Geophysics with a Year Abroad

Bachelor's degree

In London

Price on request

Description

  • Type

    Bachelor's degree

  • Location

    London

  • Start date

    Different dates available

Our Geophysics degrees focus on the Earth as a dynamic system and its evolution through time.The Department of Earth Science and Engineering is one of the world's leading centres that combines the study of geoscience and engineering.

Facilities

Location

Start date

London
See map
South Kensington Campus, SW7 2AZ

Start date

Different dates availableEnrolment now open

About this course

Your programme of studies is designed for students with a specific interest in mathematics and physics, and the application of physical laws to the study of the Earth. Greater emphasis is therefore placed on mathematics and physics subjects and modelling techniques. The integrated, modular nature of our courses enables you to achieve a solid understanding of geosciences whilst also tailoring the degree course to suit your individual interests. You can choose from specialist...

We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis. If your qualifications are not listed here, please see our academic requirements by country page, which gives the minimum entry requirements for a range of international qualifications. A-levels You must achieve a minimum of AAA overall, to include: A in Mathematics A in Physics Geophysics candidates who do not meet this requirement will be offered Geology and...

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Subjects

  • IT
  • Geophysics
  • Geology
  • Maths
  • Engineering
  • Project
  • Programming
  • Systems
  • GIS

Course programme

Modules shown are for the current academic year, and are subject to change depending on your year of entry.

All of our Geophysics degrees share a common programme of studies for the first two years, which is divided into 50% theoretical, 25% practical and 25% coursework.

You must achieve a mark of 40% in each year in order to progress to the next year, and will need to achieve an average mark of 50% in the fourth year.

Year 1

In the first year, Geophysics students take advanced maths and physics classes with an emphasis on calculus, statistics and mensuration, as well as the subjects studied by Geoscience students with an introduction to programming in both Python and Matlab.

You can expect:

  • Broad introduction to geology and geophysics
  • Cover subjects not previously experienced
  • Learn to study independently in a university environment

You will learn basic geological principles and go on field trips in the UK and a two-week Rio Tinto Urra field trip to Spain.

You complete all of the core modules from all four areas below.

Theory 1
  • Dynamic Earth 1
  • Earth Materials and Stratigraphy
  • Maths Methods 1
  • Physical Processes
Theory 2
  • Maths Methods 2
  • Igneous and Metamorphic Processes
  • Surface Processes

You choose one of the following:

  • Chemistry for Geoscientists
  • Solid Earth Geochemistry
Practical
  • Numerical Methods 1
  • Programming for Geoscientists
  • Structural Geology 1
  • Graphics & Statistics for Geoscientists
Coursework
  • Earth Materials and Stratigraphy
  • Introduction to Field Geology
  • Field Geology 1
  • Projects, Tutorials and Workshops 1
Year 2

In your second year you can expect to:

  • Deepen knowledge of core geophysical subjects
  • Apply physical laws to geological questions
  • Enhance written, analytical and research skills

You will gain advanced knowledge of geophysical methods and processing techniques, particularly seismic imaging.

You will continue to study and deepen your knowledge of major branches of geoscience, such as:

  • Vibrations and Waves
  • Earth Resources
  • Global Geophysics, Earth Structure and Tectonics
  • Advanced Maths courses, Time Series Analysis
  • Applied Geophysics
  • Remote Sensing and GIS
  • Structural Geology, Geochemistry, Seismology

The major geophysics fieldtrip currently goes to Cyprus.

You study all of the core modules listed below in the four different groups.

Theory 1
  • Applied Geophysics 1
  • Global Geophysics
  • Maths Methods 3
  • Vibrations and Waves
Theory 2
  • Earth Resources
  • Maths Methods 4
  • Seismology

You choose one of the following:

  • Low Temperature Geochemistry
  • Solid Earth Geochemistry
Practical
  • Mechanics
  • Numerical Methods 2
  • Remote Sensing and GIS
  • Structural Geology 2
Coursework
  • Data Processing, Modelling and Interpretation of Morocco Data
  • Field Geophysics
  • Projects, Tutorials and Workshops 2
Year 3

Your third year is divided into the excellent year abroad opportunity (80%) and an Independent Geophysics Project (20%).

The Department have close links with leading institutions in Europe and North America.

You can read more on the year abroad on the Department’s website, including details of which universities you could visit on exchange.

Our Geophysics students have enjoyed exchanges with:

  • Berkeley, University of California
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
  • European partners within the Erasmus programme
Year 4
  • Enhance research skills by undertaking publishable research
  • Combine field and class-based learning in unique basin analysis field course
  • Specialise in chosen area while maintaining breadth of options

For each of the MSci degrees, the first term of the fourth year is devoted to a publishable independent research project. This may involve a mixture of fieldwork, laboratory/computing analysis and literature review of a relevant specialist topic.

The rest of the year adds to the specialist modules relevant to the degree and may include various optional modules (see below for provisional list).

Most students undertake a field course in southern Europe as their final option, bringing together four years of study.

  • Advanced Sedimentology; Structural Geology; Paleobiology; Remote Sensing Basin Analysis
  • Environmental and Engineering Geology
  • Geodynamics; Geohazards; Seismology; Impact Cratering
  • Palaeoceanography and Oceanography
  • Hydrogeology and Fluid Flow
  • Hydrothermal and Ore Systems; Minerals Processing; Earth Systems
  • Marine Geology and Geophysics; Biogeochemistry; Rock Mechanics; Solid Waste Management; Planetary Science
MSci Project (40%)

You complete an extensive project reliant upon significant research and independent study.

Optional modules (40%)

You take Science Communication and choose 7 modules from below:

  • Advanced Applied Geophysics
  • Advanced Exploration Seismology
  • Advanced Programming
  • Applied Sedimentology
  • Basin Analysis
  • Biogeochemistry
  • Dynamic Stratigraphy
  • Earth Systems
  • Environmental and Engineering Geology
  • Environmental Impact Assessment
  • Flow and Reactive Transport
  • Geodesy and Geomagnatism
  • Geodynamics
  • Geohazards
  • Geomorphology
  • Geophysical Inversion
  • Hydrogeology & Fluid Flow 2
  • Hyrdothermal and Ore Forming Processes
  • Low Temperature Geochemistry
  • Minerals Processing
  • Mining Water and Waste Management
  • Palaeo and Environmental Magnetism
  • Physical Oceanography
  • Physics of Planet Earth
  • Remote Sensing and GIS 2

Business and Humanities

You will have the choice of modules from Imperial Horizons and the Business School, which can broaden your studies.

  • Imperial Horizons
  • Business for Professional Engineers and Scientists
Coursework, practical and synopsis (20%)
  • Earth Science General Paper
  • Research Conference or Field Geology 5

Geophysics with a Year Abroad

Price on request