2021/22 Undergraduate Programme Catalogue

MGeoPhys, BSc Geophysics (International)

Total credits: 480

Entry requirements:

Normally three A Levels at grades AAA including Mathematics and Physics excluding General Studies.

International Baccalaureate: Normally 35 points overall, with 17 at the Higher Level, to include 5 points in Mathematics and Physics

Scottish Highers: Normally AAABB with AA in 2 Advanced Highers including Mathematics and Physics. For non-AH applicants AAAAAA 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:

Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences and Environmental Studies (ES3)

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 of geological knowledge
- to be trained in field, computational and relevant laboratory techniques
- the opportunity to deepen and broaden their geophysical studies within another academic culture, and carry out fieldwork at world-class geological sites
- the opportunity to experience a year abroad in an alternative social and cultural environment
- to develop investigative and communication skills
- to gain a strong foundation for those who will embark on postgraduate study and/or careers as professional geologists, with an emphasis upon Masters level independent research plus Masters level taught modules in applied subjects during year 4
- to 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 of London. 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, plate tectonics, and evolution of life on Earth 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 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, and to appreciate the contribution of the subject of Earth science to the development of knowledge and its applicability to the world of work

The strengths of the degree programme here in Leeds include:

- a learning experience within an environment of active research (grade 5 RAE status)
- strong theoretical and applied themes developed and interlinked
- emphasis on field and computational skills, independent geophysical surveying and laboratory projects
- extensive communication, employment-related and team skills development
- excellent preparation for postgraduate research or further taught Masters programmes

Students are normally expected to include a minimum of two weeks fieldwork in their selection of modules during their year abroad.

Progression criteria: Unless extenuating circumstances determine otherwise, the following conditions shall apply. Students are normally expected to maintain an average mark of at least 65 in their 1st year in order to remain on the programme. In addition students will also be expected to maintain an average mark of at least 60 in their 2nd year in order to remain on the programme. If a student fails to maintain these requirements they will be transferred to the BSc equivalent programme.

Transfer arrangements: Students transferring to the MGeophys programme from the BSc Geophysical Sciences programme are expected to attain a minimum 60% average in year 1 and year 2. Transfer is c onditional upon securing a study abroad place at one of the approved partner Universities. Dropping below 60% in second year with automatically lead to transfer onto the BSc (International) programme.

Students who fail the year abroad will automatically revert to the relevant BSc programme and will take the 3rd (final) year of the BSc programme in Leeds.

Rules for Award: At the end of the year abroad, the School receives a transcript from the exchange university showing the grades received for each module. These grades are then converted to Leeds marks using a formula specific to each partner institution and specified in the learning contract. The mark achieved during the year abroad is represented by the module SOEE9001 (120 credits).
The marks for 2nd, 3rd and 4th years are combined in the ratio 1:1:1 or 1:1:2 to achieve the highest average.

Year1 - View timetable

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

Compulsory modules:

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

Optional modules:

Candidates WITHOUT A level Further or Pure Maths are required to study the following module.

Students WITH A Level Pure or Further Maths may be required to study, or may be excluded from studying this module depending on units studied and grade, and should consult the Programme and Module Leaders for advice.

Discovery modules:

Candidates who are excluded from taking SOEE1302 are required to take a 10 credit Discovery module. In particular, we recommend SOEE1034.

Year2 - View timetable

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

Compulsory modules:

Optional modules:

Candidates will be required to study 30-35 credits from the following optional modules.
Alternatively, students may choose to study a 10 credit Discovery module and 20-25 credits from the list of optional modules.

Discovery modules:

Year3 - View timetable

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

Compulsory modules:

Exchange Universities for Geophysical Sciences currently include:

- University of California, USA
- Colorado School of Mines, USA
- Purdue University, USA
- University of Alberta, Canada
- Western University, Canada
- Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
- University of Calgary, Canada
- Curtin University, Australia
- Penn State University, USA
- University of Toronto, Canada
- Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Students are allocated to partner universities during the first semester of second year. Allocations are made by the Study Abroad Office.

Marks at the overseas institution will be translated into a single Leeds mark (represented by module SOEE9001) according to a formula specific to each partner institution, and defined in the Learning Contract.

To pass the year abroad the student will normally have to pass a minimum of 80% of higher level credits. If the student fails the year abroad by failing to gain a minimum of 80% of the required number of credits they will be transferred onto the equivalent BSc/BA programme and will take a 'normal' 3rd year at Leeds.

Year4 - View timetable

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

Compulsory modules:

Candidates are normally required to take the following compulsory modules in light of existing qualifications and experience, and subject to School approval.

Optional modules:

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

Up to 15 credits of these modules may be substituted by other Masters modules, as explained below.

Students who take SOEE5630M cannot also take SOEE5047M.

Up to 15 credits of the above modules may be substituted by other Masters modules subject to timetabling, availability, and approval by the module and programme leader. Places on the following Masters modules may become available in late September, but are subject to timetabling and the availability of places, with priority given to students on the MSc Exploration Geophysics programme.

Students who take SOEE5147M cannot also take SOEE5626M or SOEE5195M.

Last updated: 07/09/2021 10:00:31

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