Cardiff School of Earth and Ocean Sciences - Undergraduate Degree Programmes www.cardiff.ac.uk/earth

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Cardiff School of Earth and Ocean Sciences - Undergraduate Degree Programmes www.cardiff.ac.uk/earth
Cardiff School of
Earth and Ocean Sciences
Undergraduate Degree Programmes

www.cardiff.ac.uk/earth
Cardiff School of Earth and Ocean Sciences - Undergraduate Degree Programmes www.cardiff.ac.uk/earth
Cardiff School of
Earth and Ocean Sciences
Are you interested in . . .

                                  TSUNAMIS
                    LAND
                 REMEDIATIO
                           N
    LLU TION                     MARINE
  PO
                               MANAGEMENT

        A N OES
                                AND POLICY
   VOLC                                  O  IL
                                   A N D      N
                               R E       TIO
             WATER            O LORA
FOSSILS    RESOURCES          EXP
Cardiff School of Earth and Ocean Sciences - Undergraduate Degree Programmes www.cardiff.ac.uk/earth
1

                                        AT E
                                     PL NICS
                                    E C TO
                                   T
             U A K ES
         TH Q
                                  CLIMATE
   E A R

        MARINE
                                  CHANGE
      ENVIRONMENT

                          MA PS AN  D
                                   NG
    WASTE
MA N A G
        EM EN T           SUR VEY I

ECOLOGY AND                GEOM
CONSERVATION                    ORPH
                                     OLOG
                                         Y

    . . . then one of our degrees is for you.
        www.cardiff.ac.uk/earth
Cardiff School of Earth and Ocean Sciences - Undergraduate Degree Programmes www.cardiff.ac.uk/earth
2   Discover the Cardiff Experience

    Discover the Cardiff Experience
    A leading university . . .
                                      Q You’ll be part of a Russell Group university   Q You’ll benefit from outstanding teaching
                                        – one of the top 24 UK research                  in a research-led environment. Our highly
                                        universities with global recognition.            qualified staff include two Nobel Laureates
                                                                                         and several Fellows of the Royal Society.
                                      Q You can choose from more than 300
                                        degree programmes. The Cardiff University
                                        degree is known and respected worldwide,
                                        with a substantial number accredited by
                                        the professions and other external bodies.

    in an outstanding city . . .
                                      Q You’ll live in a friendly, compact and safe    Q Your money will go further at Cardiff with
                                        city, with all of your study, living and         capital city attractions at affordable prices
                                        leisure needs within walking distance.           – including one of the lowest rates of all
                                                                                         university cities for student
                                                                                         accommodation.

    with able and motivated students . . .
                                      Q You’ll be at a first choice university where   Q You’ll be at an international university with
                                        demand for places is strong.                     students from more than 100 countries.

                                      Q You'll be studying in an environment with
                                        other able and motivated students who
                                        have top grades at A-level or equivalent.

    who have excellent career prospects.
                                      Q You can be confident of your future – in       Q You’ll be in demand – Cardiff is among the
                                        2010, 94% of our students were employed          top 20 universities targeted by employers
                                        or had entered further study within six          seeking high calibre graduates.
                                        months of completing their studies.
Cardiff School of Earth and Ocean Sciences - Undergraduate Degree Programmes www.cardiff.ac.uk/earth
Welcome
                                                                                                                             Welcome        3

Welcome                                                                                  Contents
Studying for a degree is a major                                                         Cardiff: A capital city                        4
                                                                                         Cardiff: A leading university                  6
investment for your future and choosing                                                  Living in Cardiff                              8
your university and degree programme                                                     Student Life                                   8
is one of life’s all-important decisions.                                                Degree Courses                             10
                                                                                         The First Year                             12
                                                                                         Master in Earth Science                    13
                                                                                         MESci (International)                      16
                                                                                         Marine Geography                           17
                                                                                         Geology                                    19
                                                                                         Exploration and Resource Geology 21
                                                                                         Environmental Geoscience                   23
                                                                                         Marine Geography                           25
                                                                                         Earth Sciences with a
                                                                                         Preliminary Year                           28
                                                                                         Postgraduate Masters Courses               28
                                                                                         Career Prospects                           29
                                                                                         Research in Cardiff                        30
                                                                                         Admissions                                 32

