Geophysics and Geology (BSc) F690

Introducing BSc Geophysics and Geology

Do you:

• have a curiosity about how our planet works?
• want to help solve some of the biggest global challenges facing our planet?

Then geophysics may be for you.

Join us as we explore the amazing planet Earth, from its hot core to its crust, oceans, atmosphere, and everything in between.

What is geophysics?

This is about understanding the Earth's systems interactions and complexities. We can explore everything from liquid metal in the Earth's core to moving continents on the Earth surface. We study the composition of the deep Earth to the rapidly changing composition of the Earth's atmosphere.

Science of natural disasters

We can use geophysics to monitor the processes that result in catastrophic events. For example, earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.

Big science and big data

We use a process called remote sensing to gather vast amounts of data. We often obtain this data through satellites, aircraft and drones. We can collect data from the edges of space to the very centre of the Earth to understand, model and predict how the Earth behaves.

Computer science

Using coding and building computer models helps us understand complex data and predict how the Earth will behave in the future.

Environmental science

We are seeking ways to provide renewable sources of energy. Plus, finding the materials and technologies that enable them. Geophysics is also about understanding the physics of environmental change. We can look for ways to mitigate the harmful impact of humans and repair damages of the past.

Multiscale science

Our understanding can range from how atoms behave under immense pressures and temperatures deep within the Earth, to examining interactions between planetary bodies in our solar system and beyond.

Climate science

Understanding how the atmosphere and oceans interact also allows us to predict the impact of human activities on the rapidly changing climate. We can benchmark our progress towards a net-zero future.

Bringing it all together

It is the interdisciplinarity and interconnected nature of geophysics that defines much of what we do. It is also why geophysics plays such an essential role in creating a more sustainable and equitable future for us all.

Making a difference starts here. Are you ready?

What will I learn?

Our degree offers you the best of both subjects.

Many people confuse geology and geophysics, as both study the Earth and how it works. For example, they both explore the mechanisms behind plate tectonics.

However:

• Geologists focus on the materialistic surface of the Earth and its evolution.
• Geophysicists are mainly concerned about the Earth's physical processes, including its internal composition and atmosphere.

As a student in geophysics and geology, you will learn about:

• the microscopic properties of minerals
• the structure and composition of the Earth
• how large scale forces such as gravity, seismology and magnetism shape the Earth
• our Earth's past to forecast and safeguard its future
• the impact of global climate change on our world

By studying this degree, you will learn from our wide range of experienced academics across a diverse range of Earth science disciplines. Our research-led, industry-informed teaching ensures your degree has real-world relevance and helps make you highly sought after by employers.

We embrace a hands on approach to learning, so you can develop in-demand practical skills. Many of your activities simulate those that professionals perform in the real world.

Open to a world of possibilities

We are one of the largest and most successful groupings of Earth and environmental scientists and geographers in the UK. Many of them are world experts in their field. Our staff will incorporate the latest research in your teaching, and share our discoveries with you.

Join us as our planet and humanity face some of the biggest challenges we have ever known

• We have pioneered research proving human-caused greenhouse gasses are warming our planet, which helped underpin the 2015 Paris Agreement.
• We are working with major space agencies to monitor the environment using satellite data.
• We are 16th in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2022.
• We are in the world's top 50 and the UK's top 10 universities for geophysics, natural sciences, environmental sciences, geology, earth and marine sciences (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022).
• Learn from Earth scientists at the forefront of their fields. We are delivering world-leading research in a range of areas.
• Enjoy access to a world of experience with our research and industry networks.
• Get advice and guidance with our dedicated Careers Service.

Life changing field trips

Field trips are at the heart of this programme.

We know that getting out in the world is essential for understanding how it works.

We will take you beyond the classroom so that you can apply your learning to real-life situations.

Our field courses and day excursions are hard work and fun. Often they will provide some of your most memorable moments. You will have many opportunities to get your hands dirty!

For example, you could be:

• mapping the subsurface of meteorite impacts and volcanic craters
• exploring the geology of rocks found under the North Sea and comparing with offshore geophysical data
• travelling abroad and working with international peers to conduct gravity and seismic surveys

What are the benefits of field trips?

Our hands-on approach to learning helps build your confidence and practical experience. It also gives you valuable field skills prized by employers.

