Teaching Applied Geophysics at RTU: the Basics for a Fast, Green, Inexpensive Subground Investigation Method

Geophysical methods are applied to determine a spatial model of the underground, to locate fault zones, to investigate the regional ground-water system, or to derive lithological parameters. In other words, applied geophysics provides the distribution of physical parameters of the subsurface through surveys at the earth's surface without destroying soil formations. In Latvia there are few expert companies of geophysics surveys.

Thus, it is important that environmental experts have knowledge in this, and that Latvia, as a country, has access to international expertise.

During the study introduced hereto we compared the geophysics course in the Riga Technical University (RTU) with similar courses in eight European universities and one Latvian university, gathering information through websites and/or personal contacts. We collected information about the duration of the courses, learning objectives, topics, teaching methods, credit points etc. As a result, proposals on how to improve the course in RTU were elaborated.