Keele University Prospectus Undergraduate | 2016 | Page 112

NATURAL SCIENCES

Geology and Physical
Geography
Overview

Geology and Physical Geography are complementary
subjects, and will allow you to develop knowledge
and skills in the geomorphological, atmospheric and
geological processes that shape the Earth’s surface
both in the present and in the past, and to see
those in their broader environmental context. You
will explore how processes such as plate tectonics
and global climate change have controlled the
development of the Earth’s surface and sub-surface,
and their significance to human activity.
You will spend two weeks on overseas field courses
exploring both geological and geomorphological
processes and products. You may also choose to
specialise solely in geology or physical geography
in your final year or extend your studies to a four
year integrated master’s degree. You will be able
to study a wide range of innovative and exciting
modules based on the specialised research areas
of academic staff.

Course content

First year
In the first year you will take a set of core modules
to give an introduction to each subject,
and enable you to develop the study skills you
will use throughout your degree. You will study
various core modules including Fundamentals
of Physical Geography, People and the Environment,
Sedimentology and Palaeontology, Mineralogy
and Petrology.
Your first year modules also include:

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You will develop essential knowledge and skills
in core modules such as Igneous and Metamorphic
Petrology, Reconstructing Past Environments,
Advanced Structural Geology and Geological
Mapping Training, Geoscience Field Techniques,
Practical Physical Geography, Geographical
Research Training, Regional Landsystems
and Dynamic Geographies.
Dynamic Geographies is a module that allows you to
choose short blocks of lectures in key topics such as
hydrology, oceanography and meteorology, and to
begin to specialise in areas that most interest you.
Reconstructing Past Environments demonstrates
how ancient environments can be determined from
modern geological and geomorphological processes.
Advanced Structural Geology and Geological
Mapping Training investigates the deformation
of rocks and the techniques used to make
geological maps.
Geoscience Field Techniques introduces near-surface
geophysics and advanced mapping skills.
Third year
In your final year you have access to a wide range
of elective modules giving you the flexibility and
choice to adapt your degree to your particular
interests. You have the opportunity to focus on the
areas you want to specialise in and that are aligned
to your future career aspirations. All students
undertake an independent research project, for many
this is the highlight of the degree, allowing you to
apply your knowledge and skills.

The Practice of Physical Geography sets the
subject in a broader practical, vocational and
professional context.

You may choose specialist elective modules
from a list including:

Geographical Skills is a laboratory based course
with practical tuition in essential skills such as
surveying. Fieldwork is incorporated within the
programme to give you the opportunity to practice
newly learned skills.

• Coastal Environments

Planet Earth introduces the Earth as a planet
and geological processes such as plate tectonics.

• Applied Geographic Information Systems

Time and Space provides an introduction to Earth
history, geological structures and geological maps.

• Advanced Topics in Sedimentology

Second year
In the second year you will expand your knowledge
of advanced topics, building on first year concepts
through a variety of laboratory classes, lectures
and field courses in order to prepare you for your
final year.

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• Global Environmental Change
• Glaciers and Glacial Geomorphology
• Water Resources
• Natural Hazards
• Inspirational Landscapes
• Structure and Geodynamics
• Economic Geology
• Exploration Geophysics for the
Hydrocarbon Industry
• Hydrological and Engineering
• Geology and Micropalaeontology