Geology and Geophysics

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

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

You can expect:

• a broad introduction to geology
• to cover subjects not previously experienced
• catch up on aspects of sciences not studied at school

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

You will be taught to see the Earth as a dynamic system, and complete all of the core modules from the four areas below.

• Dynamic Earth 1
• Earth Materials and Stratigraphy
• Maths or Maths Methods 1
• Physics for Geoscientists or Physical Processes

• Chemistry for Geoscientists or Solid Earth Geochemistry
• Igneous and Metamorphic Processes
• Life and Earth History or Maths Methods 2
• Surface Processes

• Graphics & Statistics for Geoscientists
• Optical Mineralogy and Petrology or Numerical Methods
• Programming for Geoscientists
• Structural Geology 1

• Earth Materials and Stratigraphy
• Field Geology 1
• Introduction to Field Geology
• Projects, Tutorials and Workshops 1

You study all of the core modules listed below.

• Applied Geophysics 1 or Maths 1
• Global Geophysics or Physical Processes
• Igneous 1 or Maths Methods 3
• Sedimentary Geology or Vibrations and Waves

• Earth Resources
• Palaeontology 1 or Maths Methods 2 or Maths Methods 4
• Seismology or Structural Geology 3
• Solid Earth Geochemistry or Low Temperature Geochemistry

• Metamorphic 1 or Mechanics
• Rocks Master Class or Numerical Methods 2
• Remote Sensing and GIS
• Structural Geology 2

• Field Geology 2 or Field Geophysics
• Field Geology 3 or Data Processing, Modelling and Interpretation of Morocco Data
• Projects, Tutorials and Workshops 2

You study a combination of core and optional modules in four separate areas.

Choose four of the following:

• Basins and Tectonics
• Climate
• Ice and Fire
• Seismic Techniques
• Solar System Geoscience

You choose six modules from below, which you can also choose from in your fourth year (see Year 4 - Optional modules).

• Advanced Applied Geophysics
• Advanced Exploration Seismology
• Advanced Programming
• Biogeochemistry
• Dynamic Stratigraphy
• Earth Systems
• Environmental and Engineering Geology
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Flow and Reactive Transport
• Geodesy and Geomagnetism
• Geodynamics
• Geohazards
• Geomorphology
• Hydrogeology & Fluid Flow 2
• Hydrothermal 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
• Thermodynamics

• Independent Geology/Geophysics Project
• Earth Science Synthesis (ESS)

• Ore Deposits or Hydrogeology and Fluid Flow 1
• EPEX Business Simulation or Field Geology 4
• Earth Science General Paper

• 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

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

You take Science Communication and choose seven modules from the list below and the selection in year three:

• Applied Sedimentology
• Basin Analysis

Earth Science General Paper
Research Conference or Field Geology 5