MSci (Hons) Geoscience 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. Topics include 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 covers Newton's Laws, kinematics, circular motion, planetary orbits, gravity, magnetism, electricity, resistivity, stress, strain, se

Develop an 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 ster

Introduces the 4.6 billion-year history of our Evolving Earth and provides skills to interpret that history. Two complementary streams: palaeontology (the story of life from its origin to the rise and fall of the dinosaurs, concluding with human evolution, covering systematic palaeontology, palaeoecology, palaeobiology, evolution, and taphonomy) and sedimentology (earth surface processes and palaeoenvironments, teaching rock classification, textural analysis, facies analysis and graphic logging,

Explores the geological structure and the processes that shape our planet and other planets within our solar system. Covers 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.

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

Develop an 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 an 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 an understanding of advanced chemical concepts relevant to the Earth Sciences. Focus on isotope geochemistry and 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.

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. Students familiarise themselves with base maps, remote sensing data, and area risks before the fieldwork. Field supervision is initially provided by academics, followed by independent work to produce a field map and record. In the third year, students discuss and analyse field d

Teach students 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.

Under the guidance of a departmental supervisor the student will design and execute an independent research project. The project may utilise data collected in the field, laboratory, and/or scientific literature. Data handling using statistical or GIS techniques must be integrated into the project. BSc Geology and MSci Geoscience projects must be based on a minimum of 21 days of mapping, either through field observations or digitally using remote sensing and other data as appropriate. Projects ba

Provide students with an in-depth understanding of the physical and chemical processes that have occurred throughout the history of the Earth. From the Early Earth through the accretion of continental crust to the present-day tectonic configuration, students will learn to integrate a range of geological observations and data to investigate some of the current questions about the evolution of the Earth. Includes research-led teaching focussing on areas of active research within the department suc

Integrate sedimentary, palaeontological, oceanographic and atmospheric information from the geological and modern record to understand the evolution of the modern Earth. Students will investigate the climate record through geologic time and what it can tell us about the future challenges of climate change, utilising a varied range of paleoclimatic proxies from both paleontology and sedimentology and looking at the range of climate data. Explore the links between climate, tectonics and sedimentar

Equip MSci students with field and research skills.