Natural Sciences

Everything from the origin of the Earth to the History of the life it sustains

Modern Earth Sciences is as dynamic and diverse as the planet (planets!) it studies. We study everything from the origin of the Earth to the History of the life it sustains. We are an integrative, interdisciplinary, modern science. We use and apply state-of-the-art maths, physics, chemistry and biology on a daily basis to uncover fundamental knowledge about Earth and other planets. We apply that knowledge to practical issues like climate change and groundwater pollution. 

Natural Sciences

Earth Sciences Stream Combinations: 

  • Geoscience + Genetics and Environment
  • Geoscience + Physical Chemistry
  • Geoscience + History, Philosophy and Social Studies of Science
  • Geoscience + Astrophysics
  • Geoscience + Physics
  • Geoscience + Mathematics and Statistics

Right here at UCL we use ground and satellite observations to see how fast the Arctic and Antarctic ice sheets are melting and climate past and present. We study the fundamental motions that generate violent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. We look for new natural resources and study groundwater pollution. We look deep into the interior to see how materials behave at pressures a million times greater than the surface and temperatures as hot as the sun.

Modules:

The 1st and 2nd years provide core skills and knowledge in the subject. The 3rd year provides opportunities for specialisation and diversification, with an emphasis on individual initiative and problem-based learning. The 4th year allows for an individual research project and advanced options, providing extra depth and breadth of knowledge. Optional modules marked with * can be taken either in Year 3 or Year 4. Modules marked ** are lower year modules for Earth Sciences students, which are offered to Natural Sciences students in later years to avoid problems with prerequisites. Fieldwork provides a unique opportunity to develop independent and team skills and problem-solving abilities.

Year 1 Bsc/MSci 

Core or compulsory modules
Term 1:

Term 2: none

Optional modules:

Term 1: none

Term 2:

Year 2 Bsc/MSci 

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Term2: none

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Year 3 Bsc/MSci 

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Year 4 Bsc/MSci 

Core or compulsory modules

Term 1 and 2:

GEOL0072    Independent MSci Project

Term 1: none

Term 2:

Optional modules:

Term 1 and 2:

GEOL0039    Earth and Planetary System Science

Term 1:

Term 2:

Year 1 Bsc/MSci 

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Year 2 Bsc/MSci 

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Year 3 Bsc/MSci 

All modules are optional:

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Year 4 Bsc/MSci 

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Term 1 and 2:

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Year 1 Bsc/MSci 

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Term 1: none

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Year 2 Bsc/MSci 

Core or compulsory modules
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Year 3 Bsc/MSci 

Core or compulsory modules
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Term 2:

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Year 4 Bsc/MSci 

Core or compulsory modules
Term 1 and 2:

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Term 1 and 2:

Term 1:

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Year 1 Bsc/MSci 

Core or compulsory modules
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Term 2: 

Optional modules:

Term 1: none

Term 2

Year 2 Bsc/MSci 

Core or compulsory modules
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Term 2 - none

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Term 2:

Year 3 Bsc/MSci 

Core or compulsory modules
Term 1: none

Term 2:

Optional modules:

Term 1

Term 2

Year 4 Bsc/MSci 

Core or compulsory modules

Term 1 and 2

Optional modules:

Term 1: see year 3

Term 2:

Year 1 Bsc/MSci 

Core or compulsory modules
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Optional modules:

Term 1: none

Term 2:

Year 2 Bsc/MSci 

Core or compulsory modules
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Term 2: none

Optional modules:

Term 1

Term 2

Year 3 Bsc/MSci 

Core or compulsory module:
Term 2

Optional modules:

Term 1

Term 2

Year 4 Bsc/MSci 

Core or compulsory modules
Term 1 and 2

Optional modules:

Term 1

Term 2

Year 1 Bsc/MSci

Core or compulsory modules
Term 1

Term 2 -  none

Optional modules:

Term 1: none

Term 2

Year 2 Bsc/MSci 

All modules are optional:

Term 1

Term 2

 

Year 3 Bsc/MSci 

All modules are optional:

Term 1

Term 2

Year 4 Bsc/MSci 

Core or compulsory modules

Term 1 and 2

Optional modules:

Term 1 and 2

Term 1

Term 2

We look past Earth to the solar system and beyond. In addition to an academic understanding of Earth structure, history and mechanisms, geoscientists work to provide solutions for problems in water supply, energy supply and conservation, construction and pollution control. 

Stream Leader:  Professor Paul Upchurch

Apply for Natural Sciences

Resources:

All Modules: See the list of all the different Modules at Earth Sciences UCL.

Information for Current Students: student handbook, academic regulations, policies and procedures. Intranet access

How to Apply: Everything you need to know about applying for a degree in Earth Sciences UCL

Keep up to date with our latest activities and research spotlights.  Newsletters

Contact Us:
Call: +44 (0)20 3108 6339
Email:earthsci@ucl.ac.uk

Undergraduate Tutor: penelope.i.r.wilson@ucl.ac.uk