• Your training leads to the opportunity to conduct your own independent research project. An experienced academic will supervise and support you through your work.
• Field experiences help deepen your sense of community within your cohort. You will engage in a dynamic learning experience through peer learning where knowledge, ideas, and discoveries thrive.
• Working on multidisciplinary problems prepares you for the real world, where collaborative solutions are crucial to solving local and global challenges.

Our trips also enable you to experience working with different types of field equipment. We have a range of tools and modern high-tech equipment to obtain and interpret field measurements. We want to equip you with a wide variety of in-demand practical skills by using as many types of field equipment as possible.

You will become familiar with using a range of tools and equipment, such as:

• Unoccupied Aerial Vehicles (UAV) - also called 'drones'
• digital mapping tools
• geophysical instruments to acquire electrical resistivity and magnetic data
• geophysical instruments to conduct seismic surveys

The locations and experiences of each trip will vary. We want to enrich you with a broad understanding of how the world works.

Our goal is to minimise our carbon footprint while providing you with the best training opportunities.

Our compulsory field trips or field courses are free, including travel and accommodation. To ensure our degrees are accessible and inclusive, we offer alternative learning experiences where necessary.

Want to know more?

For more information on the field trips in our courses, please refer to the Programme Structure for this degree. A website link is available in the section: 'What you will study'.

You can also access blog posts and videos on the School of GeoSciences website.

• School of GeoSciences website: field trips

What is it really like to study with us?

No one knows what it's like to study here better than the students themselves.

Our students are sharing their experiences - from studying to living in Edinburgh and everything in between.

Get social with us:

• School of GeoSciences student experience blog
• School of GeoSciences TikTok
• School of GeoSciences Instagram

Edinburgh is your ideal base

Edinburgh is ranked 2nd in the UK and 12th in the world in the QS Best Student Cities 2022. Our vibrant capital is an irresistible blend of history and modern city life.

Edinburgh is not only a fantastic city to live in; it's also the perfect location to study the Earth and environmental sciences. Did you know that Edinburgh is the 'birthplace' of modern geology and Earth sciences?

An ancient volcano known as 'Arthur's Seat' forms part of a magnificent park in the middle of our city. And superb geological locations are right on our doorstep, providing you with world-class outdoor training grounds. Many of these sites are of scientific importance. For example, the world-famous at Siccar Point is just a short trip away.

We will help you make the most of our local surroundings throughout your studies.

Immerse yourself among rugged coastlines, misty mountains, forest glens and sparkling freshwater lochs.

It is no surprise we are regularly voted one of the most desirable places to live in the world!

How will I learn?

The exciting nature of geophysics and geology means you will have a unique learning experience throughout your years with us.

You will learn from a wide range of experienced academics at the forefront of their field. Our research-led, industry-informed teaching incorporates the latest developments in your field. By sharing our discoveries with you, we keep your degree up-to-date, diverse, and exciting.

The types of learning styles depend on the courses you choose and the nature of the topics explored.

Teaching can be through a mix of:

• lectures
• tutorials
• practical classes
• laboratory work
• workshops
• field trips and field courses
• project work

You will also design and execute your own research dissertation in your final year.

You can find more information about teaching methods for individual courses by accessing them through the 'Programme Structure' link.

Technical training

This degree has a hands-on approach to develop you with a range of practical skills.

We will carefully balance:

• data science
• programming and computing simulations
• use of specialist computer programmes
• laboratory experience in a range of analytical techniques
• observational and analytical skills in different field settings
• geographical information systems (GIS)

You will have access to our wide range of specialist research facilities, laboratories and field equipment.

We also have cutting-edge computational facilities. They enable you to visualise and explore the scientific data created in your advanced projects.

Your training will enable you to play a vital role in our transition into a more sustainable society.

How will you support me?

We will assign you with a Personal Tutor for the duration of your degree. They will be a member of our teaching staff who provides you with individual academic guidance and support. They will assist you in mapping out a path through your studies.

For your honours dissertation project, you will also receive individual supervision and guidance from an academic with experience in your chosen subject area.

We also have Student Support Coordinators for additional pastoral support and to take advantage of our University's extensive network of student-support services.

How will I be assessed?

We will assess you in various ways. The types of assessment depend on the courses you choose and the nature of the topics explored.

