Geology / Geology & Petroleum Geology

Geology/Geology & Petroleum Geology provides a knowledge of the way the Earth works and is vital to the understanding of the nature and origin of Earth Resources.

Why Aberdeen?

• Aberdeen is the Energy Capital of Europe
• Understanding geology is fundamental to the exploration for hydrocarbon resources and this is why we offer a Petroleum Geology degree at Aberdeen. However, before such specialism can be made, a basic knowledge of the way the Earth works is vital to the understanding of the nature and origin of Earth Resources
• Aberdeen is ideally geographically located for the study of geology, having some world- class field sites close at hand which can be conveniently visited on day courses
• Many past graduates continue to work in the city and links with industry are therefore very strong and employability second to none

Programmes

Study Abroad

Study abroad information

The opportunity to take Enhanced Study options as part of your degree and participate in co-curricular activities. See www.abdn.ac.uk/thedifference for more information.

Degree programmes in this discipline area contain Environmental or Sustainability Content.

First Year

Two core courses: The Natural Environment through Geological Time and The Materials Forming our Dynamic Earth. The first course considers the key themes relating to the evolution of the Earth over the past 4,500 million years, including: the Earth in the solar system; Internal structure and chemical composition of the Earth; Continents, oceans and plate tectonics; Formation and fill of sedimentary basins; Absolute and relative geological time (the fossil record and absolute dating); Geological maps and structures; Volcanism. The second examines the origin, physical and chemical characteristics of the rocks and minerals that make up the Earth.

Second Year

Four courses all of which are taken for Single and Joint Honours programmes. These are Chemistry of the Earth, Pelaeontology, Introduction to Geophysics and Introduction to Field Geology which is a six-day residential course on the Isle of Arran.

Third & Fourth Year (Honours)

Core courses relating to Plate Tectonics, Earth Structure and Stratigraphy, Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology are included along with Petroleum Geology which are core courses for the Geology and Petroleum Geology and Geoscience Single Honours degree programmes. Over the two Honours years, a total of three residential field courses (28 days), a number of day-long field exercises and an independent field-based project (28 days) emphasise the hands-on nature of the subject.

A number of elective courses can be chosen from a menu, depending on the interests of the student and programme for which they are studying.

Teaching and Assessment

Courses are taught by a combination of lectures, practical and field work tailored to the subject matter. All courses are supported by various online resources including online multiple choice tests at level 1 which give instant feedback.

Workshops on advanced research techniques and one-on-one discussions with staff help students to design and carry out Honours project work. The assessment for most courses combines exams with in-course assessment. In-course assessments are most commonly built around real world geological data sets which need to be manipulated and interpreted in order to solve geological problems.

Field courses are a particularly valuable forum for teaching and learning and form a compulsory part of the degree programmes at all levels including level 1.

Careers

The vast majority of Aberdeen Geology and Petroleum Geology & Geoscience graduates find employment within the hydrocarbon or mineral exploration and exploitation sectors within a few months of graduating. Additionally, postgraduate specialised study is a popular pathway toward careers in the oil industry. Studying Geology also develops a range of transferable skills such as: critical thinking, research design and data analysis skills, proficiency in IT and the ability to communicate effectively in various formats, which all enhance graduate employability.

Finding your direction

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success.  The Careers Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us – from first to final year – and beyond.

• More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen.
• More information on the Careers Service.
• More information on careers prospects and employability with a degree in Geology.

Entrance Requirements

SQA Highers - BBBB*
A Levels - BBB*
IB - 30 points, 5 at HL*
ILC - BBBB* 
*Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/Science subjects.

Advanced Entry - Advanced Highers ABB, A Levels ABB or IB 34 points (6 at HL), including Geology.

Please click on the links below to find out more information on funding in your area.

• Scotland and EU (Excluding England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• Rest of UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• International
• Scholarships

Related Links

• Scholarships
• Entrance Scholarships
• Funding Database
• England Wales and Northern Ireland Finance Guide