Geology Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Geology is the study of Earth’s history, composition and evolution. We tackle this through a multidisciplinary course stretching from understanding Earth materials, internal processes that cause volcanoes and earthquakes, to surface processes that shape landscapes. We explore biological processes that build diversity and trigger extinctions, ocean and atmospheric processes shaping climate, and issues relating to resources, geohazards and climate change.

Together with subject-specific skills, the Geology BSc course provides a strong intellectual and practical platform for those who wish to pursue non-geological careers as it integrates a wide range of ideas from many different scientific disciplines, including chemistry, physics and biology, and provides training in the application of scientific methods and knowledge to complex problems.

The course includes: studies of the nature of rocks and minerals, their mode of origin and environment of formation; the study of past life and palaeo-environments; the physics and chemistry of the Earth; major Earth processes such as plate tectonics and mountain building.

During fieldwork students learn to apply and develop independent and team skills and problem-solving abilities which complement and build upon lectures and laboratory-based coursework, whist being exposed to the true complexity of natural geological systems.

The BSc course is almost identical to the first three years of the MSci course.