Physics Master’s Students Conduct Field Work in Aceh Besar

Banda Aceh, October 30, 2024 – The Master of Physics Study Program at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Syiah Kuala University (USK), again carried out Field Practicum (Field Work) activities as part of the implementation of a case study-based curriculum. This activity took place for three days, from October 27 to 29, 2024, located in Siron Blang Village, Cot Glie District, Aceh Besar Regency – an area known to have high geophysical potential, such as earthquakes, landslides, and floods.

This activity aims to provide direct experience to students in applying physics and geophysics theories, especially in Geodynamics, Seismology and Exploration Geophysics courses. In addition, this field work is a forum for field work training, which is very useful in supporting student thesis research.

The activity began with an opening session and delivery of material by lecturers, such as Prof. Dr. Muksin, S.Si., M.Si., M.Phil, Aulia Khalqilah, S.Si., M.Si., Fadhli, S.Si., M.Si., and Arifullah, S.Si., M.Si. The materials presented included theory and experimental design for various geophysical survey methods, such as Bias Seismic, Reflection and Refraction Seismic, Geoelectric, and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR).

In the next days, students went directly to the field to make measurements with these instruments. Experiments were conducted in groups by students, covering the main practicum modules: Hammer Source Refraction Seismic, Vibroseis Refraction Seismic, Georadar, Geoelectric, and HVSR Seismic. This activity received full support from local village officials and ran smoothly until closing.

The chief executive of the activity, Dr. Didik Sugiyanto, M.T., said that this activity not only provides academic benefits, but also supports the achievement of the University’s Key Performance Indicators (IKU), especially in the aspect of experiential learning. Meanwhile, the Coordinator of the Master of Physics Study Program, Prof. Dr. Muksin, S.Si., M.Si., M.Phil, emphasized the importance of integration between theory and practice as an important provision for graduate students in the field of applied physics.

With the successful implementation of this activity, it is expected that Master of Physics students will be more prepared to face the challenges of research and community service in the fields of physics and geophysics. This activity also emphasizes the commitment of the Master of Physics Study Program to providing quality education that is relevant to the needs of the times.