Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - EASC 307 D100

Applied Geophysics (3)

Class Number: 1326

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    One of (PHYS 102 and PHYS 133), (PHYS 121 and PHYS 133), (PHYS 126 and PHYS 133) or (PHYS 141) and STAT 201 or 270, all with a grade of C- or better.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Geophysical principles and methods of gravimetric, magnetic, electrical, electromagnetic, ground penetrating radar and seismic observations for geoscience and engineering applications. Students with credit for EASC 207 may not complete this course for further credit. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

Use of physical measurements in determining the subsurface properties of the Earth. Principles underlying analysis of geophysical data. Basic rock physics. Gravity surveying: basic theory, instrumentation, data reduction, and anomaly interpretation. Magnetic surveying: rock magnetism, Earth’s magnetic field, instrumentation, data reduction, anomaly interpretation. Electrical surveying: (i) resistivity of rocks, electrode arrays and current flow in the ground, resistivity sounding and profiling; (ii) induced polarisation, IP measurement and applications; (iii) self potential methods. Seismic surveying: stress and strain, seismic waves, reflection and refraction of seismic waves, critical refraction, rays and waves. Seismic refraction surveying: seismic sources and detectors, geometry of refracted raypaths for horizontal, dipping and undulating layers, data interpretation.
Course Topics:

  • Introduction to geophysical data: rock physical properties, sampling, time vs. frequency
  • Gravity & Magnetic surveying
  • Electrical methods: resistivity, induced polarisation and self potential
  • Seismic refraction methods
Course Organization:
One 2-hour lecture and 3-hour lab per week

Grading

  • Lab Exercises 25%
  • Consulting Report 25%
  • Mid-Term Exam 25%
  • Final Exam 25%

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

An Introduction to Applied and Environmental Geophysics, by J.M. Reynolds, 2nd Edition, 2011, Wiley

Applied Geophysics by W.M. Telford, L.P. Geldard, R.E. Sheriff, 2nd Edition, 1990, Cambridge University Press


Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.