Geophysics (Geology) BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

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The Geophysics (Geology) BSc (Hons) program at the University of Liverpool trains students in the principles and practices of geophysics, with emphasis on pure and practical physics, exploration geophysics, and planetary-scale geophysics. The program combines core topics in geology, geophysics, and physics with advanced modules in geophysics, preparing graduates for careers in data interpretation, research, and the geological industry.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

This program, Geophysics (Geology) BSc (Hons), is designed to train students in the principles and practices of geophysics, with a strong emphasis on pure and practical physics. The program covers core topics in geology, geophysics, and physics, along with a selection of advanced modules in geophysics.

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Key Objectives:

• Provide training in practical/applied geophysics, exploration geophysics (particularly seismology), planetary-scale geophysics, and geophysical inverse theory.
• Offer high-level training in geophysics with supporting geology, including fundamental university training in physics and mathematics.
• Prepare students for careers in interpretation and processing of geophysical data (environmental, engineering, and exploration geophysics), and research areas related to geological applications.
• Equip students with research methodology skills for academic or industrial research careers.

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Outline:

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Year One:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Study Skills and GIS (Earth Science) (ENVS101): Introduces key skills for success in Earth Science, including academic integrity, exam skills, employability, 2D/3D visualization, GIS, Word, Excel, and programming skills.
• Sedimentary Rocks and Fossils (ENVS118): Covers the origin of sediment, sedimentary processes and structures, the importance of sedimentary rocks for hydrocarbons, water, and construction materials, and the major fossil groups.
• Mathematics for Physicists I (PHYS107): Provides a foundation in mathematics, including differentiation, integration, functions of multiple variables, matrix manipulation, vector algebra, eigenvectors, and eigenvalues.
• Introduction to Field Geology (ENVS109): Offers practical experience in field techniques, working with various rock types and tectonic structures, and recording field data.
• Earth Structure and Plate Tectonics (ENVS112): Introduces the structure and composition of the Earth, gravitational and magnetic fields, dynamics within the deep Earth, the physics of Earth material, and the geological time scale.
• Mathematics for Physics II (PHYS108): Introduces mathematical techniques used in physics, including differential equations, PDEs, integral vector calculus, and series.
• Earth Materials (ENVS185): Explores rock-forming minerals and critical raw materials, their environments of formation, occurrence, and abundance, and their uses and societal significance.
• Fieldwork:
• 1 day in North England (Autumn)
• 8 days in Pembrokeshire (Easter)

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Year Two:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Geophysical Mathematics and Potential Theory (ENVS201): Develops mathematical skills from year one, including solving partial differentiation, and applies these skills to potential theory for studying gravity and magnetism.
• Applied Geophysics (ENVS216): Introduces the principles and application of geophysical methods used for exploration purposes, including seismic refraction, seismic reflection, electrical methods, ground penetrating radar, gravity, and magnetics.
• Dynamics and Relativity (PHYS101): Covers Newtonian mechanics, including Newton's laws of motion, gravitation, and Kepler's laws of planetary motion, and introduces the theory of Relativity.
• Earth and Environmental Data Science (ENVS229): Introduces fundamentals of Earth and environmental data science, including methods for collating and computationally analyzing Earth Science data.
• Environmental Geophysics (ENVS258): Builds on the theory of Exploration Geophysics, introducing practical experience, data analysis, and interpretation of field data.
• Field Mapping Techniques (ENVS293): Provides training in geological mapping techniques, including notebook construction, vertical sections, lithostratigraphy, and cross-sections for 3D visualization.
• Optional Modules:
• Metamorphism and Crustal Evolution (ENVS212): Covers the subject of metamorphism, from the movement of atoms to form new minerals to the large-scale plate tectonic phenomena that drive it.
• Sedimentary Processes and Depositional Environments (ENVS219): Teaches the fundamental principles of interpreting sedimentary stratigraphy and develops students' abilities to recognize sedimentary textures and interpret ancient depositional environments.
• Volcanology and Geohazards (ENVS284): Explores the scientific, societal, economic, and political aspects of volcanic hazards within the wider geohazard context.
• Fieldwork:
• 15 days Geological Mapping Training in Spain (Easter)

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Year Three:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Signal Processing and Seismic Analysis (ENVS343): Introduces the fundamentals of signal processing and seismic interpretation, including correcting and enhancing data and interpreting seismic datasets.
• Geophysical Project (ENVS300): Provides an opportunity to undertake an individual geophysical research project within an active research group.
• Geophysics Field School (ENVS362): Offers practical training in exploration and environmental geophysics, including seismic, gravity, magnetic, and electrical methods.
• Optional Modules:
• Global Geophysics and Geodynamics (ENVS398): Covers advanced topics in plate tectonics, global mantle and core geodynamics, Earth and planetary history, and lithospheric-scale processes.
• Applied Earthquake and Volcano Seismology (ENVS388): Introduces the fundamentals of applied seismology and provides training for careers in seismology.
• Geophysical Data Modelling (ENVS386): Provides the tools to construct mathematical models of geophysical observations, interpret these models, and understand their limitations.
• Ocean Dynamics (ENVS332): Addresses how the ocean and atmosphere circulate, including the transport of heat, salt, and dissolved substances, the emergence of jets and weather systems, and the influence of seafloor topography.
• Simulating Environmental Systems (ENVS397): Teaches students to write and use simple numerical forward models of environmental systems, including geomorphic, geophysical, oceanographic, and ecological models.
• Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology (ENVS338): Covers the basic principles of engineering geology and hydrogeology, their applications, and their control on the mechanical stability of natural systems.
• Fieldwork:
• 10 days on the Isle of Man.

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Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the module and may include:

• Written exams
• Practical laboratory and computer examinations
• Coursework submissions (essays, scientific papers, briefing notes, lab/field notebooks, reports, portfolios)
• Oral and poster presentations
• Contributions to group projects
• Problem-solving exercises

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Teaching:

Teaching methods include:

• Lectures
• Practicals
• Workshops
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Fieldwork

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Careers:

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for careers in:

• Geological Surveys in the UK and abroad
• Hydrocarbon and support industries (ExxonMobil, BP, Shell, Geotrace, Geokinetics, Neftex, Robertson, Deloitte, CGG, Osiris, PGS)
• Engineering and environmental consultancies (The Environment Agency, Environmental Resources Management, URS Corporation, Caulmert Ltd, VerdErg Renewables, RSK Geophysics, RSK Environment, Geomaterials, Fugro)
• Mining and related industries (Gold Fields, Rio Tinto, Cliffs Natural Resources, Geological Solutions, Hanson Aggregate Marine Ltd, Aggregate Industries)

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Other:

• The program is accredited by the Geological Society of London, satisfying the requirements of Fellowship and Chartered Geologist status.
• The University of Liverpool has been awarded a Gold rating for educational excellence in the Teaching Excellence Framework 2023.
• The University provides support for students with disabilities and offers a range of scholarships and bursaries.
• The program involves laboratory and field work, with fieldwork locations ranging from inner city to coastal and mountainous environments.
• The program emphasizes learning through doing and provides opportunities for students to develop research skills.
• The University offers careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market, and strengthening networking skills.
• The University has close links with geoscience and environmental industries, ensuring that the program equips students for future employment.

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|---|---| | UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland) | Full-time place, per year: £9,250 | | Year in industry fee | £1,850 | | Year abroad fee | £1,385 | | International fees | Full-time place, per year: £27,200 | | Year abroad fee | £13,600 | | Payment | Fees shown are for the academic year 2024/25 |