1997-98 UAF Catalog

Degrees and Programs

Course Description Index

Geophysics

College of Science, Engineering and Mathematics
Department of Geology and Geophysics
(907) 474-7565

Degrees: M.S., Ph.D.

Minimum Requirements for Degrees: M.S.: 36 credits (beyond a bachelor's degree), Ph.D.: open

Graduate Degree Requirements

Geophysics -- M.S. Degree

Admission Requirements

  1. The applicant is expected to have a background at least to the level of the relevant B.S. Option in Geology and Geophysics. However, deficiencies can be made up concurrently with the degree program. Acceptance for the snow, ice, and permafrost geophysics option is open to students with strong physical science or engineering backgrounds.
  2. Complete university application requirements.

Degree Requirements Credits

  1. Complete UAF degree requirements.
  2. Pass a written comprehensive examination.
  3. Write a thesis and pass an oral defense of thesis.
  4. Complete a minimum of 30 credits, at least 24 of which must be at the 600 level, and at least 15 of which must be from coursework (not thesis or research) at the 600 level. All courses in the program must be approved by the student's graduate advisory committee.
  5. Complete the following:
    Geophysics Core Requirements:
    Complete two of the three following courses
    GEOS 602 -- Geophysical Fields (3)
    GEOS 620 -- Geodynamics (3)
    PHYS 645 -- Fund. of Geophysical Fluid Dynamics (3) (3 credits)
    Solid-Earth Geophysics Option:
    Complete 6 credit hours from the following:
    GEOS 604 -- Intermediate Seismology (3)
    GEOS 605 -- Geochronology (3)
    GEOS 606 -- Volcanology (2)
    GEOS 607 -- Advanced Paleomagnetism (2)
    GEOS 608 -- Advanced Exploration Geophysics (2-4) (6 credits)
    Snow, Ice and Permafrost Geophysics Option:
    Complete 6 credit hours from the following:
    GEOS 614 -- Ice Physics (3)
    GEOS 615 -- Sea Ice (3)
    GEOS 616 -- Permafrost (3)
    GEOS 617 -- Glaciers (3) (6 credits)
  6. Total minimum required (30 credits)

Geophysics -- Ph.D. Degree

  1. Complete UAF degree requirements.
  2. Complete a comprehensive examination.
  3. Complete at least 18 credits of thesis. Write a thesis and pass an oral defense of thesis.
  4. Complete required research program as arranged with the graduate advisory committee.