Geophysical and Atmospheric Sciences BSc

Program Overview

This physics-based program emphasizes hands-on learning and combines geophysical and atmospheric science to tackle environmental challenges. It equips students with analytical, computational, and teamwork skills sought by employers in industry and government. The program features sustainable fieldwork, study abroad options, and support from dedicated faculty and staff to prepare graduates for careers in a rapidly evolving field.

Program Outline

With a growing population, more and more people are affected by natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and extreme weather. Space weather is also increasingly impacting the satellites we all rely on as a society. On this course, you’ll develop fundamental expertise in the physics of the Earth, including ocean and atmospheric physics and the dynamics of the Earth’s and other planets’ interiors. You’ll apply this knowledge to find solutions to complex environmental challenges in areas like climate change, energy transition and hazard mitigation. You’ll be trained in data analysis, quantitative modelling and computer programming – all skills that are vital to tackling real-world environmental issues. To help further develop your skill set, we place a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning with a range of field trips throughout the course.

• Experience expert teaching delivered by a programme team made up of leading specialists with extensive industry experience from across the breadth of this field.
• Put theory into practice by undertaking fieldwork activities, where you’ll advance your research skills and gain hands-on experience highly valued by employers in industry.
• Join one of our societies, such as RocSoc or SusSoc, where you can meet like-minded people at activities such as comedy and film nights, trips and sports.
You could even be elected as a member of the committee, which is a great opportunity to develop your management and leadership skills.

Outline:

This degree covers a broad basis in geophysical and atmospheric topics across the discipline, providing you with a solid foundation by the end of your second year. Starting out from physical fundamentals, we will apply these to geophysical and atmospheric examples ranging from the Earth’s magnetic and gravitational field to seismology and hazards caused by earthquakes, volcanoes and extreme weather to climate change and environmental monitoring.

Year 1:

• Introductory Earth Science – 20 credits: Discover the link between the rocks that we find at the Earth’s surface and the processes by which different types of rocks form.
The concept of the rock cycle is an important part of the module, explaining how minerals and materials crystallise, erode, are transported, laid down, lithified, metamorphosed, and then re-melted through the tectonic cycle.
• Optional modules: You’ll choose a selection of optional modules from a wide variety of modules taught in the Schools of Earth and Environment or Physics.
These could cover areas like natural hazards, atmosphere, weather and sustainable development.

Year 2:

• Compulsory modules:
You'll be introduced to the mathematical methods in the lectures and translate these into Python programs in the practical sessions.
• Time Series Analysis and Inverse Theory – 20 credits: Learn the mathematical foundation for spectral analysis and filter theory as applied to the analysis of a large variety of data sets in applied and pure geophysical and atmospheric science.
Lectures are closely interwoven with computer exercises that bring data sets to life.
• Environmental Geophysics – 20 credits: This module combines a field trip with lectures and practical sessions to teach you the fundamental skills of conducting and analysing environmental monitoring data through a range of different techniques.
You'll develop skills in survey design, field safety, field data recording, quality control, processing, interpretation and the preparation and presentation of reports and maps. Practical sessions focus on the processing and interpretation of real data you’ve collected in the field.
• Earth Observation of Tectonics and Climate – 20 credits: Remote sensing of the Earth's environment from space has revolutionised the ways in which we measure and perceive our planet.
• 3D Earth – 20 credits: This module is linked to a geological fieldtrip and explores the three-dimensional nature of the Earth through time.
You’ll integrate structural geology with the occurrence and nature of sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks in the framework of plate tectonics. You’ll learn how to describe, quantify and interpret geological structures and how Earth’s history can be interpreted in two- and three-dimensions using geological maps and cross-sections.
• Optional modules: You’ll choose a selection of optional modules from a wide variety of modules taught in the Schools of Earth and Environment or Physics.
These could cover areas like fluid dynamics, climate change, science and impact, and atmosphere and ocean dynamics.

