During year 3 the core modules cover 60 credits of honours project and professional development. These are complemented by 60 credits from a range of optional and/or core specialist modules that enable you to tailor your degree to your particular interest.
Earth science course structures
View our programme structures and module information
Earth science programmes – degree structure:
During years 1 and 2 all of our Earth science courses are designed around a shared 80-credit core of Earth science modules that will provide a thorough integrated overview of the fundamental processes and their relevance to society.
For each individual course, this core is complemented by 40 credits of differentiator modules that will provide a distinct perspective for each degree course from either geology, environmental science, or geography.
Detailed module information:
Year 1 modules
Core modules
GEOL1008 (Sustainable Geoscience) – 20 credits
This module provides 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.
GEOL1009 (Earth Materials and Resources) – 20 credits
This module provides 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.
GEOL1010 (Climate, Tectonics and Hazards) – 40 credits
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.
BSc / MGeol (Hons) Geology – differentiator module
GEOL1011 (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.
BSc (Hons) Environmental Geoscience – differentiator modules
ENVS1003 (The Biosphere) – 20 credits
This module will describe, illustrate and explain principles, processes and concepts relevant to understanding life on Earth and human impacts upon it.
ENVS1008 (Environmental Management and Protection) – 20 credits
This module covers introductory aspects of environmental sustainability. Critical evaluation of social, environmental and economic aspects of the environmental issues faced by our planet and how they may be solved by using regulation, the law, corporate social responsibility, specific European Union directives, impact assessments and environmental management systems.
BSc (Hons) Physical Geography and Geology – differentiator modules
GGP1208 (Water, Landscape and Environmental Management) – 20 credits
Here we begin our overview of contemporary physical geography. The module is structured around key themes that are prominent in geographical thinking about the environment. Lectures provide a framework for understanding these themes, and through fieldwork and supporting laboratory classes we explore examples of their local manifestation using quantitative data, graphic and spatial statistical analysis.
GGP1206 (Environment and Climate) – 20 credits
Here we continue our overview of contemporary physical geography (which begins in GGP1207). The module is structured around key themes that are prominent in geographical thinking about environmental processes and change. Lectures provide a framework for understanding these themes, and we explore in more detail local examples in laboratory and practical sessions.
Module structure
Year 2 modules
Core modules
GEOL2014 (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.
GEOL2015 (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.
BSc / MGeol (Hons) Geology – differentiator modules
GEOL2016 (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.
GEOL2017 (The Building of Britain) – 20 credits
This module 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.
BSc (Hons) Environmental Geoscience – differentiator modules
ENVS2004 (Environmental Issues and Communication) – 20 credits
Through immersion in contemporary environmental issues, this module develops the knowledge and skills necessary to locate, analyse, evaluate and communicate scientific information in a range of contexts and to a range of audiences. Students develop their professional skills, as well as the skills to engage with a wide range of stakeholders and decision makers, from scientific experts to the general public.
ENVS2003 (Environmental Management and Sustainability) – 20 credits
The module covers areas of knowledge essential for all environmental science graduates: ecological economics, life supporting resources and environmental law.
BSc (Hons) Physical Geography and Geology – differentiator modules
Semester 1: Choose one of these two geography optional modules:
Option 1: GGP2207 (Catchment to Coast) – 20 credits
Practically all human-environment interactions take place within river catchments and the coastal zone. To address key environmental challenges of the 21st century, such as climate change and sustainable resource management, we need to understand how these integrated systems function. This module provides the process knowledge required to contribute to global and local debates, and includes field and laboratory work.
Option 2: GGP2206 (Quaternary to Anthropocene) – 20 credits
The Earth has undergone significant and fundamental changes during our current interglacial period (the last ~12,000 years), to the point of a new Geological epoch being suggested: the Anthropocene. This module focuses on deepening students’ understanding of how our planet has moved from one that was nature-dominated to the current culture-dominated environment we inhabit, at both local, continental and global scales.
