2014/15 Undergraduate Programme Catalogue

BSc Geophysical Sciences

Total credits: 360

Entry requirements:

Normally two A-Levels at grades AB in Mathematics and Physics in addition to one further A-level, or two AS-levels, at grade B, excluding General Studies.

International Baccalaureate: Normally 32 points overall, with 16 at the Higher Level.

Scottish Highers: Normally ABBBB, including Mathematics and Physics.

Other Qualifications (Access to HE Diploma, BTEC etc): Please refer to our website or email us.

School/Unit responsible for the parenting of students and programme:

School of Earth and Environment

Examination board through which the programme will be considered:

School of Earth and Environment

Relevant QAA Subject Benchmark Groups:

Programme specification:

The programme will allow students to:
- be educated across the full range of Geophysical Sciences, encouraging and enabling students to acquire a good background in university-level geology, physics and mathematics.
- be trained in computational and field techniques
- develop investigative and communication skills
- gain a good foundation for those who will embark on careers as professional geophysicists
- access a course of sufficient breadth and intellectual training to suit the needs of those who will eventually work outside the subject area

The degree programme is accredited by the Geological Society. Graduates from an accredited course gain fast-track progression towards obtaining Chartered Geologist status, which is the key professional qualification for a career in some commercial spheres of employment.

The programme fulfils national subject benchmark criteria in terms of:
- developing a multi-disciplinary and an interdisciplinary approach to Earth systems, an holistic view of the materials, structure, processes and interactions of the Earth's core, mantle, crust, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere
- developing an understanding of major geoscience paradigms including uniformitarianism, geological time and plate tectonics and an appreciation of relevant temporal and spatial scales
- allowing students to become equipped with Earth science terminology and nomenclature, and the skills to identify and for the classification of Earth materials
- providing methods of acquiring, interpreting and analysing field and laboratory data with a critical understanding of the appropriate contexts for their use, including the collection and documentation of geophysical and geological field data, for production and interpretation of geological maps
- enabling students to develop an awareness of issues concerning the exploration, development, exploitation, sustainability and different value sets relating to Earth resources; to contribute to informed debate on aspects of Earth science including human impacts on the environment and the impacts of geohazards on human societies; to appreciate the contribution of the subject to the development of knowledge and its applicability to the world of work

The strengths of the degree programme here in Leeds include:
a) a learning experience within an environment of active research (grade 5 RAE status)
b) strong theoretical and applied themes developed through the three-year programme
c) well-developed quantitative, computational and mathematical skills compared with most other similar courses nationally
d) independent field work and project work
e) extensive communication, employment-related and team skills development
f) opportunity to include an industrial placement year
g) focus on the programme providing a 3-year preparation for postgraduate research or taught Masters programmes, with a place being guaranteed on School of Earth and Environment MSc programmes for students who attain a final 2:1 degree classification
h) option to switch to a (provisional) 4-year undergraduate Masters programme (MSci Geosciences) which will offer a broader academic experience in year 4, allowing students the opportunity to explore related academic and career directions, as an alternative to subject-specific MSc programmes
i) flexible part-time study option, the order in which modules are to be taken being by individual arrangement between the student and the programme convener.

Year1 - View timetable

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment, Learning Context]

Compulsory modules:

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

Year2 - View timetable

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment, Learning Context]

Compulsory modules:

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

Optional modules:

Candidates will be required to study 30 credits from the following optional modules

Year3 - View timetable

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment, Learning Context]

Compulsory modules:

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

Optional modules:

Candidates will be required to study a total of 30 credits from the following optional modules.

Last updated: 12/05/2014

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