I hope that you will find this brochure helpful
and informative as you consider the options
open to you as a potential university student.
It contains information about the city of
Cardiff and the University, the practical and
study facilities in the Cardiff School of Earth
                                                                                         Important information.
and Ocean Sciences and the range of its
                                                                                         Please read carefully.
degree programmes and component
modules. It also describes some of the                                                   The University offers the information
leisure, sporting and cultural facilities in                                             contained in this brochure as a guide only.
Cardiff and the surrounding area.                                                        It does not constitute a contract and is not
                                                                                         binding on prospective students, current
The School has an international reputation                                               students or the University. While the
for all its activities and our staff have a wide                                         University makes every effort to check the
range of expertise that is reflected in our                                              accuracy of the factual content at the time
broad curriculum. It offers a rich and                                                   of publication, some changes will inevitably
rewarding student experience and provides a                                              occur in the interval between publication
friendly and stimulating environment in which                                            and the academic year in which you start
you should be able to fulfil your full potential                                         your programme. For example, courses,
in your studies. Teaching at all levels is                                               entry requirements and typical offers may
informed by research that lies at the very                                               have changed in line with market and
cutting edge of the subject area.                                                        student demand, and research
As you will see as you delve further into                                                development. Applicants should not
this brochure, Earth Sciences is very                                                    therefore rely solely on this brochure and
relevant to many current global issues facing                                            should visit the University website
humankind, ranging from climate change to                                                www.cardiff.ac.uk) for up-to-date
exploration for natural resources. If you would                                          information concerning course content,
like to receive further information about the                                            accreditation, and entry requirements for
School, or would like to arrange a visit,                                                the relevant academic year when
please do not hesitate to get in contact.          Professor R John Parkes FRS           considering applying to the University.
Our telephone and fax numbers, and email           Head of Cardiff School of Earth and
addresses are given inside the back page.          Ocean Sciences                        3000EARTH0612
Cardiff School of Earth and Ocean Sciences - Undergraduate Degree Programmes www.cardiff.ac.uk/earth
4   Cardiff: A capital city

    Cardiff: A capital city
    “Cardiff is one of the best places to study in
    Britain. It has well-situated, cheap housing,
    lively nights out, friendly people, great shops
    and hundreds of miles of countryside. It is all
    that any right-thinking fresher could desire.”
    Virgin Alternative Guide to British Universities

    The University is surrounded by attractive
    parkland and is adjacent to Cardiff Castle
    and the city centre
Cardiff School of Earth and Ocean Sciences - Undergraduate Degree Programmes www.cardiff.ac.uk/earth
Cardiff: A capital city   5
                                                                                                                                More online at:
                                                                                                                           www.visitcardiff.com
                                                                                                                             www.cardiff.ac.uk
                                                                                                                            www.cardiff.gov.uk

