Exploration and Resource Geology (BSc)

An exploration geologist requires a broad range of skills including: an aptitude for fieldwork, good ICT skills and the ability to make key decisions from limited information. This applied and vocationally-orientated course will prepare you for a potentially exciting professional career as a geologist working in the global hydrocarbon, metaliferous or bulk mineral industries.

I wanted to study geology and travel. The MESci Geology (International) course at Cardiff incorporated these two criteria, with the added bonus of being taught key research skills. I spent my 3rd year in America at the University of Wyoming. Every University department is different so by studying abroad I was taught different aspects of geology by a wide variety of experts, an experience that allowed me to make friends from all over the world, network in a professional field, expand my knowledge and experience different cultures.

Eva Marquis, MESci International Geology 2011 Year one

The course structure is very flexible. All Cardiff's School of Earth and Ocean Science degree programmes share a common first Semester. This is designed to give you a sound foundation in Earth Sciences upon which to build. At the end of your first Semester you will decide whether to continue with your original degree choice or choose another of Cardiff's Earth Science degrees.

Core modulesModule titleModule codeCreditsThe Sedimentary SystemEA110210 creditsIntroduction to Earth Science FieldworkEA112320 creditsIntroduction to Earth Science SkillsEA112210 creditsLife Through TimeEA110810 creditsEarth MaterialsEA111210 creditsEarth and Planetary System ScienceEA110120 creditsFormation of the British IslesEA110710 creditsNatural Resources and EnergyEA110610 creditsGeological Maps, Sections and StructuresEA111010 creditsDangerous EarthEA110310 creditsYear two

Extensive field training during this year includes residential trips to Dorset, Cornwall and Spain during these trips you will learn a wide range of practical skills that are an essential training for exploration geologists.

In your second summer, you are encouraged to undertake an industrial placement project with an exploration company in the UK or overseas. Alternatively, you can complete an exploration project or geological mapping topic under our academic supervision.

Core modulesModule titleModule codeCreditsData Acquisition and AnalysisEA210110 creditsApplied GISEA213010 creditsStructural GeologyEA210810 creditsMetamorphic GeologyEA212410 creditsPlate TectonicsEA210910 creditsGeophysical ExplorationEA210710 creditsGeological ResourcesEA211110 creditsField Skills in Exploration and Resource GeologyEA210320 creditsIgneous GeologyEA212510 creditsSedimentary Processes, Petrology and StratigraphyEA213520 creditsYear three

In your third year, you will write up a research report on your placement or mapping project. You will also follow core modules in both mineral and hydrocarbon resources, plus an overseas field course to Cyprus.

You will meet visiting guest lecturers and learn to design a professional exploration project.

Core modulesModule titleModule codeCreditsExploration and Resource Geology FieldcourseEA311110 creditsPetroleum Geology and Basin AnalysisEA311920 creditsOres and Ore GenesisEA312420 creditsOptional modules

Module titleModule codeCreditsExploration and Resource Geology ProjectEA311230 creditsExploration Placement ProjectEA311330 creditsWater ResourcesEA311710 creditsAdvanced Sedimentology and StratigraphyEA311810 creditsStructural TechniquesEA313110 creditsEnvironmental LawEA313410 creditsEngineering GeologyEA312310 creditsHazards and RiskEA313910 creditsApplied MineralogyEA314410 creditsVolcanic and Magmatic ProcessesEA310110 credits The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.