EARTH SCIENCE. What is geoscience and why study it? Earth science is about how we can get the resources we need without damaging the environment.

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1 EARTH SCIENCE What is geoscience and why study it? Earth science (or geoscience) is about understanding how our planet works from core to crust to atmosphere. Geoscience focuses on the study of the solid Earth but includes the way that it interacts with the atmosphere, oceans and biosphere making it one of the most wide-ranging of all scientific disciplines. Geoscientists use physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics and computing to understand the planet as a natural system its origins, how it s changing, and how it might change in future. WHY STUDY GEOSCIENCE? Geoscience is helping us to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing the world today. How might climate change affect our planet? How can we supply clean water to the developing world? How can we better predict natural disasters or geohazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis and drought? How can we exploit efficiently the planet's mineral and energy resources while mitigating the negative environmental impacts? Earth science is about how we can get the resources we need without damaging the environment. Georgia Hole, Year 3, Geology SCIENCE WITH ENGINEERING At Imperial we combine geosciences with engineering the practical application of science in the real world. Our courses are scientific, but you ll also learn how that science is being applied in fields such as the study of earthquakes, mining, petroleum and environmental science. The combination of scientific rigour with practical understanding is just one of the reasons our graduates are so sought-after around the world. The ability to combine physics, maths and chemistry in one degree appealed a lot. Nick Wainwright, Year 4, Geophysics

2 YEAR 1 A quick summary of what you will learn In years one and two you ll get a holistic and processoriented introduction to Earth science the study of the Earth by observation and inference. Geophysicists, geologists and those interested in the environment all take similar courses in the first two years. Classes will emphasise links between physics, chemistry and maths, with a chance to catch up on topics you have not studied at A-level. If you ve not done either mathematics, chemistry, physics or geology to A-level, don t worry, you can easily catch up with what you need to know in a course in the first year. TERM 1 & 2 Dynamic Earth Your very first module introduces you to the Earth as a dynamic system. It looks at the size, shape, mass and age of the Earth. Other topics include: earthquakes and seismic waves; the Earth as a planet, its structure and composition; continental and oceanic crusts; volcanic processes; oceans and atmosphere and global tectonics. Stratigraphy and life This module is about understanding the relative positions of rocks (the strata) and what they tell us about the Earth s history. You will also learn about topics including: geological time; the Linnaean classification of organisms; and an introduction to the fossil record. Earth materials In this module you will learn how to identify rocks, describe them and their components, and understand how they fit together. Mathematics There are separate modules depending on whether or not you already have A level maths. In each case the focus is on the application of maths to geosciences with lots of worked examples. Students without A level maths find this approach particularly helpful and supportive. Physics If you do not have A level physics you will study a Physics for geoscientists module, focusing on the application of physics to geoscience. Topics include: the atomic theory of matter; gases, liquids and solids; mass and velocity; Newton s laws; and magnetic fields. Students who already have A level physics will do a separate module called Dynamic Earth B which looks at topics including an introduction to thermodynamics and modelling the real world with simple equations. Geoscience workshops These workshops equip you with essential skills such as: using a compass clinometer; measuring angles of rocks; reading a map (so you don t get lost in the field!); making and annotating a geological sketch; and writing a research report. The workshops continue into Term 2. Tutorials Throughout the first year you will also meet with your tutor group of 4 5 students. Your tutor will ask you to prepare work for discussion as a group. This might be include, for example, reading a book or watching a film and discussing it from a geoscientific point of view. Induction In the first term you will also spend three hours a week looking at topics such as: study skills; advanced literature searches; how to apply for internships; and how to avoid unintentional plagiarism.

