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ENVS1008
Environmental Management and Protection
20 credits
Introductory aspects of environmental sustainability. Critical evaluation of social, environmental and economic aspects of the environmental issues faced by our planet and how they may be solved by using regulation, the law, corporate social responsibility, specific European Union directives, impact assessments and environmental management systems.
70% Coursework
30% Tests
ENVS1003
The Biosphere
20 credits
This module will describe, illustrate and explain principles, processes and concepts relevant to understanding life on Earth and human impacts upon it.
70% Coursework
30% Tests
GEOL1008
Sustainable Geoscience
20 credits
An introduction to sustainable geoscience and the role of geoscientists in the solution of global challenges and UN sustainable development goals. Introduction to good, professional and ethical scientific practice. The module also introduces the Earth as a system of interlinked spheres (geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere), and the unifying paradigms associated with geological time and plate tectonics.
60% Coursework
40% Practicals
GEOL1009
Earth Materials and Resources
20 credits
An introduction to Earth materials (minerals, rocks and resources) and geological structures, focussing on their formation, composition and properties from a theoretical and practical perspective, supported by case study(ies). The environmental and ethical issues associated with resource exploitation will be introduced. Students will be introduced to safe and professional field practice.
70% Coursework
30% Remotely delivered assessments
GEOL1010
Climate Tectonics and Hazards
40 credits
This module provides an introduction to Earth Surface processes and their interactions with plate tectonics, at present and in the geological past. Participants learn how an understanding of Earth surface processes and environments can be used in determining the cause and nature of past and future climate and oceanographic change, and in the understanding, prediction and mitigation of a range of geological hazards.
50% Coursework
25% Practicals
25% Tests
ENVS2003
Environmental Management and Sustainability
20 credits
The module covers areas of knowledge essential for all environmental science graduates: ecological economics, life supporting resources and environmental law.
60% Coursework
40% Practicals
ENVS2004
Environmental Issues and Communication
20 credits
Through immersion in contemporary environmental issues, this module develops the knowledge and skills necessary to locate, analyse, evaluate and communicate scientific information in a range of contexts and to a range of audiences. Students develop their professional skills, as well as the skills to engage with a wide range of stakeholders and decision makers, from scientific experts to the general public.
100% Coursework
GEOL2014
The Earth Surface and Critical Zone
40 credits
This module provides a practical and theoretical understanding to the analysis of the Earth surface and near surface (the Critical Zone), integrating a range of data and analytical methods to explore present and ancient environments.
50% Coursework
25% Practicals
25% Remotely delivered assessments
GEOL2015
The Earth's Interior and Resources
40 credits
This module provides a theoretical and practical understanding of the analysis of the Earth’s subsurface. Students learn how to analyse and interpret subsurface data (including geophysical techniques) and geological materials formed in the subsurface, applications of these techniques and knowledge in resource exploration and production, and the impacts of subsurface investigations.
50% Coursework
25% Practicals
25% Remotely delivered assessments
GEES2000
Placement Preparation
0 credits
This module explores the role of placements, work experience and volunteering for enhancing employability whilst at university and as a future graduate. It considers placement options (types, durations) and supports students in developing applications and preparing for interviews.
100% Assessments
GEES3000
Placement
0 credits
This module is a placement position, where a student undertakes a programme of work within a host company or organisation. The placement occurs within a yearlong period, meeting minimum duration requirements. Students experience applying their degree, experience professional practice, develop enhanced subject-related knowledge and skills, and undergo personal-professional development.
100% Coursework
GEOL3016
Geoscience Research Project
40 credits
This module involves the planning, data collection, data analysis and manipulation, interpretation and presentation of a substantive piece of original geological research, based around primary data collection by the student. The project may involve field, laboratory, desk-based or combination study.
85% Coursework
15% Practicals
GEOL3020
Professional Field and Core Analysis
20 credits
Students undertake two applied geological projects, gathering, integrating, analysing, and interpreting structural and stratigraphic data for an applied geological mapping project and an analysis of rock core material, integrating analysis of a range of associated samples and data. Students are trained in a professional methodology to safe and ethical practice and presentation of the work to a range of audiences.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
GEOL3022
Environmental and Resource Geoscience
20 credits
This module investigates the interactions between humans and the subsurface, from the impact of industrial legacies on land quality and water resources, to the role that the subsurface plays in renewable energy storage. Students learn to use industry standard software and workflows to evaluate subsurface sites for energy resources, safe subsurface storage of resources, carbon dioxide or hazardous waste.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
ENVS3013
Global Environmental Solutions
20 credits
In this module students will take an interdisciplinary solution-based approach to contemporary global environmental issues employing both ecological economics principles and environmental law.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
ENVS3016
Climate Change Action
20 credits
The module introduces climate change adaptation and mitigation. Biotic and technological mitigation will be explored and evaluated in the context of different geographical settings.
50% Coursework
50% Remotely delivered assessments
GEOL3023
Tectonics and Geohazards
20 credits
This module involves the study of one of the World’s most tectonically active settings to gain an in-depth understanding of how active tectonics, climate and environmental change interact and have evolved to control the nature and distribution of geological and geomorphological features, natural hazards and resources. The impacts/mitigation of hazards and resource exploitation are evaluated, usually around field data.
100% Coursework
GEOL3024
Environmental Change Through Earth History
20 credits
This module will demonstrate how the study of past environmental change can be used to help us better understand the impacts of future anthropogenic induced environmental change. Using a range of cutting edge geochemical, palynological, and modelling techniques, students will evaluate past environmental changes events as proxies for the future.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
UCAS tariff
112 - 120
Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.
Student | 2024-2025 | 2025-2026 |
---|---|---|
Home | £9,250 | £9,250 |
International | £18,100 | £18,650 |
Part time (Home) | £770 | £770 |
To reward outstanding achievement the University of Plymouth offers scholarship schemes to help towards funding your studies.
Adrienne, BSc (Hons) Geology student, shares her experience of a course field trip in Italy.
‘We got to go to Sicily and see volcanoes erupting’
Research by our Earth Scientists on the Celtic Sea bed is helping develop renewable energy futures in the south west.