GEOLOGY and GEOSCIENCE COURSES at Keele

Transcription

1 FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES School of Physical and Geographical Sciences GEOLOGY and GEOSCIENCE COURSES at Keele

2 Geology & Geoscience at Keele Undergraduate Degree Programmes in Dual and Major Honours Geology Single Honours Geoscience Master in Geoscience 1

3 Geology & Geoscience Introduction Keele University offers a range of degree programmes in Geology and Geoscience, giving you the flexibility to choose a route to an Earth Science degree that is perfect for you. Our Dual Honours Geology degree programme involves studying a second subject alongside Geology for three years. Successfully completing our Dual Honours Geology course will mean that you graduate with a BSc Geology and your other subject degree. You can also choose to take only Geology modules in your final year, and graduate with a degree in Major Honours Geology, BSc Geology with your other subject. Alternatively, we offer a Single Honours Geoscience degree course pathway leading to a qualification BSc Geoscience. This combines the rocks, minerals and fossils of the geology course with additional elements such as geophysics and geochemistry. Should you have a career in Geology/Geoscience in mind then you can extend your studies to a fourth year to obtain an undergraduate Integrated Masters qualification, MGeoscience. We also offer a postgraduate Masters course MSc in Geoscience Research. As you can see, student choice and flexibility of pathway are at the heart of our courses. The first two years of the degree cover the core of the subjects, with the possibility of doing a study abroad semester during your second year. Beyond that, a range of mainly vocationally based optional modules allow you to tailor your degree towards your individual interests and/or career aspirations. The BSc Geology degree, when combined with another science (including Physical Geography), BSc Geoscience and MGeoscience degrees are all accredited by the Geological Society of London. Welcome to Geology and Geoscience at Keele. Dr Ian Stimpson 2 3

4 Key Course Features: Outstanding student satisfaction in National Student Surveys Extensive integrated field course programme with first year field courses free Flexible degree pathways with vocationally based option modules Open door policy of access to staff members when you need advice or feedback Opportunity to study abroad for one semester in second year No prior knowledge of geology required Accredited degrees by the Geological Society of London Why Study Geology / Geoscience? Geology is a fascinating subject that investigates how the Earth was formed, how life arose and evolved, why the Earth looks like it does today, what resources it contains and how we can find them. Our industrial society is based on the work of geologists in the hunt for natural resources such as oil, gas, coal, minerals, metals, aggregates and water. If it hasn t been grown, then a geologist has discovered it. This means that future job opportunities for geologists are excellent as society develops increasing needs for these resources. Geology and Geoscience draw on knowledge from many different aspects of science such as chemistry, biology, and physics as well as other subjects such as geography, environmental studies and economics. As such Geology is the ideal subject to choose as part of a dual honours degree programme. If you prefer to study for a single honours degree then Geoscience is the course for you. Both courses will teach you many employability skills that are valuable for everyday work not only in geology and geoscience, but also in many fields of employment after you graduate. What we offer Broad-based introduction to Earth Sciences, with no previous knowledge of Geology or Geoscience required A choice of degree pathways A wide range of career options and wealth of job opportunities Development of field, laboratory and employability skills A fully integrated fieldwork programme, including overseas field courses Lecture courses fully integrated with applied practical sessions and fieldwork Opportunities for independent study through research projects and fieldwork exercises Modern laboratories and modern computing facilities running specialist Earth Sciences software 4 5

