Physical Geography BSc

Program Overview

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BSc Physical Geography with integrated Foundation Year equips you with knowledge and expertise to address environmental challenges. Through field trips, laboratory practicals, and hands-on projects, you'll acquire skills in data analysis, mapping, and environmental research. The program prepares you for a range of careers in areas such as environmental consulting, planning, and education.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

BSc Physical Geography with integrated Foundation Year is delivered by Aberystwyth University’s Department of Geography and Earth Sciences. It is the most established and experienced department of its kind, offering the unique opportunity to study geography in one of the most picturesque locations in Europe. The program is accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) and equips students with the skills, abilities, and expertise to face and engage with the challenges facing society today. The integrated foundation year is designed for prospective students who do not have a sufficient or relevant academic background. It provides a unique experience and critical perspective to make the most of the full undergraduate degree.

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Outline:

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Foundation Year:

• Introduces core components of Physical Geography.

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Year 2:

• Key concepts in geographical study
• Issues and techniques in the collection, analysis, and presentation of geographical data
• Climate change
• Landscape processes
• Global Environmental Change

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Year 3:

• Laboratory and computer research skills in preparation for independent research project
• Analysis of quantitative data sets
• Production of maps and other graphical representations of geographical data
• Participation in a residential field trip in the UK or overseas
• Optional modules to specialize or maintain a broad interest across Geography

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Year 4:

• Independent research project involving collection, analysis, and interpretation of data
• Optional modules such as glaciology, hydrology, volcanic hazards, and past climate change

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Modules:

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Year 1:

• Core:
• Environmental Management (GS00420) - 20 credits
• How to be a Student 1 (GS09520) - 20 credits
• How to be a Student 2 (GS09320) - 20 credits
• Information in a Post-Truth World (GS01120) - 20 credits
• Understanding Change - Environment, People, Places (GS00820) - 20 credits
• Options:
• Representing the Other: Cultures and Clashes (GS09820) - 20 credits
• The ‘Othered' Migrant: Social Science Perspectives (GS09620) - 20 credits

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Year 2:

• Core:
• An introduction to Earth Materials (GS12520) - 20 credits
• Earth Surface Environments (GS10520) - 20 credits
• How to Build a Planet (GS11520) - 20 credits
• Life on Earth (GS10720) - 20 credits
• Living in a Dangerous World (GS10020) - 20 credits
• Researching the World: data collection and analysis (GS13020) - 20 credits

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Year 3:

• Core:
• Chemical Analysis of Natural Materials (GS21010) - 10 credits
• Geographical Information Systems (GS23710) - 10 credits
• Physical Analysis of Natural Materials (GS22010) - 10 credits
• Quantitative Data Analysis (GS23810) - 10 credits
• Options:
• Catchment Systems (GS25210) - 10 credits
• Geographical Perspectives on the Sustainable Society (GS28910) - 10 credits
• Physical Geography and Environmental Science Research Design and Fieldwork Skills (GS21120) - 20 credits
• Reconstructing Past Environments (GS21910) - 10 credits
• The Frozen Planet (GS23510) - 10 credits
• Advanced Earth Materials (GS22620) - 20 credits
• Fundamentals of Geochemistry (GS22720) - 20 credits
• Food, Farming, Technology and the Environment (BR29020) - 20 credits

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Year 4:

• Core:
• Geography Dissertation (GS34040) - 40 credits
• Options:
• Applied Environmental Management (GS31120) - 20 credits
• Environmental geochemistry and biogeochemistry (GS30320) - 20 credits
• Glaciers and Ice Sheets (GS33420) - 20 credits
• People, Climate and Environment: a Palaeoenvironmental Perspective (GS33720) - 20 credits
• Volcanic Activity: Hazards and Environmental Change (GS30420) - 20 credits

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Assessment:

• Traditional exams
• Coursework
• Practical reports
• Oral presentations
• Design of web pages
• Production of short films
• Contribution to online discussion forums
• Tutorials
• Field courses

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Teaching:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Laboratory and computer practicals
• Small group tutorials
• Field courses
• Individual supervision of project work

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Careers:

• Environmental consultants
• Planners
• Civil servants
• Surveyors
• Education

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Other:

• The Department of Geography and Earth Sciences is uniquely placed to make the most of the stunning landscapes that surround it, providing students with a fabulous variety of fieldwork and recreational opportunities.
• Travel awards are available each year to fund student adventures (up to £400).
• State-of-the-art teaching facilities with the latest technology to enhance learning.
• Fully stocked laboratories with an array of analytical instruments (e.g., mass spectrometers and core scanners) that can be used for fieldwork and independent study.
• Lecturers are all qualified to PhD level or working towards a PhD.
• Employability is embedded within all courses provided by the department.
• Graduates are adaptable and able to draw on a range of transferable skills, ensuring that they are always in demand.
• Skill sets include:
• Enhanced mathematical and computational skills
• Effective problem-solving and creative thinking skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Time-management and organizational skills
• Communication skills (written and oral)
• Self-motivation and self-reliance