BSc (Hons) Geography with Ocean Science

If you haven’t applied to the University of Plymouth for September 2019 entry, prior to the UCAS deadline, there may still be vacancies on your chosen course.

It’s not too late to apply

• Maximise your choice of option modules by studying geography as a major subject within a BSc combined honours degree. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, local and international fieldwork and tutorials.
  
• Develop your understanding of coastal and marine processes and their interactions with marine biology and ecology, and the ways in which people choose to respond to, and manage, the coastal and marine environments. 
• Seize the opportunity to gain 'problem-solving' experience. You’ll also be equipped with advanced computer and information technology skills and expertise in other work-related areas.
• Establish a sound knowledge base across all areas of ocean science, with options to study physical oceanography and meteorology, biological and chemical oceanography, and coastal oceanography.
  
• Gain excellent communication skills by working independently and as part of a team and learn from expert, accessible, supportive staff who are skilled researchers in their field.
  
• Benefit from our unique location in Britain's 'Ocean City', with glorious beaches, coasts, rivers and estuaries on your doorstep, and within sight of Dartmoor National Park and the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
  
• Choose to study abroad in Europe or the USA. You can also experience a valuable work placement programme, opening up a range of career opportunities.
  

• Year 1
• In your first year, lectures, tutorials, practicals and local fieldwork in physical geography will strengthen your knowledge and introduce new ideas and techniques. Geography modules include geomorphology, population and development and practising physical or practising human geography. You’ll complete ocean science foundation modules, covering aspects of oceanography and meteorology. 

  Core modules

  • GGP1205 Catchments and Coasts

    Here we begin our overview of contemporary physical geography. The module is structured around key themes that are prominent in geographical thinking about the environment. Lectures provide a framework for understanding these themes, and through supporting laboratory classes we explore examples of their local manifestation using quantitative data, graphic and spatial statistical analysis.

  • GGP1206 Environment and Climate

    Here we continue our overview of contemporary physical geography (which begin in GGP1205). The module is structured around key themes that are prominent in geographical thinking about environment al processes and change. Lectures provide a framework for understanding these themes, and we explore in more detail local examples in laboratory and practical sessions.

  • GGX1205 Geographical Journeys

    In this module we introduce geography as an undergraduate subject. Through lectures, residential fieldwork and a suite of tutorials we explore the interactions between human and physical geography, and consider the subject in relation to students¿ personal and future professional development. The tutorials support students adjusting to university-level study, in relation to both subject and key / transferable skills.

  • GGX1206 Sustainable Futures

    In this module we explore how geographers use the concepts and principles of sustainable development, and critically examine their application to a range of real-world issues. You enhance your subject knowledge and understanding, and develop your key skills, by investigating an aspect of `sustainability in practice¿, and you are supported through a full programme of tutorials.

  • OS102 Physical and Chemical Processes of the Ocean

    This module provides an introduction to the main physical and chemical processes occurring in the world's oceans and a foundation in key aspects of underpinning science and mathematics.

  • OS109 Introduction to Biodiversity and Marine Ecosystems

    This module will provide an introduction to biodiversity with particular focus on marine organisms. Students will be taught how we name and classify species using a hierarchical system. Students will learn where different organisms live and how they interact in various ecosystems in our oceans. Students will gain a basic understanding of food webs, primary production and marine ecology.

• Year 2
• In your second year, you’ll specialise in physical geography options (fieldwork options may also be chosen). Geography modules include the principles and practice of geographical research, sustainability policies and practices, and geography and employability. You’ll also have a chance to study in Europe, North America or Australia. Develop ocean science knowledge through modules covering large-scale ocean dynamics and mixing processes and tides, waves and coastal processes.

  Core modules

  • APIE205 Preparation for a Year Long Work Placement in Geography

    This module is designed to assist students in their search and preparation for a year long work placement. It is aimed at students who would like to undertake the placement to enhance both programme specific and employment-related skills during Stage 3.

  • GGX2201 Principles and Applications of Geography 1

    In this module students learn about and critically reflect upon various approaches to the production of geographical knowledge, and the different ways and contexts in which this knowledge is applied. The module develops students' awareness of the place and importance of geographical research in preparation for dissertation study and fieldwork modules, and identifies links between geographical research and employability.

  • GGX2202 Principles and Applications of Geography 2

    Students learn about, practise and critically reflect upon different research methods and techniques in the production of geographical knowledge. The module refines students' awareness of the place and importance of geographical research in preparation for dissertation study and fieldwork modules, and its links to employability. Tutorials are provided for additional, small group discussion of issues arising.

  • OS201 Global Ocean Processes

  • OS204 Waves, Tides and Coastal Dynamics

    This module provides an introduction to the characteristics of ocean waves and focuses on how waves and tides interact with the coast and drive the coastal processes that result in shoreline erosion and accretion.

  Optional modules

  • ENVS2005 Weather and Climate

    Understanding weather and climate is essential for developing in-depth knowledge on how climate is changing today and will change in the future. This module will develop intellectual and practical skills in critical analysis of weather and climate data. In addition, an examination of the scientific evidence for current and predicted effects of weather and climate will be addressed.

