The development in technology for in situ tests have been very rapid for the last one decades especially in the field of civil engineering and environmental industries. Many testing methods and material characterization have been introduced which include the geophysical engineering and environmental techniques. The effectiveness, accuracy and fast as well as relatively low operational cost have made geophysical techniques become important tools in engineering site investigations and in environmental monitoring works. There are various geophysical techniques that can be used to obtain many engineering parameters of material below surface and this field requires skilled and experienced geophysicists to interpret geophysical data collected from the field.
This programme is designed to provide students with specialist training into all aspects of Applied Geophysics, from the basic physical principles through practical applications to state of the art technical geophysical innovations. The main thrust of the course is towards Engineering and Environmental Geophysics industries. The broad-based approach allows graduates to pursue their career options including consulting, research and teaching as well as to prepare themselves for further studies at higher levels. It is also targeted at working professionals wishing to update their knowledge or acquire new skills in the field of engineering and environmental geophysics
Study Duration
Minimum 2 semesters (1 year)
Maximum 4 semesters (2 years)
Intake
Intake – 2 times a year (March & October)
*subjected to UKM academic calendar
Semester | Course Type | Course Code & Name | Total Credit |
I | Core Course | STPD6024 Research Methodology STAP6073 Environmental Management System STAP6974 Research Project I | 11 |
Elective Course | STAG6314 Engineering Geophysics STAG6324 Environmental Geophysics STAG6334 Instrumentation and Field Geophysics | 12 | |
II | Core Course | STAP6092 Environment Ethics STAP6986 Research Project II | 8 |
Elective Course | STAG6343 Geophysical Data Processing STAG6353 Geophysical Data Interpretation STAG6363 Hydrogeology and Contaminant Process | 9 | |
Total Credits | 40 |
STPD6024 Research Methodology
This course provides guidance in planning, implementing and succeed in scientific research. Students are introduced to the philosophy of science and ethics necessary to be adopted by researchers. Students are given exposure to determine and manage risks in scientific research. Apart from that, issues and rules related to research such as intellectual property, copyright, plagiarism etc. will be discussed. Subsequently, students are guided to plan their research and prepare a research proposal. For this, students are trained with techniques in information search both manually and on-line, identifying issues and research objectives, planning research and experimental design within their period of study. Students are required to prepare their research proposal according to the format and free from plagiarism. Students are given the opportunity to present and defend their proposal in a seminar. Students will be evaluated based on written and oral presentation of the research proposal, and final examination
STAG6314 Engineering Geophysics
This course discusses basic principles of geophysical methods that are used in site investigation to obtain subsurface engineering information. Emphasis will be given to latest geophysical techniques (surface and subsurface) used in the industry. The relationship between geophysical parameters and engineering geological properties of rock and soil will be discussed together with some case studies.
STAG6324 Environmental Geophysics
This is an introduction course to theory and application of geophysical methods (Geoelectrical resistivity, seismic, magnetic, gravity, induced polarization, self potential, electromagnetic and ground penetration radar) for environmental evaluation of development sites. Special emphasis on waste disposal and contaminated sites, detection and mapping of sinkholes and shallow buried objects as well as case studies will be given.
STAG6334 Instrumental and Field Geophysics
This course will discuss the working principle of various geophysical instruments and develop skills of students to operate the equipment for quality geophysical field data collection and a full understanding of the limitations of each instrument in use. At the end of the course, students are able to handle and import data recorded in the equipment used.
STAG6343 Geophysical Data Processing
This course covers the basic principles of methods used in analyzing digital signal for geophysical applications. Data processing and practice is provided in labs using software such as RES2DINV, SeisOpt, Oasis Montaj, Sketctup and Google Earth. The basic to understanding of classification and signal system representation and the menus contained in the software are emphasized and examples of usage will also be discussed.
STAP6353 Geophysical Data Interpretation
This course covers the basic principles of engineering and environmental geophysical data interpretation. Emphasis will be given to digital surface and subsurface geophysical data used in the industry and the application of computer software for data interpretation, results presentation (reports, graphic and maps) and communication as well as to build up the student ability to relate results and local geology.
STAG6363 Hydrogeology and Contamination Process
This course focuses on the basic theory of ground water flow and geological control which also covers evaluation, application and characterization of water resources. Understanding the inorganic chemistry and organic compounds in ground water, multiphase movement, transformation, retardation and attenuation of contaminants and other related geological processes will also be discussed.