GPH 211

Gravity and magnetic exploration

GPH 211

Course Specification
For Guidance on the completion of this template, please refer to          of Handbook 2 Internal Quality Assurance Arrangements

Institution: King Saud University

College/Department: College of Science/Department of Geology and Geophysics

A: Course Identification and General Information

1.  Course title and code: Gravity and magnetic exploration -GPH 211

2.  Credit hours: 3 hrs(2+1)
 

3.  Program(s) in which the course is offered.

(If general elective available in many programs indicate this rather than list programs)

Geophysics
 

4.  Name of faculty member responsible for the course
                                            Elkhedr Hassan

5.  Level/year at which this course is offered: Level 6-3rd year
 

6.  Pre-requisites for this course (if any): GPH 201
 
 

7.  Co-requisites for this course (if any)
 

8.  Location if not on main campus
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
B: Objectives 

1.  Summary of the main learning outcomes for students enrolled in the course.
- Providing a foundation of knowledge which can be built upon later in the field of gravity and magnetic exploration.
- Acquisition of knowledge by learning the concepts of interpretation of gravity and magnetic data.
- To familiarize students with basic knowledge of surveying techniques, data reduction and corrections.
-  To develop the students' understanding of ambiguity in potential fields data interpretation.
- To develop the students' appreciation of the gravity and magnetic as an exploration technique for oil and groundwater supported by theory as an interpretive and predictive tool.

•  

2.  Briefly describe any plans for developing and improving the course that are being implemented.  (eg increased use of IT or web based reference material, changes in content as a result of new research in the field)
- Including of two  lectures at the end of the course to over view the latest improvements and new techniques in the gravity and magnetic exploration methods.
-Electronic materials and computer based programs have been utilized to support the lecture course material.
-The course includes two field trips. Student will learn in the field the data acquisition.

 
 
 
 
 
 
C.  Course Description (Note:  General description in the form to be used for the Bulletin or Handbook should be attached)

1 Topics to be Covered
Topic	No of Weeks	Contacthours
Introduction, Importance of gravity and magnetic exploration methods	1	2
Instruments for gravity and magnetic measurements	2	4
Gravity and magnetic surveying	2	4
Data reduction of gravity and magnetic fields	3	6
Application of the gravity and magnetic methods to oil, mineral and groundwater exploration	2	4
Interpretation of Aeromagnetic maps	2	4
Qualitative and quantitative interpretation of gravity and magnetic data	3	6

 
 
 

2 Course components (total contact hours per semester):
Lecture: 30 hours/semester (2 hours/week), laboratory: 30 hours/semester, fieldwork: 2 days training/semester

 

3. Additional private study/learning hours expected for students per week. (This should be an average: for the semester not a specific requirement in each week)
15 hours/semester

 

4. Development of Learning Outcomes in Domains of Learning 
For each of the domains of learning shown below indicate:

• A brief summary of the knowledge or skill the course is intended to develop;
• A description of the teaching strategies to be used in the course to develop that knowledge or skill;
• The methods of student assessment to be used in the course to evaluate learning outcomes in the domain concerned.

a. Knowledge 

(i)  Description of the knowledge to be acquired

• Knowledge of basic principles of gravity and magnetic methods
• Data acquisition and methods of interpretation
• Collecting field data, analysis and interpretation

(ii)  Teaching strategies to be used to develop that knowledge

• Class lecturing will linked to case studies.
• Interactive learning process through questions and answers in class.
• Homework.
• Laboratory practice.

(iii)  Methods of assessment of knowledge acquired

• Short quizzes in classes.
• Midterm exam.
• Evaluation of lab reports.
• Final exam.

b.  Cognitive Skills

(i)  Cognitive skills to be developed

• Students will be able to make some measurements in the field.
• They should be able to do data acquisition and reduction.
• Students will be able to do analysis and interpretation.

(ii)  Teaching strategies to be used to develop these cognitive skills

• Gravity and magnetic instruments and other equipments will be discussed during the course time.
• Carrying out two filed trips
• Solving some case studies related to the course (in lab).
• Homework assignments.

(iii)  Methods of assessment of students cognitive skills

• Short quizzes in classes.
• Midterm exam.
• Evaluation of lab reports.
• Final exam.

c. Interpersonal Skills and Responsibility

(i)  Description of the interpersonal skills and capacity to carry responsibility to be developed

• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Manage resources, time and other members of the group.
• Communicate results of work to others.

(ii)  Teaching strategies to be used to develop these skills and abilities

• Homework assignments will be given to the students at regular intervals.
• Laboratory reports are to be written in the time of laboratory.

(iii)  Methods of assessment of students interpersonal skills and capacity to carry responsibility

• Attendance and homework assignment.
• Assessment of the laboratory reports.
• Laboratory exam.

d.   Communication, Information Technology and Numerical Skills

(i)  Description of the skills to be developed in this domain.

