Geophysics for Mining Professionals
Intake commences 25 August 2025
40 PD hours
100% online
AusIMM courses rated 4.9/5 (4.5k+ reviews)
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Course Overview
- Introduction to geophysical concepts, methods, and industry practices
- Understand, apply and harness geophysics for mining and infrastructure projects
- Gain a solid understanding of geophysical concept
- Gain an in-depth analysis of real-world applications supported by industry case studies
- Learn current methods and how to apply them
- Explore an introduction into data interpretation with respect to their aim.
Who is this for?
- Geologists
- Engineering geologists
- Project engineers
- Project managers
- Designers
- Mining professionals
- Earth science professionals
This course is also beneficial to roles that touch upon geophysics, such as those who:
- Coordinate a job site
- Obtain quotes
- Work with geophysicists
- Project managers
- Interpret geophysics reports
- Prepare statement of works
- Construction engineers
- Design engineers
 Duration |
 Delivery |
 Course Type |
 Next Intake |
 PD Hours |
 Language |
40 hours
|
100% online |
Professional
|
25 August 2025 |
Up to 40 |
English |
Course Modules
Module 1
Introduction to Geophysics
- Define Geophysics, its history and its role in earth sciences
- Explain the complimentary relationship between geophysics and geology
- Describe the benefits of geophysics in multiple industries
- Identify uses of geophysics in the resources sector
- Analyse the likely evolution of geophysics within multiple sectors
Module 2
Potential Methods
- Identify the main parameter used in the gravity, magnetic and electromagnetic survey techniques.
- Define the physical parameter utilised by the gravity magnetic and electromagnetic survey technique.
- List the main ways that gravity, magnetic and electromagnetic data is acquired
- Design a gravity, magnetic and electromagnetic survey to highlight a certain theoretical feature.
Module 3
Seismic Methods
- Identify the main parameters used in electrical, seismic and GPR survey
techniques. - Define the physical parameter utilised by the electrical, seismic and GPR survey techniques.
- List the main ways that electrical, seismic and GPR data is acquired.
- Explain what seismic refraction is.
- Design an electrical, seismic and GPR survey to highlight a certain theoretical feature.
Module 4
The Geophysical Workflow and Interpreting Data
- Describe the geophysical outputs at different stages of the geophysical
workflow. - Explain how geology impacts geophysics in various stages of the workflow.
- Explain how numerical outputs and geological interpretations are related.
- Outline the impact of confirmation bias when interpreting data.
- Investigation use cases for geophysics.
- Practice interpreting geophysical data.
Module 5
Geophysical Reporting and Interpreting Data in Written Form
- Identify a typical report structure.
- Describe the relevance of typical subheadings within the report structure.
- Explain the types of language used in geophysical reporting.
- Describe and interpret results in written form.
- Synthesise datasets to develop an initial subsurface model.
Module 6
Practical Case Studies
- Observe geophysical case studies.
- Experiment with interpreting and providing responses to presented case studies.
- Analyse and compare your responses against industry geophysicists.
- Extract and synthesise relevant detailed information from case studies.
- Apply interpretation on provided case studies.
- Apply reporting on provided case studies.
Course Pricing
- Exclusive discounts
- Access to digital library
- Networking opportunities
- Professional development
- Industry insights
- Exclusive discounts
- Access to digital library
- Networking opportunities
- Professional development
- Industry insights
- Exclusive discounts
- Access to digital library
- Networking opportunities
- Professional development
- Industry insights
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Download the course brochure
Professional Certificate in Geophysics for Mining Professionals
Learning Objectives
- Explain the basis of geophysics and its use in industry
- Design basic gravity, magnetics and electromagnetics survey methods for theoretical scenarios
- Design basic electrical, seismic and ground penetrating radar survey methods for theoretical scenarios
- Describe geophysical workflows and practice interpreting data
- Observe reports and report structure and language, analyse information and synthesise data into a conceptual site model in written form
- Consider case studies and practise interpretations and reporting
- Evaluate projects and provide an in-depth justification for the use of geophysics in industry
- Interpret and annotate drawings from a multiple method survey and write an interpretive report
Course Structure
This eight-week course consists of six modules over six weeks, with a final two weeks to complete the written assessment. Each module consists of:
- Weekly live virtual classrooms (with replay available)
- Interactive learning activities and discussion
- Multiple choice questions
- Additional materials, including case studies and videos
The written assessment requires participants to complete short answer questions that address the content presented in each module.
Course Schedule
| Course dates |
Virtual classrooms |
Assessment |
|
Course commences: 25 August 2025 Course closes: 19 October 2025 |
Module 1: Wednesday 27 August, 11.00–12.00 AEST Module 2: Wednesday 3 September, 11.00–12.00 AEST Module 3: Wednesday 10 September, 11.00–12.00 AEST Module 4: Wednesday 17 September, 11.00–12.00 AEST Module 5: Wednesday 24 September, 11.00–12.00 AEST Module 6: Wednesday 1 October, 11.00–12.00 AEST |
Due date: 19 October 2025 |
| Note: The virtual classrooms listed above are the only scheduled activities for this course but they are not the only activities. All other course work (eg videos, readings, final assessment, etc) can be completed at your own pace on the learning platform within the course duration. All activities must be completed before the course close date. The virtual classrooms will be recorded and made available within 24 hours for those participants unable to attend the scheduled sessions. | ||
Course Facilitators
Aaron Tomkins
Aaron is currently involved in worldwide operations and leads large-scale programs for mining, energy, and infrastructure programs, with an in-depth focus on projects within the Tailings Dam infrastructure space and projects in PNG. Respected for his expertise and experience, Aaron has presented multiple near surface geophysical papers on the benefits of implementing new methods within extreme near mine environments and in remote areas.
Mark Lackie
Taylor Willick
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Intake commences 25 August 2025
AusIMM courses rated 4.9/5 (4.5k+ reviews)
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Frequently asked questions
What are the technical requirements to participate in the course? i.e. do I need a webcam, microphone, etc?
The course will be run entirely online via a cloud-based platform which can be accessed via computer, tablet or phone. Participants will simply need to have a working Internet connection and a computer, tablet or phone with sound to access the course. They will not be required to download any software and will not require any hardware like a webcam or microphone. Please note that some course videos and the virtual classroom recordings are hosted on Vimeo. Participants in regions where Vimeo is blocked may need to use a VPN to access these materials.
How long will the course take?
The entire course will run over eight weeks (six modules over six weeks plus another two weeks to finish the final assignment). It is expected that participants will take about 40 hours to finish the entire course. This includes attendance at live virtual classrooms and completion of all learning activities.
Must a participant complete and pass all modules in order to finish the course?
Yes, it is a requirement for participants to complete all modules and pass all learning activities, including the final assessment. A digital credential will be awarded upon successful completion.
How often will the courses be run?
We aim to run one or two intakes each year.
Can a participant sign up for only one or two modules?
Unfortunately no, the course must be completed in its entirety.
Will the course be delivered in other languages?
No, the course is currently delivered in English only. We are looking at delivering the course in other languages in the near future.
How many PD hours do I receive for undertaking the course?
Participants can earn professional development (PD) hours for undertaking the course. One contact hour of technical content is equivalent to one PD hour.
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Geophysical methods for mining investigations
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AusIMM courses rated 4.9/5 (4.5k+ reviews)