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UCL Earth Sciences

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Environmental Geoscience

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.

Environmental Geoscience Degree
 

Prospectus:

Further enquiries:

Dr Peter Irvine

How to apply

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.

Year 1 Bsc/MSci 

Core or compulsory modules

Term 1:

Term 2:

Optional modules:

Term 1:

None 

Fieldwork:

Year 2 Bsc/MSci 

Core or compulsory modules

Term 1

Term 2:

Optional modules:

Term 1:

Term 2:

Fieldwork:

  • Pyrenees, part of GEOL0010 (taught in the Easter vacation)
  • Durness, Scotland, part of GEOL0016

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 2:

Optional modules:

Term 1:

Term 1 & 2:

Term 2:

Fieldwork:

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. 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.

Compulsory modules MSci:

Term 1 & 2:

Optional modules MSci:

Term 1:

Term 2:

Fieldwork:    

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.