BSc (Hons) Geology Bachelor's degree at the University of Leeds

The ability to identity and characterise the rocks, minerals, and sedimentary deposits that form the Earth are fundamental skills for any professional geoscientist. In this module, you'll develop the core skills of describing and identifying key Earth materials at a range of spatial scales, from the macro-scale structures seen in rock outcrops to the micro-scale features visible under the microscope. During practical work in the laboratory, you'll be taught how to recognise common igneous, metam

Sedimentary successions provide a crucial archive of environmental change at our planet's surface, which is highly dynamic in time and space. This module will introduce how sediment is produced, transported, and deposited in a range of environments, and how the interplay of surface processes has sculpted Earth's landscapes and seascapes through time. Topics covered include sediment production by weathering and biochemical or chemical precipitation; the role of icehouse and greenhouse periods on

The Earth's surface is constantly being reshaped by tectonic and environmental processes. This history of global change is recorded in the complex layers of rocks that form the Earth's continental crust. In this module, you'll learn how geological observations are used to reconstruct the tectonic and environmental history of our planet. You'll learn the fundamental concepts and techniques used by geoscientists to study the Earth in 4D (space and time) and decipher the history of the construction

Earth is the only planet we know of that is habitable to life and the presence of a diverse and complex biosphere is a fundamental aspect of our planet's geological character. This module will explore the origin and evolution of life as well as the role contemporary human society plays in the natural environment. The fossil record provides insights into the history of Earth's biota, from the emergence of new species to mass extinction events. As it has developed our planet's biosphere has also p

The abilities to communicate ideas, collect geospatial data, and think quantitatively are essential skills for any geoscientist. This module combines tutorial-based learning of communication skills with training in field skills and quantitative reasoning. Written assignments will be based on a series of seminars held in the first week of the academic year covering exciting topics in the geosciences. During field classes in the Yorkshire Dales you will learn essential skills in safety and navigat

This module will explore the magmatic and metamorphic processes that govern the formation of the rocks and minerals that comprise the majority of Earth's solid interior. You'll gain an advanced understanding of the mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of key igneous and metamorphic rock types formed in different tectonic environments and the petrological methods that can be used to understand and interpret them. Topics include the structure of minerals, the effects of pressure, temperat

Explore the use of sedimentological, geochemical and palaeontological principles in the analysis of sedimentary environments and the evolutionary history of life. You'll develop knowledge, skills and understanding of how complex sedimentary successions arise in response to a range of both intrinsic processes and external controls such as sea-level and climatic change, and tectonic basin development. The module will include a critical examination of recent and ongoing research into the dynamics o

Shallow subsurface investigations are crucial because this zone is where human activity and infrastructure intersects with the Earth's environment, and is vital for sustainable development, resource management, and risk mitigation in a wide range of sectors. In this module, you will learn fundamental concepts and principles related to investigating the shallow subsurface through the use of geological and geophysical methods and data to investigate and model the ground. The material covered is re

This skills-based module equips students with the specialist training needed to plan, execute, and write up a field-based dissertation project in year 3. The foundation of this training is a field class in the Scottish Highlands, where you'll develop core competencies in geological data collection and mapping. Following the fieldwork, you will produce a detailed written report and geological map. The module provides a strong grounding in essential analytical skills, including data handling, map

Discover how Earth materials deform and interact to shape tectonic environments and landscapes. Explore how deformation changes the physical properties of materials, altering their behaviour over time and their effect on subsurface fluid flow. You'll learn how to record, describe, quantify, and interpret deformation structures at a variety of scales in different materials (rocks, soils, ice), and to synthesize data to develop a geological, structural, and/or tectonic history of an area. You will

Sedimentary basins are regions of the Earth's surface that have undergone prolonged subsidence in diverse geological settings, driven by both local and global tectonic and geodynamic processes, and accumulate thick successions of sediment. Investigating sedimentary basin development is crucial to provide insights into plate movements, for understanding Earth's history, and are being explored for new energy applications like geothermal energy and carbon storage. The module will teach techniques i