Assessment can be through a mix of:

• written or practical exams, including multiple-choice exercises
• laboratory reports and field project reports
• practical evaluation in the field or field notebooks
• coursework such as essays
• posters
• individual or group projects and presentations

You may also be evaluated in computer programming exercises. Some senior honours courses and projects in Earth sciences and environment involve computational modelling elements.

For your independent research project in your final year, we will assess your presentation and scientific writing skills.

You can find more information about assessment methods for individual courses by accessing them through the 'Programme Structure' link.

All applicants are required to demonstrate a level of English language competency, regardless of their nationality or country of residence. These requirements are listed by programme.

Our planet is rapidly approaching a critical state.

As a result, the demand for geophysicists and Earth scientists has never been greater.

With this degree, you will play a vital role in our transition into a more sustainable society.

We also want you to develop practical skills for future employers. So, many of your learning activities simulate those that professionals perform in the real world.

Our programme also equips you with sought-after data skills, computational analysis and quantitative skills. Demand is growing for these skills across a range of employment sectors.

By studying this degree, a range of career opportunities are open to you.

For example, you could work in:

• environmental geophysics
• hydrology
• industrial management and administration
• renewable energy
• environmental protection
• natural hazards

The skills you develop with us are also highly transferable. You can work in other sectors such as:

• engineering
• finance
• business
• consultancy
• government or civil service positions

Where do our graduates find employment?

Our graduates have gained employment in roles such as:

• geophysicist
• meteorologist
• waste resource manager
• hydrogeologist
• resource discovery
• environmental consultant
• sustainability consultant
• minerals surveyor
• energy resources manager

A sustainable future

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are a call for action to address the significant global challenges of our generation.

There are seventeen overarching goals with a timeline set to 2030. Nearly all countries in the world have committed to this plan, with societies rapidly adjusting to meet these goals.

They address challenges such as:

• climate change
• environment
• water
• food inequality
• protecting our planet
• sustainable growth and energy supplies

Earth sciences and geophysics are at the heart of these efforts.

With this degree, you can work in fields that directly contribute to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

Play a vital role in the climate crisis

As one of the world's leading universities, we play a vital role in tackling the numerous complex climate challenges. Our internationally renowned research aims to mitigate climate change and transition to a low-carbon economy.

Read some of our stories:

• We are playing a vital role in the climate crisis
• We are helping decarbonise the energy sector
• We are leading data-driven research in space and satellites
• University of Edinburgh impact

Data innovation

A key feature of our programme is a strong focus on developing your skills around the generation and analysis of scientific data, aided by a wide range of computational techniques. Demand is growing for these data skills across a range of employment sectors.

Along with your subject-specific skills, you will develop valuable transferable skills.

For example:

• advanced computing and data skills
• the ability to think in 3D and 4D
• model building from limited datasets
• the capability to integrate spatial and temporal information
• understanding processes on a range of scales.
• extrapolating hypotheses based on small data sets
• extracting key information from complex sets of observations
• assessing large data sets and pattern recognition in complex data
• dealing with complex systems and uncertainties

Networks

By studying with us, you'll join one of the largest and most successful groupings of Earth and environmental scientists in the UK.

This means you will have access to our wide range of research and industry networks. We have excellent relationships with many organisations and external practitioners. These range from local communities to government, industry, and academia.

Together, we help ensure this degree enables you to develop the competencies most prized by employers. Our links also provide you with valuable networking and potential employment opportunities.

All of this ensures your degree has real-world relevance.

Careers Service

We support you to recognise the wealth of possibilities ahead.

Our award-winning Careers Service plays an essential part in your wider student experience. We also support you after graduation.

We provide:

• tailored advice
• individual guidance
• internships and networking opportunities (with employers from local organisations to top multinationals)
• access to the experience of our worldwide alumni network

We invest in your future beyond the end of your degree. Studying here is about laying the foundations for your future success. Whatever shape that takes.

• Visit our Careers Service

Further study

Our programmes also prepare you for competitive entry into relevant postgraduate degree programmes. A significant proportion of our students progress to further postgraduate study and research.

• MSc Applied Environmental Hydrogeology
• MSc GeoEnergy
• Explore School of GeoSciences postgraduate taught degrees
• Explore School of GeoSciences Masters by Research (MScR) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes
• Edinburgh Earth, Ecology and Environment Doctoral Training Partnership (E4 DTP)
• Satellite Data in Environmental Science – Centre for Doctoral Training (SENSE)