Gain a solid understanding of geophysical concepts to help you better prepare statement of works, obtain quotes, interpret geophysics reports and work with geophysicists.

Whether you’re a design engineer or project manager, this detailed introduction to geophysics will enable you to understand, apply and harness geophysics for mining and infrastructure projects, as well as communicate confidently with other industry geophysicists.

Over 8 weeks, the course introduces participants to geophysical concepts, methods, and industry practices, combined with an in-depth analysis of real-world applications supported by industry case studies. Learn current methods and how to apply them; and explore an introduction into data interpretation with respect to their aim.

AusIMM’s Geophysics for Mining Professionals Professional Certificate allows participants to gain more value from geophysical applications. The course has been designed to clarify confusion and provide practical skills that can be immediately applied. This is especially relevant for applications where conventional physical methods such as drilling are not providing adequate or detailed subsurface information; for planning purposes; engineering design inputs; tailings storage facility construction; or future life of mine planning.

Module 1 | Introduction to Geophysics

• Define Geophysics, its history and its role in earth sciences
• Explain the complimentary relationship between geophysics and geology
• Describe the benefits of geophysics in multiple industries
• Identify uses of geophysics in the resources sector
• Analyse the likely evolution of geophysics within multiple sectors

Module 2 | Geophysics Theory Part 1 (Potential Methods)

• Identify the main parameter used in the gravity, magnetic and electromagnetic survey techniques
• Define the physical parameter utilised by the gravity magnetic and electromagnetic survey technique
• List the main ways that gravity, magnetic and electromagnetic data is acquired
• Design a gravity, magnetic and electromagnetic survey to highlight a certain theoretical feature

Module 3 | Geophysics Theory Part 2 (Seismic Methods)

• Identify the main parameters used in electrical, seismic and GPR survey techniques
• Define the physical parameter utilised by the electrical, seismic and GPR survey techniques
• List the main ways that electrical, seismic and GPR data is acquired
• Explain what seismic refraction is
• Design an electrical, seismic and GPR survey to highlight a certain theoretical feature

Module 4 | The Geophysical Workflow and Interpreting Data

• Describe the geophysical outputs at different stages of the geophysical workflow
• Explain how geology impacts geophysics in various stages of the workflow
• Explain how numerical outputs and geological interpretations are related
• Outline the impact of confirmation bias when interpreting data
• Investigation use cases for geophysics
• Practice interpreting geophysical data

Module 5 | Geophysical Reporting and Interpreting Data in Written Form

• Identify a typical report structure
• Describe the relevance of typical subheadings within the report structure
• Explain the types of language used in geophysical reporting
• Describe and interpret results in written form
• Synthesise datasets to develop an initial subsurface model

Module 6 | Industry Case Studies

• Observe geophysical case studies
• Experiment with interpreting and providing responses to presented case studies
• Analyse and compare your responses against industry geophysicists
• Extract and synthesise relevant detailed information from case studies
• Apply interpretation on provided case studies
• Apply reporting on provided case studies

This course is suitable for geologists, engineering geologists, project engineers, project managers, designers, earth science professionals, and mining professionals with an interest in earth sciences.  

This course may also benefit those in roles that touch upon geophysics, such as when preparing statement of works or obtaining quotes, but who don't have foundational knowledge of geophysics concepts and practices.

• A good working knowledge of English.
• AusIMM courses are generally suitable for people who have completed their tertiary education and have been in the workforce for at least two years.
• No other pre-requisites are required.