• Use of geophysical instruments in measuring data at the field.
• Use of computer in analysis and inversion as will as in producing lab reports and assignments.
• Report writing in English.

(ii)  Teaching strategies to be used to develop these skills

• Available geophysical instruments will be addressed.
• Field work.

(iii)  Methods of assessment of students numerical and communication skills

• Evaluating the quality of field data.
• Evaluating the interpreting of the data.
• Report writing.

e. Psychomotor Skills (if applicable)

(i)  Description of the psychomotor skills to be developed and the level of performance required

• Not applicable.

(ii)  Teaching strategies to be used to develop these skills

• Not applicable.

(iii)  Methods of assessment of students psychomotor skills

• Not applicable.

 
 

5. Schedule of Assessment Tasks for Students During the Semester
Assessment	Assessment task  (eg. essay, test, group project, examination etc.)	Week due	Proportion of Final Assessment
1	Homework 1	3	1%
2	Homework 2	5th	1%
3	First Mid-term exam	6th	8%
4	Homework 3	8th	1%
5	Homework 4	10th	1%
6	Second Mid-term exam	12th	8%
7	Practical exam	15th	30%
8	Final exam	16th	50%

 
 
D. Student Support

1. Arrangements for availability of faculty for individual student consultations and academic advice. (include amount of time faculty are available each week)
Office hours: 3 hr/ week for student consultation and academic advice.

E. Learning Resources

1. Required Text(s)
 

Kaufman, A., Hansen, R., Kleinberg, R., Principles of the Magnetic Methods in Geophysics, Elsevier Science, 2009.

 

Reynolds, J., Introduction to Applied and Environmental Geophysics, John Wiley & Sons Inc, 2009.

 

Kearey, Ph.,Brooks, M., Hill, I., An Introduction to Geophysical Exploration, Wiley-Blackwell, 2002.

 

 

2. Essential References

• Blakely, R., 1995. Potential theory in gravity and magnetic applications. Cambridge University Press.
• Telford, W., Geldart, L., and Sheriff, R., 1990. Applied geophysics, second edition. Cambridge University Press.
• Grant, F., and West, G., 1965. Interpretation theory in applied geophysics. McGraw-Hill.

 

3. Recommended Books and Reference Material (Journals, Reports, etc) (Attach List)
A list of references material (books and journals) will be provided to the students.

4. Electronic Materials, Web Sites etc
Search through YAHOO and GOOGLE for related topics.

5. Other learning material such as computer-based programs/CD, professional standards/regulations
The instructor may provide some relevant materials and learning aids.

 
F. Facilities Required

Indicate requirements for the course including size of classrooms and laboratories (i.e. number of seats in classrooms and laboratories, extent of computer access etc.)

1. Accommodation (Lecture rooms, laboratories, etc.)

• Lecture room equipped with a black board, overhead projector and computer.
• Fully equipped laboratories. The laboratory will have a blackboard, overhead projector and computer.

2. Computing resources
- An easily accessible computer lab.
 

3. Other resources (specify --eg. If specific laboratory equipment is required, list requirements or attach list)

G   Course Evaluation and Improvement Processes

1. Strategies for Obtaining Student Feedback on Effectiveness of Teaching
Student course evaluation at the conclusion of the course.

2. Other Strategies for Evaluation of Teaching by the Instructor or by the Department

• Faculty assessment of the course and effectiveness of teaching delivery.
• Periodic self- assessment of the program.

3. Processes for Improvement of Teaching

• Undergraduate Committee will review deficiencies based on the student evaluation, faculty input, course file, and program assessment.
• Feedback from employers and alumni surveys and graduating students’ input are used to identify any deficiencies in students’ ability in applying knowledge of properties and the use of structural materials.
• Organize workshop on effective teaching methods to enable instructors to improve their teaching skill.
• Teaching method will focus on students’ learning and on course learning outcomes.

4. Processes for Verifying Standards of Student Achievement (e.g. check marking by an independent faculty member of a sample of student work, periodic exchange and remarking of a sample of assignments with a faculty member in another institution)

• Undergraduate Committee will review samples of student work in this course to check on the standard of grades and achievements.
• A faculty member from a reputable university will evaluate the course material and the students’ work to compare the standard of grades and achievements with those at his university. This evaluator will also comment on the laboratory facilities and the adequacy of the equipment used in the lab.

5. Describe the planning arrangements for periodically reviewing course effectiveness and planning for improvement.
Self- assessment at every two years and the external assessment by the invited faculty member at every four years will be carried out. The feedback received from these assessments will be used to plan for further improvement in the course syllabus, teaching method, and delivery of course materials.