Geology and Petroleum Geology, BSc drafted

Program Overview

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Geology and Petroleum Geology is the study of how the Earth works, and in particular, the nature and origin of the Earth’s natural resources.

Earth Sciences at the University of Aberdeen is ranked

4th in the UK

for student satisfaction by the 2022 National Student Survey, with an overall satisfaction score of 91.7% (compared to a national average score of 83.1%).

The

Science Teaching Hub

provides students with the most modern microscopy laboratories in the UK. Our advanced microscopes and cameras allow you to study rocks and capture and share images like never before.

Program Outline

What You'll Study

The courses of study are made up of a range of core courses and choices. In years 1-4, the core courses you study are the same regardless of whether you are aiming for the BSc or the MGeol.

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 1

Two core courses

: Earth Through Geological Time

, which looks at the evolution of the Earth over the past 4,500 million years, and

Earth's Materials,

looks at the origin, physical and characteristics of the rocks and minerals that make up the Earth.

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Compulsory Courses

Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)

The Nature of The Environment Through Geological Time (GL1005)

Earth's Materials (GL1505)

Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)

This course, which is prescribed for level 1 undergraduate students (and articulating students who are in their first year at the University), is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.

Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.

Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.

Detailed course information

The Nature of The Environment Through Geological Time (GL1005)

15 Credit Points

For 4,500 million years the Earth has been, and still is, a continually evolving Dynamic Planet. The record is held in the rocks and fossils of the present continental landmasses and ocean basins. To deduce the history of the planet geologists must apply a large range of scientific principles and disciplines. These disciplines encompass the biological, chemical and physical sciences. The course provides a basic understanding of how the structure and evolution of the planet are deduced and how this information can be used to discover and extract natural resources such as fossil fuels and ores.

Detailed course information

Earth's Materials (GL1505)

15 Credit Points

Following on from GL1005 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.

Detailed course information

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Optional Courses

Select a further 90 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 2

Four courses all of which are taken for Single and Joint Honours programmes. These include

Stratigraphica

l Principles, Petrology &

Mineralogy

, Geophysics

and

Introduction to

Fiel

d Geology,

which is a six-day residential course on the Isle of Arran.

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Compulsory Courses

NOTE

: Candidates seeking entry to the Junior Honours programme must have accumulated, by award or recognition, or been exempted from, at least 240 credit points at levels 1 and 2, including those compulsory courses required to enter programme year 3.

Stratigraphical Principles (GL2014)

Earth’s Life, Environments and Climate Through Time (GL2017)

An Introduction to Field Geology (GL2510)

Geophysics (GL2511)

Earth’s Life, Environments and Climate Through Time (GL2017)

15 Credit Points

This course explores how Earth’s life, environments and climate have changed through the history of the planet, from its origins until the Recent past. This exciting story, including for example Earth-covering “snowball” glaciations, mass extinctions, and the origins of life on land, is unravelled by looking at fossils, sedimentary rocks and their chemical signals, learning and applying the fundamental methods and principles required to determine sequences of events in Earth's history (stratigraphy).

Detailed course information

An Introduction to Field Geology (GL2510)

15 Credit Points

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.

Detailed course information

Geophysics (GL2511)

15 Credit Points

This course introduces you to some of the physics that underlies Earth’s processes, and shows you how geophysical methods can be used to uncover Earth’s structure and processes. From how the Earth moves around the solar system, to how rocks bend and break, from earthquake hazards to uncovering mineral resources, this course will allow you to gain skills and knowledge that will be important for the rest of your degree and future careers.

Detailed course information

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Optional Courses

Select a further 60 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 3

Year 3 is the start of the Honours degree and all but one course option in each semester is geology focused. At year 3 there are two main residential field courses as well as day field trips.

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Compulsory Courses

Principles of Petroleum Geology (GL3018)

Field and Mapping Techniques 1 (GL3026)

Structural Geology & Tectonics (GL3027)

Igneous & Metamorphic Petrology (GL3520)

Sedimentology (GL3521)

Principles of Petroleum Geology (GL3018)

15 Credit Points

This course introduces students to the key issues surrounding being a geologist in the petroleum industry. With the changing nature of hydrocarbon exploration and production, both conventional and unconventional hydrocarbons are considered. The key concepts of the origin and generation of hydrocarbons, reservoir rocks and subsurface reservoir structures (traps) are introduced, together with some of the key techniques used within the industry (e.g. reservoir geology, petrophysics and formation evaluation). Practical issues such as how hydrocarbon wells are drilled and how rocks are sampled in the subsurface are also considered.

Detailed course information

Field and Mapping Techniques 1 (GL3026)

15 Credit Points

This course is based on a residential field programme that enables students to directly study geological phenomena and relationships in the field. it provides hands-on experience and develops 3-D approaches to thinking and problem solving. The learning environment is remote from the university, and encourages students to learn individually and in small group settings. The course covers a range of techniques typically, geological field mapping, sedimentary logging, and examination of detailed field relationships to enable broader scale conclusions to be drawn. Assessments are undertaken during the actual field course. The field course is paid for directly by participants.