5 Some comments from our External Examiners: COURSE INFORMATION for Geology Fieldwork remains a strong point of the Keele Geology/Geoscience degrees, and students are equally well prepared with the skills required for careers in industry or advanced study The Keele degree programmes in Geology and Geoscience produce students with better numeracy and computational skills than many other degree programmes in the UK Dual Honours Geology Keele has a history of specialising in Dual Honours degrees that involve studying two subjects for three years. This means that not only is it possible to combine Geology with science subjects such as Physical Geography, Astrophysics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science or Physics but other subject combinations such as Economics, Law and Music are also possible. This allows you to continue studying two subjects that you really like and present potential employers with a unique, wide-ranging set of skills not possible from any other Major Honours Geology university degree. However, please note that only combinations with science subjects are accredited by the Geological Society of London. Typically you will take four modules in Geology and four modules in your other subject in each of your three years. The first two years modules provide a core understanding of the subject and then in the final year you will do a geological mapping dissertation and select three modules from our selection of option modules to suit your personal interests or career aspirations. The first two years of the Dual Honours Geology course provide a thorough background to the subject. You can either continue with Dual Honours in your final year or drop your other subject and take just geology modules. You would do the geological mapping dissertation, an overseas field course and a geological communications skills module as well as choosing five of our option modules. Of course, you could alternatively drop geology and concentrate on your other subject in your final year, but obviously we would hope that you would stay with us. Single Honours Geoscience Geoscience is very much an interdisciplinary concept that is based upon the integration of knowledge from the disciplines of geology, geophysics and geochemistry, and also draws on knowledge from many different aspects of the physical sciences. In your first year you would take the four geology modules, three additional geoscience modules and an elective module, either from another subject such as a foreign language or our dinosaur module. The second year comprises the four geology modules plus four additional geoscience ones. In your final year you would undertake an extended geological mapping dissertation, a field course, an economic geology module and select four of our option modules! Integrated Masters MGeoscience MGeoscience is a four-year undergraduate Masters course that covers a broad range of topics and professional activities centred on geology and geoscience. It places emphasis on the development of skills in practical and applied geoscience, information technology and project management. Students wishing to follow the MGeoscience degree route take either BSc Geology or BSc Geoscience in their first two years and can then transfer to MGeoscience. The third year follows either the Major Honours Geology or Single Honours Geoscience format. The fourth year focuses on a Masters project of your own choice together with research skills modules, a petroleum geology module and two further option modules. Note that there are additional progression requirements for years three and four of this course. 6 7

6 First Year The first year of the Geology and Geoscience programmes lays the foundations for detailed study of higher concepts in years 2 and 3. You don t have to have any previous geological knowledge as the courses will begin from basics. BSc Geology students take the following four modules during the first year: Planet Earth: introduces the Earth as a planet, geological processes such as plate tectonics, and how these processes relate to geological features such as volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis. These geological processes and features are compared to those on the other planets. Introduction to Sedimentology and Palaeontology: an introduction to sedimentological and palaeontological principles and processes by providing theoretical background knowledge, alongside the practical examination of sediments in hand specimen and the major fossil groups including trilobites, graptolites, ammonites, corals and brachiopods. Introduction to Mineralogy and Petrology: understanding of the formation and classification of minerals and igneous and metamorphic rocks by examining them in hand specimen and up close using a petrological microscope. It also further develops skills in geological map making, with a two-day field course in Llangollen, North Wales. Time and Space: covers stratigraphic principles and the geological evolution of Europe. The module also introduces geological structures and the interpretation of geological maps. BSc Geoscience students also take the following modules: The Earth System: interactions between the solid Earth, the oceans, the atmosphere, the biosphere and the societal system in terms of explaining past, present and possible future changes on Earth (e.g. climate change, mass extinctions, etc.). Introductory Environmental Chemistry: core concepts in Chemistry applicable to the Environmental Sciences and Geochemistry, including general chemical principles, organic, inorganic and physical chemistry, and specific areas of environmental chemistry and geochemistry. Geoscience Data Interpretation, Analysis and Visualisation: introduction to geophysical, remote sensing, geographical/geological information system techniques for the handling of a variety of geoscience data. In addition, BSc Geoscience students have a free choice of one of the free-standing elective modules offered within the University, including our own module Dinosaur Planet. 8 9