Year 3:

• Compulsory modules:
• Research Dissertation & Data Review – 40 credits:
During this module, you’ll have the opportunity to complete an original research project. You’ll develop the powers of scientific observation and analysis, capabilities of interpreting and presenting results and discussing them in the context of previous work conducted in the field. In general, independent projects are based on a set of observations that you have collected yourself or have been provided by a supervisor from a fieldwork survey, laboratory experiment, numerical model or data bank. Topics include green energies, CO2 sequestration, offshore wind farms, mining of essential minerals, freshwater resourcing and mitigating the consequences of global warming. You’ll critically explore and conceptually evaluate contemporary debates on the technical, economic, environmental and social issues related to these topics and bring together evidence from a variety of sources.
• Synoptic Field School – 20 credits: This module combines a two-week international field trip (e.g., volcanic environment in Lanzarote, Canary Island) where students work in teams to acquire a multi-disciplinary data set with advanced data processing and interpretation tools in practical sessions back at Leeds.
The emphasis during the field trip is on you developing your independent fieldwork using our specialist equipment, whilst working as a team. You’ll also build skills in planning, leadership, presentation and communication.
• Optional modules: You’ll choose a selection of optional modules from a wide variety of modules taught in the Schools of Earth and Environment or Physics.
These could cover areas like volcanic processes, engineering geology, geoelectrics and structural geology for the future.

Fieldwork:

Ask any of our students and they will tell you that taking part in fieldwork is one of the most enjoyable and memorable aspects of the course. We offer a range of increasingly sustainable fieldwork opportunities, giving you the chance to study a fascinating subject in contrasting environments away from the University. Field teaching is integrated with lectures and module coursework, giving you the opportunity to:

• Practice the skills you have learnt in class in real-world situations.
• Gain first-hand experience of collecting and analysing data.
• Build valuable individual research skills – vital for your final year research project.
• Develop professional skills sought after by employers like project planning, communication and teamwork.
• Get to know your lecturers and fellow students even better.
You can apply to either undertake a one-year work placement or study abroad for a year, choosing from a selection of universities we’re in partnership with worldwide.

Assessment:

You'll be assessed through a variety of methods, specifically designed to help students learn, whatever their preferred learning style. We use both coursework and exams, but with a general progression from an emphasis on exams in year 1 towards an emphasis on coursework in your final year. Before you are assessed on a specific topic, you'll have received formative feedback on a very similar piece of work to help you with your preparations. We use, wherever appropriate, an approach towards authentic assessment, e.g., during fieldwork, you'll be assessed as if you were a ‘contractor’ considering teamwork and leadership skills alongside the scientific results. Communication and presentation skills are assessed throughout the degree to develop your transferrable skills.

Teaching:

Most modules combine lectures with practical sessions, workshops or seminars, depending on the subject. These are enhanced with skills classes, field trips and small group academic tutorials. You can expect to study in a variety of settings, from large lecture theatres to computer clusters, seminar rooms, tutorials, laboratories, visualisation suites and out in the field. We offer research-led teaching across the breadth of our disciplines, from specialists in their field. As Leeds is a research-intensive Russell Group University, you’ll be studying amongst staff who are at the leading edge on research worldwide. You'll have a designated personal tutor throughout your studies at Leeds, who will be an academic member of staff. You'll have fortnightly academic tutorials with your tutor throughout your first two years, in your tutor group (of typically 5 students), as well as one-to-one meetings twice per semester. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Careers:

Climate change couldn’t be more pertinent than it is in society today. Organisations and governments rely on experts who can help comprehend the huge impact of climate on a regional or global scale – and create solutions for the future. This degree will train you in how to deliver these crucial solutions. You’ll be equipped with a breadth of skills in geophysics and atmospheric science, giving you the ability to tackle the most pertinent and complex problems in Earth Sciences. It’s this core knowledge you’ll gain from the course which will prove invaluable to employers worldwide, in both the public and private sectors. You’ll also build strong analytical, computational and numerical skills, alongside experience working in a team and independently – all sought after both in industry and transferable into many other careers, too. You'll be supported throughout your studies by our dedicated Employability Team, who will provide you with specialist support and advice to help you find relevant work experience, internships and industrial placements, as well as graduate positions. You’ll benefit from timetabled employability sessions, support during internships and placements, and presentations and workshops delivered by employers. You'll also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.

Other:

• Rankings and awards:
• 21st in the world for Earth Sciences - ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023
• 18th in the world for Geophysics - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
• 73% say staff value students views and opinions about the course
• 81% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well.
• 85% in work or doing further study 15 months after the course.
However, you must pay for incidental or personal expenses. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.
• International Undergraduate Excellence Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to high achieving and particularly deserving international students.
This event is more in-depth than an open day.
• International applicants: International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students.
• Admissions policy: University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025
• Contact us: School of Earth and Environment Undergraduate Admissions
• Telephone:

To be confirmed