Course Summary

The course provides knowledge of the main aspects of geology as a science through three overarching concepts which link all topics studied:

* a scientific understanding of the Earth, its evolution and its sustainable development

* the central paradigms in geology: uniformitarianism (“the present is the key to the past”); the extent of geological time; and plate tectonics

* the cycling of matter and the flows of energy into, between and within the solid Earth, the Earth's surface, the hydrosphere, the atmosphere and the biosphere.

Entry requirements

You will need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including English Language at grade 5 (C/B) and Maths at grade 4 (C).

A recent school report will be required which demonstrates a committed attitude to learning.

It is assumed that students enrol to a two year A level programme of study consisting of 3 or more subjects. However students will be expected to demonstrate a commited attitude to learning and make positive progress in their first year of study.

Course Content

Fundamentals of Geology

• F1 Elements, minerals and rocks
• F2 Surface and internal processes
• F3 Time and change
• F4 Earth structure and global tectonics

Interpreting the Geological Record

• G1 Rock forming processes
• G2 Rock deformation
• G3 Past life and past climates
• G4 Earth materials and natural resources

Geological Themes, a choice from:

• T1 Geohazards
• T2 Geological map applications
• T3 Quaternary geology
• T4 Geological evolution of Britain
• T5 Geology of the lithosphere

How will I be assessed?

There are three exams in the second year.

Are there any additional costs or specialist equipment required?

There will be fieldwork in Wales in Year 1. In Year 2, there will be the possibility of fieldwork in Tenerife or the Isle of Arran. The charge will be £300 per year or less.

What can I do after this course?

Further Study

You could consider degrees such as a:

• BSc (Hons) Geology
• BSc (Hons) Geology and Planetary Science

Careers

• Engineering geologist
• Geotechnics
• Geochemist
• Geophysicist/field seismologist
• Geoscientist
• Hydrogeologist
• Mudlogger
• Wellsite geologist

Note - you only need to make one application for A-levels. You can specify the additional A-Levels you wish to study when you fill out the application form

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