7 Second Year During the second year particular attention is paid to observation, recording and interpretation of geoscience phenomena in the field and laboratory. It is the intention that by the end of the second year you will have been given a complete grounding in geology/geoscience that will allow you to carry out your own independent geological studies. BSc Geology students take the following four modules during the second year: Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology: the nature of igneous bodies, processes of their formation, isotopes for magma source identification and age dating. Studies of metamorphic minerals and textures are described in the context of plate tectonics and the origin of the continents. Reconstructing Past Environments: this module demonstrates how the geomorphology of ancient sedimentary environments can be reconstructed from evidence in the rock record and from using equivalent modern environments as a template. Advanced Structural Geology and Geological Mapping Training: Structural Geology investigates the behaviour of rock deformation. Geological Mapping Training focuses on a residential field course that covers the techniques used to make a geological map. Geoscience Field Techniques: covers concepts in nearsurface geophysics, the structure and development of a major geological province via fieldwork, prepares students with appropriate background knowledge to carry out independent field projects, source relevant literature and aid their potential job applications. BSc Geoscience students also take the following modules: Geoscience and Society: understanding of issues such as geology and health, resource depletion and alternative sources of energy. The designation and management of conserved geological sites are also covered using case studies. Palaeoclimatology and Quaternary Studies: superficial deposits and how they can be interpreted to understand the processes of their formation. The module will also cover the occurrence, evidence for and possible causes of climate change over geological time. Forensic & Historical Geoscience: advanced knowledge and understanding of aspects of applied geoscience in forensic & historical contexts. Geochemistry: a broad introduction to the principles, applications and analytical techniques used in geochemistry. It will enhance both laboratory and field skills and provide experience of geochemical techniques which are relevant to both academia and industry

8 Third Year Fourth Year (MGeoscience Only) The third year of the Geology / Geoscience programmes will involve a combination of compulsory (core) and option modules. MGeoscience students follow either the BSc Major Route Geology or BSc Geoscience pathway depending on their first two years. BSc Geology (Dual Honours) Independent Field Project (1 module) + three option modules BSc Geology (Major Route) Independent Field Project (1 module) Geological Communication Skills Field course + five option modules BSc Geoscience (Single Honours) Independent Field Project (2 modules) Economic Geology Field course + four option modules MGeoscience As Major Route or Single Honours but with Advanced Sedimentology as core rather than option. Option modules: Natural Hazards: covers the causes of a variety of natural hazards, investigates their potential impacts on human society and infrastructure, and evaluates the measures that can be taken to mitigate their destructive effects. Economic Geology: (Core for BSc Geoscience) covers the petrological controls on igneous and metasomatic ore body formation (as well as the means of exploiting them), aggregate production and uses, the formation, exploration and production of coal. Exploration Geophysics for the Hydrocarbon Industry: techniques employed in the exploration for hydrocarbons, provides the technical expertise to enter a career as a hydrocarbon exploration industry geophysicist. Structure and Geodynamics: covers the concepts, processes and physical structures associated with continental tectonics. Hydrological and Engineering Geology: covers the key theoretical and technical issues of hydrological and engineering geology, groundwater, rock and soil behaviour. Micropalaeontology: Principles and Applications: addresses the key theoretical and practical issues of micropalaeontology and introduces modern analytical facilities and methods (e.g. Electron Microscopy, statistical palaeontological data analysis). Advanced Sedimentology: (Core for MGeoscience) provides a broad overview of the relationship between sedimentology and stratigraphy on a basin-wide scale, and their economic implications. The final year of the undergraduate Masters course (MGeoscience) provides an in-depth experience of many important geoscience topics along with training in research techniques, laboratory methods, computing techniques and other transferable skills. In particular, the modules studied prepare students for work in industry, commerce or academia. Core Modules Literature Synthesis: a detailed literature survey on a specific Geoscience topic and presentation of the results from this exercise via a project website. Research Project: an independent research investigation within an area of the geosciences. Research in Context: knowledge of current research in the subject matter of your research project and to evaluate the outcome of the project in relation to other work in the field. Research Report: communicate the methods, results and conclusions of the research project. Spatial Geoscience Data Analysis: visualisation and analysis of subsurface geoscience data through computer aided mapping, cartographic packages, statistical analysis and mapping and visualisation of multi-format data. Petroleum Geology: techniques, practices, workflows and geological data used by the hydrocarbons industry for the exploration, appraisal and production of economic reserves of hydrocarbons. Option modules: You also select two option modules that are the fourth year equivalent of those offered in the third year. MGeoscience Admission or Transfer Students may apply to take the MGeoscience degree using the normal UCAS procedures. Geology, with any natural sciences subject, or Geoscience must be taken in first and second years. Suitably qualified B.Sc. students are also allowed to transfer to MGeoscience during the first two years of the course

