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A complete study of the physics of the solid Earth and its constituent materials, and of its the atmosphere, oceans and ice sheets,
This broadly-based programme provides a complete study of the physics of the solid Earth and its constituent materials, and of its the atmosphere, oceans and ice sheets, leading to a firm foundation in geology, geological fieldwork, physics, mathematics and computing. 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 is predominantly research-led and in the fourth year a major independent research project is taken.
The first two 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.
Modules:
- Year 1
Term 1 - Autumn Term
Module Code Credit Value Module Title Compulsory: GEOL0001 15 Earth Materials GEOL0007 15 The Earth PHAS0002 15 Mathematical Methods I PHAS0010 15 Classical Mechanics GEOL0058 pass/fail Matlab 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 PHAS0009 15 Mathematical Methods II 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: GEOL0012 15 Global Geophysics GEOL0016 15 Structural Geology and Tectonics PHAS0021 15 Electricity & Magnetism PHAS0025 15 Mathematical Methods III Options:
See note below*GEOL0015 15 Maps, Images & Structures XBKB0024 (Check availability with Birkbeck) 15 Geology of the Solar System I (Taught at Birbeck in the evening) Fieldwork: Scotland Part of GEOL0015 Maps, Images & Structures (taught at the end of the preceding summer) Term 2 - Spring Term Term 2 - SpringTerm
Module Code Credit Value Module Title Compulsory: GEOL0018 15 Numerical Methods for Earth Sciences Options:
See note below*
GEOL0010 15 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (Please note that GEOL0015 Maps, Images & Structures is a pre-requisite for this module) GEOL0011 15 Igneous Petrology GEOL0013 15 Principles of Climate GEOL0017 15 Isotope Geology XBKB0025 15 Geology of the Solar System II (Taught at Birkbeck in the evening) Fieldwork: Pyrenees Part of GEOL0010 Sedimentology & Stratigraphy *Other optional modules are available from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering and Statistical Science. Please check with the Geophysics Director for approval. You may NOT select PHAS0027.
- Year 3
Term 1 - Autumn Term
Module Code Credit Value Module Title Compulsory: GEOL0020 15 Field Geophysics GEOL0029 15 Seismology I Options:
See note below*
GEOL0022 15 Ocean Physics and Climate Change GEOL0028 NOT RUNNING 2022/23 15 Marine Geology GEOL0032 15 Metamorphism and Metamorphic Processes GEOL0043 15 Tectonic Geomorphology Fieldwork: Royal Greenwich Park, Greenwich, London Part of GEOL0020 Field Geophysics (takes place in September preceding the start of Year 3) Term 2 - Spring Term
Module Code Credit Value Module Title Compulsory: GEOL0030 15 Seismology II GEOL0057 15 Geodynamics and Global Tectonics Options:
See note below*
GEOL0023 15 Crustal Dynamics, Mountain Building & Basin Evolution (fieldtrip only; no classroom element) GEOL0025 15 Earth Resources & Sustainability GEOL0027 15 Groundwater Science GEOL0031 15 Advanced Geochemistry GEOL0061 15 Statistics for Geoscientists PHAS0050 15 Climate and Energy Fieldwork: SE Spain GEOL0023 Crustal Dynamics, Mountain Building & Basin Evolution (fieldtrip only; no classroom element) Other optional modules are available from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering and Statistical Sciences. Please check with the Geophysics Stream Director for approval. Please not you may NOT select PHAS0057 Physics of the Earth.
- 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 uppersecond, 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:
See note below*
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 (places are limited and cannot be guaranteed) GEOL0043 15 Tectonic Geomorphology GEOL0035 15 Sustainable Management of the Environment GEOL0060 15 Numerical Modelling of Mantle Dynamics for Earth and Planetary Sciences 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:
See note below*
GEOL0031 15 Advanced Geochemistry (if not already taken in Year 3) GEOL0042 15 Earthquake Seismology & Earthquake Hazards GEOL0040 NOT RUNNING 2022/23 15 Melting & Volcanism GEOL0046 15 Deep Earth and Planetary Modelling GEOL0061 15 Statistics for Geoscientists (if not already taken in year 3) Fieldwork: Germany Part of GEOL0039 Earth & Planetary System Science *Other optional modules are available from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering and Statistical Science. Please check with the Geophysics Stream Director for approval.
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.