Geology

Course summary

If you enjoy science subjects and love learning about the natural world, this is the course for you! It’s a perfect fit for students who love environmental or natural sciences (e.g., marine biology, paleontology, etc.) It is taught from scratch, assuming no prior knowledge, and is assessed entirely by examination at the end of the 2-year course. There is also a Practical Endorsement, similar to the other sciences, which includes laboratory and computer-based practicals as well as 4 days of fieldwork. Geology is the branch of science concerned with the structure, evolution, and dynamics of the Earth and with the exploitation of the mineral and energy resources that it contains sustainably. Geology examines hazards, resources, plate tectonics, past life and extinctions, maps and field skills. Geology applies physical, chemical and biological principles to the investigation of the Earth but also involves a distinctive scientific methodology, invoking internal and external Earth processes to explain the evolution of the planet through geological time. WHY SHOULD I STUDY GEOLOGY? Geology is considered a science by universities, so can open doors to degrees that require science A levels. It supports a range of careers in the natural sciences (e.g., volcanologist, paleontologist, environmental scientist, marine biologist), as well as civil engineering or work in extractive industries such as oil/gas or precious metal mining. It is also highly relevant to those wishing to specialize in areas that tackle climate change, such as renewable energy production. We have a dedicated Earth Science Laboratory equipped with a very large teaching collection of maps, rocks, minerals and fossils from all over the world spanning 2000 million years! COURSE STRUCTURE & CONTENT • Topic 1: Elements, Minerals and Rocks • Topic 2: Surface and Internal Processes of the Rock Cycle • Topic 3: Time and Change • Topic 4: Earth Structure and Global Tectonics • Topic 5: Rock-forming Processes • Topic 6: Rock Deformation • Topic 7: Past Life and Past Climates • Topic 8: Earth Materials and Natural Resources • Topic 9: Geohazards • Topic 10: Geological Map Applications • Topic 11: Geology of the Lithosphere