University of Aberdeen

University of Aberdeen

Bachelor of Science in Geophysics

The Bachelor of Science in Geophysics in Earth Sciences is offered by University of Aberdeen.

Program Length: 4 YEARS.

Bachelor of Science in Geophysics offered by the University of Aberdeen

Geophysics is the study of the Earth from the near-surface to the deep interior through the use of quantitative physical methods. On this programme, you study forces such as gravity and magnetism and learn about how these forces act on the Earth’s interior, crust, oceans and the atmosphere.

On this programme, you will learn to combine a deep knowledge of geology and physics and apply practical field-based skills to areas ranging from hydrocarbon exploration to plate tectonics and from environmental services to archaeological excavations.


This unique programme is designed to expose students to the theory and practice of modern geophysics, with an emphasis on cutting edge techniques for understanding the structure, dynamics and composition of the Earth from the near-surface to the deep interior. The content is broad-based and integrative with a strong focus on the quantitative aspects of geophysical data analysis and interpretation.

This programme specifically addresses the recognised need for qualified geophysicists within the hydrocarbons industry, by equipping students with the particular skills for careers in the hydrocarbon, minerals exploration or associated service industries. While traditionally, graduates from the University of Aberdeen have been attracted to careers in the oil and gas industry, many others have gone on to work in to other diverse areas including mineral exploration, environmental geophysics or associated service industries.

The teaching of physics at Aberdeen has a long and illustrious history, with notable great physicists such as James Clerk Maxwell and G.P. Thomson counted amongst its former staff.

What You'll Study
Year 1
Compulsory Courses
Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
The Nature of The Environment Through Geological Time (GL1005)
The Physical Universe A (PX1015)
Calculus 1 (MA1005)
Earth's Materials (GL1505)
Calculus II (MA1508)
The Physical Universe B (PX1513)

Optional Courses
Select one of the following options:

MA1006 Algebra
CS1028 Programming for Sciences and Engineering
Plus 15 credit points from courses of choice.

Algebra (MA1006)

Year 2
Compulsory Courses
Petrology & Mineralogy (GL2015)
Light Science (PX2013)
Dynamical Phenomena (PX2015)
An Introduction to Field Geology (GL2510)
Geophysics (GL2511)
Practical Optics and Electronics (PX2505)

Optional Courses
Select one of the following:

GL 2014 Stratigraphical Principles
MA 2010 Probability
Plus one of the following:

GG 2510 Mapping and Monitoring the Environment
CS 2510 Modern Programming Languages
Stratigraphical Principles (GL2014)
Probability (MA2010)
Mapping and Monitoring the Environment (GG2510)
Modern Programming Languages (CS2510)

Year 3
Compulsory Courses
Introduction to the Solid State (PX3016)
Energy and Matter (PX3014)
Structural Geology & Tectonics (GL3027)
Interpretation of Seismic Reflection Data (GP3501)
Igneous & Metamorphic Petrology (GL3520)

Optional Courses
Select one of the following:

GL3030 Volcanology
PX 3017 Research and Computing Skills
Plus one of the following:

GL 3521 Sedimentology
PX 3512 Electricity and Magnetism
Volcanology (GL3030)
Sedimentology (GL3521)
Electricity and Magnetism (PX3512)

Year 4
Compulsory Courses
Statistical Physics and Stochastic Systems (PX4012)
Case Studies in Physical Sciences (PX4007)
Surface and Subsurface Digital Imaging (GL4529)
Modelling Theory (PX4514)

Optional Courses
Plus 15 credit points from courses of choice.



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