3 YEAR 1 A quick summary continued TERM 2 Chemistry Students without A level chemistry will take the Chemistry for geoscientists module. This covers topics including: the structure of the atom; the periodic table; molarity; and chemical bonding. Students with A level chemistry will take the Geochemistry module, understanding the principles that govern the behaviour of elements in the Earth. Internal processes After learning how rocks are put together you will learn about the processes involved in producing different igneous rocks, and why certain rocks are found in certain places. Surface processes This module looks at the processes that produce sedimentary rocks, how to describe sedimentary rocks and how grains are moved in a fluid. Structural geology This module is an introduction to the principles of stress and strain and how rocks fold and break, and the settings within which that happens (eg. how and why earthquakes happen). You ll also learn how geological maps are put together. TERM 1 & 3 All students learn a simple introduction to programming, graphics and statistics. An element of choice is then introduced during term two. You are given advice to choose the best degree route for you. Geological route Students with an interest in geology study modules called Life and Earth history (looking at for example the emergence of life, extinction and diversification) and Optical mineralogy and petrography (looking at the description and identification of minerals and rocks in thin section). Geophysics route Students with an interest in geophysics study modules called Mathematical methods (looking at for example complex numbers, Fourier series and multiple integrals) and looking in particular at vibrations and waves and additional programming. FIELDWORK Week 1 On the first Friday of term, you will travel by coach to Leicestershire for a one-day field trip to begin to learn about identifying rocks and understanding the processes behind how they got there. Term 2 All students go on a three day field trip to the world famous Dorset coastline to see oil seepage between different rock strata and make their first geological map. Term 3 After exams, you will go to Almeria in southern Spain for the Rio Tinto Urra fieldtrip. This two-week field trip is your chance to put into practice the skills and knowledge you have acquired during your first year at college.

4 YEARS 2,3&4 Choosing modules to suit your interests YEAR 2 In year two you will build on the knowledge acquired during year one, and also be introduced to new topics too. Modules include: Earth structure and tectonics (eg. marine and geology tectonics); applied geophysics; and more about igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. You will continue with tutorials but also be introduced to other members of staff and their specialist expertise. You will also have the option to take a business or language module of up to five hours teaching a week, which may count towards your degree. By the end of year two you will be ready to make the choices in years three and four that will determine the final degree you achieve. INDEPENDENT PROJECT In year two summer term all students undertake an independent project normally involving some fieldwork. Geology students go mapping while geophysics students learn to use specialised equipment. Using the data collected students produced detailed reports. Students with an environmental interest may opt for a desk or lab-based project. YEAR 3 By the beginning of year three you will know the topics that interest you most and want to deepen your studies in these areas. In year three you therefore have far more choice over the types of modules you study, with students tending to either focus on geology, geophysics or a combination of the two, or an environmental emphasis. Your choices in years three and four will determine the name of your final degree. You could, for example, choose mining or petroleum related courses, or you could focus on pure science understanding. For students with a particular interest in physics and maths, for example, we offer specialist courses in geophysics using maths, physics and computer modelling to understand how the world works. We offer both three and four year degree courses. The fourth year is special. You will undertake an independent research project and prepare for a higher level career, often being taught alongside masters (MSc) students. YEAR 4 If you take a four year MSci degree, you have the opportunity to work as part of a research team on a cutting edge science or engineering project that marks the pinnacle of your learning and development. You could, for example, find yourself studying cosmic dust in a scanning electron microscope, or analyse landforms on Mars to learn about water in its past, or investigate new ways to use foams in separating minerals obtained by mining in the laboratory. For most students the fourth year provides the icing on the cake for their future careers.

5 ADMISSIONS How to apply to join our department All applications for our undergraduate degrees are made through UCAS. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible before the 15 January 2013 UCAS deadline. Our minimum offer is typically AAA but we may ask for additional or higher requirements depending on the individual student. If studying UK qualifications you will need three A-levels and at least two from the following list: Mathematics Physics Chemistry Biology Geology Geography We welcome students from across Europe and worldwide with A-level equivalents such as International or European Baccalaureates, Scottish Advanced Highers or the French Baccalaureate. Students with other competencies will also be considered. Don t worry if you have no previous experience of geology or geophysics. What we look for is people who are good at a number of science subjects, who are interested in the world we live in, and who wish to make a difference in the future. MATHS Maths is an important part of all the courses so we expect students to have at least GCSE Maths (or equivalent) at grade A, or an AS level (or equivalent) at grade B or above. Students wanting to study geophysics must have A-levels (or equivalent) in physics and maths (although you can still study geophysics combined with geology without maths A-level). Candidates admitted without an A-level (or equivalent) in maths, physics or chemistry are provided with additional subject teaching in the first year and take the intermediate level courses in those subjects a year later. INTERVIEWS Potential students are offered an interview based on their UCAS application. We interview around half the students who apply. Students from the UK (and some EU students) are interviewed in London. Others are interview by phone or Skype. You will normally be notified within two weeks of your interview of the outcome. OPEN DAYS We regularly hold open days see the website for details and dates. Try and book early as they can get full. Students and their guests are invited to learn more about geosciences at Imperial College London, our courses, the Department, and our teaching staff. You will find out more about finance, including the Rio Tinto Scholarships. You can also find out about accommodation and living in London. There will be an opportunity to talk to some of our current students and staff. Visits at other times can be arranged by appointment. Please contact Lorraine Craig, admissions tutor, on admit.earth@imperial.ac.uk

