BSc (Hons) Geology

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

Discover Earth’s building blocks and how dynamic Earth processes shape geologic materials. You will gain the observational skills needed to unravel how the Earth works, including getting hands on using our 5G-enabled microscope lab. You will learn to read geological maps and use them to decipher the sequence of geological events that have shaped our planet’s history. See the Earth in a whole new light!

GEES1203
Climate, Tectonics and Hazards 40 credits

Develop your knowledge of climate and hazards. Through hands on practicals, field work and lectures learn how sedimentary rocks and fossils illuminate past, present and future climatic and oceanographic changes, and use maps and GIS to explore landscapes, earthquakes and volcanoes. Consolidate knowledge in the field, putting into practice new skills and seeing hands on the effects of geohazards on people and places.

GEES1204
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.

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.

GEES2203
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.

GEES2204
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.

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.

GEES3203
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.

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.

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.

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.