Geology and Geophysics

Geology is the study of the world and how it's interior, surface and atmosphere interact. It is a subject that is concerned with the Earth's past, present and future. Geologists study the world through observation and make inferences based on understanding of fundamental scientific principles.

Students on geology and geology & geophysics courses study similar topics in years one and two. This makes it relatively easy to switch between courses up until the start of year three. The modules you choose in years three and four will determine the name of the degree you graduate with.

Knowledge and Understanding of
 The Earth as a dynamic system, its evolution through time, uniformitarianism
 Petrology and petrological analysis and the interpretation of the provenance through hand
specimens, petrology and field relationships from the micro- to macro-scale
 Basic mathematics, physics, chemistry and computer languages that are relevant to modern
geosciences
 Geochemistry: in particular solid earth geochemistry, low temperature geochemistry,
biogeochemistry, environmental geochemistry, study of the earth and planetary systems and
their mineralogy
 Using Geophysical techniques in exploration, and applying mathematics and physics to
studying the Earth as a planet
 Surface Processes: weathering and its consequences for sedimentation, soil development,
geomorphology and geohazards
 Internal Processes: Petrological analysis and what it tells us about processes, volcanism and
economic mineralisation
 Tectonics and geological structures: Deformation, plate tectonics and earthquakes
 Life on Earth through the study of palaeontology, paleobiology and the stratigraphic record
on land and marine
 Geological maps and three-dimensional interpretation of surface and sub-surface
geological systems acquired through knowledge of geological mapping and electronic
mapping packages. 

Year 1

Dynamic Earth 1
Stratigraphy
Earth Materials
Physical Processes (4)
Programming for Geoscientists
1
Maths Methods 1 (4)
Solid Earth Geochemistry (4)
Surface Processes
Internal Processes
Structural Geology 1
Optical Mineralogy and
Petrology
Life & Earth History
Introduction to Field Geology
Graphics & Statistics for
Geoscientists 1
Field Geology 1
Projects and Tutorials 1 (1)
Geoscience Workshops (2)
+ optional Imperial Horizons (3)

(1), (2)
Projects and Tutorials and Geoscience workshops take place throughout the year on a variety of
topics.
(3)
Imperial Horizons courses in term 1 and 2 can be taken as an additional 6 ECTS.
(4)
Students may not have A-levels or equivalent in all three of Maths, Physics and Chemistry.
Introductory level 1 courses in these subjects allow such students to delay studying more advanced
material in one or more of these subjects until year two; the programme and timetable allow for this
flexibility.

Year 2

Applied Geophysics 1 (4)
Igneous 1
Global Geophysics(4)
Structural Geology 2
Sedimentary Geology
Metamorphic 1
Low Temperature
Geochemistry (4)
Rocks Master Class
Remote Sensing & GIS
Structural Geology 3
Palaeontology or Maths
Methods 2
Earth Resources
Field Geology 2
Field Geology 3
Independent Geology Project (1)
Projects and Tutorials 2 & Geoscience Workshops
+ optional Business for Professional Engineers & Scientists (2)
+ optional Imperial Horizons (3)
(1) Year 2 develops the fundamental geological and geophysical knowledge and skills that are required
to undertake a major independent project at the end of the year. This is a mapping project for
geology students; this continues into summer vacation.
(2) Students can take Business for Professional Engineers and Scientists course in term 1 and 2 for
credit which may contribute to the coursework element. Students taking this option will graduate with
66 ECTS for their 2nd year – an additional 6 ECTS for their 2nd year.
(3) Imperial Horizons in term 1 and 2 can be taken as an additional 6 ECTS which is not for credit.
(4) For students with missing A-levels in Maths, Physics or Chemistry, students take Maths methods 1
instead of Applied Geophysics 1, Physical Processes instead of Earth Structure and Tectonics and
Solid Earth Geochemistry instead of Low Temperature Geochemistry respectively

Year 3

Applied Geophysics 1 (4)
Global Geophysics (4)
Structural Geology 2
and Igneous 1
Sedimentary Geology
Metamorphic 1
or
Vibrations and Waves
Maths Methods 3
Mechanics
Low Temperature
Geochemistry (4)
Remote Sensing & GIS
Earth Resources and Structural Geology 3
Rocks Master Class
Palaeontology or Maths
Methods 2
Field Geology 2
or
Seismology
Numerical Methods 2
Field Geophysics
Maths Methods 4
Field Geology 3
Independent Geology Project (1)
Or
Independent Geophysics
Project (1)
Data processing, modelling and
interpretation of Morocco
Data(1)
Projects and Tutorials 2 & Geoscience Workshops
+ optional Business for Professional Engineers & Scientists (2)
+ optional Imperial Horizons (3)
(1) Year 2 develops the fundamental geological and geophysical knowledge and skills that are required
to undertake a major independent project at the end of the year. This is a mapping project for
geology students or a in the form of two guided modules in term 3 which consist of significant
elements of independent work. Independent Geophysics Project and the Independent Geology project
continue over the summer and into year 3.

