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BSc and MGeol Geology
| Course Title | UCAS Code | Duration | Typical Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSc Geology | F600 | Three years full-time | ABB |
| MGeol Geology | F601 | Four years full-time | AAB |
International students can progress directly on to BSc Geology (F600) from the International Foundation Year in Science and Computing.
About these Courses
Geology is the study of our own and other planets: their formation, evolution, and interrelationships with life. Geoscientists employ the traditional sciences of biology, chemistry and physics to derive a holistic picture of the development of Earth and its neighbours. Leicester geology students acquire practical knowledge of geology, in both field and laboratory, and explore recent developments in this rapidly developing science.
First Year
You start your course with a broad introduction to geoscience, including concepts of geological time and space, planetary geology, fossils, and the formation of sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks. You will discover the role of geology and of geoscientists in today’s society and will develop your geological knowledge and skills in a structured tutorial programme. Fieldwork includes a day studying the local geology and a 12-day excursion in Scotland. An independent field-based project in an area of your choice is initiated during the First Year.
Second Year
Our modular programme provides comprehensive training in more advanced geological concepts including: magmatic and metamorphic processes, the structure of the Earth’s crust, sedimentary processes and environments, applications of geophysical techniques to hydrocarbon exploration, and the ecological and evolutionary controls on biodiversity. Fieldwork focuses on developing key field techniques and geological mapping training. Field-based modules are currently located in Spain and Wales.
Third Year
Key topics – such as mountain belt construction, the development of Earth’s atmosphere, evolution of life, and the geochemistry of the mantle, continents and oceans – form the basis of study in this year, while a range of optional modules allows you to specialise. Depending on your interests, you can study oil, gas and mineral deposits, discover the palaeobiology of ancient life, examine the physical characteristics of oil and gas-bearing rocks (petrophysics), learn about the climatic, tectonic and sea-level controls on sedimentation, explore the physical behaviour of magmas or gain some teaching experience in a school.
You may choose field-based modules, travelling to Tenerife to study volcanology, to Skye and the northwest Highlands to examine the development of sedimentary basins and mountain belts, or to southwest England to learn about the applied geology and environmental issues associated with mineralisation. If you take the MGeol you will take specialist modules to prepare for your independent research project in the Fourth Year. You will research and write a dissertation on a topic of your choice, discussing subjects such as the volcanic collapse of the Canary Islands, the Snowball Earth hypothesis, or the causes of mass extinctions. You will plan your research project and learn about the range of research equipment in the Department that you could use for this.
Fourth Year (MGeol only)
Your Fourth Year begins with an optional two-week visit to Switzerland to study the evolution of the Alps. You will take higher-level taught modules, including a discussion-based module examining controversial geoscience topics. Independent research forms the basis of this Master's year and you will be treated as a research student.
Your research project will be at the cutting edge of the geosciences allowing you to specialise further in a subject that interests you; if appropriate, the project can be linked to vacation work experience. Recent projects have included evaluation of landing sites on Mars, the geochemistry of the Permo-Triassic extinction, and the petrology of a newly discovered volcanic deposit in Tenerife. In common with all our degrees, the MGeol provides a sound basis for a range of career opportunities and postgraduate courses.
Contact
Dr Stewart Fishwick
0116 252 3912
geology@le.ac.uk
www.le.ac.uk/geology/
