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Objectives
The Geology Department provides a dynamic environment in which to learn more about the evolution of our planet from geoscientists at the forefront of their field. Our students cite the supportive and friendly staff as one of the key reasons for choosing to study here. The Earth is the geoscientist’s laboratory and our degree courses include opportunities for geological fieldwork in the Alps, Tenerife, Spain, Scotland and Wales. Our courses provide a thorough training in the geosciences in preparation for a wide range of careers in industry or further scientific research, across a variety of disciplines such as natural resource exploration or the environmental sector.
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Entry requirements
Entry Requirements * A/AS levels for all degrees: Three A levels usually required, normally including at least two from: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Mathematics or Physics. Grades usually from three A-levels, but two AS levels considered in place of one A level only. General Studies is accepted. Geology qualifications are welcomed, although we assume no previous knowledge of Geology. * Additional requirements for Earth and Planetary Sciences courses: A level Physics is required, A level Mathematics preferred; AS level Mathematics accepted. * Additional requirements for Geology with Geophysics courses: One of the A levels must be Physics or Mathematics. If either of Physics or Mathematics is not taken at A level, these subjects must be taken at AS level. * Department Scholarship: We offer competitive scholarships, based on academic performance, at the start of the second, third and fourth years, together with a wide range of prizes and awards in each year for academic achievement and overall performance.
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Academic title
BSc Geology
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Course description
BSc Geology
Programme
First Year
You start your course with a broad introduction to Geoscience, including concepts of geological time and space, planetary geology, fossils, and the formation of sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks. You will discover the role of geology and of geoscientists in today’s society and will develop your geological knowledge and skills in a structured tutorial programme. Fieldwork includes day classes to study the local geology and twelve days in Scotland. An independent field-based project in an area of your choice is initiated during the first year.
Second Year
The modular programme provides comprehensive training in more advanced geological concepts including magmatic and metamorphic processes; the structure of the Earth’s crust; sedimentary processes and environments; applications of geophysical techniques to hydrocarbon exploration and micro-palaeontology. Fieldwork focuses on developing key field techniques and geological mapping training. Field-based modules are currently located in Spain and Wales.
Third Year
Key topics, such as mountain belt construction, the development of Earth's atmosphere, evolution of life, and the geochemistry of the mantle, continents and oceans, form the basis of study in this year, while a range of optional modules allow you to specialise. Depending on your interests, you can study oil, gas and mineral deposits, discover the palaeobiology of ancient life, examine the physical characteristics of rocks (petrophysics), learn about the climatic, tectonic and sea-level controls on sedimentation, explore the physical behaviour of magmas or gain some teaching experience in a school. You may choose field-based modules to Tenerife to study volcanology, to Skye and the NW Highlands to examine the development of sedimentary basins and mountain belts, or to SW England to learn about the applied geology and environmental issues associated with mineralisation. MGeol students take specialist modules to prepare for your independent research project in the fourth year. You will research and write a dissertation on a topic of your choice, discussing subjects such as the volcanic collapse of the Canary Islands, the Snowball Earth hypothesis, or the causes of mass extinctions. You will plan your research project and learn about the range of research equipment in the department that you could use for this.