9 Some NSS comments from our students Field Courses Fieldwork opportunities have been incredible The fieldwork has been by far the best and most useful part of the course. It allows you to really get to grips with the subject matter and visualise it far better. Some NSS comments from our students The staff are generally very approachable and helpful. The teaching standard is very good. Field courses are good value. Just the overall friendliness of the university, everyone is very helpful and is always available if you need them. Fieldwork is an integral part of Geology and Geoscience at Keele and field courses are embedded as an integral part of our modules. Set in the heart of England, Keele is close to many classic geological localities in Staffordshire, the Peak District, Pennines, Lake District, North Wales and the Welsh Borders. We also travel further afield to study exceptional geological localities and each programme has an overseas field course. In the first year, several day-long field courses to Shropshire and Denbighshire will introduce you to the skills needed to make geological maps. Excursions to the Natural History Museum and Shropshire will highlight fossils and fossil ecosystems. A week-long residential field course to the spectacular, rugged coastline of Pembrokeshire brings together much of what has been taught in the first year, sedimentary and igneous rocks, fossils, structural geology and Earth history. There is currently no charge for first year fieldwork but you will need to buy a field equipment pack containing essentials like a hard hat, high visibility tabard, hand lens, field notebook, grain-size chart and compass-clinometer. The second year starts with a week-long residential field course in Snowdonia, North Wales. This course covers advanced geological mapping skills including techniques in aerial photo interpretation and navigation in mountainous terrain using facilities such as the satellite-based Global Positioning System (GPS) that you will need to undertake your independent mapping in the summer between the second and third years. There are also day field courses to the Peak District to study sediments and, for Geoscience students, a day investigating aspects of geoconservation and geotourism. The highlight of the second year is the overseas field course. Geology students undertake a week-long field course in the Almeria province of southern Spain studying the varied geology of the Betic mountain belt and adjoining sedimentary basins. Geoscience students go on a two-week field course to Utah, USA to examine the stunning sedimentary and structural geology exhibited there. In the summer between the second and third years you will undertake a piece of independent geological mapping in an area of your choosing. This could be in the UK or overseas. For Geology students this is done for three weeks, for Geoscience students five weeks. This is an opportunity to bring together all of the mapping and other geological skills that you have acquired and the project is written up as a dissertation in the third year. During the third year you will take a number of core and option modules, some of which include field courses. Structural Geology is studied in Somerset, Sedimentology in Northumbria, Economic Geology at a mine in the Peak District and Micropalaeontology in the Dee Estuary. Major Route Geology students have a week-long field course studying a volcanic province, either in Italy or the Greek Islands and Geoscience students spend a week on the Isle of Mull examining igneous and metamorphic rocks. MGeoscience students also have a week-long field course in the Lake District undertaking geophysical surveying, in addition to option module related field courses and any fieldwork associated with their Masters project. A substantial part of the cost of fieldwork is borne by the School from the second year onwards (the first year is free). However, you will be required to pay some of the cost of each course. The exact amount payable will vary according to the programme that you are following and the field courses that you take as option modules and will be communicated to you by shortly after the start of term. Please note that our field courses are under constant review and timing and destinations of field courses may be subject to change

