Exploration and Resource Geology (MESci)

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.

The four year undergraduate programme is designed for high quality candidates who aim to pursue a research career in academia, government or industry. The course involves learning about the process and outcomes of research and enables students to specialise in areas of their choice. During the first two years you will study modules in common with students in the BSc programme but with small group teaching of up to six students provided through a research tutorial. These tutorials will allow you to explore your long term research interests and will provide more extensive opportunities than the three-year scheme. In the final two years you will concentrate on core topics in Exploration and Resource Geology as well as modules giving skills in science and research in a field of your choice.

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.

You will have a tutor involved in research into Exploration and Resource Geology and complete a research project on an aspect of Exploration and Resource Geology.

Core modulesModule titleModule codeCreditsThe Sedimentary SystemEA110210 creditsMESci Earth Science FieldworkEA112520 creditsLife Through TimeEA110810 creditsEarth MaterialsEA111210 creditsResearch Tutorial with Earth Science SkillsEA112410 creditsFormation of the British IslesEA110710 creditsEarth and Planetary System ScienceEA110120 creditsNatural Resources and EnergyEA110610 creditsGeological Maps, Sections and StructuresEA111010 creditsDangerous EarthEA110310 creditsYear two

The year two suite of modules in Exploration and Resource Geology are aimed at providing you with the basic knowledge and understanding in order to identify your own interests in Exploration and Resource Geology research. You will participate in an extensive field programme consisting of both day trips and residential courses to Dorset, Cornwall and Spain, which aims to train you in field techniques necessary for research in Exploration and Resource Geology. You will have the opportunity to research on a field topic of your choice and will present the results in the form of a research poster at the annual MESci Research Conference.

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 codeCreditsApplied GISEA213010 creditsData Acquisition and AnalysisEA210110 creditsMetamorphic GeologyEA212410 creditsStructural GeologyEA210810 creditsPlate TectonicsEA210910 creditsExploration and Resource Geology Field skills and Research TutorialEA211920 creditsGeophysical ExplorationEA210710 creditsGeological ResourcesEA211110 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, in addition to completing a specific MESci research project. You will learn how to prepare a research paper for publication and present the results of your research as a lecture at the annual MESci Research Conference. 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 creditsResearch SkillsEA314010 creditsOptional modules

Module titleModule codeCreditsExploration and Resource Geology ProjectEA311230 creditsExploration Placement ProjectEA311330 creditsVolcanic and Magmatic ProcessesEA310110 creditsWater ResourcesEA311710 creditsAdvanced Sedimentology and StratigraphyEA311810 creditsStructural TechniquesEA313110 creditsEnvironmental LawEA313410 creditsEngineering GeologyEA312310 creditsHazards and RiskEA313910 creditsApplied MineralogyEA314410 creditsYear four

The major element in the fourth year of the programme is a research project on an exploration topic of your choice. This project will enable you to master and demonstrate the skills you will need in your future career.

The research project is complemented by a Research Frontiers module, in which the latest ideas in Earth Sciences research are discussed. In addition to a year four fieldcourse you have a choice of optional modules.

Core modulesModule titleModule codeCreditsMESci FieldcourseEA410510 creditsMESci Research ProjectEA412070 creditsOptional modules

Module titleModule codeCreditsContaminated LandEA410310 creditsEvolution of AntarcticaEA410710 creditsProcess Geomorphology - from Source to SinkEA411010 creditsAdvanced MetallogenesisEA411810 creditsGeodynamicsEA411910 creditsIPCC: The Physical Science BasisEA412310 creditsAdvanced Igneous PetrogenesisEA410810 creditsMESci Structural TechniquesEA412410 creditsMESci Magmatic ProcessesEA412510 creditsMESci Professional Engineering GeologyEA412610 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.