Geology & Petroleum Geology
Bachelor's degree
In Aberdeen
Description
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Type
Bachelor's degree
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Location
Aberdeen (Scotland)
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Duration
4 Years
Understanding geology as fundamental to the exploration for hydrocarbon resources. However, before such specialism can be made, a basic knowledge of the way the Earth works is vital to the understanding of the nature and origin of Earth Resources.
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Location
Start date
Start date
About this course
First year entry Scottish Highers BBBB or Advanced Highers CCC or A Levels CCC, including good performance in at least two Mathematics/Science/Technology subjects.
Advanced entry Advanced Highers BBB or A levels BBB, including Geology.
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Course programme
Programme Structure & Content
First Year
Two core courses:
- The Natural environment through Geological Time
- The Materials forming our Dynamic Earth
The first course considers the key themes relating to the evolution of the Earth over the past 4,500 million years, including: the Earth in the solar system; Internal structure and chemical composition of the Earth; Continents, oceans and plate tectonics; Formation and fill of sedimentary basins; Absolute and relative geological time (the fossil record and absolute dating); Geological maps and structures. Volcanism.
The second course examines the origin, physical and chemical characteristics of the rocks and minerals that make up the Earth.
Second Year
Four courses form the second year curriculum:
- Palaeontology
- Field and Laboratory Techniques (includes a seven residential day field course in NE Spain)
- Mineralogy
- Sedimentology
Each course builds upon the knowledge-base from the two first year courses.
Third & Fourth Year (Honours)
Over the 2 Honours years, a total of three residential field courses (28 days) a number of day-long field exercises and an independent field-based project (28 days) emphasize the hands-on nature of the subject. A number of elective courses can be chosen from a menu, depending on the interests of the student and programme for which they are studying.
Teaching & Assessment
Courses are taught by a combination of lectures, practical and field work tailored to the subject matter. All courses are supported by various on-line resources. Workshops on advanced research techniques and one-on-one discussions with staff help students to design and carry out Honours project work. The assessment for most courses combines exams with in-course assessment. In-course assessments are most commonly built around "real world" geological data sets which need to be manipulated and interpreted in order to solve geological problems.
Additional information
Career opportunities: The vast majority of Geology and Petroleum Geology graduates find employment within the hydrocarbon or mineral exploration and exploitation sectors within a few months of graduating. Additionally, postgraduate specialised study is a popular pathway toward careers in the oil industry. Studying Geology also develops a range of transferable skills such as: critical thinking, research design and data analysis skills, proficiency in IT, and the ability to communicate effectively in various formats, which all enhance graduate employability.
Geology & Petroleum Geology