Upcoming Industry/Graduate course: Electrical and Electromagnetic Methods

Dr. Richard S. Smith invites graduate students and industry professionals to enroll in his upcoming course, Electrical and Electromagnetic Methods. The course can be taken in person or online asynchronously (students may watch the lectures any time) through Laurentian University's Harquail School of Earth Sciences.  

Course Dates 

January 6 – May 2, 2025

The course is cross-listed as an undergraduate (GEOL 4816) and a graduate course (GEOL 5816) in the Winter 2025 term.

Course Description

This course covers electrical (self potential, resistivity and induced polarization) and electromagnetic methods, including a discussion of the relevant physical properties, the background theory (Maxwell's equations), instrumentation and procedures to collect the data. Students will learn methods for processing, displaying and interpreting the data using qualitative methods and forward and inverse modelling methods. Case history examples, including searching for mineral deposits will be discussed. 

Prerequisites: Completion of 30 university credits which include GEOL 1006/1007; PHYS 1006 /1007; MATH 1036 or 1912. Recommended MATH 2037. Students cannot retain credits for both GEOL 4816 and GEOL 5816. (lec 3, lab 3) cr 3.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course students will be able to:

  • Understand the basic theory relevant to electrical and electromagnetic methods.
  • Describe the strengths and weaknesses of various types of electrical and electromagnetic equipment, the governing physics, the quantities they measure and how these quantities depend on the physical properties of the subsurface geological material.
  • Design electrical and electromagnetic surveys and then know how to acquire, process and model and interpret the data to investigate the subsurface.
  • Present the results of electrical and electromagnetic surveys by displaying the results graphically and communicating the results in written documents and oral presentations.
  • Describe case histories where electrical and electromagnetic data is used to solve real-world problems in geology, planetary science, mineral exploration, environmental studies, archaeology, forensic science, agriculture and engineering.
  • Apply electrical and electromagnetic methods when working as a geoscientist in industry, government or academia. 

Instructor

Dr. Richard Smith (Harquail School of Earth Sciences/Mineral Exploration Research Centre), Willet Green Miller Centre, Room B8018, (705) 675 1151 ext 2364.

Email: rssmith@laurentian.ca. Office hours: Tuesday 2:30 to 4 pm and Wednesday 11:30 am to 1:00 pm.  Appointments can be made via email.

Course Format

Lectures Tuesday 4:00 – 6:50pm, B8030, laboratory practicals/exercises Wednesday 1:00 – 3:50 pm, B8030. Remote and asynchronous participation will be possible in this course as all material (lectures, discussion documents, textbooks) are available at any time.

Course Credit

3 credits towards an undergraduate or graduate degree. Successful completion of the course can be counted toward continuing education and continuing professional development requirements for professional registration. A participation certificate will be issued on request with hours listed. 

VIEW/DOWNLOAD COURSE DETAILS AND SCHEDULE

REGISTRATION FORM





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