Environmental Earth Science

Program Overview

The BSc in Environmental Earth Science at Aberystwyth University provides a comprehensive grounding in geological and environmental Earth science, equipping students with practical skills and knowledge to address societal challenges. The program emphasizes environmental problem-solving, geological processes, and fieldwork techniques. Graduates develop transferable skills for careers in environmental consultancy, geotechnical engineering, and beyond, while gaining an understanding of contemporary environmental issues like climate change and pollution.

Program Outline

Environmental Earth Science BSc (F640) at Aberystwyth University

Degree Overview:

The BSc in Environmental Earth Science at Aberystwyth University provides a comprehensive understanding of geological and environmental Earth science topics. The program is designed to equip students with the core skills in geology and apply them to a wide range of environmental problems, including climate change, geohazards, and the energy transition. Students will learn about the Earth's processes, its surface formation, and its geological history. The program emphasizes practical skills like fieldwork and laboratory techniques, which are essential for addressing critical societal issues such as sustainable resource extraction, environmental pollution, and remediation. This degree aims to train students to become active participants in solving the planet's most significant challenges.

Outline:

The program is structured over three years, with a combination of core and optional modules.

Year 1:

• Core Modules:
• An introduction to Earth Materials (GS12520):
20 credits
• Earth Surface Environments (GS10520):
20 credits
• Fieldwork Skills (GS11320):
20 credits
• How to Build a Planet (GS11520):
20 credits
• Life on Earth (GS10720):
20 credits
• Researching the World: data collection and analysis (GS13020):
20 credits

Year 2:

• Core Modules:
• Advanced Earth Materials (GS22620):
20 credits
• Chemical Analysis of Natural Materials (GS21010):
10 credits
• Environmental Earth Science Research Design and Fieldwork Skills (GS21420):
20 credits
• Fundamentals of Geochemistry (GS22720):
20 credits
• Geographical Information Systems (GS23710):
10 credits
• Quantitative Data Analysis (GS23810):
10 credits
• Optional Modules:
• Catchment Systems (GS25210):
10 credits
• Physical Analysis of Natural Materials (GS22010):
10 credits
• Reconstructing Past Environments (GS21910):
10 credits
• The Frozen Planet (GS23510):
10 credits

Year 3:

• Core Modules:
• Advanced Fieldwork Skills (GS35320):
20 credits
• Environmental Earth Science Dissertation (GS35140):
40 credits
• Optional Modules:
• Applied Environmental Management (GS31120):
20 credits
• Environmental Regulation and Consultancy (BR35620):
20 credits
• People, Climate and Environment: a Palaeoenvironmental Perspective (GS33720):
20 credits
• Volcanic Activity: Hazards and Environmental Change (GS30420):
20 credits

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary across modules and may include:

• Traditional exams
• Coursework
• Practical reports
• Oral presentations
• Web page design
• Short films
• Online discussion forum contributions
• Tutorials
• Field courses

Teaching:

• Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory and computer practical classes, small group tutorials, field courses, and individual supervision of project work.
• Lecturers are all qualified to PhD level or working towards a PhD.

Careers:

Graduates from this program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in:

• Environmental consultancy
• Geotechnical engineering
• Civil service
• Technology
• Geological and environmental surveys
The program emphasizes employability and provides students with a solid foundation for careers in environmental sectors and beyond. Graduates develop transferable skills such as:
• Practical laboratory and fieldwork skills
• Enhanced mathematical and computational skills
• Effective problem-solving and creative thinking skills
• Ability to work across a range of spatial and temporal scales
• 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
• Ability to work across multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary topics

Other:

• The program offers opportunities for a Year in Industry (F643) and an integrated year studying abroad (F642).
• The Department of Geography and Earth Sciences is located in a picturesque setting on the coast of Cardigan Bay, providing students with diverse fieldwork and recreational opportunities.
• The program emphasizes the scientific knowledge underpinning climate change and its context in the planet's history.
• Students will learn about the impacts of volcanic eruptions and future adaptations to environmental and anthropogenic hazards.
• The program includes training in using remote sensing and GIS tools and their professional application.
• Students will gain a solid understanding of contemporary environmental issues such as pollution and waste disposal.
• The program utilizes world-class facilities recognized by NERC (Natural Environment Research Council).
• Students can choose to study some of their degree through the medium of Welsh.