Semester 2:
ENVS 2005 (Weather and Climate) – 20 credits
Understanding weather and climate is essential for developing in-depth knowledge on how climate is changing today and will change in the future. This module will develop intellectual and practical skills in critical analysis of weather and climate data. In addition, an examination of the scientific evidence for current and predicted effects of weather and climate will be addressed.
Module structure
Year 3 modules – MGeol (Hons) Geology and BSc (Hons) Geology only
Core modules
GEOL3016 (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.
GEOL3020 (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.
GEOL3021 (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.
Optional modules
Choose two modules from:
GEOL3023 (Tectonics and Geohazards) – 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.
GEOL3022 (Environmental and Resource Geoscience) – 20 credits
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.
GEOL3024 (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.
Module structure
Year 3 modules – BSc (Hons) Environmental Geoscience only
Core modules
GEOL3016 (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.
ENVS3020 (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.
ENVS3022 (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.
Optional modules
Semester 1: Choose one module from:
ENVS3013 (Global Environmental Solutions) – 20 credits
In this module students will take an interdisciplinary solution-based approach to contemporary global environmental issues employing both ecological economics principles and environmental law.
ENVS3016 (Climate Change Action) – 20 credits
The module introduces climate change adaptation and mitigation. Biotic and technological mitigation will be explored and evaluated in the context of different geographical settings.
Semester 2: Choose one module from:
GEOL3023 (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.
GEOL3024 (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.
Module structure
Year 3 – BSc (Hons) Physical Geography and Geology only
Earth science core modules
GEOL3016 (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.
GEOL3020 (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.
Optional modules
Semester 1: Choose one module from:
GGP3212 (Contemporary Arctic and Alpine Challenges) – 20 credits
High latitudes and altitudes are warming faster than many other regions of the world. This module takes a contemporary, and forward looking, perspective on the grand challenges that impact the resilience of these landscapes and societies in present and future climates and their associated hazards. Students will learn practical skills to quantify environmental pressures and critically evaluate mitigation strategies.
GEES3001 (Work Based Learning in Geography and Sustainability) – 20 credits
This module provides an opportunity for students to experience professional practice in environmental management and sustainability. Students will undertake a minimum of 100 hours service with a professional organisation (private, public or third sector). You will investigate the organisation's practice in environmental management and sustainability and further develop professional attitudes and behaviours.
GGX3204 (Big Data & Spatial Analytics) – 20 credits
This module provides an overview of advanced spatial analysis concepts and facilitates practice of data processing and management skills. Data manipulation through programming is introduced and the concept of big data is presented. Themes and practice around the acquisition, processing, analysis, visualisation and application of big data are explored, drawing on examples from across the natural and social sciences.
Semester 2: Choose two modules from:
GGP3209 (Dryland Change) – 20 credits
Drylands comprise 47% of the world’s land surface and are home to > 2 billion people. They are highly susceptible to environmental change (human, climate, tectonic), and preserve archives of that change over human to Quaternary timescales. This module builds expertise in reading the geomorphological record of drylands (process and landform), and examines the challenges of living sustainably with these dynamic landscapes.
GGP3211 (Long-term Environmental Change) – 20 credits
Society is dependent on the environment for sustaining life as we currently know it. This module takes a series of environmental challenges and places them in a long-term perspective to place current disruptions in a longer-term context. The module focusses on how we can learn lessons from the past to manage our current and future environment.
GEOL3023 (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.
GEOL3022 (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.
Module structure
Year 4 – MGeol (Hons) Geology only
Core modules
Semester 1: any three modules from:
GEES528 (Soil and Rock Mechanics, Characterisation and Field Skills) – 20 credits
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.
GEES532 (Geohazards and the Built Environment) – 20 credits
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.
GEES526 (Analysis of Chemicals of Environmental Concern) – 20 credits
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.
MAR514 (Marine Science) – 20 credits
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.
Semester 2:
GEOL5004 (MGeol Project) – 60 credits
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.