Geology and Physical Geography BSc (Hons)
Bachelor's degree
In Liverpool
Description
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Type
Bachelor's degree
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Location
Liverpool
The Earth surface system is dynamic and diverse, with changes driven by the interplay of physical, chemical, geological and biological processes in a wide range of environments. Drawing on the complementary expertise of staff in Geology and Physical Geography, this integrated degree programme provides a clear view of the controlling processes that link landscape evolution with environmental change and natural events that impact human activity. Fieldwork in Years Two and Three at Liverpool is designed specifically for this degree programme integrating geology and geomorphology. Students have academic tutors from both disciplines in Years One and Two. This degree is accredited by the Geological Society of London, satisfying the requirements of Fellowship and Chartered Geologist status. Graduates from this degree programme either gain employment directly or proceed to vocational MSc (such as Recent Environmental Change, Engineering Geology, Hydrogeology) or PhD degree programmes. Your training will include the comprehensive study of surface and near-surface processes, relevant to many industrial, engineering and environmental employment sectors. Years One and Two cover a wide range of geological and physical geography topics, allowing for greater choice in the final year. A research-based dissertation is undertaken in Year Three on a geological and/or geomorphological topic. A two-week field class to south eastern Spain in Year Three has been designed exclusively for Geology and Physical Geography students, integrating all aspects of the degree. Department Key Facts Number of first year students102 Geology and Geophysics Year One undergraduates in 2015 UK league tables12th in the Guardian University League Tables 2016 Graduate prospects84% in work or further study after six months, with an average salary of £20,000...
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About this course
Entry Requirements A level offerABB Subject requirementsTwo science A levels BTECD*DD in relevant diploma International Baccalaureate33 points with no score less than 4, inc. two Sciences at Higher Level Irish Leaving CertificateA1, A1, B1, B1 Scottish Higher/Advanced HigherNot accepted without Advanced Highers at grades ABB Advanced Welsh BaccalaureateAccepted including 2 Science A levels at grades AB EU Entry RequirementsEU Qualifications AccessAccess to HE Diploma in a relevant subject...
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Subjects
- Interpretation
- Credit
- C++
- Basic
- IT
- Basic IT training
- Basic IT
- Geology
- University
- Engineering
- GIS
- Physical Geography
- Skills and Training
Course programme
Students take seven compulsory modules and one optional module as outlined below.
Fieldwork involves:
- 1 day in North England (October)
- 8 days in Pembrokeshire (Easter)
- 2 days in NW England/Wales
- Study Skills and Gis (earth Science) (ENVS101) Level 1 Credit level 15 Semester Whole Session Exam:Coursework weighting 0:100 Aims
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To develop essential study and disciplinary skills required by Environmental Scientists, both for their current studies and future employment.
- Introduce students to key approaches/concepts and ideas in the Earth Sciences
- To help students identify and effectively employ appropriate sources of data and information
- Develop students'' study skills and provide essential training for subsequent years
- Develop students'' personal transferable skills.
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To introduce the application of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to Environmental Science
Learning Outcomes
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Introduction To Field Geology (ENVS109)
Level
1
Credit level
15
Semester
Whole Session
Exam:Coursework weighting
0:100
Aims
To introduce students to field geology
Learning Outcomes 1. Knowledge and Understanding On successful completion of this module, students should have competence in:a. Rock and mineral identification
2. Intellectual Abilities
b. Identification of characteristic features of rock outcrops
c. Geological history of PembrokeshireOn successful completion of this module, students should have competence in:
a. Interpretation of outcrop features in terms of geological processes and environments.
b. Three-dimensual visualizationOn successful completion of this module, students should have competence in:
a. How to make geological observations in the field
4. General Transferable Skills
b. How to record those observations
c. How to keep a scientific notebook
d. How to construct a sedimentary log
e. Geometrical analysis using stereonets
f. How to locate themselves on a topographic mapOn successful completion of this module, students should have competence in:
a. Teamwork through working in small groups each day.
b. Time and logistical management by fulfilling a strict and demanding timetable og outdoor work each day.
c. Conceptual problem solving by completing the active learning tasks set each day.
d. Fieldwork hazard assessment from a pre-class paper exercise and by evaluating hazards at each locality every day. -
Minerals, Magmas and Volcanoes (ENVS115)
Level
1
Credit level
15
Semester
First Semester
Exam:Coursework weighting
40:60
Aims
To introduce the petrological microscope
Learning Outcomes
To introduce the main rock forming minerals
To examine the origins of Earth''s magmas, igneous rocks and volcanoes.
To consider the physical and chemical properties of magmas, how compositions of magmas are changed, and how magma emplacement history is recorded in rock texture.
To examine the physical processes of the main types of volcanic activity and the associated hazards.