10 Learning and Teaching The William Smith Building Some NSS comments from our students Courses well taught by enthusiastic lecturers. Very good facilities available to help studies lecturers more than happy to help with problems, even if not for their own subject. There is a strong community in our course you get to know the department, the lecturers and get the full experience. They provide good one-toone teaching. Geology and Geoscience at Keele are taught in a variety of different ways. Teaching throughout the course includes lectures, practical classes, workshops, field courses and independent project work. Geology and Geoscience are very practical and field oriented subjects and the immersive fieldwork experience is typically where everything comes together and helps you develop a deep understanding of the subject. Different styles of teaching are appropriate for different parts of the course, and your programme has been carefully designed to help you to get the most out of it. Our teaching and our course structures Assessment and Feedback Assessment and feedback are key parts of learning and teaching at Keele. We use a variety of assessment methods to help you develop your skills and to test your understanding of key concepts. Assessment in Geology and Geoscience include written exams, laboratory notebooks, field notebooks, maps, technical reports, posters, spoken presentations, project reports, field exercises, on-line tests, and many other formats designed to help you to develop and demonstrate your abilities. The wide range of different types of work we do in Geology and Geoscience is designed to be valuable in your later career. Most of the assessments that you do from your second year onwards contribute to your final degree mark (first year assessments contribute just to the module mark, but they are also used as learning exercises for future work). In all cases we will give you helpful feedback on your work so that you can constantly develop and improve. This feedback are regularly checked and approved by external auditors, as well as by our own students. Geology and Geoscience at Keele have a reputation for innovative teaching methods and a commitment to professional standards. We have on several occasions won Keele s award for excellence in teaching, both as individual members of staff and as a teaching team. Several of our teaching staff are Fellows the Higher Education Academy and many of us have published our research into teaching and learning in Earth Sciences. is a central part of how we teach and how you learn. You will get feedback in many ways including discussions in practical and field classes, comments added to the work you hand in, conversations with tutors after the work is marked, and many other mechanisms appropriate to the particular items of work you have completed. In practical and fieldwork exercises, for example, a quick discussion or demonstration is often the most immediate and effective form of feedback, whereas for a technical report it might be more appropriate to deliver feedback electronically. Practical and field classes are staffed by both academic staff and postgraduate demonstrators to give you access to instant feedback on your work as you learn. Your overall performance is discussed with your personal tutor several times a year and Geology / Geoscience staff members operate an open door policy in which you can just come and discuss any issues any time we are in our office Geology and Geoscience are based in the William Smith Building in the heart of Keele s attractive campus. All of our academic staff members have our offices in this building so we are easy to find when you need us. The administrative staff members are based in an office in the foyer, where you can easily get information or advice on practical and administrative matters. Much of your teaching, particularly practical classes, will also be in this building or in one of the neighbouring buildings. The William Smith Building should quickly start to feel like your academic home. When the practical and computer labs or seminar rooms are not in use for teaching, you are welcome to use them for your own work. It is often convenient to use a spare room in the William Smith Building as a group study room. Fourth Year MGeoscience students have their own dedicated room with their own desk and computer where they can work on their Masters projects and other course work. Geology staff members are friendly, approachable and always pleased to help you. You will get to know us quickly, particularly through laboratory classes and fieldwork. You will also get to know other students in these classes and make friends soon after you arrive. The William Smith Building is also home to the Geography and the Environment courses. These subjects overlap with Geology and many of our students combine Physical Geography with Geology, and some Geoscience modules are shared with Environmental Science where the topics studied are relevant to both subjects. Our staff members conduct joint research projects across these subjects too. This contributes to the friendly, integrated feel of our building, which is sometimes referred to as Geography, Geology and Environment or just GGE. The student GeoSoc incorporates all three subjects, and is another way of making friends and engaging with some activities outside of classes. The annual GeoSoc Ball is a highlight of the social calendar for the William Smith Building. In addition to the general GeoSoc we have a more academically focused Student Chapter of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists that you can join for free. The William Smith Building also hosts monthly evening talks by the North Staffordshire Group of the Geologists Association and the Western Institute of Mining and Minerals. You can go to the lectures for free, widen your geological knowledge and gain contacts with people working locally in geological consultancy firms. These organisations also sponsor several of our student prizes. The William Smith Building and the neighbouring buildings in the centre of campus are fully equipped with all the resources you will need. The Library and Information Services building, the Students Union, Careers Service, Student Support, the bank, the shops and the post office are all within a hundred yards or so

