BSc (Hons) Environmental Geoscience

GEES1201
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.

GEES1202
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.

GEES1203
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.

GEES1303
Our Ecological Planet: Biodiversity and Ecological Change 20 credits

You will be introduced to the principles of ecology, including taxa identification, species structure, habitat and biodiversity. You will be familiarised with the concept of environmental disturbance and conservation and, though field studies and data analysis, develop the skills required to understand and investigate global biodiversity and ecological challenges.

GEES1305
The Environmental Manager's Toolbox 20 credits

You will be introduced to the social and economic aspects of global environmental challenges. You will explore solutions through regulation, corporate social responsibility and environmental management systems, equipping you with essential tools to address sustainability issues and drive positive change within organisations, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future.

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.

GEES2201
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.

GEES2202
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.

GEES2303
Environmental Management and Sustainability 20 credits

The module covers areas of knowledge essential for all students studying an environmentally focussed degree, including; ecological economics, life supporting resources, environmental policy tools and modes of governance.

GEES2304
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.

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.

GEES3201
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.

GEES3202
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.

GEES3204
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.

GEES3002
Frontiers in Fieldwork: Unlocking Multidisciplinary Potential 20 credits

Students embark on novel exploration of critical, real-world challenges in a field context. After exploring key themes, they collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to tackle a core issue through a research project of their own creation. This hands-on experience will sharpen existing expertise and develop transdisciplinary skills, preparing them to face career challenges beyond university with confidence and innovation.

GEES3205
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.

GEES3206
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.

GEES3308
Global Environmental Solutions 20 credits

In this module students will take an interdisciplinary solution-based approach to contemporary global environmental issues employing ecological economics and sustainability principles along with environmental governance.

GEES3310
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.