BSc (Hons) Geology with Ocean Science

Our Earth science students have tremendous opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in a variety of work settings. Our hands-on approach to teaching and learning throughout the course will provide you with the topical skills and experience that you can apply to the wide range of career options as graduates.

What can you do with an Earth science degree?

• Gain a breadth of knowledge of the Earth and marine sciences enabled by a joint honours degree.
• Access a range of career options in coastal zone management, coastal heritage conservation, environmental monitoring, surveying and planning.
• Our modules address critical sustainability challenges: reducing risk from natural hazards, harnessing cleaner energy sources and how to combat climate and environmental change.
• Our approachable staff share their cutting-edge research and expertise through varied teaching practices in lectures, tutorials, practical classes and field courses.
• Learn to apply the latest techniques in the field and laboratory. Our substantial fieldwork programme provides opportunities in a variety of UK and overseas locations including Death Valley USA, Spain and Sicily.
• Improve your skills in our open access laboratory, LABplus.
• Develop your confidence with your personal tutor, providing you with regular guidance throughout your degree.
• Get support from students in the year ahead via our PALS mentoring scheme.
• Live and study close to the sea, Dartmoor and two geological UNESCO World Heritage sites.
• Receive free essential field safety equipment as part of your welcome package.
• Work towards becoming a Chartered Geologist, our accreditation by the Geological Society, the world’s oldest and most prestigious national learned society for geology, helps you to gain the required experience.
• Take the opportunity to spend your second year studying abroad in Europe, Canada, Australia, USA or elsewhere through our bilateral and ISEP exchange programmes.

• Year 1

• Below you find information about our current course. Find out more information about our updated 2022 course. 

  Laying the foundations of geological knowledge, your first year provides you with an introduction to laboratory and field skills. You’ll focus on learning about mineral rock forming processes, Earth history and the fossil record. Introductory fieldwork in the South West underpins your theoretical learning. You'll spend one third of your study time learning basic aspects of physical, chemical and biological oceanography and meteorology. You'll also develop your confidence with a personal tutor, providing you with weekly guidance throughout your first year.
  

  Core modules

  • Physical and Chemical Processes of the Ocean (OS102)

    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.

  • Introduction to Biodiversity and Marine Ecosystems (OS109)

    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.

  • Sustainable Geoscience (GEOL1008)

    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. 

  • Earth Materials and Resources (GEOL1009)

    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. 

  • Climate Tectonics and Hazards (GEOL1010)

    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. 

• Year 2

• Year 2 consolidates the geological knowledge and skills you’ve developed so far, with an emphasis on practical aspects of geology. You'll increase your understanding of fieldwork, applied geological techniques and Earth surface systems. Alongside geological modules, one third of your study will focus on large-scale ocean dynamics, tides waves and coastal processes. You can also take the opportunity to spend your second year studying abroad in Canada, Australia, USA or Europe through our direct exchange, Erasmus or ISEP programmes.

  Core modules

  • Preparation for a Year Long Work Placement in Earth Sciences (APIE217)

    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.

  • Sedimentology and Palaeontology (GEOL2001)

    This module examines the theory and techniques of paleontological and sedimentological analysis. A range of paleontological data will be investigated to analyse past environments. Modern and ancient sedimentary systems will be evaluated in terms of the processes operating at the time of deposition.

  • Geospatial Techniques (GEOL2003)

    The module develops professional approaches to the collection, analysis and presentation of geospatial data (e.g. geological/geomorphological maps and related Earth imagery) within the Earth Sciences.

  • Stratigraphy and Earth History (GEOL2004)

    This module provides learners with an understanding of the theory and concepts for of the elucidation of Earth History, including litho- bio- and chronostratigraphy, geochemical correlation and isotopic dating methods, sequence stratigraphy and basin evolution. It also provides training in the use and application of key techniques using real-life scenarios.

  • Geological Fieldwork (GEOL2006)

    The module provides training in field data collection techniques, planning for fieldwork and conducting fieldwork in a professional, safe and ethical manner in preparation for students performing their summer field mapping camps. Techniques are to include geological material descriptions, mapping, logging, surveying, and related methods relevant to completing geological mapping projects.