Cardiff is a thriving and attractive city which is widely
recognised as an outstanding place in which to live and study.
It combines all the advantages of a compact, friendly and
inexpensive location with the cultural and recreational
facilities of a modern capital.
Cardiff offers everything from the excitement       One of the UK’s top shopping destinations,
of the city to the peace and tranquillity of the    Cardiff’s outlets range from the 100 stores in
nearby coast and countryside. Such is the           the new £750 million St David’s Dewi Sant
                                                                                                       Don’t just take our
quality of the ‘Cardiff experience’ that in a       retail centre to indoor and outdoor markets,       word for it…
recent survey, a large majority of students         and a fascinating network of glass-canopied
said they would like to stay and live in the        Victorian and Edwardian arcades.                   “Cardiff has it all: grand
city after graduating.
                                                    Cardiff also has more urban green space than       civic architecture
With its distinctive character, good quality of     any other UK city, and offers easy access to       in a breezy waterside
life, and growing national and international        the countryside, coast and mountains.
reputation, it hosts many high-profile sporting
                                                                                                       location, super-smart city
and cultural events, including international                                                           bars just a short hop
rugby, soccer, cricket and motor sport, Cardiff                                                        from lovely countryside.”
Singer of the World and the UK’s largest free
summer festival.                                                                                       Guardian University Guide
Home to the world-renowned Welsh National
Opera, it boasts prestigious concert venues
such as the Wales Millennium Centre,
St David’s Hall and the Motorpoint Arena,                                                              Come and see for
as well as the iconic Millennium Stadium,
the National Museum and Gallery of Wales,                                                              yourself…
several theatres and the historic Cardiff Castle.
                                                                                                       Cardiff benefits from excellent
Cardiff is the location for award-winning                                                              road and rail links with Britain’s
television productions, including Dr Who,                                                              other major towns and cities.
Sherlock, Torchwood and Casualty, and the           The Millennium Stadium nestles in the heart        London, for example, is two
Dr Who Experience in Cardiff Bay is a popular       of the city, and is home to numerous sporting
new attraction.                                     events and concerts throughout the year            hours by train, and the M4 links
                                                                                                       both the west and south of
                                                                                                       England, as well as west Wales.
                                                                                                       Travel to the Midlands and to
   “Cardiff is a young, vibrant city. A blend of beautiful                                             the North is equally convenient.
   old architecture and new, cutting-edge developments.                                                The journey by road from
   Cosmopolitan with a large student population.”                                                      Birmingham, for example,
   Daily Telegraph Guide to UK Universities                                                            takes only two hours. The main
                                                                                                       coach and railway stations are
                                                                                                       both centrally placed, and
                                                                                                       Cardiff also benefits from an
                                                                                                       international airport.

Cardiff is one of the UK’s most successful retail centres                                            Cardiff Bay, the city’s waterfront
Cardiff School of Earth and Ocean Sciences - Undergraduate Degree Programmes www.cardiff.ac.uk/earth
6   Cardiff: A leading university

    Cardiff: A leading university
    “Cardiff offers a compelling student experience:
    Russell Group research credentials, the full gamut of
    traditional undergraduate degree courses and relatively
    affordable living with hot and cold running nightlife on tap.”
    Sunday Times University Guide
Cardiff School of Earth and Ocean Sciences - Undergraduate Degree Programmes www.cardiff.ac.uk/earth
Cardiff: A leading university   7
                                                                                                                           More online at:
                                                                                                                         www.cardiff.ac.uk

Cardiff University has an international reputation for excellence
in teaching and research, built on a history of service and
achievement since 1883, and recognised by our membership
of the Russell Group of leading research-led universities.
With attractive and compact campuses,                 schools offering healthcare courses
excellent student accommodation, and a                (excluding Optometry and Pharmacy)
hugely popular Students’ Union, all within            are based at the Heath Park campus,
                                                                                                       What the Guides say
easy walking distance of each other in a              approximately one mile away, which is also
thriving city, it is not surprising that Cardiff is
                                                                                                       “The University is as
                                                      home to the University Hospital of Wales.
a university of first choice among well-                                                               confident and forward-
prepared applicants.                                  Although dating from 1883, Cardiff is focused
                                                      on the 21st century, and has modern state-
                                                                                                       looking as the city it’s
We admit approximately 4,500 undergraduate            of-the-art buildings and facilities. The         located in, and has an
entrants each year, the very large majority of
whom are school and college leavers, and
                                                      University has invested £200 million in its      excellent reputation
                                                      estate in recent years and most academic
have top grades at A-level or equivalent.
                                                      schools have benefited from major
                                                                                                       for the quality of its
While competition for entry is strong, Cardiff is
                                                      refurbishment, including new and well-           teaching and research.
an inclusive university with a good record on
widening access and increasing participation,
                                                      equipped laboratories, lecture theatres,         Almost 60% of its
                                                      libraries and computing facilities.              research is ranked as
and we welcome applications, irrespective of
background, from everyone with the potential          The University takes its environmental, safety   world leading and it is a
to succeed at Cardiff University.                     and security responsibilities very seriously.
                                                      We have recently introduced a comprehensive
                                                                                                       member of the Russell
The University’s Cathays Park campus is
located in and around the impressive                  Energy, Water and Waste Policy, which is         Group of leading
Portland stone buildings, parks and wide tree-        already making great savings in energy           universities.”
lined avenues that form Cardiff’s attractive          consumption. To support the safety and
civic centre. The majority of academic                security of all members of the University        Guardian University Guide
schools are located here - just a few minutes’        community and their property, there is 24-
walk from the city centre. The four academic          hour security cover throughout the campus.

