Geophysics OpenCourseWare: MIT's Free Bachelor Level Course on Geophysics

Published Jan 28, 2009

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MIT currently offers a free, online version of its 'Essentials of Geophysics' course as part of their OpenCourseWare initiative. Providing a survey of the many sub-disciplines of Geophysics, this course is offered through the university's Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences for students interested in studying Geology or Earth Science.

Essentials of Geophysics: Course Specifics

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Essentials of Geophysics: Course Description

This course offers a broad survey of the field of Geophysics, which is the study of the Earth through the application of physical laws and principles. Examining a variety of sub-disciplines, the 'Essentials of Geophysics' OpenCourseWare covers a variety of topics, including seismology and geodynamics. The class also investigates the way in which these topics relate to other planets, other than the Earth. Taught at MIT by Professor Robert Van Der Hilst, 'Essentials of Geophysics' is an undergraduate-level course designed to help prepare students for future studies in Geology, Geography and Geophysics. While it is not necessary for students to have had prior Earth Science courses, some background in calculus and classical mechanics is assumed.

Course materials lecture notes, assignments and a list of suggested reading materials. The course also provides MATLAB software files. If you're interested in taking this free course, visit the geophysics course page.

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