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Earth sciences is the study of our home planet. Our flexible programme combines ideas and principles of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geology and Geophysics. You may also graduate with a degree in Earth Sciences Palaeobiology dependent on your chosen courses. We explore how our planet works at depth and at the surface, the biological processes that build diversity and cause extinction, the ocean and atmospheric processes shaping climate, and issues relating to resources, geohazards and climate change. As well as a highly flexible General stream, students may chose to follow a Palaeobiology stream within this degree programme. This allows students to take a range of modules in other departments which are not normally available to other students.
Other ES streams:
Prospectus: Bsc UCAS Code: F603; MSci UCAS Code: F604
Further enquiries:
Prof Phil Mannion (Palaeobiology stream)
In entry to the programme, you will select a 'diet', following a pathway through the subject (General or Palaeobiology). There is some overlap between these diets and opportunities to switch diets particularly in the first and the second year of study. The holistic nature of the subject is emphasized. Students should normally take at least four half course credits in the Earth Sciences Department each year. Optional modules based in other departments may be chosen from those listed for the Geology, Geophysics or Environmental Geoscience degree programmes.
The first and second years provide core skills and knowledge in the subject. The third year provides opportunities for specialisation and diversification, with an emphasis on individual initiative and problem-based learning. Up to 30 credits of optional modules in year two and three can be chosen from outside the department. If a student wishes to take a module from outside the department, permission from the undergraduate tutor and/or the programme director and the teaching department that run the module will be needed. Fieldwork provides a unique opportunity to develop independent and team skills and problem-solving abilities.
Year 1 Bsc/MSci
Core or compulsory modules
Term 1:
- GEOL0001 Earth Materials
- GEOL0005 Foundations of Physical Geoscience (compulsory for students who don’t have A-Level Maths)
- GEOL0007 The Earth
- GEOL0058 Matlab
- GEOL0003 History of Life
- GEOL0078 Mathematical Methods for Geoscience (compulsory for students who have A-Level Maths)
Term 2:
- GEOL0004 Dynamic Earth
- GEOL0006 Surface Processes
- GEOL0008 Geochemistry
- GEOL0015 Maps, Images & Structures
Optional modules:
None
Fieldwork:
- GEOL0015 Maps, Images & Structures (Dorset field course of 6 days)
Year 2 Bsc/MSci
Core or compulsory modules
Term 1:
Term 2
Optional modules:
Term 1:
- GEOL0009 Vertebrate Palaeontology & Evolution
- GEOL0011 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
- GEOL0016 Structural Geology and Tectonics
- GEOL0076 Introduction to Environmental Geoscience
Term 2:
- GEOL0010 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
- GEOL0013 Principles of Climate
- GEOL0017 Isotope Geology
- GEOL0018 Numerical Methods for Earth Sciences
- GEOL0077 Introduction to Mineral Resources
Fieldwork:
Other modules are available from the GEOG and STS departments. Please get permission from both the teaching department and the Undergraduate Tutor and ensure that there are no clashes on your timetable. Failure to do so may result in you being rejected from the module.
Year 3 Bsc/MSci
Core or compulsory modules
Term 2:
Optional modules
Term 1:
- GEOL0021 Biodiversity & Macroevolutionary Patterns
- GEOL0022 Ocean Physics & Climate Change
- GEOL0024 Geological/Environmental Mapping Project
- GEOL0026 Earth and Planetary Materials
- GEOL0029 Seismology I
- GEOL0043 Tectonic Geomorphology
- GEOL0070 Volcanoes, Society and the Environment
Term 1 & 2:
Term 2:
- GEOL0023 Crustal Dynamics, Mountain Building & Basin Evolution
- GEOL0057 Geodynamics and Global Tectonics
- GEOL0027 Groundwater Science
- GEOL0030 Seismology II
- GEOL0031 Environmental Geochemistry
- GEOL0045 Palaeoclimate and Palaeoenvironmental Change
- GEOL0068 Applied Geoscience for Mineral Resources
- GEOL0069 Artificial Intelligence for Earth Observation
Fieldwork:
- South-East Spain (part of GEOL0023)
Year 4 MSci
MSci Co-ordinator: Prof. Ian Wood
The 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. To progress to year 4 of the MSci programme, you must have a 3rd year average of 60% or better and a nominal BSc award of an upper second, or better. Students who do not fulfil the required criteria to proceed at the end of the 3rd year may be considered for graduation with the award of a BSc Honours degree.
Compulsory modules MSci:
Term 1 & 2
Optional modules MSci:
Term 1:
- GEOL0022 Ocean Physics and Climate Change (If not already taken in Year 3)
- GEOL0026 Earth & Planetary Materials (if not already taken in Year 3)
- GEOL0041 Physical Volcanology & Volcanic Hazard
- GEOL0043 Tectonic Geomorphology (if not already taken in Year 3)
- GEOL0044 Palaeoceanography
- GEOL0059 Origin of Life and Exobiology - not running in 24/25
- CEGE0033 Seismic Risk Assessment
- CENG0035 Minerals Usage, Extraction and Processing
- GEOL0070 Volcanoes, Society and the Environment (if not already taken in Year 3)
Term 2:
- GEOL0031 Environmental Geochemsitry (if not already taken in Year 3)
- GEOL0045 Palaeoclimate & Paleoenvironmental Change (if not already taken in Year 3)
- GEOL0036 Advanced Biodiversity and Macroevolutionary Studies
- GEOL0061 Statistics for Geoscientists (if not already taken in Year 3)
- GEOL0066 Meteorological & Hydrologicsl Hazards
- GEOL0069 Artificial Intelligence for Earth Observation
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.