Program Overview
The MSci Geology program at the University of Birmingham is a four-year undergraduate degree designed to build a comprehensive understanding of how Earth evolved. Emphasizing its global nature, the program encompasses topics ranging from volcanic eruptions to climate change, equipping students with scientific expertise, independent research skills, and the opportunity to specialize in areas of interest, preparing them for careers in geoscience, academia, and industry.
Program Outline
It aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how the Earth has been shaped over billions of years and what its future holds. The program emphasizes the global nature of geology, exploring topics such as volcanic eruptions, climate change, the extinction of dinosaurs, and nuclear waste disposal. The MSci Geology program is designed to equip students with independent research skills and a deeper understanding of Earth sciences. It serves as an ideal foundation for pursuing academic research or a career as a professional geoscientist.
Outline:
The MSci Geology program is structured across four years, with a focus on building a strong foundation in geology during the first two years, followed by specialization and independent research in the later years.
Year 1:
- Compulsory Modules:
- The Earth System
- Structural Geology
- Earth History and Life
- Geoscience Project
- Introductory Field and Research Skills
- SW Wales Field Course
- Earth Materials
- Fieldwork: Residential field trips to Northern Ireland and South West Wales, focusing on geological observation, data recording, and interpretation.
Year 2:
- Compulsory Modules:
- Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
- Sedimentology
- Field Skills
- Earth Resources, Environmental Impacts and Sustainability
- Optional Modules:
- Palaeoecology
- Geological Natural Hazards
- Fieldwork: Residential field courses in SW England (covering palaeontology, sedimentology, petrology, structural geology) and the Lake District (focusing on independent geological mapping skills).
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:
- Tectonic and Volcanic Processes
- Palaeoclimates
- Evolution of Vertebrates
- Evolutionary Palaeobiology
- Engineering Geology and Pollution Hydrogeology
- Climate Change in the Earth System
- Exploring the Energy Transition
- Environmental Research in High Latitudes
- Fieldwork: An international residential field-based module introducing diverse geological environments, processes, and rock types. Students also complete a research project (dissertation) based on field and/or laboratory work undertaken in the summer between Years 2 and 3.
Year 4:
- Compulsory Modules:
- Advanced Project
- Field, Research & Communication Skills
- Optional Modules:
- Palaeoclimates
- Evolution of Vertebrates
- Evolutionary Palaeobiology
- Engineering Geology and Pollution Hydrogeology
- Inorganic Chemistry and Groundwater Borehole Design, Construction and Maintenance
- Organic Contaminant Hydrogeology and Remediation
- Tectonic and Volcanic Processes
- Professional Placements for Earth Scientists
- Exploring the Energy Transition
- River Habitats and their Biogeochemistry
- Hydrogeomorphology and catchment management
- Fieldwork: An international residential field trip, typically to Tenerife, focusing on volcanic processes. Students also undertake a compulsory research project in a topic of their choice, devised with an academic advisor.
Assessment:
The MSci Geology program employs a variety of assessment methods, including:
- Examinations: Some modules are assessed solely through exams.
- Oral Presentations: Students may be required to present their work orally.
- Project Work: Regular project work is a significant component of the program.
- Practical and Field-Based Exercises: Hands-on experience in the field and laboratory is assessed.
- Research Dissertation: The research dissertation in Years 2 and 3 is a major component of the assessment.
Teaching:
The MSci Geology program at the University of Birmingham emphasizes research-led teaching, meaning students learn from academics who are experts in their fields and whose research directly informs the curriculum. The program incorporates a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures: Traditional lectures provide foundational knowledge.
- Practical Laboratories: Hands-on laboratory work reinforces theoretical concepts.
- Tutorials: Small group tutorials offer personalized guidance and discussion.
- Fieldwork: Extensive fieldwork provides real-world experience and practical skills development.
Careers:
Graduates of the MSci Geology program at the University of Birmingham are well-prepared for a wide range of careers in geology and related fields. Some common career paths include:
- Environmental Planning: Working on projects related to land use, pollution control, and environmental protection.
- Land Remediation: Addressing environmental contamination and restoring land to a safe and usable state.
- Hydrogeology: Studying groundwater resources, water quality, and related issues.
- Pollution Control: Developing and implementing strategies to minimize environmental pollution.
- Oil and Minerals Industries: Working in exploration, extraction, and production of oil and mineral resources.
- British Geological Survey (BGS): Contributing to geological research and mapping.
- Local Authorities: Working on projects related to land management, environmental regulation, and infrastructure development.
- Museums: Curating geological collections and engaging in public outreach.
- Government Organizations: Working on policy development and regulation related to geology and the environment.
- Engineering and Construction Companies: Providing geological expertise for infrastructure projects.
- Teaching: Pursuing careers in primary, secondary, or higher education.
Other:
- Lapworth Museum of Geology: The University of Birmingham houses the Lapworth Museum of Geology, one of the oldest and finest specialist geological museums in the UK. It contains over 250,000 specimens and serves as an invaluable study resource for students.
- Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR): The University is home to BIFoR, a pioneering facility dedicated to investigating the long-term impact of climate and environmental change on woodlands.
- Collaborative Teaching Laboratory: The University has a state-of-the-art Collaborative Teaching Laboratory designed to support innovative laboratory teaching methods in STEM subjects.
- Contact Hours: The program involves a significant amount of contact time, including lectures, practical laboratories, tutorials, and fieldwork. The average contact hours per week vary across the four years, with a higher emphasis on fieldwork in the early years.
- Professional Accreditation: The MSci Geology program is accredited by the Geological Society of London, signifying that it meets the academic requirements for professional geoscientists to achieve Fellowship and Chartered Geologist status.
