Undergraduate study

Overview

Geology is a fascinating subject that investigates how the Earth was formed, how life arose and evolved, why the Earth looks like it does today, what resources it contains and how we can find them.

Much of our industrial society is based on the work of geologists in the hunt for natural resources such as oil, coal, minerals, aggregates and water. Increasingly important now in our industrial society is the application of environmental and engineering geology.

Geology draws on knowledge from many different aspects of science such as chemistry, biology, and physics as well as other subjects such as physical and human geography, environmental studies and economics.

As such geology is the ideal subject to choose as part of a Dual Honours degree programme. It will teach you many employability skills that are valuable for everyday work not only in geology, but also in many fields of employment after you graduate.

What we offer

• Broad-based introduction to Earth Sciences, with no previous knowledge of Geology required
• A choice of degree pathways (see below) 
• A wide range of career options and wealth of job opportunities
• Development of field, laboratory and employability skills
• A fully integrated fieldwork programme, including overseas field course
• Lecture courses fully integrated with applied practical sessions and fieldwork
• Opportunities for independent study through research projects and fieldwork exercises
• Degrees that are accredited by the Geological Society of London
• Modern laboratories and modern computing facilities running specialist Earth Sciences software

Degree Routes

At Keele we offer a wide choice of undergraduate degree pathways in Geology, designed to suit individual needs:

• Three-year BSc Dual Honours Geology
• Three-year BSc Geology (Major)
• Three-year BSc Single Honours Geoscience
• Four-year undergraduate MGeoscience course for those considering a career in Earth Science
• One of the above geology courses preceded by a Science Foundation Year

Students are able to transfer between programmes within the first two years of their studies.

The Dual Honours Geology, Geology (Major) and MGeoscience programmes involve the study of another subject alongside Geology for the first two years. Those students studying Dual Honours degrees also study their other subject during the third year. Popular subject choices that students often combine with Geology include Geography, Physical Geography, Human Geography, Applied Environmental Science, Biology, Astrophysics, Chemistry and Computer Science. Those applicants who are interested in taking a three-year Single Honours course in Geology should look at our new Geoscience programme. The MGeoscience pathway can also be taken following the Single Honours Geoscience programme for the first two years.

All Geology programmes share a common first two years, providing a broad treatment of Earth Science and introducing the basic concepts of Geology. This provides a comprehensive grounding on which to base more specialised study later in the programme. Particular attention is paid to first-hand observation and interpretation in the field and laboratory, as well as to applied aspects of the discipline. 

Summary of Geology Degree Courses

Course Content

During the first two years the course investigates 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

Core modules
Planet Earth introduces the Earth as a planet, geological processes such as plate tectonics, and how these processes relate to geological features such as volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis. These geological processes and features are compared with those on other planets.

Rocks, Minerals and Fossils provides an introduction to common rock-forming minerals, as well as igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks in hand specimens. The major fossil groups are also studied, including trilobites, graptolites, ammonites, corals and dinosaurs.

Rocks – Up Close develops understanding of the formation and classification of different rock types by examining them using a petrological microscope.

Time and Space introduces Earth time and Earth history. It covers stratigraphic principles and the geological evolution of Europe. It also introduces geological structures and the interpretation of geological maps.

Second Year
Particular attention is paid to first-hand observation, recording and interpretation of geological phenomena in the field and laboratory. The second year involves the following four modules:

Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology studies the nature of igneous bodies and the processes of the formation of igneous rocks. An introduction to isotopes for magma source identification and age dating is also covered. Studies of metamorphic minerals and textures are described in the context of regional, contact and dynamic metamorphism.

Reconstructing Past Environments demonstrates how the geomorphology of ancient sedimentary environments can be reconstructed from evidence in the rock record and from using equivalent modern environments as a template.

Advanced Structural Geology and Geological Mapping Training: In the Structural Geology component of the module, students investigate the behaviour of rocks when deformed and the methods used to study their deformation. The practical classes place emphasis on the use of computing techniques for structural analysis and visualisation, including the use of Geographical/Geological Information Systems (GIS). The Geological Mapping Training part of the module is mainly based on a residential field course that takes place immediately before the start of the second year and covers the techniques used to make a geological map.

