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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
GEOL1011
The Life and Death of an Ocean
40 credits
This module will explore the concept of the Wilson Cycle whereby major oceans periodically open and close, causing reconfiguration of the size, shape and position of the continents through geological time. Students will develop an in-depth understanding of the interactions between plate tectonics and earth surface systems and palaeontological evidence for past environments and environmental change.
35% Coursework
35% Practicals
30% Remotely delivered assessments
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
GEOL2016
Ocean Geoscience
20 credits
This module develops an in-depth understanding on modern ocean basins and the role the oceans play in Earth’s evolution. Students will build up knowledge on mid-ocean ridge processes, sedimentary environments, palaeoceanography and palaeoclimates (and how these inform models for future environmental change, with an awareness of the limitations of such models), ocean hazards and resources.
50% Coursework
50% Remotely delivered assessments
GEOL2017
The Building of Britain
20 credits
This provides an understanding of key periods in the geological evolution of the British Isles within a plate tectonic and palaeoenvironmental context. Students gain a practical understanding of the relationships between tectonic and palaeo-climatic/oceanographic events in the stratigraphic, structural, magmatic, metamorphic and fossil record of Britain and environs, and their relationship to resource/hazard distribution.
50% Coursework
50% 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
GEOL3021
Frontiers in Geoscience
20 credits
Students explore a range of leading topics in geosciences, including those related to the challenges facing modern society where geoscientists are needed to meet these challenges. Students draw-upon state-of-the-art research to develop their understanding and will critically evaluate this research to develop their own evidence-based opinions on these topics and will present their findings in a professional manner.
100% Coursework
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
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.
International progression routes
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’
Our world-class research keeps staff at the cutting edge of recent scientific developments within the field.
Research by our Earth Scientists on the Celtic Sea bed is helping develop renewable energy futures in the south west.