Keele Undergraduate Prospectus 2021 2021 | Page 183

Geography, Geology and the Environment | 183
GEOLOGY AND PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY
BSc (Hons)
Why study this course?
This course combines different approaches to studying the world around you. Physical
Geography focuses on landscapes and environmental change whereas Geology examines
the structure and history of the Earth, its processes, materials and resources. These subjects
offer a strong fieldwork programme to a wide range of destinations.
The course includes a balance of physical geography and geology topics, as
well as material from complementary disciplines such as meteorology,
geomorphology, geophysics, and environmental science. You will learn about
the history of the Earth, its past and present environments, and the planet’s
resources and hazards. You will look at the Earth as a global system, including
the causes and effects of global environmental change. There is a strong
emphasis on developing both laboratory and fieldwork skills. Combining
fieldwork, practical classes, tutorials and lectures, this course provides a
diverse range of specialist options. You will focus particularly on research
skills: you will learn to collect, analyse and interpret different types of data,
and to carry out your own research using specialist software and equipment.
Field courses are one highlight of the programme. All of our single honours
students are encouraged to undertake work placement.
What will this mean for my future?
You will gain a wide range of skills that are currently in demand and, given
current concerns around environmental change and natural resources, are
likely to continue to be in strong demand in the future.
You might choose to work in a subject-specific role in environmental or
geological consultancy, in planning, construction, mining, or in the energy
industry. You will develop skills such as the ability to analyse spatial data
using industry standard GIS software, which are in high demand from
government, environmental agencies, property developers, mining, energy,
and insurance companies. You will be an articulate communicator and
confident problem solver, and these will be valuable attributes in a wide
range of different careers as well as continuing to further postgraduate study.
Previous graduates now hold senior positions in academic, government and
industrial posts.
Indicative Modules
First Year
• Fundamentals of Physical Geography
• Earth Structure and History
• People and the Environment
• Minerals, Rocks and Fossils
• Geographical Skills
• Includes residential field course
Second Year
• Practical Physical Geography
• Petrology
• Geographical Research Skills
• Field Techniques
• Includes geology and geography
residential field courses with some
overseas destinations
Third Year
A joint geology/geography dissertation
and a wide variety of options including:
• Global Environmental Change
• Natural Hazards
• Economic Geology
• Glaciers and Glacial Geomorphology
• Hydrological and Engineering Geology
This course is accredited by the Geological Society of London.
UCAS Code - FF68
Foundation Year
Yes
Subject to validation
Yes
Indicative Entry
Requirements
Integrated Single Honours
A level: BBC
BTEC: DMM
Course Duration
3 years or 4 years
with an international
or placement year
Placement Year
Yes
International Year
Yes
Learn a Language
Yes
For information on courses that combine subjects please visit keele.ac.uk/ugcourses