MSci (Hons) Geoscience with a Year in Industry Integrated Master's degree at Royal Holloway, University of London

Develop an understanding of basic concepts in chemistry and physics and how to apply these to geological processes. Covers atoms, periodic table, reactions, geochemical analysis, earth composition, phase diagrams, mineral solubility, weathering, hydrological cycle, Newton's Laws, kinematics, circular motion, planetary orbits, gravity, magnetism, electricity, resistivity, stress, strain, seismicity, isostasy, radioactivity, and geochronology.

Develop an understanding of the skills required to practice geology in the field, carrying out activities in South Devon and Pembrokeshire. Learn to describe and interpret sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks, prepare geological maps and cross-sections, examine stereographic projections, sedimentary logging, stratigraphic columns, and structural features using stereonets.

Introduces the 4.6 billion-year history of Earth and skills to interpret that history. Two complementary streams: palaeontology (story of life, evolution, systematic palaeontology, palaeoecology, palaeobiology, taphonomy) and sedimentology (earth surface processes, palaeoenvironments, rock classification, textural analysis, facies analysis, graphic logging, palaeoflow analysis, stratigraphy).

Explores the geological structure and processes that shape our planet and other planets within our solar system. Covers planetary heat engine that powers plate motion, surface expression in volcanoes and earthquakes, use of maps, minerals and rocks to unlock geological history.

Explores 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.

Describes key principles of academic integrity, focusing on university assignments. Covers plagiarism, collusion and commissioning as activities that undermine academic integrity, and possible consequences. Provides activities with feedback to reflect and develop understanding of academic integrity principles.

Develop an understanding of key events in the history of life and their environmental impact using fossil and sedimentary record. Analyse fossil assemblages using absolute dating, lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy and sequence stratigraphy. Interpret sedimentary rocks and examine importance of fossil assemblages in interpretation of earth history events.

Develop an understanding of the geological evolution of the British Isles, interpreting regional geological history from geological maps. Learn to describe rock specimens and reconstruct palaeoenvironments using case studies. Apply stratigraphic techniques and use evidence from several fields of geology to evaluate competing hypotheses for geological evolution.

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

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

Develop advanced geological field skills. Carry out activities in areas of igneous and metamorphic rocks, and sedimentary rocks. Learn to describe and interpret rock type origins in the field and prepare geological maps and cross-sections using standard symbols. Analyse structural features using stereonets and infer geological history through construction of scaled cross-sections.

Provide advanced practical skills in interpretation and synthesis of laboratory and field data, supported by literature research, and ability to communicate through presentation and report.

Embed GIS and programming skills for creation, analysis and interpretation of geospatial data and coding skills to facilitate data collection, analysis, modelling and interpretation. Train in creation of georeferenced point, line and polygon data, combining raster and vector data, data analysis. Introduce Python and use of arrays, reading and writing, branching and repeating, and plotting.

Students rank preferred field mapping areas and are allocated one based on choices. Live in small groups for minimum of four weeks in second year, creating geological map of 15-25 sq km area. Familiarise with base maps, remote sensing data, and area risks. Field supervision initially provided by academics, followed by independent work to produce field map and record. In third year, discuss and analyse field data, notebooks, maps, and interpretations. Submit written report and geological map aimi

Teach advanced level key geological and transferable skills including data handling (retrieval and handling of geological data, numerical skills), presentation skills (spoken, visual and other aspects of communication in geology), and advanced field skills (data collection, teamwork, site investigations).

Under guidance of departmental supervisor, design and execute an independent research project utilising data collected in field, laboratory, and/or scientific literature. Data handling using statistical or GIS techniques must be integrated. Projects must be based on minimum of 21 days of mapping either through field observations or digitally using remote sensing. Field projects supported by at least one day of guidance in field. All students submit written report in style appropriate to topic (e

Industrial placement year.

Under guidance of departmental supervisor, design and execute an independent research project submitted for examination as report of 45 pages. Project utilises data collected in field or laboratory and may involve an industrial placement. Field-based projects normally based on 7-10 days of fieldwork. Data handling using statistical techniques must be integrated. Use departmental facilities to supplement data or produce main database.

Provide students with in-depth understanding of physical and chemical processes that have occurred throughout history of the Earth.