Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Seismology and Computing
Code ENVS229
Coordinator Professor B Edwards
Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences
Ben.Edwards@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 5 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

Understanding fundamentals of theoretical and observational geophysics and seismology;
Familiarization with basic programming;
Understanding of and ability to analyse various seismological and geophysical data sets.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Knowledge of, and familiarity in, computer programming

(LO2) Knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of geophysical theory and its applications through computer programming

(LO3) Be able to analyse, and apply theory and methods to data, through the development of computer code

(S1) Computer programming and IT literacy

(S2) Critical thinking and problem solving

(S3) Time and project management

(S4) Written communication and presentation

(S5) Numeracy

Syllabus
 

This module is an introduction to computer coding as a numerical analysis tool through the coding of geophysical theory and methods. Students will develop skills in computer programming by learning about geophysical theory, examples include how seismometers work; earthquakes and their preliminary location at the surface; stress and strain; the elastic constitutive equation; the wave equation; types of wave: P, SH, SV waves; surface waves, including mechanics of Rayleigh waves; magnitude scales; ray theory; global and depth phases; shadow zone; Earth structure and dynamics; travel time curves; ray parameter; phase and group velocity; dispersion; normal modes.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

This module is delivered through lectures and practical workshops.
Lectures (both online and in-person) cover topics in course syllabus, introducing the theory used in the workshops. The computer lab workshops deliver a structured introduction to programming, using problem sets on topics covered in the lectures.

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 20

         22

 42
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 108
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
A3 poster building on topics covered in syllabus and using figures produced in computer practical classes. Students demonstrate skills they have developed in programming to demonstrate theory covered   0    50       
Computer based problem set started in class (with help) and completed in own time.  6    50       

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.