BSc (Hons) Earth Science Bachelor's degree at the University of Portsmouth

You'll explore the earth and environment as a connected global system, learning how physical, chemical and numerical processes shape our planet. You'll build confidence in maths, physics, chemistry and data skills used by earth and environmental scientists, including analysing real environmental datasets and creating clear visualisations. You'll also learn the basics of coding in rstudio, with support available through optional drop-in sessions to help you develop essential digital and analytical skills.

You'll explore the origin and structure of the earth, uncovering the processes that shape our planet over deep time, from moving plates to dynamic oceans and atmosphere. You'll identify common minerals and rocks, learn how igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks form in practical sessions, and see why they matter to society and the economy. you'll take part in hands-on mapping, interpret geological maps, build cross-sections, and develop spatial and time-aware thinking with confidence to reconstruct the history of a region.

In this module, you'll learn about important invertebrate fossil groups and sedimentary materials and processes. Topics you'll cover include the principles and applications of palaeontology, and an introduction to fossil groups such as trilobites and ammonites. In this part of the course, you'll also learn about the sedimentary rock cycle, how to identify and describe sedimentary rocks, and how to interpret sedimentary processes.

You'll be introduced to engineering geology and geohazards, exploring how population growth, development and climate change increase risks from natural processes. you'll learn how geoscientists investigate soil and rock, assess geological hazards, and design mitigation strategies through desk studies and practical exercises. you'll take part in a residential fieldcourse to practise mapping, collect real field data, and develop the skills to communicate your findings in professional scientific reports.

This module will see you gain hands-on opportunities with field techniques and professional methods required to excel your geoscience career; you'll combine fieldwork, practical classes and workplace simulations to develop essential skills in the environmental science fields. With support to help gain successful placements and enhance your employability, you'll be introduced to the knowledge required to help you stand out in your field.

On this module you'll learn how to recognise igneous and metamorphic rocks and the minerals they contain. You will classify them in terms of processes associated to plate tectonics and link them to economically important mineral deposits. You will explore how microscopes and geochemical methods are used to study these important processes and mineral deposits.

On this module, you'll explore how a broad range of continental and marine environments produce different sedimentary facies. You'll broaden your practical and field sedimentological skills and learn how to apply your knowledge. In your analysis of sedimentary facies, you'll gain the ability to piece together the evidence of the processes that were responsible for key sedimentary features so that you can make interpretations of the palaeoenvironments where they formed.

You'll gain hands-on experience using the same gis and remote sensing software that professionals rely on in geography, environmental and earth science careers. Through working with real-world data, you'll learn core theory before exploring the capture, interpretation and analysis of geographical and environmental data around topics such as wildlife habitats and natural disasters. Along the way, you'll develop valuable digital, analytical, and problem-solving skills that will give you a strong advantage in the job market.

In structural geology, you'll learn the important implications for managing geological hazards and understand rock strength for engineering purposes. You'll study how and why rocks deform, and how different types of rocks respond to stress at different depths in the earth's crust. On this module, you'll evaluate the mechanisms involved in the formation of tectonic structures and their implications for large-scale crustal deformation. Develop your critical 3d spatial thinking skills using a range of tools, including fieldwork, geological maps, remote sensing, modelling, and seismic interpretation, to visualise and interpret 3d geological structures.

You'll plan and deliver an independent research project guided by your interests and career ambitions. Through structured supervision and self-directed enquiry, you'll strengthen your ability to frame research questions, work with evidence, and evaluate findings critically. The module helps you build confidence as an emerging professional, preparing you for postgraduate study or graduate roles that require independent thinking, problem solving and clear communication.

On this module you'll study the tectonic processes that shaped and reshaped the earth through geological time. You'll learn how these processes led to the formation of a wide range of economically and societally important ore deposits in space and time. Training is provided in how to integrate specialist knowledge in order to address a wide-range of geological problems and associated concentration of economically and societally important mineral deposits.

You'll connect academic learning with real-world practice through guest lectures and industry-led case studies that reveal current geoscience careers and workplace expectations. you'll collaborate with students from different earth science pathways to tackle multidisciplinary projects that mirror professional challenges. You'll build field, communication, presentation and problem-solving skills, gaining confidence to apply your knowledge in authentic industrial and societal contexts.

