Program Overview
The Geology and Physical Geography BSc (Hons) degree from the University of Birmingham is a flexible, research-led program accredited by the Geological Society of London, providing a broad foundation in Earth sciences with a focus on environmental issues and practical skills through extensive fieldwork.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Geology and Physical Geography BSc (Hons) course at the University of Birmingham is a flexible degree that provides a broad-based knowledge of the Earth sciences. It is accredited by the Geological Society of London, indicating that it offers sound training for a professional career in the geosciences. The course aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of Earth science principles and their applications, including natural hazards, climate change, and tectonic processes. It allows students to specialize in areas that interest them through a wide range of optional modules.
Outline:
The Geology and Physical Geography BSc (Hons) program is a three-year undergraduate degree.
Year 1:
- Compulsory Modules:
- Earth History and Life
- The Earth System
- Global Environmental Issues A
- Global Environmental Issues B
- Atoms to Volcanoes
- Earth Structures & Tectonics
- Geoscience Project
- Introductory Field and Research Skills
- SW Wales Field Course
- Fieldwork:
- One-week residential field course to Northern Ireland (semester one)
- One-week residential field course to Pembrokeshire in SW Wales (semester two)
Year 2:
- Compulsory Modules:
- Sedimentology
- Field Skills
- Earth Resources, Environmental Impacts and Sustainability
- Optional Modules:
- Hydroclimatology: Climate and Water
- Hydrogeology and Geomorphology
- Ecological Systems
- Environmental Management and Pollution
- Rock Mechanics, Geophysics and Hydrogeology
- Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
- Palaeoecology
- Geological Natural Hazards
- Fieldwork:
- One-week residential field course to NW Scotland (semester one)
- One-week residential field course to SW England, including the Jurassic Coast and Cornwall (semester two)
Year 3:
- Compulsory Modules:
- Earth Science Research Project
- Sedimentary Basin Analysis OR Palaeontology Field and Museum Skills
- This module is only available to students following a palaeontology pathway that also select both of the modules Evolution of Vertebrates and Evolutionary Palaeobiology in the same year.
- Optional Modules:
- Palaeoclimates
- Climate Change in the Earth System
- Conservation: Theory into Practice
- Engineering Geology and Pollution Hydrogeology
- Environmental Research at High Latitudes
- Evolution of Vertebrates
- Evolutionary Palaeobiology
- Tectonic and Volcanic Processes
- Exploring the Energy Transition
- Micrometeorology: Weather, Climate and Society
- Catchment Processes, Environmental Change and Restoration
- Fieldwork:
- One-week residential field course in a chosen area, such as Volcanology in Tenerife, Sedimentary Basin Analysis in SE Spain, or Resource Geology in the UK.
Assessment:
Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Examinations
- Oral presentations
- Project work
- Practical and field-based exercises Feedback is provided within four weeks of each assessment.
Teaching:
- The program utilizes a research-led teaching approach, meaning students learn from academics who are experts in their fields.
- Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, practical classes, and extensive fieldwork.
- Students are encouraged to become independent and self-motivated learners.
Careers:
Graduates from the Geology and Physical Geography BSc (Hons) program are employed in a wide range of fields, including:
- Environmental planning
- Land remediation
- Hydrogeology
- Pollution control
- Oil and minerals industries
- British Geological Survey (BGS)
- Local authorities
- Museums
- Government organizations
- Engineering and construction companies
- Teaching Many graduates pursue further study, such as an MSc or PhD, before entering the workforce.
Other:
- The program includes a Placement Year option, allowing students to gain valuable work experience with an external organization.
- The University of Birmingham offers a comprehensive support system for students, including personal tutors, wellbeing officers, and the Academic Skills Centre.
- The Lapworth Museum of Geology, with over 250,000 specimens, is an invaluable study resource for students.
- The Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR) is a pioneering facility investigating the long-term impact of climate and environmental change on woodlands.
- The University of Birmingham has a Careers Network that provides tailored careers guidance, work experience opportunities, mentoring, global internships, and placement support.
