Overview

Practical experience gained of

• Geophysical surveying: sidescan sonar, sub-bottom profiling and sediment coring/sampling, acoustic core logging
• Offshore data processing, data integration, report writing and scientific discussion on geological processes
• Geographical Information System (GIS) software and Sub-bottom seismic interpretation software

Classroom activities:

• Short course on GIS, geodesy and positioning
• Short course on ocean acoustics
• Short course on marine geoacoustics

Assessment Strategy

-threshold - Pass - Grades 50-59% Performs only the basic processing necessary to display the survey data. Little or no wider interpretation or critical appraisal of the techniques employed. No consideration of the errors associated with the data. Tender document and interview reveals only the barest ideas of how to address the offshore site investigation problem given.

-good - Merit - 60-69% Performs most of the processing necessary to display the survey data in the most meaningful way. Some attempt at interpretation and critical appraisal of the techniques employed. Consideration of the errors associated with the data, but incomplete appreciation of the implications of such errors. Tender document and interview reveals competency in terms of addressing the offshore site investigation problem given.

-excellent - Distinction - 70%+ Performs all the processing necessary to display the survey data and does so in novel ways. Wide ranging interpretation and thorough critical appraisal of the techniques employed. Consideration of the errors associated with the data and an appreciation of the implications of such errors to the final outcomes of the survey. Tender document and interview reveals thorough competency in terms of addressing the offshore site investigation problem given.

Learning Outcomes

• Conduct a range of Oceanographic and Geoscience surveys from the point of acquisition to the reporting stage.

• Critically analyse the underpinning acoustic theory and models used for interpretation

• Process and interpret the data sets acquired, via an integrated Geographic Information System

• Understanding and writing tender documents, in relation to geophysical offshore site investigations, including survey planning and costing its execution