Undergraduate Geology and Geophysics 2026-2027

Our Earth is a dynamic and formidable planet. In this course we travel through time and space to understand where we came from, how the Earth works at all scales (inside and out), what options there are for sustainable energy and also some advice on where not to go on holiday. Join us on a 4.5 billion year journey!

Following on from GL1007 this course is an introduction to the petrogenesis of three major rock groups; igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary. Practical classes will centre around the use of polarizing microscope in the identification of the common rock-forming minerals. The relationship between plate tectonics and the petrogenesis of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, including types and styles of volcanic eruptions will be addressed.

Minerals to Mountains takes you on a journey from the atomic level right up to the Solar Systems largest Mountain. Through a largely practical course, we use petrology and mineralogy of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks to understand all scales of physical Earth processes.

Field-based observation is an essential skill for understanding the origin of rocks, and is a vital reality-check for understanding how Geological Science is practised and developed. This course gives students experience with techniques for investigating rocks in their natural habitat, studying the crucial relationships between different units, and developing good habits for observing and recording data in the field. Students learn how to perceive geology in 3D, and to develop working hypotheses from incomplete evidence. This is achieved through a five-day residential field trip (takes place in the Easter break) which is preceded by wide-ranging practical classes and explanatory lectures.

This course is in 2 parts. In part 1, the students explore the links between tectonic setting and magma genesis, with particular reference to geochemical signatures recorded in the rocks. In part 2, students look at how different bulk protolith compositions control the metamorphic mineral paragenesis, with an emphasis on observing and recording evidence from textures in thin sections. In a world of post-peak oil, exploration for new reserves is now moving to igneous and metamorphic rocks, and a thorough understanding of these rocks is essential for the practising geologist.

Sedimentology is fundamental to interpreting past climate and geography from the evidence in the rock record of the environment in which sediment was deposited. This course develops the skills needed to make such interpretations by cultivating proficiency at description and process-based interpretation of sedimentary successions, and showing how study of modern environments is used to decipher sedimentary processes. We review the controls on the preservation of sediments to make the rock record, including an introduction to the concepts of genetic (sequence) stratigraphy, and see how this can improve discovery and recovery of water and hydrocarbon resources in the subsurface.

This course covers all main aspects of structural geology and tectonics and entails 1 hour lectures and 3 hour practicals each week, together with a field excursion to relatively local geology. The significant practical component allows 'hands on' learning with worked examples being provided by staff. The field excursion allows students to directly apply skills and techniques that have been covered in preceding lectures and practicals. with worked examples then provided in follow-up sessions. The course covers a spectrum of brittle and ductile structures that are developed across a range of scales from microscopic to mountain belt.

This course establishes and explains the principles underlying the interpretation of seismic reflection data, which are at the frontier for both academic and industrial geophysical applications; explains and illustrates the limitations and potential pitfalls interpreting seismic reflection data; and allows the student to practice interpreting seismic reflection data (1) in a geological and structural context and (2) in a sequence-stratigraphic context on paper sections (as proxy for a seismic interpretation workstation environment).

This advanced course will enable exploration of topics at the cutting-edge of research in Geology; Geophysics and Planetary Science. Up-dated to remain current and relevant each year, this could include, for example, themes related to the structure and composition of the Earth; co-evolution of life and the planet; earthquakes and geohazards.

Field observations and their interpretations together with other datasets and imagery, allied to focussed laboratory work on geological materials, may be integrated to inform understanding of geological processes that play within and upon the earth’s crust. The course will enhance essential geo- and reasoning skills through integrated field, laboratory and desk-top investigations showing how geological processes interact in time and place – a culmination of the BSc Geology programme.   

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or Global Goals are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a "blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all". This course introduces the importance of geoscience in achieving these goals by 2030. This includes carbon capture and storage, geothermal energy, critical minerals for the energy transition and more. The course is interactive with guest speakers and extended question and answer sessions.