LONDON’S GLOBAL UNIVERSITY

www.ucl.ac.uk/prospectus

ENVIRONMENTAL GEOSCIENCEBSc /UCAS CODE: F6442021 ENTRY

Environmental Geoscience BSc /

Environmental Geoscience is concerned with theinteraction between Earth sciences and humanactivity. We explore evolution of the Earth and itsinternal workings, development of its biosphere andatmosphere, and its surface processes,emphasising natural and human-induceddevelopment. This allows examination ofenvironmental issues, such as natural resources,their use to society, disposal of waste, geohazards,sustainability and risk assessment.

Key information

Programme startsSeptember 2021

LocationLondon, Bloomsbury

Degree benefits

// Benefit from up to three months of field classes in the UK andcontinental Europe, and an independent field mapping project, withfinancial support from the department.

// The department delivers world-leading research embracing theorigins and history of life, Earth’s composition and structure,earthquake and volcanic hazards, and past and present climatechange, and these are fully integrated within our taught programme.

// The department scored 100% for overall satisfaction in the 2019National Student Survey. Teaching is delivered by all of ourresearch-active staff guaranteeing up-to-the-minute understandingand providing opportunities to take part in cutting-edge researchactivities.

// We have recently moved into the renovated Kathleen LonsdaleBuilding with new, world-class facilities include bespoke teachinglaboratories, new microscope facilities and student study areas, all inthe heart of the department, next to staff offices and researchlaboratories.

AccreditationThis programme is accredited by the Geological Society. Undergraduatestudents may join the Geological Society as a Candidate Fellow and canbecome a Fellow of the Society upon graduation. A Fellow of the Societywith relevant postgraduate experience in the practice of geology has theopportunity to apply for Chartered Geologist (CGeol) status.

Degree structure

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules,normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits forthe year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they aretaken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies fromprogramme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module isconsidered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit TransferSystem (ECTS).

The programme offers an integrated study of the Earth, encompassingthe evolution of the planet and its internal workings, the development ofits biosphere and atmosphere, and its surface processes, emphasisingnatural and human-induced development of the terrestrialenvironment. You will gain a scientific training which allows anexamination of environmental issues related to the Earth sciences, suchas those concerned with natural resources, their use to society, thedisposal of waste outputs and the understanding and minimisation ofgeohazards. The strong emphasis on fieldwork provides a uniqueopportunity to develop independent and team skills, andproblem-solving abilities.

The programme assumes no previous knowledge of the Earth sciencesbut builds on a firm foundation of basic science acquired during the firsttwo years. The third year of teaching is research-led, based around thedepartment's research strengths and research grouping, and includes afield-based independent mapping project.

The first and second years provide core skills and knowledge in thesubject. The third year provides opportunities for specialisation anddiversification, with an emphasis on individual initiative andproblem-based learning. The strong emphasis on fieldwork provides aunique opportunity to develop both independent and team skills, andproblem-solving abilities.

The BSc programme is identical to the first three years of the MSciprogramme.

Upon successful completion of 360 credits, you will be awarded a BSc(Hons) in Environmental Geoscience.

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. Thisinformation is published a long time in advance of enrolment and modulecontent and availability is subject to change.

YEAR ONE

Compulsory module(s)

// Dynamic EarthEarth MaterialsEnvironmental Systems and ProcessesFrom Petrology to Petrogenesis (including Cornwall fieldwork)GeochemistryHistory of LifeSurface Processes (including Dorset/Devon fieldwork)The Earth

Optional modules

// All first year modules are compulsory.

YEAR TWO

Compulsory module(s)

// Isotope GeologyMaps, Images and Structures (including fieldwork)Structural Geology and TectonicsSurface Processes and Structures (including fieldwork)

Optional modules

// You will select 60 credits of optional modules from the following:

// Environmental Remote SensingRemote Sensing and Planetary SurfacesFoundations of Physical GeoscienceGeomorphologyGlobal GeophysicsHydroclimatologyMathematicsReconstructing Past EnvironmentsScience and EthicsEngaging the Public With ScienceScience in Popular Culture

FINAL YEAR

Compulsory module(s)

// Geological and Environmental Mapping ProjectGroundwater Science

Optional modules

// You will select 75 credits from the following options:

// Advanced GeochemistryBiodiversity and Macroevolutionary PatternsCrustal Dynamics, Mountain Building and Basin EvolutionEarth Resources and SustainabilityField GeophysicsGeosciences ReportGlobal Environmental ChangeMarine Geology

Your learning

We use a mixture of lectures, practical classes, field courses, directedreading, problem-orientated learning, private study and tutorials toenable you to gain the theoretical knowledge and practical skillsdemanded by the programme, as well as to develop key transferableskills such as critical analysis, report writing, team working andorganisational skills.

AssessmentYou will be assessed by a combination of written examinations, practicalexaminations, coursework, independent project reports and sometimesan oral examination.

