Details of Modules for 2014/15/16

DIAS 001: 2014 Introduction to Linux*
Given by: Philippe Grange IT DIAS [pgrange-at-cp.dias.ie]
ECTS credits:  
Content: Linux Basics: Introduction to Linux/Unix and command line, to demystify the Linux operating system and command line.
* This course is a precursor to the Basic Fortran course DIAS 002**
This course is designed to tech basic ideas and concept required to enter UNIX and LINUX command from a keyboard. The course assumes students have no prior knowledge but previous computer and keyboard experience with other operating system would be useful. By the end of this course the delegate should have an understanding of how the UNIX and LINUX command line works and be able to complete command line tasks.
Duration: 1 day (morning and afternoon)
Dates: 13 or 14 October 2014

DIAS 002: 2014 Introduction to Fortran
Given by: Dr. Eric Mandolesi DIAS [eric-at-cp.dias.ie]
ECTS credits: 2.5
Content: FORTRAN is a programming language specifically designed for scientific computing. It provides a powerful tool in order to process large amounts of data. But Fortran programs need to be written using a syntax that is both rigid and error prone. This course aims to give an introduction to the basics of FORTRAN programming by examples and hands-on sections.
Duration: 2 days
Dates: 15 - 16 October 2014

DIAS 003: 2015 Introduction to Matlab
Given by: Sam Roberson (GSNI)
ECTS credits:
Content: This course is designed to give geoscientists with no programming experience a basic grounding in the fundamentals of Matlab. Participants will acquire an understanding of the different type of Matlab variables, command-line scripting and how to write and use basic functions. By the end of the course participants will know of how to load and analyse a range of data types, present their results using standard Matlab tools and how to export data.
Duration: 2 days
Dates: 9 - 10 April 2015

DIAS 004: 2016 Magnetotellurics
Given by: Prof. Alan G. Jones (DIAS) [alan-at-cp.dias.ie]
ECTS credits: 2.5 or 5
Content: The course will comprise two parts.
Part A (Mon-Wed mornings) is lecture-based and is the Society of Exploration Geophysicists Professional Development Course entitled "Magnetotellurics for Natural Resources". See http://www.seg.org/education/misc/continuing-courses/full-curriculum/magneto for more details.
Part B (Thurs-Fri) is advanced analysis and 1D modelling of real data, and is hands-on requiring a laptop running Windows with cygwin loaded.
Attendees can take Part A on its own, for 2.5 credits.
Duration: 5 days: Morning lectures on Mon-Wed (9:00-13:00). Thur & Fri are full-day.
Dates: February 2016

DIAS 005: 2015 Applied Geophysical Methods from First Principles
Given by: Dr. Brian O'Reilly (DIAS) [bor-at-cp.dias.ie]
ECTS credits: 5
Content: Basic (first) principles of geophysical methods. The module will cover seismic methods, potential fields, heat flow, earthquakes, with aplications to geological problems. Applied topics like economic geology (i.e. mineral exploration / petroleum geophysics) will be covered. Some aspects of regional / global-scale geophysics and historical background will also be included to broaden the context and interest.
Duration: 5 days
Dates: 23 - 27 February 2015
*This course has been cancelled for now, but will be rescheduled

DIAS 006: 2014 Algebraic Iterative Reconstruction Methods - Theory and Experience**
Given by: Professor Per Christian Hansen (Section for Scientific Computing DTU Compute Technical University of Denmark) [pcha-at-dtu.dk]
ECTS credits: 2.5
Content: We present a survey of some iterative reconstruction methods for linear inverse problems that are based on the algebraic formulation of the problem, A x = b, such as ART and SIRT methods as well as methods based on Krylov subspaces. We survey the basic properties of these methods, discuss how and why they work, and demonstrate how to accelerate and stop the iterations. We also illustrate the use of these methods with hands-on MATLAB exercises, using existing implementations of these methods in the packages AIR Tools and Regularization Tools as well as pre-defined test problems.
** Students are required to have a basic knowledge of linear algebra, matrix computations, and inverse problems, and they must be familiar with MATLAB.
Duration: 3 days
Dates: 8 - 10 September 2014

