BSc Geology and Physical Geography

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.