BSc (Hons) Geology

Laying the foundations of geological knowledge, your first year provides you with an introduction to laboratory and field skills. You'll learn about key Earth processes including plate tectonics, and take a practical approach to the study of minerals, rocks, fossils and geological structures. Our tutorials will help you gain effective study techniques and computing skills and you'll develop your confidence with a personal tutor, providing you with weekly guidance throughout your first year. You'll also undertake fieldwork, including residential classes, across the South West.

• GEOL1001 The Dynamic Earth

• GEOL1002 Earth Materials

• GEOL1003 Geosystems

• GEOL1004 Palaeontology and Stratigraphy

• GEOL1005 Geological Maps and Structural Geology

• GEES1001PP Natural Hazards

• GEES1003PP Sustainable Futures

• OS106PP Our Ocean Planet

Year 2 consolidates the knowledge and skills developed in year one, with an emphasis on the practical side of geology. You'll develop observational, analytical and interpretive skills and the ability to use them to answer fundamental geological questions. You'll also learn to make geological maps and develop new field skills which will be used in fieldwork you undertake in both the UK and in Spain. You’ll also have the opportunity to spend your second year studying abroad in Canada, Australia, USA or elsewhere through our direct exchange, Erasmus or ISEP programmes.

• APIE217 Preparation for a Year Long Work Placement in Earth Sciences

• GEOL2001 Sedimentology and Palaeontology

• GEOL2002 Structures, Magmas and Volcanoes

• GEOL2003 Geospatial Techniques

• GEOL2004 Stratigraphy and Earth History

• GEOL2005 Structural and Metamorphic Geology

• GEOL2006 Geological Fieldwork

Take advantage of our optional placement year, giving you the opportunity to develop your geological skills in the workplace and gain valuable experience. Find your perfect placement with the help of our employability service and benefit from specialist workshops and tutorials in your second year, helping you prepare for your year in industry.

• APIE316 Placement in Earth Sciences

Your third year gives you the opportunity to develop specialised geological knowledge and skills through selecting optional modules from your specialist degree route. Optional modules include palaeontology, sedimentology, tectonics, volcanology and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). You may also undertake advanced fieldwork and will complete an independent field-based mapping and research project, which will develop your professional skills. Our optional field courses visit exciting locations such as Sicily and Cyprus.

• GEOL3001 Geological Mapping Research Project and Professional Skills

• GEOL3003 Geophysics

• GEOL3004 Advanced Palaeontology and Sedimentology

• GEOL3005 Tectonics

• GEOL3006 Geological Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing

• GEOL3007 Igneous and Volcanic Processes

• GEOL3008 Advanced Geological Fieldwork

• GEOL3009 Earth Science Professional Case Studies

Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.