TSR Wiki > University > Choosing a Subject > University Courses > Geology Degree
Introduction
Course Structure
First Year
The majority of universities will teach the following core subjects in the first year of a geology degree:
- Physical geology
- Materials and mineralogy
- Introductory paleontology, geological time & stratigraphy
- Sedimentology (or "surface processes')
- Structural geology and mapping
- Foundation maths, physics and chemistry
Other modules include flavour courses that aren't normally considered the 'core' of a geology degree, and can range from oceanography to planetary geology. This year also includes one or two introductory field courses, developing your field skills and your ability to present and write and interpret field notes clearly in a field notebook and map.
Second year
The generally accepted core topics are:
- Advanced physical and structural geology
- Advanced fieldwork and mapping
- Advanced igneous and metamorphic petrology
- Advanced sedimentology
- Geophysics
- Advanced paleontology
- Advanced stratigraphy.
You'll notice that the second year not only builds up on your foundations, but contains a very vast amount of material to cover for your third and possibly fourth year of your degree. Whilst it may seem like a lot - and in many universities, optional modules are sparse in this year - all of the above topics complement one another very significantly (the exception being paleontology and geophysics, two subjects which can be studied totally independently of one another). In degree with a specific stream, such as paleontology or geophysics streams, a geophysics and paleontology module - respectively - may not be compulsory.
You build further on your mapping skills this year.
Note that geochemistry is either taught in this year on the third year.
Third year
By this year, geology students will either keep their options broad (as is common for geologists - it is normal to find students liking all branches of geology across the board) or will specialise in geophysics, paleontology, or other variations (such as engineering geology, applied and evironmental geology, marine geology, and so forth). Compulsory modules vary per university. Many universities will make physical geology, paleontology, stratigraphy and geochemistry compulsory. Other typically available modules include:
- Advanced tectonics
- Further sedimentology
- Environmental geoscience
- Minerals, ores, and economic geology
- Volcanology
- Palaeoclimatology and isotope geochemistry.
A range of paleontological topics, such as:
- Advanced vertebrate or invertebrate paleontology
- Evolution
- Palaeoecology
- Dinosaurs
A range of geophysical topics, such as:
- Global geophysics
- Applied and exploration geophysics
- Forensic geophysics
- Theoretical geophysics
You will also have a dissertation as either an option or a compulsory module (but this is normally optional).
Depending on the university, they may also offer modules in meteorology, oceanography, physics, chemistry or physical geography.
Fourth year
The optional fourth year masters-equivalent year in a geology degree consists primarily of a major research topic. Students normally have the option of taking year three modules plus masters equivalent modules. Masters equivalent courses range dramatically per university (as they are tied to the department's research interests) - if you are curious to know what is offered, please look up the modules on the universities' respective websites.
Fieldwork
Fieldwork is an extremely integral part of geology. Effectively, all the theoretical and idealised practical knowledge you learn during any given year will later be put into context for you when you're out in the field*. Normally you'll be sent to a geological area of interest for at least a week with some portion or all of your classmates. A demonstrator will guide you and a few others around the area for the duration of your stay there - your job is to document field geology accurately and neatly in a field notebook, with some interpretation. Additionally, you'll be taught to recognise rocks, geological and geometrical structures in the field (e.g. dykes, faults, etc).
Fieldwork is intellectually stimulating because you're in a completely unfamiliar geological environment. Instead of being given idealised hand specimens of fresh surfaces with distinct features, or pictures of very obvious faults or sedimentary structures, it is up to you to determine what's going on around you. Of course, your demonstrator will sometimes point out difficult to identify structures or rocks, and will teach you some new material while you're out in the field - but the geology is often complex and can take up to an hour to get to grips with. Given that the vast majority of rocks on the Earth's surface are sedimentary, do not be surprised if your field notes tend to be full of sedimentology!
In geophysics, fieldwork is slightly different - more emphasis is placed on physical parameters present in the geological area rather than the nature of the geology itself. It is similar to labwork - having collected data, you later process and interpret it once you're back home (although some geophysics students may do it during their fieldwork).
A trip can require an extensive amount of preparation, and puts a bit of pressure on finances. You may find yourself spending up to £150 to prepare yourself for a fieldtrip; however, this is much less if you've previously purchased technical pens, mapping boards, field clothing, and specialised colouring pencils (trust me, it may seem ludicrous to spend so much on colouring pencils and pens, but it's worth it). You should be prepared to work for up to 11 hours a day on just geology in various conditions: whether it's the searing hot sun or the rainy and windy cold.
In the end, the trip is normally worth it - the amount of material you'll learn and understand is very impressive. Fieldwork also gives you a chance to fraternize with more classmates, as well as the demonstrators or lecturers. It's no wonder geologists are so keen on their pubs - after a long, hard day in the field, there's nothing like sitting down with your friends and a pint!
Admissions
Academic Requirements
UCAS Form & Personal Statement
Read sample personal statements written by people applying for geology related courses.
Course Structure
Life as a Geology Student
Graduate Destinations and Career Prospects
See Also
