Keele University Prospectus Undergraduate | 2016 | Page 110

NATURAL SCIENCES

Geology
Overview

Geology is a dual honours course that investigates
how the Earth was formed; how life arose and
evolved; geological processes such as rock formation,
earthquakes and volcanoes; as well as energy and
mineral resources and how, we can find them. For a
broader study of the subject we also offer a single
honours programme in Geoscience.
Our industrial society relies on the work of geologists
to discover natural resources such as oil, gas,
coal, minerals, aggregates and water. Increasingly
important is the application of geological knowledge
in the environmental and engineering sectors. You
need not have prior knowledge of, or have studied
geology in order to be accepted onto this course.

Course content

During the first two years you will investigate
the characteristics of rocks, minerals and fossils,
together with the diverse processes that govern
their formation and development. The interpretation
and construction of geological maps is an essential
component of the course.
First year
• Planet Earth introduces the Earth as a planet and
geological processes such as plate tectonics.
• Mineralogy and Petrology provides an
introduction to common rock-forming minerals
and different rock types.
• Sedimentology and Palaeontology develops
understanding of sedimentary rocks and the major
fossil groups.
• Time and Space provides an introduction to Earth
history, geological structures and geological maps.
Second year
• Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology studies
the formation and textures of igneous and
metamorphic rocks.
• Reconstructing Past Environments demonstrates
how ancient sedimentary environments can be
determined.
• Advanced Structural Geology and Geological
Mapping Training investigates the deformation
of rocks and the techniques used to make a
geological map.
• Geoscience Field Techniques introduces
near-surface geophysics and prepares students to
carry out their final year independent field project.

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Third year
You will be expected to undertake either a geological
mapping or geophysical surveying project. Dual
honours students take three geology option modules
from those shown below. Major route and third year
MGeoscience students take a communications skills
module, an advanced field course module, currently
to either Menorca or the volcanoes of Italy, and five
option modules from the following:
• Advanced Topics in Sedimentology
• Structure and Geodynamics
• Economic Geology
• Natural Hazards
• Exploration Geophysics
for the Hydrocarbon Industry
• Hydrological and Engineering Geology
• Micropalaeontology

MGeoscience

MGeoscience at Keele is a four-year undergraduate
master’s degree course for students considering a
career in geosciences. In addition to the modules
detailed above, you will study for a fourth year which
consists of a master’s level research project along
with modules further developing your geoscience
skills, including applied geophysics fieldwork and
petroleum geology.

Fieldwork

Fieldwork is an essential part of a geologist’s training
and is designed to enhance class teaching and
develop field observational and recording skills.
The Geology programme includes field courses to
classic geological areas within the UK and a major
overseas field course to southern Spain. You will
undertake an independent field based project at
either our field base in northern Spain or in an area
of your own choice.

Teaching and assessment

A geology module typically involves two lectures and
a three hour practical class each week. Assessment is
via a combination of coursework, examinations and
fieldwork exercises, and includes technical reports,
oral and poster presentations, and practical exercises.