DIAS 007: 2014 How to read and interpret borehole geophysical data? An introduction to tool physics, logging and interpretation methods
Given by: Dr. Renate Pechnig (Geophysica, Aachen, Germany) [r.pechnig-at-geophysica.de]
ECTS credits: 2.5
Content: Introduction to well logging. The course will cover measurement principles and log interpretation methods, guided by examples, case studies and some exercises. Examples will be shown from oil and gas wells, exploration wells for coal mining, water wells and also research wells drilled in basement rocks.
Duration: 3 days
Dates: 6 - 8 October 2014
**This course date has changed to 28 - 30 April, 2015

DIAS 008: 2015 Nonlinear Inverse Problems and Data Assimilation
Given by: Prof. Volker Rath Schroedinger Fellow (DIAS) [vrath-at-cp.dias.ie]
ECTS credits: 2.5
Content: The solution of non-linear inverse problems are not only common in geophysics in the narrow sense, but are also part of many other geoscientific activities, as hydrology, meteorology, or reservoir engineering. In this course we will concentrate on inverse problems involving time-dependent partial differential equations, as employed in various methods of environmental monitoring. It will use the generalized diffusion equation as paradigmatic example, and the methods developed will be demonstrated on this example. The course will take 3-4 days with one day of project work. Basic knowledge of numerical modeling, inverse problems, and a high-level programming language (MATLAB/Octave, Scilab, Python) is a prerequisite. Accompanying literature will be announced at later date.
Duration: 3 days
Dates: June 2015

DIAS 009: 2015 Computational statistics
Given by: Prof. Alan Chave (WHOI) [achave-at-whoi.edu]
ECTS credits: 5
Content: This short course covers the theoretical and practical underpinnings of statistics, with emphasis on problem solving using Matlab. The theory of probability including distributions, special distributions, point and interval estimation, hypothesis testing, nonparametric methods, the theory of least squares and robust estimation will be covered over 4 days. An optional 5th day (worth 2 credits) will introduce multivariate statistics, principal components analysis and compositional data analysis.
Duration: 4 days
Dates: 7 - 10 April 2015
*This course has been cancelled for now, but will be rescheduled

DIAS 010: 2014 Structure, Composition and Evolution of the Lithosphere through time (Archean to present) from Geophysical and Geochemical perspectives
Given by: Dr. Walter D. Mooney (US Geological Survey) & Prof. Nicholas Arndt (Universit\E9 de Grenoble, France)
ECTS credits: 2.5
Content: The Earth?s lithosphere is the source of all our natural resources, the host of natural hazards, and preserves the evolutionary history of the planet. This course presents a comprehensive overview of the evolution of the Earth?s lithosphere through time, from the early Archean to the present. The lectures offer an integrated view of geological field observations, including results from modern geochemical and geophysical studies. The course covers key aspects of the early history of the Earth, including the question of when the modern style plate tectonics began, and when and how the first large continents formed. The deep structure and evolution of oceans and continents, including stable cratons, orogenic belts, rifts and continental margins are placed in a global context of Earth?s evolution through time.
Duration: 3 days
Dates: 6 - 8 October 2014

DIAS 011: 2015 Monte Carlo approach to geophysical inverse problem: an introduction
Given by: Dr. Nicola Piana Agostinetti, DIAS [piana-at-cp.dias.ie]
ECTS credits:
Content: The module presents Monte Carlo (MC) algorithms as tools for the solution of a number of geophysical inverse problems. The module covers an introduction on inverse problem theory and basic concepts about Monte Carlo approach. Three MC algorithms will be presented to solve: (a) a fixed dimension inverse problem; (b) a trans-dimensional inverse problem and (c) an inverse problem using a "Hierarchical Bayes" approach. Algorithms presentation will put emphasis on the fundamental phases of the analysis of the inverse problem and the development of the MC algorithm. Students will be actively involved in the course, encouraged to present their own inverse problems with the aim of stimulating discussion about possible MC algorithms for their solution.
A laptop running a FORTRAN compiler and GMT (http://gmt.soest.hawaii.edu/) is requested
Duration: 4 days
Dates: 4 - 7 May 2015

DIAS 012: 2015 'R' Statistical Computing
Given by: Dr. John Coll, NUIM
ECTS credits:
Content: This course provides an Introduction to R. R is a language providing an integrated suite of software facilities for data manipulation, calculation and graphical display. Providing a wide range of statistical and data handling techniques, the power of R can be extended flexibly via a range of packages, and is increasingly the tool of choice for many disciplines.
Duration: 4 days
Dates: 30 March - 2 April 2015*This course is now full.