   “Cardiff is a tip top uni academically . . . hugely
   popular with its students. Is Cardiff perhaps the
   best kept secret among Britain’s universities?”
   Virgin Alternative Guide to British Universities
Cardiff School of Earth and Ocean Sciences - Undergraduate Degree Programmes www.cardiff.ac.uk/earth
8   Living in Cardiff

    Living in Cardiff
    As a fast developing capital city, Cardiff is a great place to be
    a student. It’s large enough to offer you an exciting variety of
    activities and entertainment, but small enough for you to feel
    comfortable in.
    Accommodation                                      letting agency and Student Advice centre.
                                                       In addition, it is home to CU TV and Xpress
    Cardiff offers guaranteed University               Radio (the students’ own TV and radio
    accommodation, good quality and value,             stations) and more than 150 cultural, political,
    and a range of residences to suit individual       religious, social and sporting societies.
    preferences and budgets.
    All first year undergraduates who apply            Jobshop
    during the normal UCAS admissions cycle            The Unistaff Jobshop is a student
    are guaranteed a place in University               employment service that provides casual,
    residences.                                        clerical and catering jobs around the
                                                       University to hundreds of students.
    The University is continually investing in its
    student residences, and the views of students
    are taken into account at the design stage.        Subject Societies
    Unusually for a civic university, most of our      Students in the School run their own subject
    residences are within easy walking distance        societies in English Language, English Literature
    of lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories,      and Philosophy. There is also a very active
    the Students’ Union and city centre.               Creative Writing Society. Many of our students       All study bedrooms in the halls of residence
                                                                                                            have computer network connection points
                                                       are also involved in Act One, Cardiff University’s
    There are 14 different residences, providing                                                            and access to Wi-Fi
                                                       Theatre Company and Drama Society.
    more than 5,300 study bedrooms and
    students can apply for the residences which
    best suit their preferences, interests and         Student Newspaper
    budgets. Some 70% have en-suite shower             Many students from the School write for Gair
    and toilet facilities and all halls of residence   Rhydd (Welsh for ‘Free Word’), the free weekly
    connection points and access to Wi-Fi.             newspaper produced by the Students’ Union.
                                                       Gair Rhydd welcomes anyone who wants to
    Fees depend on the facilities included and         write for the paper, edit pages, interview
    whether catered, part-catered or self-catered,     people or take photographs. Students also
    but prices compare very favourably with those      have the opportunity to get involved in
    of other UK universities.                          producing Quench, the Students’ Union’s
    Besides managing University property,              bi-weekly magazine.                                  The Fitness and Squash Centre is located at
    the Residences Office maintains close                                                                   the heart of the main campus
    links with the private sector and provides
    assistance to students seeking to rent or
    share houses or flats.

    Student Life
    The Students’ Union
    Cardiff Students’ Union is one of the biggest,
    best and most active in Britain. Solus, the
    Great Hall and the Taf Bar are among the
    Union’s major attractions. Solus is the
    students’ own high quality nightclub, and is
    the second largest in South Wales. The Great
    Hall is a 1,500 capacity venue for major
    concerts and the Taf Bar is the Union’s very
    own ‘local’. Other facilities include CF10, a
    café offering a variety of hot and cold food, a
    general shop and off licence, University
    bookshop, computer shop, a games room and
    video arcade, five full-size snooker tables and
    twelve pool tables, satellite TV, banking and
    insurance services. The Union also has its own     Solus is the Students’ Union high quality nightclub
Living in Cardiff   9
                                                                                                       More online at:
                                                                                                   www.cardiff.ac.uk
                                                                                        www.cardiff.ac.uk/residences
                                                                                           www.cardiffstudents.com
                                                                                            www.cardiff.ac.uk/thrive

Students have access to a wide range of
modern facilities, including Skype booths

  What the Guides say
  “Cardiff Students’ Union
  is the biggest and best
  equipped in Britain.”
  The Independent
                                               Key
  “Cardiff Students’ Union                     I Cardiff School of Earth and
  is independently                                Ocean Sciences
  recognised as the biggest                    I University Buildings
  and best in Britain.”                        I Student Residences
  Equitable Student Book

