1 (4)
Solid Earth Geochemistry (4)
Surface Processes
Internal Processes
Structural Geology 1
Optical Mineralogy and
Petrology
Life & Earth History
Introduction to Field Geology
Graphics & Statistics for
Geoscientists 1
Field Geology 1
Projects and Tutorials 1 (1)
Geoscience Workshops (2)
+ optional Imperial Horizons (3)

(1), (2)
Projects and Tutorials and Geoscience workshops take place throughout the year on a variety of
topics.
(3)
Imperial Horizons courses in term 1 and 2 can be taken as an additional 6 ECTS.
(4)
Students may not have A-levels or equivalent in all three of Maths, Physics and Chemistry.
Introductory level 1 courses in these subjects allow such students to delay studying more advanced
material in one or more of these subjects until year two; the programme and timetable allow for this
flexibility.

Year 2

Applied Geophysics 1
Vibrations and Waves
Global Geophysics
Structural Geology 2
Maths Methods 3
Mechanics
Low Temperature
Geochemistry (4)
Seismology
Remote Sensing & GIS
Numerical Methods 2
Earth Resources
Field Geophysics
Maths Methods 4
Independent Geophysics
Project (1)
Data processing, modelling and
interpretation of Morocco
Data(1)
Projects and Tutorials 2 & Geoscience Workshops
+ optional Business for Professional Engineers & Scientists (2)
+ optional Imperial Horizons (3)
(1) Year 2 develops the fundamental geological and geophysical knowledge and skills that are required
to undertake a major independent project at the end of the year. This is in the form of two guided
modules in term 3 which consist of significant elements of independent work. Independent geophysics
project continues over the summer and into year 3.
(2) Students can take Business for Professional Engineers and Scientists course in term 1 and 2 for
credit which may contribute to the coursework element. Students taking this option will graduate with
66 ECTS for their 2nd year – an additional 6 ECTS for their 2nd year.
(3) Imperial Horizons in term 1 and 2 can be taken as an additional 6 ECTS which is not for credit.
(4) For students with missing A-levels in Chemistry, students take Solid Earth Geochemistry instead of
Low Temperature Geochemistry.

Year 3

Five subjects from: One core subject and six
electives:
Summer courses
Seismic Techniques
Hydro and Fluid Flow 1
Plus three from:
Basins & Tectonics
or Climate
or Ice and Fire
or Mechanics (2014/2015 only)
Thermodynamics (1)
Elective courses vary annually.
In 2014/2015 they are:
Biogeochemistry
Earth Sytems
Minerals Processing
Environmental Impact
Assessment*
Solid Waste 1*
Solid Waste 2*
Low temperature
geochemistry*
GIS & remote sensing 2
(double)
Env & Eng Geol 1
Geohazards
Geodynamics
Physical Oceanography
Palaeo & Env Magnetism
Hydrogeology & Fluid Flow 2
Business for professional
engineers and scientists
+ optional Imperial Horizons(2)
Earth Science Synthesis 1
Earth Science General Paper
(Yr 3)
Independent geophysics
project, &
Workshops assoc with project
+ optional Imperial Horizons(2)
Term 1 consists of broadening subjects with which all Earth scientists should be familiar; students
continue to work on their independent project. Students can take additional modules from earlier
years not for credit
Term 2 consists of elective courses in a wide variety of subjects. Most electives are taught across
both years three and four; most electives are offered only in alternate years; the exact elective
programme will vary from year to year, subject to student demand and staff availability.
(1) Thermodynamics is taught in term 2 and examined in term 3
Earth Science Synthesis is taken by all students.
Students who complete the independent geophysics project, and take the Earth science general
paper will graduate with 75 ECTS for their 3rd year.
(2) Imperial Horizons in term 1 and 2 can be taken as an additional 6 ECTS which is not for credit
Students that take the Business for professional engineers and scientists as an elective in year 3
will graduate with 77.25 ECTS for their 3rd year.