Detailed course information

Structural Geology & Tectonics (GL3027)

15 Credit Points

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.

Detailed course information

Igneous & Metamorphic Petrology (GL3520)

15 Credit Points

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.

Detailed course information

Sedimentology (GL3521)

15 Credit Points

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.

Detailed course information

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Optional Courses

Juniour Hours are required to take:

Field and Mapping Techniques 2 (GL3525), plus 15 credit points from courses of choice.

Designated degree students may choose one of the following:

Project/Dissertation (for Designated Degrees only) (GL3508), plus 30 credit points from courses of choice.

Field and Mapping Techniques 2 (GL3525), plus 15 credit points from courses of choice.

NOTE

:

GL3525 is not normally available to students on the Designated Geology-Petroleum Geology programme. All students intending to graduate with Honours must complete GL3525.

GL3508 is only normally available to student on the Designated Geology-Petroleum Geology programme.

Field & Mapping Techniques 2 (GL3525)

Project / Dissertation (GL3508)

Field & Mapping Techniques 2 (GL3525)

30 Credit Points

This course teaches the advanced field skills necessary for all practising geologists, and serves as preparation for the summer mapping project (GL4023). The material builds on that covered in GL3026 (Field & Mapping Techniques 1). Preliminary laboratory classes in Semester 2 are used to prepare students for the field exercises on the 10-day field trip. The students will learn how to systematically collect, analyse and present their own field data as part of wider scientific studies.

Detailed course information

Project / Dissertation (GL3508)

15 Credit Points

A dissertation not exceeding 5,000 words based upon an original geological investigation or a literature review.\_x000D_ \_x000D_ Or, where appropriate, the submission of a piece of independently executed fieldwork, in the form of a map and brief accompanying memoir, may be permitted at the discretion of the Course Coordinator.

Detailed course information

Year 4

One of the main components of the BSc final year is the 5 week independent field project. You undertake your independent research over the summer between years 3 and 4, and much of the autumn term is focused on working up the report.

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Compulsory Courses

NOTE

: GL4023 requires 35 days of field work during the summer vacation preceding Level 4.

Geological Mapping Project (GL4023)

Geochemistry and Geofluids (GL4031)

Integrative Geology Through Fieldwork (GL4532)

Geological Mapping Project (GL4023)

45 Credit Points

35 days of individual geological field mapping. During the exercise the student will devise and carry out a research project based on an aspect of the area mapped and submit a final map and report.

Detailed course information

Geochemistry and Geofluids (GL4031)

15 Credit Points

This course trains students in advanced basin analysis and geofluid and geochemistry techniques, that can be used to model and understand the subsurface over deep geological time. Techniques focus on the manipulation and interpretation of geochemical data. Field excursions, including a residential trip, are central to the course as are projects involving group work and individual study. The course includes advanced academic topics at the frontiers of current research, but is also excellent preparation for working in the petroleum and subsurface sectors.

Detailed course information

Integrative Geology Through Fieldwork (GL4532)

15 Credit Points

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.

Detailed course information

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Optional Courses

Select one of the following:

Planetary Geology (GL4033)

Applied Geological Synthesis (GL4034)

Plus select a further 15 credit points from courses of choice.

A graduating curriculum for the Honours programme must include 90 credit points from Level 4 courses.

Planetary Geology (GL4033)

Applied Geological Synthesis (GL4034)

Planetary Geology (GL4033)

15 Credit Points

On this course you will become an interplanetary explorer, learning how to conduct real scientific research and synthesise data, guided by experts. You will apply your skills to learn and discover new things about aspects of lunar and planetary geology that interest you.

Detailed course information

Applied Geological Synthesis (GL4034)

15 Credit Points

On this course you will learn how to conduct real scientific research and synthesise data relevant to applied geological challenges, guided by experts. You will apply your skills to learn and discover new things about aspects of applied geology that interest you.

Detailed course information

We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.

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Within Subject Area

Geology and Geophysics

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Related Information

Undergraduate Prospectus

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Careers

Each year, over 91% of our Geology graduates are in employment or further study 6 months after graduating.

Our degree(s) in Geology open up career opportunities with the global oil and gas industry, as well as other key sectors. Our degrees are highly respected by the oil and gas industry and our graduates are in high demand.

Geology is also a subject that opens up tremendous opportunities for further study, either at an MSc level or PhD.

The vast majority of Aberdeen Geology & Petroleum Geology graduates find employment within the hydrocarbon or mineral exploration and exploitation sectors. Additionally, postgraduate specialised study is a popular pathway toward careers in the oil industry.

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Career Opportunities

Associate Technical Professional

Borehole Geologist

Data Manager

Field Engineer

Logging Geologist

Mudlogger

Site Engineering Geologist

Well Planning Engineer

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Accreditation

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This degree holds accreditation from

Geological Society of London