Earth Sciences (Geology)

Earth Sciences is the study of the planet we live upon. The broad scope and rapidly-advancing nature of the subject is reflected in the course at Oxford, which provides sound and broadly-based scientific training.

We combine physics, chemistry and biology with geology, geography and palaeontology to answer fundamental questions about the origin, development, and future of the Earth.

A typical week

During Years 1–3, your work is divided between lectures, tutorials, and practical classes.

In Year 4 you have the opportunity for independent work on special topics or in a research laboratory.

Students will find that their scheduled teaching time breaks down approximately as follows for each year:

• Year 1: Lectures 55%, Practicals 45%
• Year 2: Lectures 55%, Practicals 45%
• Year 3: Lectures 60%, Practicals 40%
• Year 4: Project 50%, Seminars 50%

Students are expected to spend at least 40 hours a week studying, including the scheduled teaching, so a good portion of students' time should be spent on private study.

Tutorials are usually 2-4 students and a tutor. Class sizes may vary depending on the options you choose. There would usually be no more than around 20 students though classes for some of the more popular papers may be up to 40 students.

Other than the field courses, all teaching takes place in the department and most tutorials, classes, and lectures are delivered by members of the Earth Sciences Department. All are world-leading experts with years of experience in teaching and research. Some teaching may also be delivered by postdoctoral researchers from the department who are experts in their area of research. Postdoctoral researchers and postgraduate students from the Department will also assist in practical sessions and on field courses.

To find out more about how our teaching year is structured, visit our Academic Year page.

Courses

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Assessment

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• Students take all courses in five parallel streams:
  • Planet Earth
  • Fundamentals of geology I
  • Fundamentals of geology II
  • Physics, chemistry and biology for Earth Sciences
  • Mathematics
• Field courses
  • Pembroke field course
  • Arran field course
  • Local field courses

First University Examinations: Theory and Practical

Typical destinations for Earth Sciences graduates include the energy industry, the environmental sector and engineering/ technical consultancies. Some enter unrelated professions, in which the analytical and problem-solving skills they have developed are highly sought after. Around 40% continue to study, through a PhD or further master’s course. Natalie Roberts is a Policy Advisor at Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, based in the Bristol Hub. She says: ‘My job is to ensure climate adaptation is built into Defra policies, so that targets such as improving biodiversity and water quality are reached, despite the additional pressures of a changing climate. My degree has helped me to use the evidence available and make decisions with sometimes limited information as well as to understand uncertainty.’ Jo Burton is a sustainability professional. She says: ‘Many people I've worked with would consider themselves either a "words person" or a "numbers person" - well an Earth Sciences degree teaches you to be both at the same time. As well as being great for problem solving, this really helps communicating complex concepts to all sorts of people.  As well as skills, my degree gave me a huge respect for our planet, which sits behind my drive and principles as a sustainability professional.’ Martin works in the mining industry for De Beers Canada as a Field Geologist. He says: ‘My Oxford degree helped me to develop the knowledge, understanding and confidence to approach geological problems in a critical and informed manner. I appreciated the course’s focus on both the theoretical and practical side of geology.’ Rachael works for BP as a geoscientist. She says: ‘I am currently working as an Operations Geologist in London for a project based in North Africa. My degree gave me the technical basis for my career, but more importantly it taught me how to think out complex issues from basic principles and to motivate myself to produce the best results I can.’