  “The Students’ Union
  provides an excellent
  range of facilities, clubs                How to find the School
  and societies.”                           We are located in Main Building, which sits at the heart of the
  The Times Good University Guide           Cathays Park Campus, a short walk from the city centre.
  “Guaranteed                               The site is very close to Cathays railway station and is easily
  accommodation in halls                    accessible from University halls of residence.
  and houses for first                      The building also includes the Science library and a 24-hour
  years. Very high quality                  computing facility.
  and relatively cheap.”
                                            It is located adjacent to the National Museum of Wales,
  Equitable Student Book                    with its superb geological collections.
10   Degree Courses

     Degree Courses in the School of
     Earth and Ocean Sciences
     Earth Science education at Cardiff provides a research-led,
     holistic view of the Earth in which the oceans, atmosphere,
     biosphere and lithosphere are studied in depth as constituent
     components of the Earth system.
     All the degree courses begin with a common
     first semester which provides a strong
     foundation in Earth Sciences.
     Although students will be registered for a
     particular degree in Year 1, our first semester
     allows you to sample the broad aspects of
     Earth Science before making your final
     choice. Students who wish to study the four
     year MESci degrees can transfer at the end
     of Year 2, although it is best to register for
     four year degrees in Year 1 as there are
     specialist modules in research training during
     Year 1 and 2. Students who graduate on any
     three year BSc course can apply to stay on in
     Year 4 to study a one year vocational MSc in
     Applied Environmental Geology. In total, the
     Cardiff School of Earth and Ocean Sciences
     offers 19 undergraduate degree programmes.

                                                       Above: Studying gold exploration drill cores as part of an Exploration and Resource
                                                       Geology summer placement in Tanzania

      F640                                             A four year degree for students who wish to pursue a professional research career in Earth
      MESci Earth Sciences                             Sciences. In Year 4 you will undertake an independent research project that allows you to
      F646                                             focus on your subject of interest in Earth Sciences. There is also an option to spend Year 3 of
      MESci Earth Sciences                             your degree at a university in North America or Australia. Module credits obtained during this
      (International)                                  year count towards your degree.

      F841                                             A three year degree for students interested in the study of the physical, hydrographical and
      BSc Marine Geography                             managerial issues relating to the ocean and its coastlines.

      F842                                             A four year degree for students interested in the study of the physical, hydrographical and
      BSc Marine Geography                             managerial issues relating to the ocean and its coastline, with a year out working in a marine
      (placement year)                                 related industry.

      F645
      MESci Environmental                              A four year degree for students who wish to pursue a professional career in applied or ‘global’
      Geoscience                                       geoenvironmental issues such as climate change, water resources and pollution. In Year 4
                                                       you will undertake an independent research project that focuses on your subject of interest.
      F647                                             There is also an option to spend Year 3 of your degree at a university in North America or
      MESci Environmental                              Australia. Module credits obtained during this year count towards your degree.
      Geoscience (International)

      F642                                             A three year degree for students interested in applied geo-environmental or ‘global’
      BSc Environmental                                geoenvironmental issues with subjects like geo-hazards, pollution and engineering geology,
      Geoscience                                       ecology, climate change and sea level rise.
Degree Courses       11
                                                                                                             More online at:
                                                                                                     www.cardiff.ac.uk/earth

                                                                                  Far Left: Fieldwork plays an important role
                                                                                  in all our degree programmes
                                                                                  Left: Year Three students on the Geology field
                                                                                  trip to Cyprus

                               A four year degree for students interested in applied geo-environmental or ‘global’
F644                           geoenvironmental issues with subjects like geo-hazards, pollution and engineering
BSc Environmental Geoscience   geology, ecology, climate change and sea level rise, with a year out working in the
(placement year)               geo-environmental industry.

F601                           A four year degree for students who wish to pursue a professional research career in Earth
MESci Geology                  Sciences. In Year 4 you will undertake an independent research project that allows you to
F602                           focus on your subject of interest in Earth Sciences. There is also an option to spend Year 3 of
MESci Geology                  your degree at a university in North America, Australia or New Zealand. Module credits
(International)                obtained during this year count towards your degree.

