BSc (Hons) Physical Geography and Geology

In your first year, you'll build a foundation in physical geography and geology to understand mineral- and rock-forming processes. Core modules include Earth history and structure, the fossil record, biogeography, geomorphology, and surface processes. Laboratory classes will help you develop a range of key analytical skills and you’ll acquire essential field skills in the diverse landscapes of south-west England.

• GEOL1002 Earth Materials

• GEOL1004 Palaeontology and Stratigraphy

• GGP1200 Earth and Environmental Processes 1

• GGP1201 Earth and Environmental Processes 2

• PGG1001 Physical Geography and Geology Interactions

• GEES1001PP Natural Hazards

• GEES1003PP Sustainable Futures

• OS106PP Our Ocean Planet

In your second year, you’ll study Earth surface systems and a range of techniques and methods in physical geography and geology - developing your field skills in the dramatic environments of southern Spain. Core geological modules and the specialist long term landscape development module build on knowledge developed in your first year, while a range of physical geography options allow you to develop your physical geography knowledge in areas that interest you. You can choose to develop your skills further by applying to spend this year studying abroad in Canada, Australia, USA or Europe through our direct exchange, Erasmus or ISEP programmes.

Core modules

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

• GEOL2001 Sedimentology and Palaeontology

• GEOL2004 Stratigraphy and Earth History

• GEOL2007 Landscape Evolution

• GEOL2008PGG Fieldwork

• GGP2200 Quaternary Environments and Archaeology

• GGP2201 Catchment and River Environments

• GGP2202 Landscape Ecology

• GGP2203 Coastal Environments

• GGP2204 Cold Environments

• GGX2203 Geographical Information Systems

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

In your final year, you will undertake an independent field- or laboratory-based project for your honours dissertation, which is supported by a programme of professional skills development. You’ll also develop specialist knowledge and skills through a wide range of final year option modules spanning the spectrum of geology and physical geology, ranging from geohazards to coastal zone management. Develop advanced field skills during a field course in Iceland, Sicily or Cyprus.

• GEOL3002 Earth Science Independent Research Project and Professional Skills

• GEOL3004 Advanced Palaeontology and Sedimentology

• GEOL3006 Geological Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing

• GEOL3008 Advanced Geological Fieldwork

• GEOL3009 Earth Science Professional Case Studies

• GEOL3010 Engineering Geology

• GEOL3011 Petroleum Geoscience

• GGP3200 Restoring Freshwater Environments

• GGP3201 Long Term Ecology and Conservation

• GGP3202 Tectonic Geomorphology

• GGP3204 Biological Conservation

• GGP3205 Global Climate Change

• GGP3206 Desert Environments

• GGX3201 Advanced Fieldwork in Geography

• GGX3203 Work Based Learning in Geography

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.