Geoscience Field Techniques has a number of aims, including an introduction to the key concepts in near-surface geophysics, the demonstration in the field of the structure and development of a major overseas geological province, and to prepare students with appropriate background knowledge to carry out their final year independent field project.

Third Year
A wide range of more specialised options is available during the third year. You will be expected to undertake a research project (normally field mapping or geophysical surveying) based around work carried out in the Summer vacation between the second and third years.

In their final year, Dual Honours students take three Geology option modules chosen from those shown below. Major and third year MGeoscience students take five Geology option modules in addition to an independent field project, a skills module and an advanced field course module.

Option Modules
Exploration Geophysics for the Hydrocarbon Industry examines in detail the acquisition, processing and interpretation of seismic reflection data and borehole geophysical logs, and their extensive use in the exploration for hydrocarbons.

Advanced Sedimentology concentrates on the analytical methods of seismic and sequence stratigraphy, which allow the geometry of sedimentary rock bodies to be related to basin-wide tectonic and changing sea level controls. The development of sequence stratigraphic techniques is a key part of modern hydrocarbon exploration.

Economic Geology covers the processes and mechanisms of ore body formation, together with a review of exploration techniques. It also covers aggregate materials and coal deposits in terms of their production and uses, and includes field excursions to a coal mine and mineral mine.

Structure and Geodynamics uses a combination of lectures, practical classes and fieldwork to study the structural and geodynamic effects associated with continental tectonics. It includes a two-day field course to SW England.

Volcanic and Magmatic Processes examines the processes operating during magma ascent and storage in crustal reservoirs, volcanic eruption and injection of volcanic ash and gases into the atmosphere (and includes a field course to southern Italy).

Natural Hazards looks at the geological considerations relating to earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides and waste disposal as well as how such phenomena are monitored and the impact they have on human life.

Micropalaeontology involves the study of major microfossil groups, their palaeogeographical, palaeoecological and biostratigraphical potential. An introduction to state-of-the-art Electron microscopic techniques is included.

Glaciers and Glacial Geomorphology* covers the characteristics and behaviour of glaciers, including their role as a part of the environment and importance to human activity.

Global Environmental Change* aims to develop a systematic understanding of key issues and debates in global environmental change, and in particular to enable students to appreciate the relationships between global environmental change and the characteristics of the Earth’s surface processes and landscapes.

Hydrological and Engineering Geology provides a practical understanding of groundwater and rock/material behaviour.

Coastal Environments* aims to develop a detailed understanding of coastal processes and landforms, and an appreciation of the links between form and process in coastal environments over a range of spatial and temporal scales.

Applied Methods in the Environmental Sciences* provides an understanding and technical appreciation of the process and application of a range of analytical techniques relevant to the analysis of different environmental media (including soil, water and vegetation).

*These modules are available to Geology (Major) and MGeoscience students only

MGeoscience

MGeoscience at Keele is a four-year undergraduate Masters degree course for those students considering a specialist career in the Earth sciences. During the first two years students either study Geology along with another science subject or follow the Single Honours Geoscience course. MGeoscience is taken as a single subject from the third year.

Students in their third year take a compulsory independent field project, a skills module and an advanced field course module, plus a choice of five option modules from those listed.

MGeoscience Fourth Year

Fourth year MGeoscience students take the following compulsory modules in addition to three Master's level versions of the third year option modules listed:

Research Project builds upon subject-specific and other practical skills that have been developed in previous years of the course to carry out an advanced research investigation within an area of the Earth Sciences.

Literature Synthesis: students carry out a detailed literature survey on a specific Earth Science topic and present the results from this exercise via a website. A series of practical classes are provided on web authoring.

Spatial Geoscience Data Analysis provides experience of a variety of up-to-date methodologies for the acquisition, analysis and visualisation of spatially distributed geological and geophysical data. This module also includes a five-day residential field course to NW England.