  • Global Ocean Processes (OS201)

  • Waves, Tides and Coastal Dynamics (OS204)

    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 placement year

• Take advantage of our optional placement year, giving you the opportunity to develop your geological skills in the workplace and gain valuable experience.  Find your perfect placement with the help of our employability service and benefit from specialist workshops and tutorials in your second year, helping you prepare for your year in industry. 
  

  Core modules

  • Placement in Earth Sciences (APIE316)

    This module aims to provide an opportunity for professional training of at least six months duration with an approved company or host organisation between stage 2 and 4. While on placement, students will gain experience of how Earth Science is used in the workplace, be able to apply their Earth Science knowledge and expertise, and learn further skills and relevant techniques.

• Final year

• In your final year, you will develop specialised geological knowledge and skills through an exciting choice of sustainability-focused option modules, including advanced fieldwork overseas. New option modules from September 2021 include geohazards and risks, energy transition geoscience, and palaeoenvironmental analysis. You will also will expand your knowledge of coastal and near-shore oceanography, including  of waves, coastal and estuarine processes. During your honours dissertation you will complete an independent laboratory, field or industry-based project in geology or ocean science.

  Core modules

  • Ocean Dynamics (OS303)

    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.

  • Coastal Geomorphology and Estuaries (OS306)

    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

  • Geological Mapping Research Project and Professional Skills (GEOL3001)

  • Earth Science Independent Research Project and Professional Skills (GEOL3002)

    An independent research project on an Earth science topic, normally involving field and/or laboratory work on a topic relevant to the degree programme. Independent work is linked to skills development appropriate to the management of the project and entry and success in the professional workplace.

  • Geological Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (GEOL3006)

    Examines 1) the collection of digital datasets using a range of remote sensing techniques (e.g. satellite imagery, digital elevation models), and 2) the analysis of such remotely sensed data using computer based Geographical Information System software within the Earth Sciences for research and applied purposes.

  • Advanced Geological Fieldwork (GEOL3008)

    A residential fieldtrip centred on the analysis of the geological evolution of a region, where students will integrate their own field observations with published work from a variety of locations in developing and understanding of the geological history of that region and its wider significance to the Earth Sciences.

  • Engineering Geology (GEOL3010)

    This module examines the application of earth science techniques and knowledge to civil engineering. Includes desk studies, remote sensing interpretation, database analysis, UK and European Codes of Practice, site investigation design, ground model development, engineering geology in a range of construction situations, and technical reporting.

  • Environmental Change in Earth History (GEOL3013)

    This module evaluates cutting-edge techniques to understand and interpret modern and ancient environmental change. It uses an integrated approach using fossils, sediments and geochemistry to investigate topical and exciting case studies from the geological past and modern systems. The module has important implications for understanding and responding to modern-day environmental change.

  • Geohazards and Risks (GEOL3014)

    This module will provide an overview of common and destructive geological hazards (e.g. earthquakes, landslides and volcanic eruptions), how they interact together and ways of assessing risk. Physical processes of the hazards will be covered and how they will interact together. Quantifying hazard and risk will be illustrated through case studies. Practicals will have a numerical theme and will link to employability.

  • Energy Transition Geoscience (GEOL3015)

    This module gives an understanding of current and predicted energy scenarios, impact of energy use and the role of geoscientists in decarbonisation and meeting global sustainable development goals. You learn how energy resources form (petroleum, geothermal, critical minerals) and theory, strategies and practical skills used in resource exploration, development and production, and evaluation of carbon capture & storage.

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 Geology With Ocean Science Programme Specification September 2019 5367

UCAS tariff

112 - 120

A level
112-120 points range including a minimum of 2 A levels, relevant subjects Biology, Mathematics/Use of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geography, Geology, Design Technology. Excluding General Studies.

BTEC QCF Extended Diploma/RQF National Extended Diploma: DMM to DDM – science related subject. You are encouraged to contact admissions@plymouth.ac.uk if you do not meet this criteria.

BTEC National Diploma modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.

Access
Pass an Access to HE Diploma (science based) with at least 33 credits at merit. You are encouraged to contact admissions@plymouth.ac.uk if you do not meet this criteria.

IB
28-30 overall to include science related subjects.

GCSE
All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) English and Mathematics at grade C / 4 or above.

English language requirements.

We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.