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The programme includes studies of the nature of rocks and minerals, their mode of origin and environment of formation; the study of past life and palaeoenvironments; the physics and chemistry of the Earth and major Earth processes such as plate tectonics and mountain building (tectonics). The programme is fully accredited by the Geological Society of London.
Prospectus:
Further enquiries:
Together with subject-specific skills, this degree also provides a strong intellectual and practical platform for those who wish to pursue non-geological careers as it integrates a wide range of ideas from many different scientific disciplines, including chemistry, physics and biology, and provides training in the application of scientific methods and knowledge to complex problems.
The programme includes studies of the nature of rocks and minerals, their mode of origin and environment of formation; the study of past life and palaeoenvironments; the physics and chemistry of the Earth and major Earth processes such as plate tectonics and mountain building (tectonics).
The programme includes: studies of the nature of rocks and minerals, their mode of origin and environment of formation; the study of past life and palaeoenvironments; the physics and chemistry of the Earth; major Earth processes such as plate tectonics and mountain building (tectonics).
During fieldwork students learn to apply and develop independent and team skills and problem-solving abilities which complement and build upon lectures and laboratory-based coursework, whist being exposed to the true complexity of natural geological systems.
The first two years of the BSc and MSci programmes will be the same. However, the additional fourth year of the MSci allows for an individual research project and advanced options, providing extra depth and breadth of knowledge. We recommend you apply for an MSci initially, as this keeps more options open.
Year 1 Bsc/MSci
Core or compulsory modules
Term 1:
Term 2:
- GEOL0004 Dynamic Earth
- GEOL0006 Surface Processes
- GEOL0008 Geochemistry
- GEOL0015 Maps, Images & Structures
Optional modules:
Term 1:
- GEOL0005 Foundations of Physical Geoscience (compulsory for students who don’t have A-Level Maths)
- GEOL0078 Mathematical Methods for Geoscience (compulsory for students who have A-Level Maths)
Fieldwork:
- GEOL0015 Maps, Images & Structures (Dorset field course of 6 days)
Year 2 Bsc/MSci
Core or compulsory modules
Term 1
- GEOL0011 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
- GEOL0012 Global Geophysics
- GEOL0016 Structural Geology and Tectonics
Term 2:
- GEOL0010 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
- GEOL0017 Isotope Geology
- GEOL0073 GIS and Remote Sensing
- GEOL0077 Introduction to Mineral Resources
Optional modules:
Term 1:
Term 2:
Fieldwork:
Places on GEOG* courses may be limited. You are requested to register your choice on Portico & await approval from the Geography department. Other modules are available from the STS department. Please get permission from both the teaching department and the Undergraduate Tutor. Failure to do so may result in you being rejected from the module.
Year 3 Bsc/MSci
Core or compulsory modules
Term 1:
Term 2:
- GEOL0023 Crustal Dynamics, Mountain Building and Basin Evolution
- GEOL0057 Geodynamics and Global Tectonics
- GEOL0061 Statistics for Geoscientists
- GEOL0068 Applied Geoscience for Mineral Resources
Optional modules:
Term 1:
- GEOL0021 Biodiversity & Macroevolutionary Patterns
- GEOL0022 Ocean Physics & Climate Change
- GEOL0026 Earth and Planetary Materials
- GEOL0043 Tectonic Geomorphology
- GEOL0070 Volcanoes, Society and the Environment
Term 1 & 2:
Term 2:
- GEOL0027 Groundwater Science
- GEOL0031 Environemtnal Geochemistry
- GEOL0045 Paleoclimate and Paleoenvironmental Change
- GEOL0069 Artificial Intelligence for Earth Observations (AI4EO)
Fieldwork:
- Various Locations, part of GEOL0024 Geological/Environmental Mapping Project (takes place over summer, before term 1).
- SE Spain, GEOL0023 fieldtrip only; no classroom element,(taught in the Easter vacation)
Compulsory modules MSci:
Term 1 & 2:
Optional modules MSci:
Term 1:
- GEOL0026 Earth & Planetary Materials (if not taken in Year 3)
- GEOL0022 Ocean Physics and Climate Change (if not taken in Year 3)
- GEOL0041 Physical Volcanology & Volcanic Hazard
- GEOL0043 Tectonic Geomorphology (if not taken in Year 3)
- GEOL0044 Palaeoceanography
- GEOL0059 Origin of Life and Exobiology
- GEOL0062 Geological, Geotechnical and Hydrogeological Hazards
- GEOL0067 The Science, Policy and Ethics of Climate Intervention
- GEOL0070 Volcanoes, Society and the Environment (if not taken in Year 3)
- CEGE0033 Seismic Risk Assessment
- CENG0035 Minerals Usage, Extraction and Processing
Term 2:
- GEOL0045 Palaeoclimate and Palaeoenvironmental Change (if not taken in Year 3)
- GEOL0069 Artificial Intellingence for Earth Observation
- GEOL0061 Statistics for Geoscientists (if not taken in Year 3)
- GEOL0066 Meteorological and Hydrological Hazards
Fieldwork:
- Germany, part of GEOL0039 Earth & Planetary System Science.
Your Learning
We use a mixture of lectures, practical classes, field courses, directed reading, problem-orientated learning, private study and tutorials to enable you to gain the theoretical knowledge and practical skills demanded by the programme, as well as to develop key transferable skills such as critical analysis, report writing, team working and organisational skills.
Assessment
You will be assessed by a combination of written examinations, practical examinations, coursework, independent project reports and an oral examination.