Geophysicist (SA)

Education and Training:

To become a geophysicist you usually have to study science at university with a major in geophysics, geoscience or a combination of geology and physics, preferably at honours level. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your SACE. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, biology, chemistry, earth and environmental science, geology, geography, mathematics, physics and psychology are normally required. A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in science with a major in geophysics, geoscience or a combination of geology and physics. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information:

The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy website has a range of geoscience career and education information, including a list of recognised courses.

Graduates may be eligible, after a qualifying period, for membership of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists, the Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists and the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Student memberships are available with the Australian Institute of Geoscientists and the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

Employment Opportunities:

The majority of geophysicists are exploration geophysicists, employed by oil and mineral exploration companies. They are also employed by data processing centres, computer software development companies, environmental groups, state government geological survey teams, the Australian Geological Survey Organisation, the Australian Bureau of Mineral Resources, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and universities. There are some opportunities for self-employment as geophysical consultants.

Because the skills of geophysicists can be applied in other areas, alternative employment is available when activity in the mineral or petroleum industries declines.