Department of Applied Geophysics
School of Earth and Mineral Sciences (SEMS) • Federal University of Technology, Akure
About the Department
The Department of Applied Geophysics at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) is a leading center for geophysical education and research in Nigeria. Our program focuses on using physical properties and mathematical models to study the Earth's subsurface, supporting exploration for natural resources, environmental management, and understanding geological structures.
Applied Geophysics involves the application of physics principles to investigate the Earth's interior, encompassing seismic exploration methods, gravity and magnetic surveys, electrical and electromagnetic techniques, ground-penetrating radar, radioactivity measurements, and borehole geophysics. Our curriculum prepares students to conduct geophysical surveys, interpret subsurface data, and provide solutions for mineral exploration, petroleum prospecting, groundwater detection, engineering site investigations, and environmental assessments.
The department emphasizes practical field training, modern data acquisition techniques, computational interpretation methods, integration with geological information, and multidisciplinary problem-solving. We train geophysicists who bridge the gap between physics, geology, mathematics, and computer science to unlock the Earth's hidden resources and understand its subsurface characteristics.
Our graduates work with petroleum companies, mining firms, geophysical consulting companies, water resources agencies, environmental consultancies, research institutes, and regulatory bodies. They play crucial roles in Nigeria's oil and gas industry, mineral exploration sector, infrastructure development projects, and environmental protection efforts, contributing significantly to national resource discovery and sustainable development.
What We Offer
Academic Programs
- B.Tech in Applied Geophysics - 5-year undergraduate program
- M.Tech in Applied Geophysics - Postgraduate studies
- Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) - Professional development
Specialized Areas
- Exploration Seismology
- Gravity and Magnetic Methods
- Electrical and Electromagnetic Methods
- Petroleum Geophysics
- Mining and Engineering Geophysics
- Groundwater Geophysics
- Environmental Geophysics
- Geophysical Data Processing
Laboratory & Field Facilities
Geophysical Lab
Seismographs, gravimeters, magnetometers, resistivity meters
Data Processing Center
Workstations, interpretation software, modeling tools
Field Equipment
GPS, survey instruments, portable geophysical equipment
Research Focus Areas
Our department conducts cutting-edge research to advance geophysical exploration and Earth science understanding:
Petroleum Geophysics and Hydrocarbon Exploration
Seismic reflection/refraction methods; reservoir characterization; well logging and petrophysics; 3D seismic interpretation; amplitude variation with offset (AVO) analysis; basin modeling and evaluation for oil and gas prospects.
Mineral Exploration Geophysics
Magnetic surveys for metallic ores; gravity methods for dense mineral deposits; electromagnetic techniques; induced polarization; integration of geophysical and geological data for mineral targeting and resource estimation.
Groundwater Geophysics and Hydrogeology
Electrical resistivity for aquifer mapping; vertical electrical sounding (VES); electromagnetic profiling; ground-penetrating radar; borehole geophysics; aquifer characterization and sustainable water resource management.
Engineering and Environmental Geophysics
Site investigation for construction; foundation studies; landslide assessment; contamination mapping; waste disposal site evaluation; underground utilities detection; archaeological geophysics.
Seismology and Earthquake Studies
Seismic wave propagation; earthquake monitoring; seismic hazard assessment; crustal structure studies; local and regional seismicity; ground motion analysis for engineering applications.
Gravity and Magnetic Field Studies
Regional gravity surveys; magnetic anomaly interpretation; crustal thickness estimation; basement structure mapping; geoid determination; magnetic susceptibility measurements.
Geophysical Data Processing and Modeling
Advanced signal processing; inversion techniques; 2D and 3D modeling; computational geophysics; machine learning applications; integrated interpretation using multiple datasets.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of Applied Geophysics enjoy diverse and high-demand career paths across multiple sectors:
Oil & Gas Industry
NNPC, Shell, Chevron, TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil - exploration geophysicists, seismic interpreters, reservoir engineers
Mining Companies
Mineral exploration, geophysical surveys, resource evaluation, solid minerals development, mining geophysics
Geophysical Service Companies
Schlumberger, Halliburton, BGP, CGG - data acquisition, processing, interpretation, consulting services
Research & Academia
Universities, NGSA, NASRDA, research institutes, geophysical observatories, scientific publications
Government Agencies
Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), DPR, Ministry of Solid Minerals, regulatory bodies
Water Resources Development
Groundwater exploration, aquifer mapping, borehole siting, water supply projects, hydrological studies
Engineering Consulting
Site investigation, foundation studies, geotechnical assessment, infrastructure projects, construction support
Environmental Sector
Contamination assessment, environmental monitoring, waste site evaluation, pollution mapping, sustainability
Private Practice
Geophysical consulting, independent contracting, equipment sales, training services, entrepreneurship
Course Materials & Resources
Access comprehensive learning materials, textbooks, lecture notes, and study resources organized by academic level.
