Geology

All our courses combine a strong traditional emphasis on observational and field skills with the numerical and analytical fundamental science required to understand Earth processes and systems quantitatively.

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.

Three year courses lead to the BSc Honours degree of Imperial College London.

The department fully supports the strategic aims of Imperial College London and in particular the
educational aims:
To identify, attract and develop students of the highest ability who are most able to benefit
from an education at the College and in this department
To provide a research-led education of the highest international quality within an intellectually
challenging and inspiring environment
To provide an educational experience that empowers graduates to be leaders in their chosen
careers and contribute to the long-term needs of society
To maintain excellence in organisation by being efficient, effective, adaptable and integrated. 

In years one and two you’ll get a holistic and processoriented introduction to Earth science – the study of the Earth by observation and inference. Geophysicists, geologists and those interested in the environment all take similar courses in the first two years. Classeswill emphasise links between physics, chemistry and maths,with a chance to catch up on topics you have not studied at A-level. If you’ve not done either mathematics, chemistry, physics or geology to A-level, don’tworry, you can easily catch upwithwhat you need to knowin a course in the first year.

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

Basins & Tectonics
Seismic Techniques
Climate
Plus two from:
Ice and fire
or Ore Deposits
or Hydro and fluid flow 1
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 and Remote Sensing 2
(double)
Env & Eng Geol 1
Business for professional
engineers and scientists
+ optional Imperial Horizons(2)
Field Geology 4 (1)
Earth Science Synthesis 1
Earth Science General Paper
(Yr 3)
Independent geology project &
Workshops assoc with project
+ optional Imperial Horizons(2)

(1) In term 3, geologists undertake a field trip examined by a final report.
(2) Imperial Horizons in term 1 and 2 can be taken as an additional 6 ECTS which is not for credit

Our minimum offer for all our courses is AAA but we typically ask for additional or higher requirements
depending on the individual student. Most of our offers are targeted to individual students. Our
undergraduate intake is therefore among the best qualified in the country. Over 80% of our intake in
2012 had at least one A* grade.
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. 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).
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.
We welcome students from across Europe and worldwide with A-level equivalents such as
International or European Baccalaureates, Scottish Advanced Highers, Pre-U, or the Irish Leaving
Certificate. Students with other competencies will also be considered.

All UCAS applications are carefully read and those candidates whose prior learning in terms of
subject combinations, and whose predicted grades could meet our entry requirements, are called for
interview with a lecturer. The interview lasts around 25 minutes and considers academic ability as
well as other qualities. Personal statements and references are also taken into account when
deciding on students who are called for interview. All students are interviewed, either face to face, by
phone or by Skype.

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

 All students study a very similar syllabus in years one and two, so you can switch between courses up until the start of year three, although most students decide on their degree title by the end of year 1.

Students do not need to have previously studied geology to apply to our courses; normally around 20% of students will have studied some geology.