To introduce volcanic hazards awareness and principles of risk mitigation.Knowledge and understanding
On successful completion of this module, students should: a. Know the properties of common rock-forming minerals;
b. Understand common classification schemes for minerals and rocks;
c. Understand how minerals may be interpreted to infer geological conditions and processes.
d. Understand the nature, origins and possible outcomes of magmatic activity.
e. Understand processes of magma compositional change, and know how magmas and igneous rocks are classified.
f. Recognise common magmatic rocks in hand specimen and under the microscope.
g. Understand the physical and chemical processes and conditions that govern the spectrum of volcanic eruption styles, and know how volcanic activity is classified.
h. Understand the impact of volcanism on society and environment.Intellectual abilities
On successful completion of this module, students should have developed the ability to: a. Design a strategy for identifying minerals in hand specimen and thin section.
b. Be able to analyse magmatic rocks and make simple deductions concerning magmatic history.
c. Be able to observe, record, interpret and present descriptive information regarding volcanic activity.
d. Be able to solve problems concerning physical processes and the environment.
e. Be able to infer conditions and processes of emplacement and cooling from rock texture.
Subj ect base practical skills On successful completion of this module students should: a. Be able to use a hand lens and a petrological microscope;
b. Be able to make proper drawings of minerals seen in hand specimen and thin section.
c. Be able to use simple techniques of visualisation and numeracy to solve volcanological problems.
d. Competently use the petrological microscope to record textural information and unravel magmatic process.
- Introduction To Sedimentary Rocks and Fossils (ENVS118) Level 1 Credit level 15 Semester First Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 75:25 Aims
- The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the study of sediments and sedimentary rocks and to introduce the main groups of common fossil.
- The module aims to cover the basic language used to describe sediments and fossils and gives an introduction to a range of physical,chemical and biological concepts.
- The students are introduced to the economic significance of sediments and sedimentary rocks and how fossils provide information on geological time, evolutionary history and ancient environments. Learning Outcomes 1. Knowledge and Understanding
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Experiments In Physical Geography I (ENVS120)
Level
1
Credit level
15
Semester
First Semester
Exam:Coursework weighting
0:100
Aims
The module uses laboratory experiments to allow students to gain firsthand experience of some fundamental physical, biological and chemical processes underlying physical geography, aimed primarily at interactions between people and their physical environment. It is designed to provide a foundation for environmental modules in the second and third years.
It also aims to provide training in careful observation, appropriate handing of liquid and solid samples, and correct use of analytical instruments. Throughout there is emphasis on quality control via replication and reference materials, and appropriate use of descriptive and inferential statistics. Learning OutcomesLearning outcomes are threefold
- A deeper understanding of processes that underlie the interaction between people and the physical environment
- Specific knowledge in the use of selected important analytical instrument; and general knowledge about the principles and practice of accurate and precise measurement
- Appropriate treatment of data, including quality control, graphical representation, and statistical analysis
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Introduction To Structural Geology and Geological Maps (ENVS156)
Level
1
Credit level
15
Semester
Second Semester
Exam:Coursework weighting
80:20
Aims
To introduce small- and large-scale geological structures.
To introduce the principles of stress and strain.
To introduce stereographic projection techniques.
Record field observations and ideas.
Prepare and deliver oral and poster presentations.
Plan and structure written work to University standard.
Undertake independent GPS data collection and d emonstrate basic GIS interpretation and analysis techniques
Use IT tools to find accurate and up to date information, including University Library resources.
Work in groups effectively
By the end of the module the students should:
a. be able to give an account of the basic characteristics of the main types of sedimentary rock;
b. be able to demonstrate that they understand the origin of some of the most important structures and textures;
c. have a clear understanding of the relationships between sedimentary processes and products.
d. know the characteristic features of common fossilse.
e. know how fossils can be preserved
f. understand the concept of functional morphology and its use in determining modes of life in the fossil record
g. understand the use of fossils in dating rocks and
h. know how and why organisms are classified
2. Intellectual AbilitiesBy the end of the module the students should:
a. be able to analyse sedimentary structures and rock fabrics to interpret depositional processes;
b. be able to analyse petrographic fabrics to interpret diagenetic processes and environments;
c. be able to link observational data with systematic interpretation of process, product and, to a lesser extent, environment.
d. identify the common groups of fossil from observational data
e. expain how fossils form and interpret their depositional setting
f. interpret mode of life from fossil morphology
3. Subject Based Practical SkillsThe students should be able to:
a. use a hand lens and a petrological microscope to help describe and identify sedimentary rocks and particles;
b. observe and record features in sediments and sedimentary sequences in a concise and scientific way.
c. make accurate drawings of fossils
d. observe and describe the characteristic features of common fossils
4. General Transferable SkillsStudents are expected to develop:
a. skills in the accurate and systematic recording of data. (In practical classes they are given formative feedback on their laboratory books and these are handed in for inspection at the final examination);
b. an ability to synthesize information and to relate practical (observations) to relevant theoretical concepts. (This is tested in the examination).
c. the ability to work together and develop interpersonal and team work skills during the practicals: these are not formally assessed.
d. time management skills though completing and handing in assessed practical work on time
e. team skills through group working in practicals
Geology and Physical Geography BSc (Hons)