DIAS 013: 2015 Fundamentals of Geophysical Inversion Methods
Given by: Dr. Matt Yedlin [matt.yedlin@gmail.com], University of British Columbia
ECTS credits: 5
Content: 1). Introduction to Inversion
2). Basic Functional Analysis
3). Adjoint Techniques
4). Application to Inversion Problems ( Gradient Descent, Gauss-Newton, Full Newton)
5). Real Data Examples
Challenges: Forward modelling algorithms, computational load, numerical optimization.
Duration: 5 days
Dates: April - May 2015 *This course has been cancelled due to illness

DIAS 014: 2014 Short course on Seismic Reflection Data Processing
Given by: Rob Hardy (Tonnta Energy)
ECTS credits: 2.5
Content: This short course provides a basic introduction to seismic acquisition, processing and interpretation. The course would provide essential primer to those using or planning to use seismic reflection data. We will cover both land and marine reflection data and cover essential topics such as resolution, noise reduction and imaging. The course will use data examples and practical exercises.
Duration: 3 days
Dates: November 2014
**Please note that this course may only run in the Spring semester only, date TBC

DIAS 015: 2015 HPC and Parallel Programming
Given by: Dr. Simon Wong(ICHEC)
ECTS credits: 5
Content: This course introduces participants to the field of high performance computing (HPC) and parallel programming. It covers fundamental concepts such as common HPC system architectures, parallel computing frameworks, data decomposition strategies and basic performance considerations. A large part of the course will be dedicated to the introduction of two key parallel programming paradigms: OpenMP and the Message Passing Interface (MPI). At least 50% of the course will involve hands-on exercises. Participants are expected to be proficient at programming in either C or Fortran. After completion of the course, participants should be able to carry out parallel processing tasks on standard HPC systems and write/interpret basic parallel programs in OpenMP and MPI.
Duration: 5 days
Dates: 9 - 13 March 2015

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TCD 001: 2015 Principles and Applications of Organic Geochemistry
Coordinated by: Dr. Alex Bradley (Washington University in St. Louis)
ECTS credits: 3
Content: This is an introductory course to the theoretical and practical aspects of organic geochemistry presented as a combination of lectures and applied practicals. Topics will include the production and preservation of organic matter, the use and study of molecular biomarkers and stable isotopes, and source rock evaluation. The module will include a variety of applications including the use of organic geochemistry in the study of Earth history, in paleoclimate, in the study of modern ecosystems, and in petroleum exploration.
Duration: 3 days
Dates: 11 - 14 May 2015

GSI/GSNI 001: 2015 3D Visualisation & Research opportunities with Geological Surveys, TELLUS & INFOMAR datasets
Given by: Dr. K. Verbruggen
ECTS credits:  
Content: The course is designed to introduce graduates and students to some of the large datasets available from GSI and GSNI, including Tellus/Tellus Border and Irish National seabed/INFOMAR data. The course will explain the acquisition, processing and application of the datasets, including some of the key research areas in which the data is used. It will also highlight ongoing research opportunities in relation to both use of the data and funding for it's further use. The course will include a visit to one or more of the GSI Research Vessels.
Location: It will take place in GSI from 10 to 4.30.
Duration: 2 days
Dates: end of March 2015 date TBC

