Palaeontology and Geology MSci (Hons)

Year 1

The first year provides you with a broad training in topics spanning the breadth of Earth Sciences, through compulsory modules. We don’t assume any prior knowledge; the chemistry, physics and maths that you require is taught in the context of individual modules, and applied to the problems that you’re investigating. Residential trips to Northern Ireland and South West Wales will train you in key skills in geological observation, data recording and interpretation

Compulsory modules

• Introduction to Evolution and Animal Biology
• Earth History and Life
• Earth Systems
• Atoms to Volcanoes
• Earth Structures & Tectonics
• Geoscience Project
• Introductory Field and Research Skills
• SW Wales Field Course

The Year 2 content builds on the first year, covering a range of specialised topics. Compulsory modules cover sedimentology, past environments and resources, and you can also choose two additional options from a diverse selection. The Year 2 field courses take you to North West Scotland and to SW England, where you will cover a wide range of exercises with an emphasis on palaeontology

Compulsory modules

• Micropalaeontology and Palaeoenvironments
• Sedimentology
• Field Skills and Project Planning for Independent Projects
• Resource Geology
• NW Scotland Field Skills
• Oceans Through Time

Optional modules (select two of the following):

• Animal Biology: Principles and Mechanisms
• Evolution of Humans and Other Animals
• Ecological Systems
• Genetics 1
• Geomorphology and Palaeoenvironments

Compulsory modules in Year 3 include your dissertation where you will undertake fieldwork the previous summer and an additional palaeontologically focussed field-based module that will expand your field and technical skills within your chosen field.

Compulsory modules:

• Earth Sciences Research
  
• Palaeontology Field and Museum Skills

Optional modules:

• Palaeoclimates
• Evolutionary Palaeobiology
• Evolution of Vertebrates
• Conservation Practice: Genes to Ecosystems
• Human Evolution
• Adaptation to Changing Environments
• Biodiversity and Conservation Management
• Genetics 2

The compulsory Year 4 modules include your major research project – in a topic that you will have devised with an academic – and a skills-based field module to SE Spain- training you in research and science communication.

Compulsory modules:

• Advanced Project
• Sedimentary Basin Analysis

Optional modules:

• Evolution of Vertebrates
• Evolutionary Palaeobiology
• Conservation Practice: Genes to Ecosystems
• Adaptation to Changing Environments
• Human Evolution
• Palaeoclimates

Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. Unless indicated otherwise, the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2020. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to compulsory modules after that date; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.