6 OVERSEAS STUDENTS Feel at home in our international department Earth science (geoscience) is a truly global discipline and we are fortunate to attract top students from across the world including Trinidad and Tobago, South Africa, China, Malaysia, Singapore and the Middle East. In our Department, around one undergraduate student in five is from outside Britain and Europe, giving us an excellent mix of British and international cultures to enhance the learning environment. A GREAT CITY Foreign students enjoy being part of a British university where they feel at home, while British students enjoy the chance to work alongside people from very different cultures. International students quickly integrate within the Department, thanks to our tutorial system and links with fellow students who show them around, and enjoy studying in one of the world s greatest cities. London s always fascinated me. You can never get bored here. William McMahon, Year 2, Geology It s a beautiful place to study. It s a vibrant, lively city and you re surrounded by so many people from different walks of life. Stephane Lusardi, Year 2, Geology and Geophysics If you need any help you can get one-to-one personal time with the lecturer. Sam Coe, final year, Geology and Geophysics ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS We welcome students from across Europe and worldwide with A-level equivalents such as International or European Baccalaureates, Scottish Advanced Highers or the Irish Leaving Certificate. Students with other competencies will also be considered. Students from the UK (and some EU students) are interviewed in London. Others are interview by phone or Skype. You will normally be notified within two weeks of your interview of the outcome.

7 FIELDWORK Travel to different landscapes and cultures At Imperial we place a great emphasis on fieldwork. Fieldwork is all about testing your abilities in a real environment and bring together problem-solving, observation and interpretation skills. Learning in the field is a great way to apply work previously taught in the classroom. That s why observational and practical skills are integral to all degree courses. Fieldwork is also a chance to get to know your classmates and work together as a team which makes it so popular with students. The total cost of taught fieldwork is currently paid by the department, apart from the undergraduate mapping project or other third year projects. You don t need much equipment mainly good walking boots and a waterproof. You will need a compass clinometer and a hand lens, but can rent these if you don t study geology. There s no better way to put into practice the theory you learn in the lecture room. Kirsty Purnell, Year 3, Geology The best thing about fieldwork is getting to know your classmates. On fieldtrips you see in front of you what you ve been learning about in lectures. Alicia Parbhoo, Year 2, Geophysics YEAR 1: ALMERIA, SPAIN In your first year you will go on fieldwork to classic localities in the UK and abroad including spending two weeks in the remote and fascinating region of Almeria, southern Spain. Here you can bring together everything you have learned so far in the classroom and apply your skills and knowledge in a real geological environment. In Almeria, on the Rio Tinto Urra trip, you will learn the principles of geosciences fieldwork including rock identification and interpretation of geological features on maps. In week one you ll be introduced to the geology of the area and learn how to apply what you have learned in year one in the field. In week two, you get the chance to make your own geological map an invaluable skill not just for geologists but also geophysicist and environmental scientists. Katy Hebditch, Year 4, Environmental Science

