Exploration Geophysics at Curtin University

Exploration Geophysics has been offered as a formal course since 1969 at Curtin University (then known as W.A.I.T.). In 1990 Exploration Geophysics became a separate department, which is unique in a University environment. The department is a part of The Western Australian School of Mines (WASM).

We offer a full range of industry recognised courses from a three year undergraduate bachelors course (BSc) through to Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Graduating students readily gain employment in all aspects of exploration geophysics such as the oil, gas and mineral industries

We participate in world class research with involvement in Cooperative Research Council (CRC) grants to partnerships with industry.

History

1967 - Stewart Gunson from the Bureau of Mineral Resources (Canberra) arrived to establish the Associateship in Exploration Geophysics at the Western Australian Institute of Technology (WAIT).

1968 - First Geophysics Associateship graduate – Sam Goniglio.

1972 - Associateship accredited as a Bachelor’s Degree.

1972/73 - First graduates of the Bachelor Degree.

1974 - First Master of Applied Science thesis passed.

1981 (approx.) - Department of Geology and Geophysics established within the School of Physical Sciences.

1983 - Establishment of The Exploration Seismology Centre.

1984 - Partner in the establishment of the Key Centre for Teaching and Research in Resource (Petroleum) Exploration (N Uren, B Evans), jointly with Chemistry (B Kagi, B Alexander).

1987 - Director’s Excel Awarded to staff of the Exploration Seismology Centre.

1990 - The Department of Exploration Geophysics was formerly established.

1992 - Department of Exploration Geophysics became a participant in the Cooperative Research Centre for Australian Mineral Exploration Technologies (CRC AMET).

1993 - Department of Exploration Geophysics became a participant in the Australian Petroleum Cooperative Research Centre (APCRC).

1994 - First geophysics PhD graduate – Dr Patrick Okoye.

1998 - Establishment of the Curtin Reservoir Geophysics Consortium (CRGC).

1999 - Establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Exploration and Production Geophysics (CEEPG), financially supported by a grant of $750,000 from the Department of Commerce and Trade.

2001 - Department of Exploration Geophysics moved from the School of Physical Sciences into the newly created School of Resource Science and Technology.

2001 - Department of Exploration Geophysics became a participant in the CRC for Landscape Environments and Mineral Exploration (CRC LEME).

2001 - Department of Exploration Geophysics was co-located with CSIRO into the new Australian Resources Research Centre building in Technology Park (1st October).

2004 - Department of Exploration Geophysics became a participant in The Cooperative Research Centre for Greenhouse Gases Technologies (CO2CRC), following the conclusion of the APCRC.

2004 - Curtin Reservoir Geophysics Consortium (CRGC) was awarded the prestigious 2004 Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) Distinguished Achievements Award. The award was presented to Professor John McDonald, Founding Director at the October SEG Conference in Colorado. Award is in recognition of research in areas that are highly beneficial to the exploration geophysics industry.

2006 - Awarded State Government and industry funding for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in High Definition Geophysics (CHDG) for 5 years.

2006 - Both the BSc Geophysics and the BSc (Geophysics) Honours courses were re-accredited by the Australasian Institute of Mining & Metallurgy (AusIMM).

2009 - Department of Exploration Geophysics became a participant in The Deep Exploration Technologies Cooperative Research Centre (CRC DET).

2012 - Federal funding was awarded for the building of the National Geosequestration Laboratory (NGL) which the Department of Exploration Geophysics is a major collaborator along with CSIRO and UWA.

1994–2014 - 44 Doctor of Philosophy students graduated.

1974–2013 - 88 Masters students graduated.

1989–2013 - 245 Honours students graduated.

1987–2013 - 343 Bachelor of Science graduates.

1992–2014 - 298 Journal publications.

1992–2013 - 217 Conference papers.