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Environmental Geoscience degree provides a sound topical background in the environmental aspects of the Earth sciences.
Environmental Geoscience is concerned with the interaction between the Earth sciences and human activity, and provides a sound topical background in the environmental aspects of the Earth sciences. The programme is fully accredited by the Geological Society of London.
Prospectus:
Further enquiries:
The programme offers an integrated study of the Earth, encompassing the evolution of the planet and its internal workings, the development of its biosphere and atmosphere, and its surface processes, emphasising natural and man-induced development of the terrestrial environment.
You will gain a scientific training which allows an examination of environmental issues related to the Earth sciences, such as those concerned with natural resources, their use to society, the disposal of waste outputs and the understanding and minimisation of geohazards. The strong emphasis on fieldwork provides a unique opportunity to develop independent and team skills and problem-solving abilities.
The programme assumes no previous knowledge of the Earth sciences but builds on a firm foundation of basic science acquired during the first two years. The third year of teaching is research-led, based around the Department's research strengths and research grouping, and includes a field-based independent research project.
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.
Modules:
- Year 1
Please note that if you do not have A-Level Maths you MUST select GEOL0005 Fouundations of Physical Geoscience in Year 1 and you may select GEOL0003 History of Life in Year 2. If you have A-Level Maths (or equivalent) you MUST select GEOL0003 History of Life.
Please note that places on GEOG* courses may be limited.
Term 1 - Autumn Term
Module Code Credit Value Module Title Compulsory: GEOL0001 15 Earth Materials GEOL0007 15 The Earth GEOG0005 15 Understanding our Planet GEOL0008 15 Geochemistry GEOL0058 pass/fail Matlab GEOL0005 15 Foundations of Physical Geoscience
(compulsory for students without A-Level Mathematics)
Option: Term 2 - Spring Term
Module Code Credit Value Module Title Compulsory: GEOL0002 15 From Petrology to Petrogenesis GEOL0004 15 Dynamic Earth GEOL0006 15 Surface Processes GEOL0003 15 History of Life (you may only select this if you took GEOL0005 in Year 1). Fieldwork: Dorset/Devon Coast Part of GEOL0006 Surface Processes (takes place in the Easter vacation) Cornwall/Devon Coast Part of GEOL0002 From Petrology to Petrogenesis - Year 2
Please note that places on GEOG* courses may be limited. You are requested to register your choice on Portico and 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
Term 1 - Autumn Term
Module Code Credit Value Module Title Compulsory: GEOL0015 15 Maps, Images and Structures GEOL0016 15 Structural Geology & Tectonics Options: GEOL0009 15 Vertebrate Palaeontology & Evolution GEOL0012 15 Global Geophysics GEOG0019 15 Geomorphology GEOG0020 15 Ecological Patterns & Processes HPSC0013 15 Science in Popular Culture MATH0049 15 Mathematics for Engineers (you must have A-Level Maths or equivalent) XBKB0031 Check availability with Birkbeck 15 Remote Sensing & Planetary Surfaces (you may select this module or GEOG0027. YOU CANNOT SELECT BOTH. Taught at Birkbeck) Fieldwork: Scotland Part of GEOL0010 - Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (taught in the Easter vacation) Term 2 - Spring Term
Module Code Credit Value Module Title Compulsory: GEOL0010 15 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy GEOL0017 15 Isotope Geology Options: GEOL0013 15 Principles of Climate GEOL0011 15 Igneous Petrology GEOG0021 15 Reconstructing Past Environments GEOG0027 15 Environmental Remote Sensing HPSC0017 15 Science & Ethics HPSC0036 15 Engaging the Public with Science GEOL0003 15 History of Life (you may only select this if you do not have A-Level Maths and took GEOL0005 in Year 1) Fieldwork: Pyrenees Part of GEOL0015 Surface Processes & Structures (taught in the Easter vacation) - Year 3
Please note that places may be limited on GEOG* courses. However, you are requested to submit your choices on Portico and await approval from the Geography department.
Term 1 - Autumn Term
Module Code Credit Value Module Title Compulsory: GEOL0024 30 Geological/Environmental Mapping Project Options: GEOL0021 15 Biodiversity & Macroevolutionary Patterns GEOL0028 NOT RUNNING 2022/23 15 Marine Geology GEOL0032 15 Metamorphism and Metamorphic Processes GEOL0043 15 Tectonic Geomorphology Fieldwork: Various Part of GEOL0024 Geological/Environmental Mapping Project Royal Greenwich Park, Greenwich Part of GEOL0020 Field Geophysics (takes place in September preceding the start of Year 3) Term 1 & 2
Module Code Unit Value Module Title Options: GEOL0014 15 Geosciences Report Term 2 - Spring Term
Module Code Credit Value Module Title Compulsory: GEOL0027 15 Groundwater Science Options: GEOL0023 15 Crustal Dynamics, Mountain Building & Basin Evolution (fieldtrip only; no classroom element) GEOL0025 15 Earth Resources & Sustainability GEOL0031 15 Advanced Geochemistry GEOL0061 15 Statistics for Geoscientists POLS0023 15 Global Environmental Politics Fieldwork: SE Spain GEOL0023 Crustal Dynamics, Mountain Building & Basin Evolution (fieldtrip only; no classroom element) - Year 4
MSci Co-ordinator: Prof. Ian Wood
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. Other modules are available from the Geography 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.
Term 1 - Autumn Term
Module Code Credit Value Module Title Options: GEOL0026 15 Earth & Planetary Materials GEOL0041 15 Physical Volcanology & Volcanic Hazard(places are limited and cannot be guaranteed) GEOL0043 15 Tectonic Geomorphology GEOL0044 15 Palaeoceanography (not running 2022/23 academic year) GEOL0035 15 Sustainable Management of the Environment GEOL0059 15 Origin of Life and Exobiology Term 1 & 2
Module Code Credit Value Module Title Compulsory: GEOL0039 15 Earth & Planetary System Science GEOL0072 45 Independent MSci Project Options: Term 2 - Spring Term
Module Code Credit Value Module Title Options: GEOL0031 15 Advanced Geochemistry (if not already taken in Year 3) GEOL0042 15 Earthquake Seismology & Earthquake Hazards (places are limited and cannot be guaranteed) GEOL0045 15 Palaeoclimatology GEOL0036 15 Advanced Biodiversity and Macroevoltionary Studies GEOG0122 15 Biological Indicators of Environmental Change GEOG0123 15 Climate Proxies 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.