Year 4

MSci project (full time)
(Submit MSci report as a paper
plus supporting material at the
start of term 2)
Elective courses vary annually.
In 2014/2015 they are as for
year 3, but normally excluding:
Low-Temperature
Geochemistry
Additional year-4 electives
Advanced Exploration
Seismology (double)
Geophysical Inversion
Advanced Applied Geophysics
Earth Science General Paper
(Yr 4)
Field Geology 5 or
Research Conference
Science Communication – throughout the year
Students begin work on MSci projects in summer between year 3 and 4; they work full-time on the
project in term 1.
Graduation in June 

Our minimum offer for all our courses is AAA but we normally ask for additional or higher requirements depending on the individual student. Students are interviewed before being made an offer.  Most of our offers are targetted to individual students. Our undergraduate intake is therefore among the best qualified in the country.

If studying UK qualifications you will need three A levels, and at least two A-levels from the following list:

• Mathematics
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Geology
• Geography

Only about 20% of our students have prior knowledge of geology, so don’t worry if you have not studied Earth science or geology before. What we are looking for are students who love science and have a deep desire to learn more about the Earth.

A-level equivalents

We welcome students from across Europe and worldwide with A-level equivalents such as International or European Baccalaureates, Scottish Advanced Highers or the Irish Leaving Certificate. Students with other competencies will also be considered.  We encourage students who have not taken A-levels to visit the relevant pages on the Registry website.   

Maths and physics

Maths is an important part of all the courses so we expect students to have at least GCSE Maths (or equivalent) at grade A, or an AS level (or equivalent) at grade B or above.

Students wanting to study geophysics must have A-levels (or equivalent) in physics and maths (although you can still study geophysics combined with geology without physics A-level).

Candidates admitted without an A-level (or equivalent) in maths, physics or chemistry are provided with additional subject teaching in the first year and take the intermediate level courses in those subjects a year later.

In addition to A-levels (or equivalents) we place great emphasis on interview and take other qualities as well as academic ability into account.

Rio Tinto Scholarships

The Rio Tinto Scholarshipswill provide financial support for Earth Science students during their university degrees. These scholarships are a shared vision between Rio Tinto and Imperial to encourage students to apply their skills in the mining sector. Scholarswill be selected at the end of theirfirst year of their studies at Imperial,with continuous funding for years 2, 3 and 4, subject to satisfactory performance. Each Rio Tinto Scholar will receive: • Financial aid of £4,000 per yearforthose selected in September 2014 • Preferential entry to Rio Tinto’s graduate program (subject to meeting standard selection criteria) • Mentorship by Rio Tinto staff members • Opportunities to apply studies through internships and vacationwork • Networking opportunitieswith Rio Tinto managers and high profile Imperial College visitors Scholarship holders are not compelled to join Rio Tinto on graduation.

Rio TintoUrra Fieldtrip Rio Tintowill fund the first year geosciences fieldtrip to Urra, Southern Spain,which specifically develops observational and practical skills for all first year undergraduate students. Anglo-American Scotland Fieldtrip Anglo-Americanwill fund the second yearfieldtrip to the Highlands, the pre-independent mapping trip designed to enhance independent mapping skills.

Burhouse Bursary The Burhouse Bursary is awarded annually to an overseas student. Eligible students are contacted by the department in late August and encouraged towrite an essay to be submitted in late September, before starting theirfirst year of studies in October. MinSouth Student

The MinSouth Sponsorship, administered by MinSouth, is available to UK students starting their second year. Students must not be in receipt of any other major scholarship or sponsorship otherthan student loans and educational grants. The MinSouth Sponsorship is £1,000 per yearto the end of their degree, subject to satisfactory progression. Applications, accompanied by an essay are available from the Academic Tutor

Students on all our courses (geology, geophysics and petroleum geoscience) study similar topics in years one and two.

This makes it relatively easy to switch between courses up until the start of year three. However, most students chose their degree title during or at the end of year 1 when they have more knowledge about the course content and what they enjoy.   The modules you choose in years three and four will determine the name of the degree you graduate with.

The fourth year is special. It allows you to extend and deepen your knowledge through high-level [masters level] courses and seminars. The fourth year therefore provides students with a strong advantage in the competitive job market and an early boost to their careers. A student with an MSci is more likely to find themselves on a fast track career with a higher salary and more opportunities as a result of the extra investment in their skills.

During the fourth year you will undertake an independent research project in your chosen field. Submitting your project at the start of January, many of these projects are subsequently published in scientific journals. This project provides an excellent training not just for research but in many of the transferable skills that employers value highly.