NUIM 001: 2015 GIS for Geoscientists - Level 1 "Introduction to ArcGIS for Geoscientists"
Given by: Dr. Gill Scott [gill.scott-at-gmail.com] and Dr. Ainhoa Gonzalez [ainhoa.gonzalez-at-nuim.ie]
ECTS credits:  
Content: This course is aims to give a working, introductory-level knowledge of spatial data types and the tools needed within GIS to generate, manipulate and communicate them. Through a series of aligned lectures and practical workshops, students will be introduced to the working environment of ArcGIS Desktop and the common forms of spatial data (e.g. vector and raster) and issues (e.g. projection, database structures, georeferencing archive data sources,digitising) that they are likely to encounter when beginning to use GIS for research.
No specific level of ArcGIS knowledge is assumed, but an attempt to gain a priori familiarity with the package is encouraged, as is some consideration of the data sources and types needed for individual research projects.
It is intended to give the fifth (final day) over to consideration of individual project needs.
Duration: 5 days
Location: Dept. of Geography, Physical Geography Computer Lab, Ground Floor Rhetoric House, South Campus, NUI Maynooth.
Dates: 18 - 22 May 2015
Note: *Max. 16 places only - This course is now full

NUIM 002: 2015 GIS for Geoscientists - Level 2 "Advanced skills in ArcGIS for Geoscientists"
Given by: Dr. Gill Scott [gill.scott-at-gmail.com] and Dr. Ainhoa Gonzalez [ainhoa.gonzalez-at-nuim.ie]
ECTS credits:  
Content: This course builds on the skills covered in Level 1 and, as such, will be only be of benefit to those students who have completed Level 1 or who already have good working knowledge of ArcGIS. The course will cover topics such as 2.5 D visualisation, projections, merging datasets, relabelling records and other data management issues. Arc tools will be looked at in more detail in addition to sourcing free tools and students will learn many time-saving tips and tricks.
It is intended to give the final day over to consideration of individual project needs.
Duration: 5 days
Location: Dept. of Geography, Physical Geography Computer Lab, Ground Floor Rhetoric House, South Campus, NUI Maynooth.
Dates: 25 - 29 May 2015
Note: *A limited number of spaces have arisen

NUIG 001: 2015 Fluid Inclusions: study methods and interpretations
Given by: Dr. Alessandra Constanzo (NUIG)
ECTS credits: 5
Content: This course details the formation and occurrence of fluid inclusions and outlines the laboratory methods used to study them. Particular attention will be given to: relevant geological environments, determination of fluid composition, density, modelling of P-T conditions of fluid trapping and tracing the temporal evolution of fluid entrapment. Case histories across a broad range of geological settings will be used to highlight the application of fluid inclusion studies.
Duration: 4 days
Dates: 11 - 14 May 2015

NUIG 002: 2015 The geochemical/geoscience applications of terrestrial/volcanic dust
Given by: Prof. Peter Croot [peter.croot-at-nuigalway.ie]
ECTS credits: 2.5
Content: Details to follow
Duration: 3 days
Dates: February 2015

NUIG 003: 2014 Balancing the Hydrological Equation: Introduction to Hydrology & Hydrogeology
Given by: Dr. Tiernan Henry [tiernan.henry-at-nuigalway.ie]
ECTS credits: 5
Content: This course will cover basic hydrological concepts and will focus on practical application of methods, stressing the close relationship between geology and water. The hydrological equation accounts for all water moving or in storage above, on and below the ground. Over the course students will learn how to populate each part of the equation and will learn about the various methods used to measure, estimate and calculate water movement.
Duration: 5 days (including a one-day field trip)
Dates: 24 - 28 November 2014

UCC 001: 2015 Petroleum Geology and Basin Analysis
Given by: Dr. D. Jarvis [d.jarvis@ucc.ie] and Prof. B. Williams
ECTS credits: 3
Content: Teaching Methods: Lectures, practical and a residential field course to the Clare Basin
Module Objective: To provide instruction in the origin, generation, migration and trapping of petroleum; petroleum exploration; sedimentary basins.
Module Content: Petroleum Geology: Physical and chemical properties of oil and natural gas, classification of oil and natural gas, composition, productivity and preservation of sedimentary organic matter, fluids in the subsurface environment, origin and migration of oil and natural gas, hydrocarbon reservoirs, hydrocarbon traps, exploration methods, downhole geophysical logging, case histories. Basin Analysis: Origin and tectonic settings of basins, classification of basins, characteristic environmental processes and architecture of basins, petroleum potential of basins.
Duration: 4 days (6 days if 5 credits)
Dates: *This course has been cancelled.

