Earth and ocean science bsc(hons)

Year 1

You will gain an understanding of core concepts in earth and ocean science including plate tectonics, geological time, Earth structure and composition, and ocean basin evolution.

You will study the ocean as a physical, chemical and biological system, and develop fieldwork, rock identification and mathematical and statistical skills.

Fieldwork includes a one-week residential field course in Pembrokeshire.

• Introduction to Marine Biology and Ecology

  This module will provide an overview of the major taxa of marine organisms, their diversity, ecology, biology and evolutionary relationship. Origin of life, evolution of marine life, living fossils and specific adaptations to marine habitats will be highlighted. The module will also introduce you to the biogeochemical processes that operate within the marine environment and how this relates to the ecology of oceans.

• Fundamentals of Geology

  This module will introduce you to the fundamental principles of geological science and their application to ‘reading the rock record’ to interpret the geological history of a region and past environments. The module integrates campus-based learning with a residential field course in an area of varied geology, such as Pembrokeshire. The field course will reinforce your understanding of the fundamental principles and introduce you to the techniques of geological data collection and interpretation.

• The Earth and Ocean System

  In this module you will explore and discuss the four ‘spheres’ of the Earth system: the lithosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere, and how they interact to produce the stratigraphic record of Earth history.

• Statistical and Spatial Data Analysis

  This module will introduce you to a variety of techniques utilised in both the academic and professional world for the analysis of geographical and environmental data. Emphasis is placed on developing skills and abilities to graphically/visually display data and assess patterns/relationships through statistical testing, and geospatial display and analysis. The module will introduce you to and allow you to become a competent user of statistical software.

• Introduction to Ecology and Conservation

  Module code: BY156

  This module will introduce you to key concepts and principles in both ecology and conservation science - illustrated with the use of both classic and cutting-edge case studies.

  Emphasis is placed on the links between ecology and conservation and also between theory and applied research.

• Diversity of Life

  Module code: BY151

  This module will provide an integrated approach to the study of living organisms. Beginning with a study of taxonomic principles, you will explore the cell biology of selected examples of microbes, plants and animals, focussing on cell structure and organisation. Key aspects will be emphasised using practical and field exercises.

• Earth Materials

  Module code: GG436

  This module will introduce you to chemical bonding, mineralsgroups, physical properties, crystal symmetry classes, optical mineralogy and the petrology and major element geochemistry of common sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rock types. You will develop skills in description and identification in hand specimen and petrological microscopy and, develop your reasoning in the key skills of systematic description, classification and, unravelling the petrogenesis of rock types.

• Fundamentals of Physical Geography

  Module code: GY411

  This module will provide a theoretical and practical introduction to a range of azonal (tectonic, climatic, hydrological, fluvial, coastal, slope, aeolian, and biogeographical) and zonal (glacial and periglacial) physical geographical systems. You will examine the ways in which these systems interact with and influence human activities, both at the present day and over archaeological timescales.

• Global Environmental Issues

  Module code: GY431

  This module will introduce you to a range of pressing global environmental issues which are explored from both natural science and social science angles, via a range of case studies. The module focuses on scientific, social, economic and political aspects of current and past environmental issues and explores how some of the issues may be addressed through interdisciplinary management and mitigation. Workshop sessions involving targeted pre-reading and small group working will take place at specific intervals.

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.