Humanities

Introductory Archaeological Geophysics

When
22nd Sept - 3rd Oct 2025

Mode of delivery
In-person

Duration
2 weeks

Location
Flinders University, Bedford Park campus

Enrol now

Who should attend?

This topic is aimed at archaeologists or cultural heritage managers who wish to gain experience in archaeological geophysics. It does not presume any prior knowledge or experience in geophysics, mathematics, physics or geology.

Tuition fees and field costs

$2500 (incl. GST)

What you will study

The topic will provide students with an understanding of the scientific principles behind a range of techniques used in archaeological prospection so they can make educated decisions concerning the application of these methods in their professional practice. The course includes theoretical and practical engagement with the techniques.

In addition to developing this understanding of the techniques, instruction will be provided in basic field operation, data processing, data interpretation and geophysical reporting. Techniques covered will include ground penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic induction (EMI), direct current resistivity, magnetometer, gradiometer, magnetic susceptibility, and a range of marine geophysics techniques (side scan sonar, sub-bottom profiling and swath bathymetry).

Hands-on experience for students will include GPR, magnetometer, direct current resistivity and electromagnetic induction. The topic will be delivered through a series of lectures, demonstrations, practical hands-on sessions and computer-based labs.

Assessment

Students will be assessed based on:

their theoretical understanding of geophysical principles (quiz).
their ability to collect, process, interpret and communicate geophysical data in a heritage context (report and field work).
their ability to explain and communicate findings and results of geophysical investigations (presentation).

Learning outcomes

Students will be able to:

understand key principles of a wide range of geophysical techniques used in cultural heritage and archaeology;
identify appropriate techniques for given heritage sites and research questions;
collect a range of geophysical data using GPR, magnetometer, direct current resistivity and electromagnetic induction in the field;
process, analyse and interpret geophysical data and provide informed interpretation of the subsurface of heritage sites;
effectively communicate and present the findings of geophysical field work and analysis.

Credit

Upon successful completion of this short course, all participants will receive a Certificate of Achievement which states that this short course is equivalent to completion of the Flinders University topic ARCH8808.

By completing this short course participants may be eligible to negotiate credit at another tertiary institution.

We encourage participants to check this prior to registering for this short course.

Program facilitator

Dr Jarrad Kowlessar is a Lecturer in Archaeological Science. His areas of research include machine learning, virtual reality, geophysics, and remote sensing. These tools have been employed across diverse projects in landscape archaeology, rock art studies, and both terrestrial and marine geophysics. His past research has also contributed to detecting unmarked graves, shipwrecks, and reconstructing past environmental landscapes and the impacts of past climate changes.