Environmental Geoscience is concerned with the interaction between the Earth sciences and human activity, and provides a sound topical background in the environmental aspects of the Earth sciences. The programme is fully accredited by the Geological Society of London.
Prospectus:
Further enquiries:
The programme offers an integrated study of the Earth, encompassing the evolution of the planet and its internal workings, the development of its biosphere and atmosphere, and its surface processes, emphasising natural and man-induced development of the terrestrial environment.
You will gain a scientific training which allows an examination of environmental issues related to the Earth sciences, such as those concerned with natural resources, their use to society, the disposal of waste outputs and the understanding and minimisation of geohazards. The strong emphasis on fieldwork provides a unique opportunity to develop independent and team skills and problem-solving abilities.
The programme assumes no previous knowledge of the Earth sciences but builds on a firm foundation of basic science acquired during the first two years. The third year of teaching is research-led, based around the Department's research strengths and research grouping, and includes a field-based independent research project.
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.
Year 1 Bsc/MSciÌý
Core or compulsory modules
Term 1:
- GEOL0001 Earth Materials
- GEOL0005 Foundations of PhysicalÌýGeoscienceÌý(compulsory for students who don’t have A-Level Maths)
- GEOL0007 The Earth
- GEOL0058 Matlab
- GEOL0003 History of Life
- GEOL0078 Mathematical MethodsÌýfor GeoscienceÌý(compulsory for students who have A-Level Maths)
Term 2:
- GEOL0004 Dynamic Earth
- GEOL0006 Surface Processes
- GEOL0008 Geochemistry
- GEOL0015 Maps, Images & Structures
Optional modules:
Term 1:
NoneÌý
Fieldwork:
- GEOL0015 Maps, Images & StructuresÌý(DorsetÌýfield course of 6 days)
Year 2 Bsc/MSciÌý
Core or compulsory modules
Term 1
Term 2:
Optional modules:
Term 1:
- GEOL0009 Vertebrate Palaeontology & Evolution
- GEOL0016 Structural Geology & Tectonics
- GEOG0019 GeomorphologyÌý
Term 2:
- GEOL0010 Sedimentology and StratigraphyÌý
- GEOL0013 Principles of Climate
- GEOL0018 Numerical Methods for Earth Sciences
Fieldwork:
- Pyrenees, part of GEOL0010 (taught in the Easter vacation)
- Durness, Scotland, part of
Places on GEOG* courses may be limited. You are requested to register your choice on Portico & await approval from the Geography department. Other modules are available from the STS department. Please get permission from both the teaching department and the Undergraduate Tutor. Failure to do so may result in you being rejected from the module.
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Year 3 Bsc/MSciÌý
Core or compulsory modules
Term 2:
- GEOL0027 Groundwater ScienceÌý
- GEOL0068 Applied Geoscience for Mineral Resources
- GEOL0031 Environemtnal Geochemistry
Optional modules:
Term 1:
- GEOL0020 Field Geophysics
- GEOL0021Ìý Biodiversity & Macroevolutionary Patterns
- GEOL0022 Ocean Physics & Climate ChangeÌý
- GEOL0024ÌýGeological/Environmental Mapping ProjectÌý
- GEOL0026 Earth and Planetary Materials
- GEOL0043ÌýTectonic Geomorphology
- GEOL0070 Volcanoes, Society and the Environment
Term 1 & 2:
Term 2:
- GEOL0023Ìý Crustal Dynamics, Mountain Building & Basin EvolutionÌý(fieldtrip only; no classroom element,Ìýtaught in the Easter vacation)
- GEOL0045ÌýPalaeoclimate and Palaeoenvironmental Change
- GEOL0057 Geodynamics & Global Tectonics
- GEOL0061ÌýStatistics for Geoscientists
- GEOL0069 Artifical Intelligence for Earth Observations
Fieldwork:
- Various Locations, part ofÌýGEOL0024 Geological/Environmental Mapping ProjectÌý(takes place over summer, before term 1).
- Royal Greenwich Park, Greenwich, part of GEOL0020Ìý(takes place in September preceding the start of Year 3)Ìý
- SE Spain,ÌýGEOL0023Ìýfieldtrip only; no classroom element,(taught in the Easter vacation)
Compulsory modulesÌýMSci:
Term 1 & 2:
Optional modulesÌýMSci:
Term 1:
- GEOL0026Ìý Earth & Planetary MaterialsÌý(if not taken in Year 3)
- GEOL0022Ìý Ocean Physics and Climate ChangeÌý(if not taken in Year 3)
- GEOL0041ÌýÌý Physical Volcanology & Volcanic Hazard
- GEOL0043 ÌýTectonic GeomorphologyÌý(if not taken in Year 3)
- GEOL0044Ìý ÌýPalaeoceanographyÌý
- GEOL0062 Geological, Geotechnical and Hydrogeological Hazards
- GEOL0070 Volcanoes, Society and the Environment (if not taken in Year 3)
- CEGE0033Ìý Seismic Risk Assessment
- CENG0035Ìý Minerals Usage, Extraction and Processing
Term 2:
- GEOL0045ÌýPalaeoclimate and Palaeoenvironmental ChangeÌý(if not taken in Year 3)
- GEOL0069ÌýArtificial Intellingence for Earth Observation
- GEOL0061ÌýStatistics for GeoscientistsÌý(if not taken in Year 3)
- GEOL0066ÌýMeteorological and Hydrological Hazards
Fieldwork:ÌýÌý Ìý
- Germany, part ofÌýGEOL0039 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.
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