Program Overview

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Physics with Geology, BSc

Introduction

This programme brings two hugely popular subjects together to help develop in-demand Geophysicists.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: BSc
• Duration: 48 months
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Start Month: September
• UCAS Code: F3F6
• Pathway Programme Available: Undergraduate Foundation Programme

Geology is the study of the Earth and how it works: its minerals, rocks, their structure and interactions above and below Earth's surface. It is also concerned with unravelling Earth history, including the history of life, and predicting future geologic events. Geophysics applies mathematics, the principles of physics, and modelling to study the Earth’s interior and investigates the Earth’s electromagnetic and gravitational fields.

At first sight, these two subjects, may appear very different however they are not. A Geophysicist explores the same problems as a Geologist but by application of physical, numerical, and computer technology methods and particularly physics based techniques to the study of Earth’s interior and for the exploration of natural resources. If you have ever wondered how volcanoes or earthquakes happen, why Tyrannosaurus is extinct, why mountains form, how oil and gas forms and how to find and produce it, or how climate changes over time, ask a Geophysicist.

Earth Sciences at the University of Aberdeen is ranked 1st in the UK for student satisfaction by the 2024 National Student Survey.

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme.

What You'll Study

You must choose options in your first two years in your joint Honours subject. At years 3 and 4 course options are prescribed, with key options in both subjects being studied.

Year 1

• Four core courses with the remaining credits being made up through choices.
• Two different paths available in year 1.

Compulsory Courses

• Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
• The Physical Universe A (PX1015)
• The Nature of The Environment Through Geological Time (GL1005)
• Calculus 1 (MA1005)
• Algebra (MA1006)
• The Physical Universe B (PX1513)
• Earth's Materials (GL1505)
• Calculus II (MA1508)

Optional Courses

• Select a further 15 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 2

Compulsory Courses

• Petrology & Mineralogy (GL2015)
• Light Science (PX2013)
• Dynamical Phenomena (PX2015)
• An Introduction to Field Geology (GL2510)
• Geophysics (GL2511)
• Practical Optics and Electronics (PX2505)
• Relativity and Quantum Mechanics (PX2510)

Optional Courses

• Select one of the following:
  • Stratigraphical Principles (GL2014)
  • Linear Algebra (MA2008)
  • Analysis I (MA2009)

Year 3

Compulsory Courses

• Energy and Matter (PX3014)
• Quantum Mechanics (PX3511)
• Introduction to the Solid State (PX3016)
• Electricity and Magnetism (PX3512)
• Mathematical Methods in Physics (PX3020)

Optional Courses

• Select two of the following:
  • Principles of Petroleum Geology (GL3018)
  • Structural Geology & Tectonics (GL3027)
  • Igneous & Metamorphic Petrology (GL3520)
  • Sedimentology (GL3521)
• Plus one of the following:
  • Advanced Practical Physics (PX3510)
  • Structure of Matter and the Universe (PX4510) OR Nuclear and Semiconductor Physics (PX4516)

Year 4

Compulsory Courses

• Project (PX4013)
• Case Studies in Physical Sciences (PX4007)
• Statistical Physics and Stochastic Systems (PX4012)

Optional Courses

• Select one of the courses listed below:
  • PX4510 - Structure of Matter and the Universe
  • PX4516 - Nuclear and Semiconductor Physics
  • PX4514 - Modelling Theory
• Plus 30 credit points of choice from Geology courses (GL Course Code).

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

• Field Trips
• Group Projects
• Individual Projects
• Lab Work
• Lectures

Assessment Methods

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:

• Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
• Practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course; and
• Written examinations at the end of each course.

Why Study Physics with Geology?

• Earth Sciences at the University of Aberdeen is ranked 1st in the UK for student satisfaction by the 2024 National Student Survey
• Geology at Aberdeen is ranked 8th in the UK by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024
• This popular degree programme combines about 75% Physics with 25% Geology courses. This combination of courses is ideal for people who are thinking of pursuing a career as a Geophysicist, perhaps in the oil industry
• Physics has been taught at the University since the year 1503
• A modern modular degree structure with a broad syllabus and a wide range of degree choices
• Benefit from our long tradition of teaching physical sciences combined with modern facilities. The Science Teaching Hub provides students with the most modern microscopy laboratories in the UK
• Along with developing your physics and geology knowledge, an emphasis is placed on transferable skills that are highly in demand in a range of careers and sectors
• We also offer a broad-based, less mathematical degree in Physical Science that allows the combination of Physics courses with a wide choice of other subjects
• Aberdeen is geographically perfect for the study of Geology, having some world-class field sites close at hand which can be conveniently visited on day courses. Many of the UK's top 100 Geological sites are within easy reach from Aberdeen and are visited by our students and staff alike
• Many past graduates continue to work in the city and links with industry are therefore very strong and employability second to none
• You will have the chance to join the American Association of Petroleum Geologists Student Chapter. This is an active and very social Student Chapter which will give you the opportunity to expand your knowledge, skills and networks beyond the classroom

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

• SQA Highers: Standard: AABB, Minimum: BBB, Adjusted: BB
• A LEVELS: Standard: BBB, Minimum: BBC, Adjusted: CCC
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL, including HL in Mathematics and Physics.
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3, Including H3 in Mathematics and Physics.

Fees and Funding

• England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £9,535
• EU / International students: £24,800
• Home Students: £1,820

Careers

• Associate Technical Professional
• Borehole Geologist
• Data Manager
• Field Engineer
• Logging Geologist
• Mudlogger
• Site Engineering Geologist
• Well Planning Engineer

Our Experts

• Programme Coordinator: Professor David Muirhead
• Programme Manager: Professor Robert Butler

Features

• Learn from world-class experts
• Geophysics Field Trips
• Aberdeen University Geological Society

Related Undergraduate Degrees

• BSc Geology and Physics
• BSc Physics