Earth and Ocean Science BSc(Hons)

Overview

The oceans cover almost three-quarters of the Earth's surface, and hold over nine tenths of the planet's water. They play a critical role in regulating the global climate, and are a vital biological, mineral and energy resource. This degree focuses on the interface between oceanography and geology/earth science.
An understanding of ocean processes is essential for work in coastal or hazard management, coastal and offshore engineering, marine conservation, pollution control, and in managing climate change and sea-level rise. From an earth science perspective, the oceans are part of a linked Earth-ocean system that has evolved over four billion years and a geological perspective is critical in understanding the oceans and in predicting future change in the ocean system.

Course duration
Full-time: 3 years
Part-time: 6 years
With placement year 4 years

UCAS code FF67
Course content

Course structure

Study involves lectures, practical classes, fieldwork, tutorials and seminars. In addition to subject-specific modules, you will undertake training in study skills, research methods and career development. You may also take an optional placement year with a relevant employer, to enhance your practical and industrial experience. Fieldwork is a key part of the course, and day and weekend excursions plus residential field courses are held in areas such as Wales, Spain and Cyprus.

Areas of study

Following the introduction to the Earth-ocean system in year 1, you will be able to either maintain a broad-based course or to specialise in particular aspects such as marine geology, marine biology, coastal engineering, geochemistry and pollution control, or global change. Common to all pathways is the emphasis placed on the role of earth and ocean science in society, and in managing and mitigating contemporary environmental issues and problems.

Syllabus

Year 1
Fundamentals of Geology
The Global Earth System
The Ocean Planet: an Introduction
Introduction to Field Geology
Mineralogy and Petrology
Water in the Environment
Ecological Processes
Geology of Your Home Area
Maths skills for Geoscientists
Data Analysis for Geoscientists
Options
An Introduction to Environmental Hazards
Evolutionary Biology
Fundamentals of Physical Geography
Geology field course, Yorkshire
Global Environmental Issues and Management
Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks
Interpreting Geological Maps
Introduction to Environmental Chemistry
Physiological Ecology
Modern languages
Year 2
Research and Career Skills
Structure of the Earth and Global Processes
Introduction to Marine Biology
Sedimentology
Introduction to Environmental Geochemistry
Boat-based field course
Geology field work in Spain
Options (within Earth and Ocean Science themes):
Applied Palaeontology
Climate Change
Environmental Conservation and Management
Ice Age Earth
Geographic Information Systems
Earth Resources
Hydraulics
Coastal and Aeolian Landscapes
Ecological Techniques
Soil and Water Analysis
Structural Geology
Fundamentals of Environmental Microbiology
Other options:
Environmental and Spatial Planning
Environmental Hazards
Environmental Pollution and Control
Advanced Statistics
Igneous and Metamorphic Processes
Introduction to Remote Sensing
Sustainable Development
Water in the Landscape
Behavioural end evolutionary ecology
Alternative and renewable energy
Modern languages
Optional placement year
Final year
Earth and ocean science project
Field course in Cyprus
Options (within Earth and Ocean Science themes):
Oceanography
Coastal Environments
Geohazards
Applied Ecology
Planetary Geology
Environmental Hydraulics
Wetland Environments
Hydrogeology
Exploration Geology
Water and Health
Evolution and the Fossil Record
Applied Remote Sensing
Environmental Assessment
Environmental Change in Low Latitudes
Environmental Geology / Professional Practice
Geology of Major Civil Engineering Projects
Geographical Information Systems 2
Other options:
Air Quality Management
Biogeography
Case Studies in Environmental Pollution
Freshwater Processes and Ecosystems
Global Petrogenesis
Independent study module
Introduction to Remote Sensing
Medical Geography
Political Ecology
Biology field skills
Modern languages
Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements
individual offers may vary
A-levels:
BBB. Must include a relevant science-related subject.
BTEC
DDM.
International Baccalaureate:
32 points, specified subjects.
Access to HE Diploma
pass (at least 45 credits at level 3), with 18 credits at merit or above. Level 3 units in science required.
GCSE (minimum grade C) or Access Equivalent
at least three subjects including English language and mathematics or a science.
Foundation degree/HND
/HNC may enable you to start the course in year 2.
For non-native speakers of English:
IELTS 6.0 overall, with 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in the other elements.
Location

Location Moulsecoomb
Career opportunities

The broad range of skills developed in this degree provides an effective foundation for careers in the coastal and offshore industries; in environmental management; in the water, extraction, and construction industries; and in the business and financial fields. The degree is also an excellent basis for postgraduate study. Our employment record in earth science areas is excellent and recent graduates have quickly found employment, or have been offered places on taught masters-level courses or PhD programmes.

Visit the careers centre website.
Fees and costs

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2012-13. Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study.

The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full- or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take. Different rules apply to research degrees - please contact the Doctoral College for advice.

To help you plan for your time here we will be providing further information about what is included in your tuition fee, and any optional costs you may need to budget for, later in the autumn.

Our website wwww.brighton.ac.uk/money provides advice about funding and scholarships as well as further information about fees and advice on international and island fee paying status.

BSc Hons Earth and Ocean Science [P2EG013]

UK/EU 9,000 GBP
Island Students 9,000 GBP
International 12,900 GBP

When on a placement (sandwich) year, students pay a reduced fee in the placement year of this course. This is currently £750 for Home and Island Students and £1,760 for International students. This fee is likely to increase with inflation.