Geology BSc(Hons)

Overview

This course explores the Earth and its evolution through deep time as a global-scale system in a planetary context. Students develop an understanding of the place of geology in our environment and communities and its role in cross-disciplinary topics such as oceanography, the assessment of natural hazards, climate change and biodiversity.

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

UCAS code F600
Course content

Course structure

Study comprises lectures, practical classes, fieldwork, and seminars. Fieldwork is a key part of the course, and field courses are held in areas such as Yorkshire, Wales, Spain and Cyprus. After year 2, students can undertake a placement year in industry.

Areas of study

Year 1 provides a foundation in Earth sciences and assumes no prior knowledge of geology. The emphasis is on key principles and on developing practical skills. These skills and principles are reinforced through fieldwork including two residential field courses in the UK.
Year 2 deepens knowledge of key areas ? earth structure, rock-forming processes, deformation and chemical processes. These are complemented by applied topics such as the geology of mineral and hydrocarbon resources and the application of geographical information systems. Research and career skills enhance graduates? career potential. Two field courses, one overseas and the other UK-based, provide training in geological mapping. Starting in the summer of year 2, a research project is undertaken, normally involving four weeks of fieldwork. Options in the final year allow specialisation in topics such as planetary geology, oceanography, evolution, geohazard assessment, hydrogeology and resource exploration.

Syllabus

Year 1
Fundamentals of Geology
Mineralogy and Petrology
Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks
The Global Earth System
Interpresting Geological Maps
Geology of Your Home Area
Mathematics for Geoscientists
Data presentation and analysis
Field courses in Pembrokeshire and Yorkshire
Options
An Introduction to Environmental Hazards
Elements of Chemistry
Evolutionary Biology
Fundamentals of Physical Geography
Global Environmental Issues and Management
Introduction to Environmental Chemistry
Physiological Ecology
The Ocean Planet: an introduction
Water in the Environment
Modern languages
Year 2
Structure of the Earth and Global Processes
Igneous and Metamorphic Processes
Structural Geology
Environmental Geochemistry
Sedimentology
Earth Resources
Applied Palaeontology
Geology field course, Spain
Research and Career Skills for Geoscientists
Geographic Information Systems
Field courses in Spain and Anglesey
Optional industrial placement year
Final year
Exploration Geology
Environmental Geology / Professional Practice
Field course in Cyprus
Geology project
Options
Advanced Analytical Methodology
Air Quality Management
Applied Ecology and Conservation
Applied Remote Sensing
Biogeography
Case Studies in Environmental Pollution
Coastal Environments
Environmental Assessment
Environmental Change in Low Latitudes
Evolution and the Fossil Record
Freshwater Processes and Ecosystems
Geohazards
Geographics Information Systems
Geology of Major Civil Engineering Projects
Global Petrogenesis
Hydrogeology
Independent study module
Introduction to Remote Sensing
Medical Geography
Oceanography
Planetary Geology
Plant and Animal Interactions
Political Ecology
Waste Management
Water and Health
Wetland Environments
Modern languages
Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements
individual offers may vary
A-levels:
ABB. Must include a science-related subject.
BTEC
DDD.
International Baccalaureate:
34 points, specified subjects.
Access to HE Diploma
pass (at least 45 credits at level 3), with 24 credits at merit or above. Must include level 3 units in geography, geology or science.
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. Relevant subjects required.
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

Graduates are equipped with the skills needed for careers in the water, extraction and construction industries; in teaching, planning and promoting earth science heritage; in environmental management and remediation of contaminated land; and in business and financial areas. The degree is also an excellent basis for postgraduate study. Our employment record is excellent and recent graduates have quickly found employment, or been offered places on taught masters-level courses or research 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 Geology [P2EG010]

UK/EU (Full Time) 9,000 GBP
Island Students (Full Time) 9,000 GBP
International (Full Time) 12,900 GBP