Prospective Students: Our Courses

2010-11 Courses

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AS/A Level Geology (2012-13)

AS/A Level Geology

student taking part in Geology

Geology is a wide-ranging subject covering, for example, earthquakes and volcanoes, fossils and evolution, minerals and resources, meteorites and mass extinction, rocks and landscapes. The course has a practical emphasis and deals with topics such as earthquake prediction, building materials, and oil exploration. Geology makes a perfect complementary subject for students following a mainly science course. Equally it is ideal for humanities students who are looking to include a science subject.

Qualifications

There are no specific requirements apart from an interest in the earth we live on. However, at least a C grade in Science is recommended.

Modules

AS Modules

  • Global Tectonics and Geological Structures (AS)
  • The Rock Cycle - Processes and Products (AS)
  • Geological Skills (AS)

A2 Modules

  • Economic and Environmental Geology (A2)
  • Palaeontology (A2)
  • Geological Skills (A2)

Study Visits / Fieldwork

Fieldwork is an integral part of the course. As well as making a number of local excursions, you will be expected to participate in a week-long residential couse on the Isle of Arran in Scotland at the end of March in the first year. There is also an optional trip to Iceland in the second year.

After the Course

Geology students have gone on to study a wide range of subjects offered in higher education and many have chosen to specialise in Geology. Geology graduates are employed in many areas ranging from environmental management to the oil industry.