Mountain regions are changing rapidly as a result of factors such as climate change, the retreat of glaciers and population pressures. through lectures and interactive workshops, you will critically assess how mountains and glacial environments have evolved and changed over time, and also examine future trends as a result of global climate change. You will learn about the complex interactions between mountain climate, tectonics, geomorphology, ecology (different ecosystems at different elevations) and human factors. This module is research-led, with case studies discussed closely reflecting the research interests and field experience of the teaching staff. current locations include kilimanja

This module will give you a strong understanding of the science behind key energy generation and energy saving technologies. You'll study the science of wind, wave and solar power as well as the environmental costs and benefits of low carbon emission nuclear power. The module will include lab sessions, workshops and a field trip to a wind and solar farm.

During this module, you'll take part in a practical field course that combines varied geology with real-world challenges, equipping you with state-of-the-art field skills for your career. You'll learn to design safe and ethical field investigations, critically evaluate advanced techniques like remote sensing, and integrate data to address complex geological problems. Develop the critical thinking, data interpretation, and ethical awareness you need for success in professional practice, research, or postgraduate study in geology and related fields.

You’ll get familiar with the big issues and contemporary debates in education studies as well as the role and expectations of a teacher. You’ll develops fundamental knowledge and skills that teachers require, as well as your capability to structure and critique a lesson plan.

This module provides training and experience in using palaeontological and sedimentological data as problem-solving tools. You'll get insights into biostratigraphy, experimental sedimentology and climate proxies. Teaching is complemented by guest lectures from experts in a range of fields.

On this module, you'll gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art laboratory instrumentation, directly overlapping with the latest internationally leading staff research. You'll learn to select appropriate analytical methods, design projects, and evaluate data to solve complex earth and environmental challenges. Build the skills to be a generator or user of laboratory data, preparing yourself for a career in a wide range of sectors, as well as research and development.

You'll explore the rich quaternary geological record of the british isles, to understand how sediments and landforms can be used to reconstruct glaciers and ice sheets which would have covered much of the country during past ice ages. The module will also see you consider other past environments such as periglacial and glacio-fluvial systems and the economic importance of these quaternary deposits. You will learn by taking part in lectures and hands-on' practical based classes and workshops.

You'll learn how landscapes, soils, rocks, and groundwater systems work together and why this matters for development, water supply and environmental protection. Through applied case studies, field-based thinking, and data interpretation, you'll develop skills to evaluate terrain stability, groundwater behaviour, and environmental risk. The module prepares you to think like an environmental geoscientist, linking scientific understanding to practical decision-making in planning, engineering, and environmental management.

You'll explore how soil and rock are logged to professional engineering standards, developing essential skills used in real site investigations. You'll take part in blended learning with lectures and laboratory sessions, gaining practical experience in describing materials and understanding basic soil and rock behaviour. You'll build the core knowledge and confidence needed for future advanced modules and for work placements in the ground engineering sector.

You'll build on previous study to explore how ground engineering supports the design and construction of structures in soil and rock. You'll learn to assess geological and groundwater conditions, evaluate construction methods, and design practical engineering solutions using real data and industry approaches. You'll develop critical thinking, professional judgement and presentation skills, preparing you for work as an engineering geologist or related ground engineering specialist.

You'll discover the chemistry behind earth's atmosphere, water and soils, and explore the biogeochemical cycles that keep our planet in balance. You'll learn about major environmental pollutants, how they behave in natural systems, and how they interact with living organisms to create environmental risks. You'll take part in hands-on laboratory work to prepare samples, use analytical techniques to detect key pollutants, and build confidence in interpreting data and presenting professional scientific reports.

This module will see you develop on the transferable skills required for a successful career as a professional geoscientist; you'll build critical teamwork and communication skills to enhance your employability and learn to stand out in an exciting field. With a wide range of career opportunities in the environmental and geology sector, you'll understand employer expectations and pathways available to you after you graduate.

Through hands-on fieldwork, you'll nurture your ability to collect, collate, and analyze environmental data using real-world quantitative techniques. Working closely with peers, you'll strengthen your teamwork skills while exploring the diverse challenges and opportunities within the environmental sector. By the end of the module, you'll not only gain practical experience but also develop the professional competencies that set you up for a successful career in environmental consultancy or other exciting roles in the field.

The impacts of climate change and natural hazards are one of the most pressing issues facing humanity in the 21st century. The first part of this module investigates a plethora of geophysical (e.g., earthquakes, landslides and tsunamis), hydrological (e.g., storms and flooding), and climatological (e.g., droughts and wildfires) hazards and how they affect the landscape and ancient civilisations through a range of spatial and temporal scales. The second part of this module explores the basic science of the climate, the evolution of the climate and the signature of human influence on earth's systems in recent times. The methods employed in climate modelling are discussed, and climate models ar