Geology bsc(hons)

Year 1

Year 1 provides a foundation in the earth sciences and assumes no prior knowledge of geology. The emphasis is on key principles of geology and earth sciences and developing your practical skills through fieldwork in Yorkshire and Pembrokeshire.

• 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.

• Geological Visualisation

  Interpretation of the geological structure and history of an area from a geological map is an essential skill for a geologist. This module will teache you these skills using problem maps and published geological maps in the context of the geological history of the British Isles. Field geological mapping skills are also developed including: how to make field measurements, collect geological data, describe rocks in the field, produce a geological map and section, and produce an integrated report based on field observations.

• Earth Materials

  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.

• Quantitative Geoscience

  In this module you will develop your understanding of, and technical competence in the basic pure mathematical principles which underpin geosciences. You will be introduced to concepts of basic statistical analysis and the different ways of representing data graphically.

• 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.

• 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.

• Essentials of Analytical Chemistry

  Module code: CH150

  This module will enable you to develop basic theoretical and laboratory skills in analytical chemistry. The module will integrate aspects of physical, organic and inorganic chemistry through application of chemical knowledge to analytical problems.

• 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.

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