Earth Sciences (Geology)
Entry requirements
A level: A*AA to include Mathematics plus Chemistry or Physics or AAAA to include Mathematics plus Chemistry or Physics. IB: 39 (including core points) with 766 at HL to include HL Maths plus HL Chemistry or HL Physics.
About this course
BA Geology or MEarthSci in Earth Sciences (Geology), an earth and environmental sciences degree focused on the scientific study of the planet. Core topics include Mathematical Modelling, Research Methods, and Fieldwork. The curriculum includes regular field courses in various locations and an independent mapping project. The first year covers foundational principles through Planet Earth, Fundamentals of geology I, Fundamentals of geology II, and Mathematics. The second year progresses to Earth deformation and materials, Sedimentary environments and palaeobiology, Petrology, and Geochemistry, climate and carbon cycle. The third year features modules such as Natural resources and the energy transition, Plate tectonics, Analytical methods, and an independent project. The fourth year includes advanced study in Planetary science, Topics in climate science, Environmental geophysics, and a substantial research project spanning two terms.
Modules
- Planet Earth
- Fundamentals of geology I
- Fundamentals of geology II
- Physics, chemistry and biology for Earth Sciences
- Mathematics
- Pembroke field course
- Arran field course
- Local field courses
- Earth deformation and materials
- Sedimentary environments and palaeobiology
- Petrology
- Geochemistry, climate and carbon cycle
- Mathematical and geophysical tools
- Dorset field course
- Somerset field course
- Assynt field course
- Natural resources and the energy transition
- Biological and physical oceanography
- Vector calculus and continuum mechanics
- Volcanology, igneous processes and petrogenesis
- Quantitative palaeobiology
- Plate tectonics
- Analytical methods
- Chemistry of Earth’s interior
- Geophysics of the deep Earth
- Biogeochemistry of Earth's surface
- One field course, which has previously taken place in Spain and Cornwall
- Independent project (conducted over summer break between Years 2 and 3)
- Extended essay on a topic of your choosing
- Planetary science
- Structure and dynamics of the Earth’s mantle
- Coevolution of Earth and life
- Palaeobiology
- Rock and palaeomagnetism
- Topics in climate science
- Topics in volcanology
- Environmental geophysics
- Field courses: optional field courses as announced each year. Previous destinations include Greece and Bermuda
- Independent work: research project over 2 terms