11 Geology / Geoscience Careers Support Careers training is embedded within the degree programmes, and you will be able to identify how the things you are studying at Keele relate to possible future careers with each module having a defined set of employability skills. One of our second year modules provides guidance on careers pathways, feedback on your CV and producing an effective job application covering letter, as well as providing help with interview skills and psychometric testing. One member of staff is designated the role of Careers Tutor and will be able to help you with specific queries regarding both potential careers as well as module selection to help you achieve your career goal, but all staff are able to offer advice and support. There is also a central University careers service with whom we work very closely to provide both specific and general careers advice as well as help in looking for work experience or internships. For some students, a specific career target is at the top of the agenda from day one, and they structure their entire degree around a career goal. Other students discover their calling during the course of their studies. Whatever approach is most appropriate to you we will be on hand with help and advice when you need it. Careers in Geology and Geoscience What Do Keele Geology/ Geoscience Graduates Do? Our graduates go on to a wide range of different careers. About one third of our students go straight into geology related jobs in the hydrocarbon, mining, aggregates, geotechnical and water industries, and another third continue into postgraduate study, either vocational Masters courses, PhDs or postgraduate teacher training. As many of our students study two subjects for their degree, they also use their wide portfolio of graduate skills to obtain jobs in their other subject area. It has been said that if something has not been grown, then a geologist has discovered the resource. From energy resources such as gas, oil, coal, uranium and renewables such as geothermal power, mineral resources such as diamonds, gold, silver, platinum and other metals such as aluminium, lead, zinc, copper and rare earths, to iron ore for steel, clay for bricks, sand for glass, aggregates and limestone for cement, and even water, geologists and geoscientists are all necessary for their discovery. Demographic pressures within the oil and mining industries mean that job opportunities for geologists continue to be extraordinary. Geological skills and knowledge are also vital in other industries such as construction, for foundations, tunnelling, road and rail cuttings etc., and the insurance industry for the evaluation of risk of geological hazards such as landslides, subsidence, earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis. Many of the skills that you will acquire through your degree, such as problem solving, report writing, giving presentations, researching and critically evaluating knowledge, working individually and as part of a team, are also important for a very wide range of other potential careers outside of geology. Some NSS comments from our students Excellent departmental building with good resources and helpful staff Real sense of community on the course. Can speak to staff when need to. The course really relates to careers Geology staff have been fantastic Lecturers had an excellent open-door policy for when help was required. Fieldwork opportunities have been incredible Staff are extremely, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and friendly Just the overall friendliness of the university, everyone is very helpful and is always available if you need them. Teaching has been excellent. Good access to materials and resources when needed. The staff are generally very approachable and helpful. The teaching standard is very good. Field courses are good value. I like the independent thinking it gave us. Courses well taught by enthusiastic lecturers. Very good facilities available to help studies lecturers more than happy to help with problems, even if not for their own subject. The fieldwork has been by far the best and most useful part of the course. It allows you to really get to grips with the subject matter and visualise it far better. There is a strong community in our course you get to know the department, the lecturers and get the full experience. They provide good one-toone teaching

12 Geology and Geoscience Staff Geology and Geoscience at Keele are taught by experienced, well-qualified and enthusiastic staff. All of the staff members are active within the discipline, carrying out cutting-edge research, writing research papers and books, winning contracts for funded research and playing important roles on committees nationally and internationally within their areas of expertise. We have a good balance of staff members from different academic backgrounds, from different countries and with different subject specialisms covering all the key areas of geology and you will be taught by genuine subject experts. One thing that we all have in common is an enthusiasm and friendliness to bring our research and professional expertise to bear in helping you with your studies and enabling you to attain a world class degree. We take our teaching, as well as our research very seriously. We get to know you all very well (and you, us), particularly on field courses, and our open door policy means that if you have a question, just knock on our office door and come in for a chat. This publication is correct at the time of going to print. Given the passage of time, however, between publication and the academic year to which it relates, some of the information may change. It is very important therefore that you check the University s website before making an application to the university

13 Further Information If you have any questions please contact us for further information. Contact: Dr Ian G Stimpson School of Physical and Geographical Sciences, The WIlliam Smith Building, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG Tel: gge@keele.ac.uk School Office telephone: (+44) Website: 22