Year 4

Basins & Tectonics
Seismic Techniques
Plus three from:
Ice and Fire
or Climate
or Ore Deposits
or Hydro and Fluid flow 1
or Mechanics (2014/2015 only)
Elective courses vary annually.
In 2014/2015 they are:
Biogeochemistry
Earth Systems
Geomorphology
Minerals Processing
Environmental Impact
Assessment*
Solid Waste 1*
Solid Waste 2*
Hydrothermal & ore forming
processes (double)
Low temperature
geochemistry*
Dynamic Stratigraphy*
GIS & remote sensing 2
(double)
Env & Eng Geol 1
Geohazards
Geodynamics
Physical Oceanography
Palaeo & Env Magnetism
Hydrogeology & Fluid Flow 2
Advanced Applied Geophysics
Business for professional
engineers and scientists
+ optional Imperial Horizons(2)
Earth Science Synthesis 1
Earth Science General Paper
(Yr 3)
Independent geology project
or
Independent geophysics
project
+ optional Imperial Horizons(2)
Workshops assoc with project
Thermodynamics(1) or Field Geology 4 (1 )
Term 1 consists of broadening subjects with which all Earth scientists should be familiar; students
continue to work on their independent project. Students can take additional modules from earlier
years not for credit
Term 2 consists of elective courses in a wide variety of subjects. Most electives are taught across
both years three and four; most electives are offered only in alternate years; the exact elective
programme will vary from year to year, subject to student demand and staff availability.
(1) Students either undertake a field trip examined by a final report in the summer term, or take
Thermodynamics in term 2, which is examined in term 3. Some students may take the Climate
study in term 3
Earth Science Synthesis is taken by all students.
(2) Imperial Horizons in term 1 and 2 can be taken as an additional 6 ECTS which is not for credit
Students who complete the independent geology project, and take the Earth Science general paper
will graduate with 75 ECTS for their 3rd year.
Students who are on this degree must discuss their choice of modules with the Academic Tutor to
confirm they have the pre-requisites for year 4 courses. 

Our minimum offer for all our courses is AAA but we normally ask for additional or higher requirements depending on the individual student. Students are interviewed before being made an offer.  Most of our offers are targetted to individual students. Our undergraduate intake is therefore among the best qualified in the country.

If studying UK qualifications you will need three A levels, and at least two A-levels from the following list:

• Mathematics
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Geology
• Geography

Only about 20% of our students have prior knowledge of geology, so don’t worry if you have not studied Earth science or geology before. What we are looking for are students who love science and have a deep desire to learn more about the Earth.

A-level equivalents

We welcome students from across Europe and worldwide with A-level equivalents such as International or European Baccalaureates, Scottish Advanced Highers or the Irish Leaving Certificate. Students with other competencies will also be considered.  We encourage students who have not taken A-levels to visit the relevant pages on the Registry website.   

Maths and physics

Maths is an important part of all the courses so we expect students to have at least GCSE Maths (or equivalent) at grade A, or an AS level (or equivalent) at grade B or above.

Students wanting to study geophysics must have A-levels (or equivalent) in physics and maths (although you can still study geophysics combined with geology without physics A-level).

Candidates admitted without an A-level (or equivalent) in maths, physics or chemistry are provided with additional subject teaching in the first year and take the intermediate level courses in those subjects a year later.

In addition to A-levels (or equivalents) we place great emphasis on interview and take other qualities as well as academic ability into account.

To continue to be considered for the Year Abroad degree, students must achieve first-class marks in years 1 and 2.  Students receiving the highest marks are normally given the first pick of the host universities. If there are more students wishing to go than places available, only the top students are considered. Whatever university you attend abroad, it will be of similar standing to Imperial College London and your studies abroad during your third year will count towards your final degree.

Rio Tinto Scholarships

The Rio Tinto Scholarshipswill provide financial support for Earth Science students during their university degrees. These scholarships are a shared vision between Rio Tinto and Imperial to encourage students to apply their skills in the mining sector. Scholarswill be selected at the end of theirfirst year of their studies at Imperial,with continuous funding for years 2, 3 and 4, subject to satisfactory performance. Each Rio Tinto Scholar will receive: • Financial aid of £4,000 per yearforthose selected in September 2014 • Preferential entry to Rio Tinto’s graduate program (subject to meeting standard selection criteria) • Mentorship by Rio Tinto staff members • Opportunities to apply studies through internships and vacationwork • Networking opportunitieswith Rio Tinto managers and high profile Imperial College visitors Scholarship holders are not compelled to join Rio Tinto on graduation.

Rio TintoUrra Fieldtrip Rio Tintowill fund the first year geosciences fieldtrip to Urra, Southern Spain,which specifically develops observational and practical skills for all first year undergraduate students. Anglo-American Scotland Fieldtrip Anglo-Americanwill fund the second yearfieldtrip to the Highlands, the pre-independent mapping trip designed to enhance independent mapping skills.

Burhouse Bursary The Burhouse Bursary is awarded annually to an overseas student. Eligible students are contacted by the department in late August and encouraged towrite an essay to be submitted in late September, before starting theirfirst year of studies in October. MinSouth Student

The MinSouth Sponsorship, administered by MinSouth, is available to UK students starting their second year. Students must not be in receipt of any other major scholarship or sponsorship otherthan student loans and educational grants. The MinSouth Sponsorship is £1,000 per yearto the end of their degree, subject to satisfactory progression. Applications, accompanied by an essay are available from the Academic Tutor

Students on all our courses (geology, geophysics, and petroleum geoscience) study similar topics in years one and two.

This makes it very easy to switch between courses up until the start of year three. The modules you choose in years three and four will determine the name of the degree you graduate with.