BSc (Hons) Geology with a Year in Industry Bachelor's degree at Royal Holloway, University of London

Develop understanding of basic concepts in chemistry and physics and how to apply these to geological processes. Study atoms and atomic structure, the periodic table of elements, reactions, equations, geochemical analysis, the composition of the earth, interpretation of phase diagrams, solubility of minerals, weathering and the hydrological cycle. Also consider Newton's Laws, kinematics, circular motion, planetary orbits, gravity, magnetism, electricity, resistivity, stress, strain, seismicity,

Develop understanding of the skills required to practice geology in the field, carrying out a series of activities in South Devon and Pembrokeshire. Learn to describe and interpret the origin of sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks and how to prepare a geological map and cross-section using standard symbols. Examine stereographic projections, sedimentary logging, the construction of stratigraphic columns for the identification of rocks, and the analysis of structural features using stereon

Introduces the 4.6 billion-year history of the Evolving Earth and provides skills to interpret that history. Subdivided into two complementary streams: palaeontology stream considers the story of life from its origin to the rise and fall of the dinosaurs, concluding with recent human evolution, focusing on major events in evolution and key concepts including systematic palaeontology, palaeoecology, palaeobiology, evolution, and taphonomy. Sedimentology stream considers earth surface processes an

Earth is a dynamic and evolving planet with a record of plate tectonic and environmental change over its 4.6 billion year history. Explores the geological structure and the processes that shape our planet and other planets within our solar system, from the planetary heat engine that powers plate motion and leads to the surface expression of these forces in volcanoes and earthquakes, to the use of maps, minerals and rocks to unlock the story in the rocks beneath our feet.

Students explore key themes at the core of human-Earth interaction such as anthropogenic climate change, geohazards, environmental pollution, and sustainable exploitation of energy resources and energy-critical elements. Requires understanding of the complex interrelations between human activities and a changing Earth system.

Describes the key principles of academic integrity, focusing on university assignments. Plagiarism, collusion and commissioning are described as activities that undermine academic integrity, and the possible consequences of engaging in such activities are described. Activities, with feedback, provide opportunities to reflect and develop understanding of academic integrity principles.

Develop understanding of the key events in the history of life and their environmental impact using the fossil and sedimentary record. Analyse fossil assemblages using stratigraphic principles such as absolute dating, lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy and sequence stratigraphy. Consider how to interpret sedimentary rocks, and examine the importance of fossil assemblages in the interpretation of events in earth history.

Develop understanding of the geological evolution of the British Isles, interpreting regional geological history from geological maps. Learn to describe rock specimens and examine how palaeoenvironments can be reconstructed using case studies. Consider the application of stratigraphic techniques and use evidence from several different fields of geology to evaluate competing hypotheses for geological evolution.

Further develop understanding of igneous and metamorphic geology. Look at the characteristics and origins of alkaline igneous rocks, the nature and controls on metamorphic reactions, and the links between metamorphism and tectonic processes. Consider hand specimen and thin section techniques for study of minerals and igneous and metamorphic rocks, and examine analytical approaches to the interpretation of metamorphic rocks, including the quantification of metamorphic rates and processes.

Develop understanding of advanced chemical concepts relevant to the Earth Sciences. Focus on isotope geochemistry and consider techniques that are directly applicable in most geological contexts. Attend practical classes and conduct a small project involving the analysis and interpretation of a real geochemical dataset.

Develop advanced geological field skills. Carry out a series of activities in an area of igneous and metamorphic rocks, and in an area of sedimentary rocks. Learn to describe and interpret the origin of the rock types in the field and prepare a geological map and cross-section using standard symbols. Analyse structural features using stereonets, and infer the geological history of a region through the construction of scaled cross-sections through structurally complex terrains.

Provide advanced practical skills in the interpretation and synthesis of laboratory and field data, supported by literature research, and to be able to communicate as much through a presentation and report.

Embed GIS and programming skills for the creation, analysis and interpretation of geospatial data and coding skills to facilitate data collection, analysis, modelling and interpretation. Explains the origin of GIS and trains students in the creation of georeferenced point, line and polygon data, combine raster and vector data, and data analysis. Introduces Python and the use of arrays, reading and writing, branching and repeating, and plotting.

Develop understanding of how to classify sedimentary basins according to their tectonic mode of formation. Learn to explain and illustrate the basic processes of subsidence and uplift in basins formed by extension, and flexural loading of, the lithosphere. Consider how characteristic patterns of sedimentary facies and stratigraphic architecture relate to different basin types and the tectonic processes that formed them, examining the tectonosedimentary history of stratigraphic successions in out

Develop understanding of the hazards associated with geological activity, their causes, and approaches to risk management. Look at volcanoes, earthquakes, and radon, and the hazards associated with the exploitation of geological resources and associated anthropogenic activity, including asbestos, the mining industry, and contaminated land. Examine a variety of geological and geochemical data, and learn to interpret and analyse these in order to make scientifically justified decisions as to the l

Develop understanding of the theory and practice of seismic, gravity, magnetic and resistivity surveying. Consider the methods used to manipulate, analyse, and display geophysical data to solve geological exploration problems, and examine the strengths and weaknesses of the different data types.

Develop understanding of how to analyse geological structures in terms of the deformational mechanisms and tectonic stresses that have produced them. Look at brittle failure in rocks, fracture types and propagation, and consider the relationship between principal stresses and geologic structures on small and regional scales. Examine remotely sensed continental and marine data sets, and use imagery available in Google Earth for tectonic analysis.

Students rank their preferred field mapping areas and are allocated one based on their choices. They live in small groups for a minimum of four weeks in their second year, creating a geological map of a 15-25 sq km area. The chosen areas meet safety and academic requirements, offering diverse opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in earth science. Students familiarise themselves with base maps, remote sensing data, and area risks before the fieldwork. Field supervision is initially provid

Teaches advanced level key geological and transferable skills. Data Handling - a lecture and practical course on retrieval and handling of geological data which revises and extends numerical skills introduced in years 1 and 2. Presentation skills – presentation exercise to improve spoken, visual and other aspects of communication in geology. Advanced Field Skills - includes data collection, teamwork and site investigations.

The emphasis in this module is on sedimentary processes and sedim