8 FIELDWORK Get practical skills throughout your course YEAR 2: SCOTLAND Students continuing with a geology degree in year two will go on a field trip to Scotland. The skills, knowledge and techniques applied during the two weeks in the Highlands can be used during any geological career. YEAR 2 & 3: INDEPENDENT FIELD PROJECT In the summer term of year two, geology students undertake a 5 6 week independent mapping field trip. Field areas visited in recent years include north west Scotland, Samos, the Jura Mountains, Colorado, Alpes Maritime and northern Spain. Geophysics students also undertake independent research. In recent years students have undertaken geophysical measurements in the western Sahara in Morocco. Reports are prepared independently and submitted at the end of autumn term in year three, and accompanying material at the end of spring term in year four. YEAR 3: SARDINIA This field trip provides an overview of the geological evolution of the island with an emphasis on applying small scale observations to the geology of that part of the Mediterranean. You ll cover a wide range of areas including igneous rocks, volcanology, structural geology and metamorphic petrology. You ll visit ore working and consider environmental remediation. The course demonstrates that using good field observations and recordings, you can reconstruct the geological history of an area a vital transferable skill that employers will value. YEAR 4: APENNINES, ITALY This is the grande finale. Early in the summer term of the final year students visit the Apennines and the trip to Italy is perfectly structured for everything students have been learning to fall into place. I ve loved the fieldwork experience on places such as Spain and Scotland. Nafa Al Jahdhami, Year 3, Geology You work together in a group and gain team skills. Yang Liu, Year 3, Environmental Science

9 RESEARCH Be where top research is happening The Department of Earth Science and Engineering is one of the world s leading centres for geosciences research. As an undergraduate, you will be taught by lecturers who, when they are not teaching students, are pushing forward our knowledge in key areas such as life on Mars, how the dinosaurs became extinct, what comets can tell us and modelling tsunamis. In 2001 the Department achieved the highest possible 5* rating in the Research Assessment Exercise. In 2008, 70% of our research was rated in the top two categories of worldleading and internationally excellent. And as you progress through your course you ll be able to take part in research projects yourself. RESEARCH SKILLS In years one and two you will gain an introduction to research skills in year. Each year a number of students also take part in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme which offers students the chance to work alongside existing research teams for a period of four to ten weeks. ENGINEERING Our research enthusiastically straddles the interface between pure science and engineering. This integration gives us the ability to undertake research into some of the key issues facing the planet today including: the supply of renewable energy the production of clean energy from fossil fuels the sustainable production of metals. Geophysicists at Imperial College London have worked with others on, for example, detailed geophysical and drilling work at the Chicxulub crater, Mexico, and installed a network of fireball observatories in the Australian desert. CLIMATE CHANGE We work with the Grantham Institute for Climate Change to look at how complex climate systems operate. We also conduct advanced research on the numerical modelling of meteorite impacts, ocean circulation and tsunamis. Our links with the Natural History Museum allow a number of our students each year to undertake research work alongside museum staff and staff from this Department, with access to both equipment and specimens of superb calibre. There s world class research going on some really amazing projects being put out by lecturers and ex-students. Harriet Lau, Year 4, Geophysics

10 CAREERS No graduates get better jobs than ours A degree in Earth Science and Engineering from Imperial is an excellent passport to a wide range of exciting careers. Our graduates have a better record of finding graduate-level jobs than any other department in the country. Imperial graduates come very high in the league table of graduate earners because of the high salaries they can attract. INDUSTRY Many graduates find lucrative jobs in oil and mineral companies, or with environmental, civil engineering or geotechnical firms, technical or consultancy firms often as a result of contacts made while on the course. GOVERNMENT Other students seek careers in scientific investigation with government departments, non-governmental organisations or environmental protection agencies. I really want to become a geologist and go into research or maybe work on climate. Georgia Hole, Year 3, Geology I m going into finance in the city because my degree is numerical, it s analytical, so it applies. Simon Titte, Year 4, Geophysics When I finish this degree I ve got a job working at the ESA in Rome. (European Space Agency) Chandra Taposea, Year 4, Geophysics FINANCE Around one third of our students choose to transfer their skills to the worlds of finance, media, management, teaching and other careers, where their analytical and problem-solving skills give them a great head start. Many others choose to continue their studies with either a post-graduate taught Masters degree or a research PhD. Whatever your choice, your Imperial degree is bound to make you stand out from most other candidates.