Program Overview

Introduction to Environmental Geoscience

Environmental Geoscience is concerned with the interaction between the Earth sciences and human activity, providing a sound topical background in the environmental aspects of the Earth sciences. The programme is fully accredited by the Geological Society of London.

Programme Overview

The programme offers an integrated study of the Earth, encompassing the evolution of the planet and its internal workings, the development of its biosphere and atmosphere, and its surface processes, emphasizing natural and man-induced development of the terrestrial environment. Students will gain a scientific training that allows an examination of environmental issues related to the Earth sciences, such as those concerned with natural resources, their use to society, the disposal of waste outputs, and the understanding and minimization of geohazards.

Programme Structure

The programme assumes no previous knowledge of the Earth sciences but builds on a firm foundation of basic science acquired during the first two years. The third year of teaching is research-led, based around the Department's research strengths and research grouping, and includes a field-based independent research project. Up to 30 credits of optional modules in year two and three can be chosen from outside the department.

BSc and MSci Programmes

The first two years of the BSc and MSci programmes will be the same. However, the additional fourth year of the MSci allows for an individual research project and advanced options, providing extra depth and breadth of knowledge.

Year 1 BSc/MSci Core or Compulsory Modules

• Term 1:
  • GEOL0001 Earth Materials
  • GEOL0005 Foundations of Physical Geoscience (compulsory for students who don't have A-Level Maths)
  • GEOL0007 The Earth
  • GEOL0058 Matlab
  • GEOL0003 History of Life
  • GEOL0078 Mathematical Methods for Geoscience (compulsory for students who have A-Level Maths)
• Term 2:
  • GEOL0004 Dynamic Earth
  • GEOL0006 Surface Processes
  • GEOL0008 Geochemistry
  • GEOL0015 Maps, Images & Structures
• Optional modules: None
• Fieldwork: GEOL0015 Maps, Images & Structures (Dorset field course of 6 days)

Year 2 BSc/MSci Core or Compulsory Modules

• Term 1:
  • GEOL0011 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
  • GEOL0076 Introduction to Environmental Geoscience
• Term 2:
  • GEOL0017 Isotope Geology
  • GEOL0073 GIS and Remote Sensing
  • GEOL0077 Introduction to Mineral Resources
• Optional modules:
  • Term 1:
    • GEOL0009 Vertebrate Palaeontology & Evolution
    • GEOL0012 Global Geophysics
    • GEOL0016 Structural Geology & Tectonics
  • Term 2:
    • GEOL0010 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
    • GEOL0013 Principles of Climate
    • GEOL0018 Numerical Methods for Earth Sciences
• Fieldwork:
  • Pyrenees, part of GEOL0010 (taught in the Easter vacation)
  • Durness, Scotland, part of GEOL0016

Year 3 BSc/MSci Core or Compulsory Modules

• Term 1:
  • GEOL0024 Geological/Environmental Mapping Project
• Term 2:
  • GEOL0027 Groundwater Science
  • GEOL0031 Environmental Geochemistry
• Optional modules:
  • Term 1:
    • GEOL0020 Field Geophysics
    • GEOL0021 Biodiversity & Macroevolutionary Patterns
    • GEOL0022 Ocean Physics & Climate Change
    • GEOL0026 Earth and Planetary Materials
    • GEOL0043 Tectonic Geomorphology
    • GEOL0070 Volcanoes, Society and the Environment
  • Term 2:
    • GEOL0023 Crustal Dynamics, Mountain Building & Basin Evolution (fieldtrip only; no classroom element, taught in the Easter vacation)
    • GEOL0045 Palaeoclimate and Palaeoenvironmental Change
    • GEOL0057 Geodynamics & Global Tectonics
    • GEOL0061 Statistics for Geoscientists
    • GEOL0068 Applied Geoscience for Mineral Resources
    • GEOL0069 Artificial Intelligence for Earth Observations
• Fieldwork:
  • Various Locations, part of GEOL0024 Geological/Environmental Mapping Project (takes place over summer, before term 1)
  • Royal Greenwich Park, Greenwich, part of GEOL0020 (takes place in September preceding the start of Year 3)
  • SE Spain, GEOL0023 fieldtrip only; no classroom element, (taught in the Easter vacation)

Year 4 MSci

• MSci Co-ordinator: Prof. Ian Wood
• The fourth year of the MSci allows for an individual research project and advanced options, providing extra depth and breadth of knowledge.
• To progress to year 4 of the MSci programme, students must have a 3rd year average of 60% or better and a nominal BSc award of an upper second, or better.
• Compulsory modules MSci:
  • Term 1 & 2:
    • GEOL0039 Earth & Planetary System Science
    • GEOL0072 Independent MSci Project
• Optional modules MSci:
  • Term 1:
    • GEOL0026 Earth & Planetary Materials (if not taken in Year 3)
    • GEOL0022 Ocean Physics and Climate Change (if not taken in Year 3)
    • GEOL0041 Physical Volcanology & Volcanic Hazard
    • GEOL0043 Tectonic Geomorphology (if not taken in Year 3)
    • GEOL0044 Palaeoceanography
    • GEOL0062 Geological, Geotechnical and Hydrogeological Hazards
    • GEOL0070 Volcanoes, Society and the Environment (if not taken in Year 3)
    • CEGE0033 Seismic Risk Assessment
    • CENG0035 Minerals Usage, Extraction and Processing
  • Term 2:
    • GEOL0045 Palaeoclimate and Palaeoenvironmental Change (if not taken in Year 3)
    • GEOL0069 Artificial Intelligence for Earth Observation
    • GEOL0061 Statistics for Geoscientists (if not taken in Year 3)
    • GEOL0066 Meteorological and Hydrological Hazards
• Fieldwork: Germany, part of GEOL0039 Earth & Planetary System Science.

Your Learning

The programme uses a mixture of lectures, practical classes, field courses, directed reading, problem-orientated learning, private study, and tutorials to enable students to gain the theoretical knowledge and practical skills demanded by the programme, as well as to develop key transferable skills such as critical analysis, report writing, team working, and organisational skills.

Assessment

Students will be assessed by a combination of written examinations, practical examinations, coursework, independent project reports, and an oral examination.