Fourth year MGeoscience students can also select an option module entitled Programming Skills for Earth Scientists and the Evolution of Fossil Ecosystem.

Applicants may also wish to consider our new Single Honours programme in Geoscience.

Fieldwork

Fieldwork forms an essential part of a geologist’s training. Field courses at Keele are designed to integrate with, and expand on, formal class teaching and to develop observational skills. Several classic geological areas within easy travelling distance of Keele are visited. During a second-year field course in Spain, our students study the geological evolution of an evolving mountain belt.

During the first two years there are three major field classes and several weekend field excursions that include instruction in field mapping. In subsequent years, specialised field classes are related to aspects of individual modules. Students will also normally undertake an independent field project based on work conducted in an area of their choice. In recent years, students have chosen to undertake field study in Spain, Eastern Europe and Canada, as well as in the UK.

Study Abroad

Students have the opportunity to spend a semester of their second year studying at one of our partner universities in Europe or North America.

Codes and Combinations

All students who study a science subject are candidates for the degree of Bachelor of Science (with Honours) (BSc Hons).

Dual Honours Course can be combined with:

* subject to approval

Single Honours, Major and Foundation courses available:

Teaching and Assessment

Each taught module normally involves two lectures and a three-hour practical class per week.  A number of field visits, of varying length, are integrated into the teaching programme to provide first-hand experience of geological phenomena.

Programme specifications (new window)

Skills and Careers

In addition to the specific geological skills acquired on the course, training is also given in IT, report writing, and oral and poster presentation skills. The nature of geology promotes logical, deductive reasoning and problem-solving skills that are valued by employers. Keele Geology graduates have an excellent track record of gaining varied and stimulating employment positions. For example, recent graduates have begun successful careers in geological survey institutions, environmental companies, water and land management companies, the oil and gas industry, and the mining and quarrying industry. Other students have progressed to postgraduate Master's Courses or have undertaken PhD research.

Membership of professional institutions

Graduates in Geology who take either Major or Dual Honours routes are eligible for Fellowship of the Geological Society of London. The MGeoscience course is the appropriate pathway for those seeking Chartered Geologist (CGeol) and European Geologist (EurGeol) status. Keele Geology degrees combining the most popular subject combinations, including Geology and Physical Geography, are accredited by the Geological Society of London, a professional independent body.

Visit our Careers pages (new window)

Geology and Physical Geography
Physical Geography is the most popular subject to study in combination with Geology at Keele. These two related disciplines are closely integrated, with most lectures and practical classes from both subjects being taught in the Earth Sciences and Geography building that is equipped with specialist teaching facilities. Physical Geography students gain insight into the processes and landforms that shape the present-day Earth’s surface. This forms an ideal base from which students can begin to understand how similar mechanisms have acted to control the evolution of the Earth over geological timescales. The point of common overlap of the two disciplines is the study of late Quaternary environments (the last few tens of thousands of years of Earth history). Here, students investigate how factors such as global climate change have controlled the development of landforms and how these features are represented in the recent geological record. Students undertaking a Geology and Physical Geography Dual Honours degree spend two weeks on an overseas field course exploring both the geological and geomorphological development of a mountain range. The Geology/Physical Geography combination assumes no prior experience in either discipline. Students combining Geology and Physical Geography may register for a Dual Honours degree, or may choose to specialise solely in Geology or Physical Geography in their final year.

Geology and Applied Environmental Science (AES)
This is a logical and popular subject combination at Keele. The World’s environment is currently at the forefront of public interest and concern. Applied Environmental Science is concerned with understanding how the environment functions and how both naturally occurring phenomena and human activities are resulting in environmental change. To appreciate the issues involved, the AES course provides a multidisciplinary scientific understanding balanced with knowledge of the social factors underpinning our relationship with the natural environment. Significant portions of the Geology course are devoted to understanding the causes and results of environmental change. This forms a core component of modern geological science and integrates seamlessly with topics such as people and the environment, environmental management, global climate change and clean technology, which are taught as part of the AES course. Both Geology and AES place significant emphasis on learning and teaching through field courses where students gain valuable hands-on experience.