Geoscience - BSc (Hons)

Durham University

With this BSc in Geoscience you gain the knowledge you need to understand how the Earth works and learn how Earth systems interact. You will investigate solutions to society's most challenging problems.,Understanding the processes involved in shaping the Earth’s surface, our natural resources, natural hazards, water supplies and renewable energy can inform us about the impact of past and present changes in environmental conditions. This knowledge will allow us to predict behaviour and develop solutions to protect society and the planet’s future from today’s global challenges. Our flexible Geoscience degree, puts you in control, giving you both the fundamentals and increased specialisation as you progress, allowing you to choose a pathway of most interest to you. Combining academic excellence and cutting-edge research, the course will equip you with the tools needed for employment in a range of sectors, including mineral exploration and petroleum geology, engineering geology, environmental and hydrogeology consultancies, GIS, geological surveys, or for further study or research. Numeracy, critical thinking and problem-solving skills developed on the course are highly valued in a wide range of non-geology careers, including teaching, business management, insurance and accounting, banking and finance. You may be able to transfer to the four-year MSci degree in Earth Sciences at the end of your second year. You can also apply to add a placement year or a year abroad to your degree, increasing the course from three years to four.In the first year, you will develop a fundamental understanding of Earth Sciences. Year 2 specialises more in the geological aspects, during which you will develop your knowledge of core geological disciplines associated with igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary and tectonic processes. In Year 3, you will undertake a geological research dissertation and increase your understanding of specialist geological topics of your choice with optional residential fieldwork opportunities.Course structureYear 1 modulesCore modules:Field Studies introduces techniques for description and interpretation of natural geological features. This module also covers mapping skills, and the observation, recording and processing techniques needed for fieldwork and imagery. Understanding Earth Sciences covers an introduction to the areas of petrology, sedimentology, structural geology and palaeontology and relates the processes to the plate tectonic cycle. Introductory Data Science introduces the fundamentals of data acquisition and analysis in a geoscientific context. You will learn how to apply computational tools to manipulate and visualise a range of scientific and geospatial data. Sustainability introduces global issues and concepts around sustainability, with an emphasis on aspects most relevant to Earth Sciences such as water, climate, energy and mineral resources, food resources, and natural hazards, and is thematically taught around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Optional modules:In recent years, optional modules have included: Mathematical Methods in GeosciencesFurther Mathematics for GeoscientistsEarth MaterialsEnvironmental Earth ScienceYear 2 modulesOptional modules:In recent years, optional modules have included: Structural Geology and TectonicsSedimentary EnvironmentsGeophysical Methods for GeoscientistsIsotopes and ClimateFieldworkIgneous and Metamorphic ProcessesModelling Earth ProcessesGeophysical Data ApplicationsAncient Life and its EnvironmentFrontiers in PalaeontologyEarth System and Climate: The QuaternaryEarth System and Climate: Long Term ProcessesYear 3 modulesCore modules:Dissertation You will produce an independent research Dissertation based upon field, laboratory or computer datasets chosen to suit your degree and interests.