  • GGP2200 Quaternary Environments and Archaeology

    This option module examines climatic and biotic changes and human-environment relations during the Quaternary period, and provides training in, and understanding of, several key palaeoenvironmental and dating techniques. Particular reference is made to the British Isles and to the last glacial/interglacial cycle.

  • GGP2201 Catchment and River Environments

    Catchment and river processes shape and integrate physical and human landscapes. Almost all human-environment interactions take place within river basins which are the fundamental unit for environmental management. Geographical knowledge of land and water processes, i.e. how catchment and river systems work and respond to human impacts, is essential to underpin management decisions that support food and water security.

  • GGP2204 Cold Environments

    This module provides an overview of the geomorphic processes operating and the landforms found in cold environments and will focus on present day glacial, periglacial and fluvioglacial environments. It will include material on Quaternary climates, past glaciations and relic landforms.

  • GGX2203 Geographical Information Systems

    Module provides grounding in theory and practical techniques of GIS. Lectures are on theory, methods and spatial literacy. Practical work covers stages of handling geospatial data, construction of GIS models and automation, provides exposure to a range of techniques in spatial analysis and visualisation, and gives context and experience to spatial literacy concepts. Knowledge and skills are developed in project work.

  • GGX2204 Fieldwork in Geography

    This module enhances students¿ knowledge and understanding of geographical patterns and processes in the field environment, using appropriate research techniques. Parallel fieldtrips are run to overseas destinations, to a comparable academic format.

• Optional placement year
• This is your opportunity to spend a year working in industry to improve your knowledge of applied geography and gain invaluable work experience, leading to a Certificate of Work Experience. Our employability service will help you find a placement from our extensive network across all sectors.

  Core modules

  • APIE305 Geography:Placement

    This module provides an opportunity for professional training of at least six months duration with an approved company or host organisation between stage 2 and 5. While on placement, students will gain experience of how geography is used in the workplace, be able to apply their geographical knowledge and expertise, and learn further skills and relevant techniques.

• Final year
• In your final year, you’ll write a dissertation on your choice of geography or ocean science research topic and take further geography option modules. Fieldwork options outside the UK are offered. You’ll also complete ocean science modules exploring shelf sea oceanography, estuarine processes and further aspects of waves and coastal processes.

  Core modules

  • GGX3200 Dissertation in Geography

    Students undertake a major piece of independent, investigative research into a geographical issue of their choice and report on this in a dissertation of ca.12,000 words. The report should establish the wider academic context for the investigation and demonstrate originality and the effective application of intellectual, subject-specific and key skills.

  • OS303 Ocean Dynamics

    The module provides an introduction to dynamical oceanography with emphasis on the large- and meso-scale circulation in the world ocean and shelf seas. Topics include geostrophic and wind driven currents, eddies, formation of fronts, upwelling, interactions between water masses, exchanges between shelf and deep seas. Emphasis is placed on quantitative understanding of physical processes and the analysis of field data.

  • OS306 Coastal Geomorphology and Estuaries

    A study of the different geomorphological archetypes of the coastal zone which builds on the student's knowledge of physical processes to describe how the geographical characteristics of these zones develop. The module explores how the characteristics of these zones influence the associated ecosystems and examines how human utilisation of this space contributes to or conflicts with the natural setting.

  Optional modules

  • GGP3200 Restoring Freshwater Environments

    This module develops a critical understanding of how humans have impacted natural catchment processes and the techniques available for sustainably restoring degraded environments where a legacy of historical mismanagement has degraded the environmental value of freshwaters, destroying the aquatic habitat and increasing flood and drought hazards.

  • GGP3202 Tectonic Geomorphology

    The module focuses on how landforms can be created and modified by tectonic processes and how geomorphology can be used to interpret the nature of tectonic activity. An examination of the direct and indirect impact of tectonics on geomorphological systems at local through to regional and global scales.

  • GGP3204 Biological Conservation

    This module examinee the pursuit of biological conservation. Drawing on a wide range of case study material, in temperate and tropical, terrestrial and aqueous environments, the module examines the drivers and rationales for biological conservation, and the role of stakeholders, policies, legislation and practices in achieving it.

  • GGP3205 Global Climate Change

    This module is concerned with climate and environmental change in the past, present and future. Different timescales of climate change and their potential mechanisms are examined in detail. We critically review the process of future climate change prediction and review societal response options.

  • GGP3206 Desert Environments

    This module considers the unique aspects of the physical geography of deserts and other drylands, which occupy 47% of the world¿s land area, and assesses the challenges of human-environment interactions. Key processes and landforms in these regions are explored, before examining their history and the prospects for the future of both landscape and inhabitants.

  • GGX3201 Advanced Fieldwork in Geography

    Students will undertake an advanced field study, relating to key human and / or physical geographical issues in the visited area. After an introduction to key themes in the context of both urban and rural areas, students will conduct a group research project of their own design.

  • GGX3203 Work Based Learning in Geography

    This module provides an opportunity for work based learning. Students work with an appropriate host organisation for a minimum of 100 hours, engaged on activities relevant to geographical skills, knowledge and expertise.

Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest course structure and may be subject to change:

BSc Geography With Ocean Science programme specification 0087

UCAS tariff

104 - 112