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Unit information: Geophysical Data Analysis and Modelling in 2022/23

Please note: you are viewing unit and programme information for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.

Unit name Geophysical Data Analysis and Modelling
Unit code EASC30054
Credit points 10
Level of study H/6
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 1A (weeks 1 - 6)
Unit director Dr. Werner
Open unit status Not open
Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units)

EASC20041 Numerical Methods and Programming

Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units)

N/A

Units you may not take alongside this one

none

School/department School of Earth Sciences
Faculty Faculty of Science

Unit Information

This unit will introduce students to a range of methodologies used for the transformation and interpretation of geophysical digital data. Using a combination of lectures and computer-based practicals (using MATLAB) both the mathematic principles behind and the practical applications of these methodologies will be taught.

The course has three components. Firstly, common methodologies applied to geophysical data (including spectral methods) will be covered. The second component will introduce forward modelling, including analytical and commonly used numerical techniques such as finite-difference and finite-element models. Finally, the course will introduce the concept of inversion, and cover basic inverse theory as well as the practical aspects of its application.

Your learning on this unit

On completion of the course students will:

  • Understand the principles behind common time-series data processing techniques
  • Understand the concept of forward modelling.
  • Understand the principles behind some common forward modelling methods.
  • Understand the basic principle of inversion
  • Understand the mathematical basis of linear inversion
  • Appreciate some of the situations which arise in the practice of inversion
  • Be able to practically apply (in MATLAB) a range of common data processing algorithms
  • Be able to translate a simple analytical model into code
  • Be able to apply a provided more complex forward model
  • Be able to write code to assess the fit of a model to some data
  • Be able to run a simple iterative linear inversion to determine best fitting parameter.

How you will learn

The unit will be taught through a combination of

  • asynchronous online materials and, if subsequently possible, synchronous face-to-face lectures
  • synchronous office hours
  • asynchronous directed individual formative activities and exercises
  • guided, structured reading
  • practical work in the laboratory

Students who either begin or continue their studies in an online mode may be required to complete laboratory work, or alternative activities, in person, either during the academic year 2020/21 or subsequently, in order to meet the intended learning outcomes for the unit, prepare them for subsequent units or to satisfy accreditation requirements.

How you will be assessed

End-of-unit examination (100%)

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. EASC30054).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.

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