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1998-99 UAF Catalog

Degrees and Programs

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.: 30 credits, Ph.D.: open

Graduate Program

Geophysics -- M.S. Degree

Concentrations: Solid-Earth Geophysics; Snow, Ice and Permafrost Geophysics

  1. Complete the following admission requirements:
    1. Complete a background at least to the level of a B.S. concentration in geology and geophysics.
    2. Complete any deficiencies concurrently with this egree.
    3. Acceptance into the snow, ice and permafrost geophysics concentration is open to students with strong physical science or engineering backgrounds.
  2. Complete the general university requirements.
  3. Complete the master's degree requirements.
  4. Complete and pass a written comprehensive examination.
  5. Complete the following:
    1. Complete at least 15 credits at the 600-level (not thesis or research).
    2. Complete and submit a written thesis for approval by the student's committee.
  6. Complete 6 credits of the following geophysics core requirements:
    GEOS 602 -- Geophysical Fields (3 credits)
    GEOS 620 -- Geodynamics (3 credits)
    PHYS 645 -- Fundamentals of Geophysical Fluid Dynamics (3 credits)
  7. Complete 1 of the following concentrations:

    Solid-Earth Geophysics

    1. Complete 6 credits from the following:
      GEOS 604 -- Intermediate Seismology (3 credits)
      GEOS 605 -- Geochronology (3 credits)
      GEOS 606 -- Volcanology (2 credits)
      GEOS 607 -- Advanced Paleomagnetism (2 credits)
      GEOS 613 -- Global Tectonics (3 credits)
      GEOS 671 -- Volcano Seismology (3 credits)
    2. Minimum credits required (30 credits)

    Snow, Ice and Permafrost Geophysics

    1. Complete 6 credits from the following:
      GEOS 614 -- Ice Physics (3 credits)
      GEOS 615 -- Sea Ice (3 credits)
      GEOS 616 -- Permafrost (3 credits)
      GEOS 617 -- Glaciers (3 credits)
    2. Minimum credits required (30 credits)

Note: The applicant is expected to have a background at least to the level of the relevant B.S. concentration 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.

Geophysics -- Ph.D. Degree

  1. Complete the general university requirements.
  2. Complete the coursework requirements for the appropriate M.S. concentration.
  3. Complete the Ph.D. degree requirements.
  4. As part of the Ph.D. degree requirements, complete the following:
    1. Complete and pass a written and oral comprehensive examination.
    2. Complete and submit a written thesis proposal for approval.
  5. Complete a research program as arranged with the graduate advisory committee.
  6. Minimum credits required open