Geology

Geology rocks.

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. 

Together with subject-specific skills, the MSci 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 field courses and independent field mapping projects. The field provides a natural laboratory where students can learn to apply and develop skills which complement and build upon lectures and laboratory-based coursework whilst 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.

Modules:

Year 1

Term 1 - Autumn Term 

Module Code	Credit Value	Module Title
Compulsory:
GEOL0001	15	Earth Materials
GEOL0007	15	The Earth
GEOL0008	15	Geochemistry
GEOL0058	pass/fail	Matlab
Options:
GEOL0005	15	Foundations of Physical Geoscience (compulsory for students without A-Level Mathematics)
MATH0049	15	Mathematics (A-Level Mathematics required)
HPSC0008	15	Science Communication and Public Engagement
HPSC0009	15	Introduction to History, Philosophy and Social Studies of Science

Term 2 - Spring Term

Module Code	Credit Value	Module Title
Compulsory:
GEOL0002	15	From Petrology to Petrogenesis
GEOL0003	15	History of Life
GEOL0004	15	Dynamic Earth
GEOL0006	15	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

Term 1 - Autumn Term 

Module Code	Credit Value	Module Title
Compulsory:
GEOL0009	15	Vertebrate Palaeontology & Evolution
GEOL0012	15	Global Geophysics
GEOL0015	15	Maps, Images & Structures
GEOL0016	15	Structural Geology & Tectonics
Fieldwork:
Scotland		Part of GEOL0015 Maps, Images & Structures (taught at the end of the preceding summer vacation)

Term 2 - Spring Term

Module Code	Credit Value	Module Title
Compulsory:
GEOL0010	15	Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
GEOL0011	15	Igneous Petrology
GEOL0017	15	Isotope Geology
Options:
GEOL0013	15	Principles of Climate
GEOL0018	15	Numerical Methods for Earth Sciences
HPSC0036	15	Engaging the Public with Science
Fieldwork:
Pyrenees		Part of of GEOL0010 - Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (taught in the Easter vacation)

Year 3

Term 1 - Autumn Term 

Module Code	Credit Value	Module Title
Compulsory:
GEOL0024	30	Geological/Environmental Mapping Project
Options:
GEOL0021	15	Biodiversity & Macroevolutionary Studies
GEOL0028 NOT RUNNING 2022/23	15	Marine Geology
GEOL0029	15	Seismology I
GEOL0022	15	Ocean Physics and Climate Change
GEOL0032	15	Metamorphism and Metamorphic Processes
GEOL0043	15	Tectonic Geomorphology
Fieldwork:
Mapping		Part of GEOL0024 Geological/Environmental Mapping Project

Term 1 & 2 

Module Code	Credit Value	Module Title
Options:
GEOL0014	15	Geosciences Report

Term 2 - Spring Term

Module Code	Credit Value	Module Title
Compulsory:
GEOL0057	15	Geodynamics and Global Tectonics
GEOL0023	15	Crustal Dynamics, Mountain Building & Basin Evolution (fieldtrip only; no classroom element)
GEOL0025	15	Earth Resources & Sustainability
Options:
GEOL0027	15	Groundwater Science
GEOL0031	15	Advanced Geochemistry
GEOL0061	15	Statistics for Geoscientists
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

Term 1 - Autumn Term 

Module Code	Credit Value	Module Title
Options:
GEOL0026	15	Earth & Planetary Materials
GEOL0022	15	Ocean Physics and Climate Change (if not already taken in Year 3)
GEOL0041	15	Physical Volcanology & Volcanic Hazard
GEOL0043	15	Tectonic Geomorphology
GEOL0044	15	Palaeoceanography
GEOL0035	15	Sustainable Management of the Environment
GEOL0059	15	Origin of Life and Exobiology

 

Term 1 & 2 

Module Code	Credit Value	Module Title
Compulsory:
GEOL0072	45	Independent MSci Project
GEOL0039	15	Earth & Planetary System Science

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 NOT RUNNING 2022/23	15	Palaeoclimatology
GEOL0040 NOT RUNNING 2022/23	15	Melting and Volcanism
GEOL0046	15	Deep Earth & Planetary Modelling
GEOL0036	15	Advanced Biodiversity and Macroevolutionary Studies
GEOL0061	15	Statistics for Geoscientists (If not already taken in Year 3)
Fieldwork:
Germany (TBC)		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.