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There is a high demand for graduate geophysicists from industry, with geophysicists being listed in three of the top five job categories in the UK government's Shortage Occupation List in 2023. Geophysics is a highly interdisciplinary degree that combines aspects of physics, mathematics, geology, chemistry and computer science to study the physical properties and processes of the Earth, atmospheres, ocean, ice sheets and other planets. The programme is fully accredited by the Geological Society of London.
Prospectus:
Further enquiries:
In their first two years all students study a common geophysics syllabus covering the fundamentals of global geophysics, geophysical instruments and fieldwork, laboratory rock and ice physics, seismology, physics of the earth's deep interior, weather, ice sheets and climate. Theoretical studies are integrated with a large element of illustrative practical work both in the laboratory and in the field. In the third and fourth years there is the opportunity to specialise in, for example, the environmental aspects of the subject.
Options will also be available in planetary science, such as Astrobiology, and space science, such as Solar and Magnetospheric Physics.
A modern approach to teaching is used with courses based around laboratory practicals utilising sophisticated research-level equipment, and around theory workshops. Fieldwork training is provided in both first and second years. Third year teaching has strong research-led components, including substantial independent research projects covering the key skills needed for modern geophysicists, and in the fourth year a major independent research project is taken.
The first three years of the BSc and MSci programmes will be the same. However, the additional fourth year of the MSci allows for a major 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:
- GEOL0001 Earth Materials
- GEOL0007 The Earth
- PHAS0002 Mathematical Methods I
- PHAS0010 Classical Mechanics
- GEOL0058 Matlab
Term 2:
- GEOL0004 Dynamic Earth
- GEOL0006 Surface Processes
- PHAS0009 Mathematical Methods II
- GEOL0015 Maps, Images and Structures
Optional modules:
No optional modules in Year 1
Fieldwork:
- GEOL0015 Maps, Images & Structures (Dorset)
Year 2 Bsc/MSci
Core or compulsory modules
Term 1:
- GEOL0012 Global Geophysics
- GEOL0016 Structural Geology & Tectonics
- PHAS0021 Electricity & Magnetism
- PHAS0025 Mathematical Methods III
Term 2:
Optional modules:
Term 1:
Term 2:
- GEOL0010 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
- GEOL0013 Principles of Climate
- GEOL0017 Isotope Geology
- GEOL0077 Introduction to Mineral Resources
Fieldwork:
Year 3 Bsc/MSci
Core or compulsory modules
Term 1:
Term 2:
- GEOL0030 Seismology II
- GEOL0057 Geodynamics and Global Tectonics
- GEOL0061 Statistics for Geoscientists
Optional modules:
See note below*
Term 1:
- GEOL0022 Ocean Physics and Climate Change
- GEOL0026 Earth and Planetary Materials
- GEOL0043 Tectonic Geomorphology
- GEOL0070 Volcanoes, Society and the Environment
Term 1 & 2:
Term 2:
- GEOL0023 Crustal Dynamics, Mountain Building & Basin Evolution
- GEOL0027 Groundwater Science
- GEOL0031 Environmental Geochemistry
- GEOL0068 Applied Geoscience for Mineral Resources
- GEOL0069 Artificial Intelligence for Earth Observation
Fieldwork:
- Royal Greenwich Park, Greenwich, London, Part of GEOL0020 Field Geophysics (takes place in September preceding the start of Year 3)
- South-East Spain (part of GEOL0023)
* Other optional modules are available from Mathematics, Physics and Engineering. Please check with the Geophysics Stream Director for approval. Please note you may NOT select PHAS0057 Physics of the Earth.
Compulsory modules MSci:
Term 1 & 2
Optional modules MSci:
Term 1:
- GEOL0022 Ocean Physics and Climate Change (if not taken in Year 3)
- GEOL0026 Earth & Planetary Materials (if not taken in Year 3)
- GEOL0041 Physical Volcanology & Volcanic Hazard
- GEOL0043 Tectonic Geomorphology (if not taken in Year 3)
- GEOL0062 Geological, Geotechnical and Hydrogeological Hazards
- GEOL0070 Volcanoes, Society and the Environment (if not taken in Year 3)
- CEGE0033 Seismic Risk Assessment
- CENG0035 Minerals Usage, Extraction and Processing
Term 2:
- GEOL0031 Environmental Geochemistry (if not taken in Year 3)
- GEOL0061 Statistics for Geoscientists (if not taken in Year 3)
- GEOL0066 Meteorological and Hyrdrological 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.