100 Level Resources
Foundation courses in mathematics, physics, geology, and introduction to geophysics.
First Semester
Comprehensive Study Resources Available
All 100 Level first semester materials including lecture notes, past questions, textbooks, and practical guides are available in our offline study packs.
Access Offline Study PacksSecond Semester
Complete Course Materials
Second semester study materials covering physics, mathematics, geology fundamentals, and computer applications are fully available.
Go to Offline Study PacksFoundation Science Year
100 Level focuses on basic sciences and mathematics. Courses include General Physics, Mathematics (Calculus, Algebra), General Chemistry, Introduction to Geology, Introduction to Geophysics, Computer Programming, and Technical Drawing.
200 Level Resources
Core physics, mathematics, and introduction to geophysical methods.
Download 200 Level Materials
Complete course materials, lecture notes, practical manuals, and past examination questions available in offline study packs.
Access Study PacksAdvanced Mathematics
Vector calculus, differential equations, complex analysis, linear algebra
Physics II & III
Mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity & magnetism, optics, modern physics
Structural Geology
Rock deformation, faults, folds, geological structures, tectonics
Introduction to Geophysical Methods
Seismic, gravity, magnetic, electrical methods - basic principles
Programming for Geophysics
Fortran, Python, MATLAB, numerical methods, data analysis
Mineralogy & Petrology
Mineral identification, rock classification, petrographic analysis
300 Level Resources
Specialized geophysical methods, field techniques, and data interpretation.
Download 300 Level Materials
Complete course materials, lecture notes, practical manuals, and past examination questions available in offline study packs.
Access Study PacksSeismic Methods
Reflection seismology, refraction surveys, wave propagation, processing
Gravity & Magnetic Methods
Potential field theory, anomaly interpretation, reduction techniques
Electrical & EM Methods
Resistivity, IP, VLF, TDEM, electromagnetic induction, applications
Well Logging
Borehole geophysics, log interpretation, petrophysics, formation evaluation
Field Geophysics
Survey design, data acquisition, field procedures, equipment operation
Geodynamics
Plate tectonics, crustal movements, mantle dynamics, Earth structure
400 Level Resources
Advanced topics, specialized applications, and undergraduate research project.
Petroleum Geophysics
Seismic interpretation, reservoir geophysics, AVO analysis, basin modeling
Mining Geophysics
Mineral exploration, ore body detection, geophysical signatures, targeting
Groundwater Geophysics
Aquifer mapping, VES interpretation, hydrogeophysics, water resources
Engineering Geophysics
Site investigation, foundation studies, GPR, geotechnical applications
Geophysical Inversion
Forward modeling, inverse theory, optimization, parameter estimation
Final Year Project
Independent research, fieldwork, data analysis, thesis writing, defense
Download 400 Level Materials
Complete course materials, lecture notes, practical manuals, and past examination questions available in offline study packs.
Access Study PacksFinal Year Research Project
400 Level students undertake independent research projects in areas such as:
- Seismic survey and interpretation for petroleum exploration
- Gravity/magnetic surveys for mineral targeting
- Electrical resistivity for groundwater investigation
- Engineering site investigation using multiple methods
- Environmental geophysics and contamination mapping
- Geophysical data processing and modeling
- Integration of geophysical and geological information
500 Level Resources (Postgraduate)
Advanced postgraduate courses for M.Tech and Ph.D. students in Applied Geophysics.
Available Resources
Master's Program (M.Tech)
Advanced Seismology
3D seismic interpretation, AVO, seismic inversion, reservoir
Potential Field Methods
Advanced gravity/magnetic interpretation, edge detection, modeling
Computational Geophysics
Numerical modeling, finite difference, finite element methods
M.Tech Thesis
Original research, fieldwork, data analysis, academic writing
Doctoral Program (Ph.D.)
Advanced Research Seminars
Critical literature review, methodology, presentations
Specialized Topics
Cutting-edge research areas, advanced techniques, innovations
Publications
Journal articles, conference papers, academic contributions
Ph.D. Thesis
Original contribution to knowledge, comprehensive defense
Postgraduate Research Specializations
- Exploration Seismology
- Petroleum Geophysics
- Gravity and Magnetic Methods
- Electrical and EM Techniques
- Groundwater Geophysics
- Engineering Geophysics
- Geophysical Inversion
- Environmental Geophysics
Contact the Department
Department Office
Department of Applied Geophysics
School of Earth and Mineral Sciences (SEMS)
Federal University of Technology, Akure
PMB 704, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
gabriel@legacybygabriel.com.ng
+234 (0) 913-209-1205
Office Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday: By Appointment
Sunday: Closed