AccessibilityDetails of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained fromAccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCLStudent Support & Wellbeing team.

Your career

You will develop a number of skills, including the ability to gather andevaluate data, assess geo-environmental issues from a scientificstandpoint, prepare written reports, lead discussion groups and usecomputational methods. Fieldwork provides a natural laboratory whereyou can develop rock identification, fabric recognition and map-makingskills.

All our students are encouraged and helped towards making informedcareer choices. We have excellent relationships with many employers indiverse aspects of the Earth and planetary sciences, and students areactively guided towards achieving their potential at UCL in preparationfor their future careers.

Your application

Application for admission should be made through UCAS (theUniversities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently atschool or college will be provided with advice on the process; however,applicants who have left school or who are based outside the UnitedKingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.

We will assess your application on the basis of your performance, orpredicted performance academically, but we will also be looking for anindication of how your interest in natural and Earth sciences hasdeveloped, what aspects particularly appeal to you, and whether youhave undertaken any research or reading to find out about the subjectmatter you wish to study.

We normally reach a decision on making an offer on the basis of theapplication alone. If you are resident in the UK and have been made anoffer you will be invited to a Post Offer Open Day. This visit will includeintroductory talks on UCL Earth Sciences and our degree programmes, atour of the department and UCL and a question and answer session.

Entry requirements

A LEVELSStandard Offer: AAB. Two sciences preferred.

GCSE: English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 5. ForUK-based students, a grade C or 5 or equivalent in a foreign language(other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required. UCLprovides opportunities to meet the foreign language requirementfollowing enrolment, further details at: www.ucl.ac.uk/ug-reqs.

Contextual Offer: BBB. Two sciences preferred.

GCSE: English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 5. ForUK-based students, a grade C or 5 or equivalent in a foreign language(other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required. UCLprovides opportunities to meet the foreign language requirementfollowing enrolment, further details at: www.ucl.ac.uk/ug-reqs.

IB DIPLOMAStandard Offer: 36 points. A score of 17 points in three higher levelsubjects to preferably include two sciences, with no score lower than 5.

Contextual Offer: 32 points. A score of 15 points in three higher levelsubjects to preferably include two sciences, with no score lower than 5.

CONTEXTUAL OFFERS – ACCESS UCL SCHEMEAs part of our commitment to increasing participation fromunderrepresented groups, students may be eligible for a contextual offeras part of the Access UCL scheme. For more information seewww.ucl.ac.uk/prospectus.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONSUCL considers a wide range of UK and international qualifications forentry into its undergraduate programmes. Full details are given at:www.ucl.ac.uk/otherquals.

UNDERGRADUATE PREPARATORY CERTIFICATES(International foundation courses)UCL Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPCs) are intensiveone-year foundation courses for international students of high academicpotential who are aiming to gain access to undergraduate degreeprogrammes at UCL and other top UK universities.

Typical UPC students will be high achievers in a 12-year school systemwhich does not meet the standard required for direct entry to UCL.

For more information see: www.ucl.ac.uk/upc.

TUITION FEES

The fees indicated are for undergraduate entry in the 2021/22academic year. The UK fees shown are for the first year of theprogramme at UCL only. Fees for future years may be subject to aninflationary increase. The Overseas fees shown are the fees that willbe charged to 2021/22 entrants for each year of study on theprogramme, unless otherwise indicated below.

// UK: £9,250 (2021/22)

// Overseas: £31,200 (2021/22)

Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potentialincreases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website.

ADDITIONAL COSTS

The department makes a substantial contribution towards fieldworkcosts (ranging between £150-800 per student per trip), covering allaccommodation and in-field transportation for all fieldwork which isorganised by the department. The majority of the fieldtrips includebreakfast and/or dinner. Some fieldtrips in the second year areself-catered. Students are expected to cover their transportation toand from the beginning of the field location for some of the 2nd and3rd year non-UK field trips (cost of a return flight/train or bus), at anestimated cost of £200-£400. In the third year, there is an optionalfieldtrip for 30 days of independent mapping. For this fieldtrip, thedepartment provides a cheque for ~£800 to each student.

A guide including rough estimates for these and other livingexpenses is included on the UCL Fees and funding pages. If you areconcerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc.,please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (detailsgiven on this page).

FUNDING

Various funding options are available, including student loans,scholarships and bursaries. UK students whose household incomefalls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayablebursary or for certain scholarships. Please see the Fees and fundingpages for more details.

CONTACT

Professor Dario Alfè

Email: earthsci@ucl.ac.uk

Telephone:

Department: Earth Sciences

UK withdrawal from the EUFor up-to-date information relating to specific key questions followingthe UK's withdrawal from the EU, please refer to:www.ucl.ac.uk/brexit.

This information is for guidance only. It should not be construed as advice nor relied upon and does not form part of any contract. For more information onUCL's degree programmes please see the UCL Undergraduate Prospectus at www.ucl.ac.uk/prospectus

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students. PDF updated: 10 September 2020. © UCL 2020