UCC 002: 2014 Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology
Given by: Ms. E. McCarthy and Prof. A. Wheeler [a.wheeler-at-ucc.ie]
ECTS credits: 3
Content: Teaching Methods: Lectures and practicals
Module Objective: To provide a basic understanding of the principles of Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology and to give a more detailed overview of some aspects of groundwater characteristics and the engineering behaviour of rocks and soil
Module Content: Hydrology and the Water Cycle; Principles of Groundwater Behaviour; Aquifer Types; Karst Hydrogeology; Groundwater Chemistry; Well Hydraulics: Groundwater Quality; Contaminant Transport in Groundwater; Engineering Behaviour of Materials; Rock Mechanics; Soil Mechanics; Slopes; Subsidence; Excavations
Duration: 5 days
Dates: *This course has been cancelled.

UCC 003: 2014 Exploration Structural Geology for Hydrocarbon Exploration
Given by: Dr. M. Cooper and Dr. P. Meere [p.meere-at-ucc.ie]
ECTS credits:
Content: Teaching Methods: Lectures and practicals
Module Objective: To become familiar with the applications of structural geology to hydrocarbon exploration
Module Content: Tectonics and hydrocarbons in extensional basins, hydrocarbon exploration in orogenic forelands.
Duration: 3 days
Dates: 9 - 11 December 2014

UCC 004: 2015 Exploration Structural Geology for Mineral Exploration
Coordinated by: Dr. P.Meere [p.meere-at-ucc.ie]
ECTS credits: 5
Content: Teaching Methods: 5 day residential field course
Module Objective: To become familiar with the applications of structural geology to mineral exploration. Allihies West Cork.
Module Content: Analysis of brittle and ductile deformation in a foreland orogenic setting, analysis of vein systems related to an upper crustal metal mineralising event, photo-geological analysis of a selected field area, development of a customised GIS for presentation and analysis of structural data from a selected study area.
Duration: 4 days
Dates: 3 - 6 March 2015

UCC 005: 2015 Coal Exploration
Coordinated by: Dr. L. Thomas and Prof. A. Wheeler [a.wheeler-at-ucc.ie]
ECTS credits: 2
Content: Teaching Methods: Lectures and practicals
Module Objective: To outline the fundamentals of exploration for coal
Module Content: Origin and depositional environments of coal; coal age and occurrence; coal rank and quality; coal exploration and data collection; sampling and analysis; exploration methodologies; coal resources and reserves, coal mining methods; alternative energy sources in coal.
Duration: 3 days
Dates: 11 - 13 March 2015

UCC 006: 2014 Geotechnical Investigation of Soils and Rock
Coordinated by: Ms. E. McCarthy and Prof. A. Wheeler [a.wheeler-at-ucc.ie]
ECTS credits: 2.5
Content: Teaching Methods: Lectures and practicals
Module Objective: To become familiar with the geotechnical properties of rocks and soils
Module Content: Rock mechanics; discontinuities and their analysis; rock strength; soil mechanics; ground investigations; rock and soil testing in the field and in lab; sampling methods, geotechnical description and classification of rocks and soils; behaviour of soils in presence of groundwater; ground improvement; design and construction of foundations in rock and soil; slope engineering; surface excavations; tunnelling and stability of subsurface excavations; analysis of various types of soil maps.
Duration: 5 days
Dates: *This course has been cancelled.

UCC 007: 2014 Exploration Methods and Professional Development
Coordinated by: G. Earls and Prof. A. Wheeler [a.wheeler-at-ucc.ie]
ECTS credits: 5
Content: Teaching Methods: Lectures and practicals
Module Objective: To introduce modern exploration strategies, practice and techniques in the context of field geology
Module Content: The simulated study, planning and execution of an exploration programme, ore petrology and identification, ore and hydrocarbon reserve calculations, soil and heavy mineral (tracer) surveying, core logging and sampling, applied field geophysics for mineral exploration, mining reclamation and recovery.
Duration: 5 days
Dates: 18 - 22 September 2014

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