Environmental Geoscience

Providing 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.

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 places on GEOG* courses may be limited. You are requested to register on Portico and await approval from the Geography department.

Term 1 - Autumn Term 

Module Code	Credit Value	Module Title
Compulsory:
GEOL0001	15	Earth Materials
GEOL0007	15	The Earth
GEOG0005	15	Earth: An Integrated System
GEOL0008	15	Geochemistry

Term 2 - Spring Term

Module Code	Credit Value	Module Title
Compulsory:
GEOL0002	0.5	From Petrology to Petrogenesis
GEOL0003	0.5	History of Life
GEOL0004	0.5	Dynamic Earth
GEOL0006	0.5	Surface Processes
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.

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
GEOL0005	15	Foundations of Physical Geoscience (complusory for students without A-Level Mathematics)
GEOL0012	15	Global Geophysics
MATH0049	15	Mathematics (option for students with A-level Mathematics)
GEOG0019	15	Geomorphology
GEOG0020	15	Ecological Patterns & Processes
GEOG0026	15	Hydroclimatology
HPSC0013	15	Science in Popular Culture
08GL35H6 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 GEOL0015 Maps, Images & Structures (taken at the end of the preceding summer vacation)

Term 2 - Spring Term

Module Code	Credit Value	Module Title
Compulsory:
GEOL0010	15	Surface Processes & Structures
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
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:
GEOL0020	15	Field Geophysics (places are limited)
GEOL0021	15	Biodiversity & Macroevolutionary Patterns
GEOG0044	15	Global Environmental Change
GEOL0032	15	Metamorphism and Metamorphic Processes
Fieldwork:
Various		Part of GEOL0024 Geological/Environmental Mapping Project
Marble Hill House, Twickenham		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
GEOL0028	15	Marine Geology
GEOL0031	15	Advanced Geochemistry
Fieldwork:
SE Spain		GEOL0023 Crustal Dynamics, Mountain Building & Basin Evolution (fieldtrip only; no classroom element)

Year 4

MSci Co-ordinator: Prof. David Dobson

Before entry to the Fourth Year of an MSci course, a student should normally have passed at least 330 credits, with at least 105 credits at Level 6, and achieved a mean mark of at least 60% for the third year of study.

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
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
GEOL0035	15	Sustainable Management of the Environment

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:
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	Non-Biological Indicators of Environmental Change
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.