MGeol (Hons) Geology

• Year 1

• Laying the foundations of geological knowledge, your first year provides you with an introduction to laboratory and field skills. You'll learn about key Earth processes including plate tectonics, and take a practical approach to the study of minerals, rocks, fossils and geological structures. Our tutorials will help you develop effective study techniques and computing skills and you'll undertake fieldwork, including residential classes, across the South West.
  Graphical overview of our course structure. 

  Core modules

  • 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. 

  • The Life and Death of an Ocean (GEOL1011)

     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.   

  • 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. 

• Year 2

• Year 2 consolidates the knowledge and skills developed in Year 1, with an emphasis on the practical side of geology. You'll develop observational, analytical and interpretive skills and the ability to use these skills to answer fundamental geological questions. You'll also learn to make geological maps and develop new field skills which will be used in fieldwork you undertake in both the UK and in Spain. You’ll also have the opportunity to spend your second year studying abroad in Canada, Australia, USA or Europe.
  Core modules
  GEOL2014 The Earth Surface and Critical Zone
  GEOL2016 Ocean Geoscience
  GEOL2015 The Earth's Interior and Resources
  GEOL2017 The Building of Britain

  Core modules

  • The Earth Surface and Critical Zone (GEOL2014)

    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. 

  • The Earth's Interior and Resources (GEOL2015)

    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. 

  • Ocean Geoscience (GEOL2016)

    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. 

  • The Building of Britain (GEOL2017)

    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. 

  • Placement Preparation (GEES2000)

    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.

• 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 (GEES3000)

    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.

• Year 3

• In your third year, you will develop specialised geological knowledge and skills through an exciting choice of sustainability-focused option modules, including advanced fieldwork. New option modules from September 2021 include geohazards and risk, energy transition geoscience, and paleoenvironmental analysis. Students can also take engineering geology, advanced tectonics, igneous and volcanic processes, Geological Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing. Those students taking advanced fieldwork will develop additional professional field-skills in locations such as Sicilian volcanoes, Italy, or the Death Valley, USA.
  Core modules
  GEOL3016 Geoscience Research Project
  GEOL3017 The professional Geoscientist
  Optional modules
  GEOL3013 Environmental Change in Earth History
  GEOL3014 Geohazard and Risk
  GEOL3015 Energy Transition Geoscience
  GEOL3018 Evolution of Tectonic and Magmatic Systems
  GEOL3010 Engineering Geology
  GEOL3019 Neotectonics, hazards and Resources

  Core modules

  • Geoscience Research Project (GEOL3016)

    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. 

  • Professional Field and Core Analysis (GEOL3020)

    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.

  • Frontiers in Geoscience (GEOL3021)

    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.

  Optional modules

  • Environmental and Resource Geoscience (GEOL3022)

    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. 

  • Tectonics and Geohazards (GEOL3023)

    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. 

  • Environmental Change Through Earth History (GEOL3024)

    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.

• Final year

• The overall emphasis in your final year is to deepen and refine your field, research and professional skills. You'll build on your existing field skills by exposure to advanced field techniques and take part in modules aimed to develop research, analytical and science communication skills. Finally, you will carry out an advanced masters-level independent research project, developed by academic staff and with the potential to lead to publication in academic journals. 100 per cent of this year will be undertaken at master's level.

  Core modules

  • MGeol Project (GEOL5004)

    Advanced, independent research project, normally involving geological field and/or laboratory work. Autonomy will be expected with respect to the design and operation of the project. Professionally presented results will entail rigorous analysis, critical awareness, and current contextual significance.

  Optional modules

  • Analysis of Chemicals of Environmental Concern (GEES526)

    Students will undertake a series of advanced analytical techniques in order to characterise and quantify a range of environmental pollutants commonly encountered in environmental investigations. Students are presented with case study examples based upon typical investigations undertaken in environmental consultancy.

  • Soil and Rock Mechanics, Characterisation and Field Skills (GEES528)

    This module covers the principles of soil and rock mechanics. How soil and rock behave under loading and what are the main parameters to characterize those behaviours. Laboratory testing is used to give an insight on the basic principle of soil and rock strength and how these are determined. Ground investigation techniques used to assess soil and rock characteristics are also described and demonstrated in the field.

  • Environmental Observations and Quality Assurance (GEES531)

    This module introduces the fundamental concepts of ‘the analytical approach’ to working with environmental problems, including student-lead case studies that allowing them to learn and apply the principles of good practice for observational data collection, quality control and traceability. Research study skills sessions are included, leading to the planning of a research dissertation.

  • Geohazards and the Built Environment (GEES532)

    This module will introduce geohazards and their impacts, exploring how to assess, monitor and mitigate them. Students undertake an assessment of a natural geohazard and produce a professional report on that assessment with a proposal for remediation. They will also learn about anthropogenic hazards and develop skills in public communication of these issues, via a practice based assessment.

  • Marine Science (MAR514)

    This module provides an introductory overview of basic oceanography including physical, chemical, geological and biological aspects of the subject. There is particular emphasis on methods of quantifying and predicting coastal conditions, as well as interplay between physical, chemical and biological aspects of ocean science.

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:

MGeol Geology Programme Specification September 2024 5368