FYS-GEO9300 – Methods in physics of geological processes
Course description
Course content
The course includes two main subjects: diffusion and fracturing. An introduction is given to the significance of these processes in nature. Different methods used to understand these processes both theoretically and in nature, are introduced. These include field observation, collection of samples, light microscopy, electron microscopy, interpretation of microstructures, seismic, mathematical modelling of the processes, simulation by solving differential equations and using discrete element methods, design of experiments and basic control theory, infra-red mapping, tension measurements, and image processing.
Learning outcome
The students should get in touch with the research frontier within field, experimental and numerical methods used in physics of geological processes. The course also includes practical training in writing reports from small research projects.
Admission
PhD candidates from the University of Oslo should apply for classes and register for examinations through Studentweb.
If a course has limited intake capacity, priority will be given to PhD candidates who follow an individual education plan where this particular course is included. Some national researchers’ schools may have specific rules for ranking applicants for courses with limited intake capacity.
PhD candidates who have been admitted to another higher education institution must apply for a position as a visiting student within a given deadline.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
In addition to fulfilling the minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway, you must either have 2MX/2MY/3MZ and 3MX/3FY/3KJ/3BI/(2KJ+3BT)/(2BI+3BT) from Norwegian upper secondary school, or have completed equivalent studies in mathematics as well as physics, or chemistry, or biology at upper secondary school or university level at another educational institution. Read more about fulfilling special requirements.
Recommended previous knowledge
Bachelor degree in physics, geo-sciences or applied mathematics. The courses FYS-GEO4100 – Introductory project work in physics of geological processes (discontinued) and FYS-GEO4200 – Case study in physics of geological processes (continued) should be taken together with FYS-GEO4300.
Overlapping courses
10 credits with FYS-GEO4300 – Methods in physics of geological processes (discontinued)
Teaching
The course extends over a full semester with approx. 2 hours of teaching per week. In addition the course includes compulsory laboratory, field, and computer based exercises.
As the teaching involves laboratory and/or field work, you should consider taking out a separate travel and personal risk insurance. Read about your insurance cover as a student.
Examination
A number of reports are evaluated through the semester. All candidates must give an lecture on a given subject. In addition there will be a final oral exam.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.
Evaluation
The course is subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students to participate in a more comprehensive evaluation.