                               A three year degree for students interested in all aspects of Geology and Earth Evolution.
F600                           This degree is suited to students interested in all aspects of practical field related
BSc Geology                    observations and map making. In Year 3, students can specialize in areas of sedimentology,
                               paleontology, structural or igneous geology.

F623
MESci Exploration & Resource   A four year degree for students who wish to pursue a research career in hydrocarbons, ore
Geology                        and industrial minerals and energy. In Year 4, you will undertake an independent research
                               project that focuses on your specialist subject of interest. There is also an option to spend
F624                           Year 3 of your degree at a university in North America or Australia. Module credits obtained
MESci Exploration & Resource   during this year count towards your degree.
Geology (International)

                               A three year degree for students interested in all aspects of natural resources
F621                           (hydrocarbons, ore and industrial minerals and energy) and their exploration, extraction and
BSc Exploration & Resource     management. This degree is also suited to students interested in aspects of applied
Geology                        geology and information technology.

                               A four year degree for students interested in natural resources (hydrocarbons, ore and
F622                           industrial minerals and energy) and their exploration with a year out in industry working with
BSc Exploration & Resource     an exploration company. This degree is also suited to students interested in aspects of
Geology (placement year)       applied geology and information technology.

                               A four year degree* for students who wish to pursue a research career in aspects of shallow,
MESci Marine Geography
                               near-shore coastal processes or marine related managerial issues. In Year 4 students
                               complete a major research project on a marine topic of interest. There is also an option to
MESci Marine Geography         spend Year 3 of your degree at a university in North America, or Australia. Module credits
(International)                obtained during this year count towards your degree.

                               * Subject to University approval in late 2012
12   The First Year

     The First Year
     The first year is designed to give you a sound foundation
     in Earth Sciences upon which the specialised studies build in
     subsequent years.

     The first year provides an introduction to the       modules extend over the two semesters and         Above: Field teaching on the year one
     study of Earth as a total system – background        all are examined at the end of the second         residential trip to West Wales
     scientific skills taught through the study of        semester. Most modules are assessed by a
                                                                                                            Below: First year students undertaking an
     Earth - plus general skills of observation,          combination of examination and marking of         environmental survey in Cardiff Bay on the
     numeracy, presentation and communication,            other work. The nature and weighting of other     School research vessel, Guiding Light
     which will be of value throughout your studies       assessed work varies with the requirements
     and future careers. For example, the first           of different modules. You will need to achieve
     semester includes an introduction to the use         a satisfactory standard in at least 100 from
     of the Cardiff University computing network          the 120 credits studied before progressing to
     and its associated software, including the           the second year. We believe it is important to
     basic concepts of a computing network, files         take account of the varying skills and
     and directories, and the use of spreadsheet,         qualifications of the students arriving in the
     database, drawing, GIS and e-mail packages.          School, so the broadbased first year
     Fieldwork in the first year involves an              complements your own talents and interests.
     introductory set of field trips during your first    Your personal tutor, allocated to you in the
     week designed to give you a flavour of the           first week of your course, will advise you of
     first year course content and to act as an           the best way to organise your studies to
     icebreaker. Several day or half-day trips are        utilise your background achievements.
     associated with individual modules and
                                                          Because the first semester is common to all
     provide essential initial field training. You will
                                                          our undergraduate degree programmes, you
     also have the opportunity to undertake
                                                          are able to transfer between degree courses
     shipborne studies, as well as taking part in
                                                          up to the start of the second semester in late
     a residential field excursion prior to the
                                                          January. Transfer between geology and
     Easter Vacation.
                                                          exploration and resource geology (and vice
     All the first year modules include lectures and      versa) is also possible up to the start of year
     a variety of laboratory work. Several include        two, since the first year is common to both
     individual study projects. Some of the               these degree programmes.
Master in Earth Science (MESci)           13

Master in Earth Science (MESci)
Research-informed degrees in:
• Earth Sciences (UCAS Code: F640)
• Geology (UCAS Code: F601)
• Exploration and Resource Geology (UCAS Code: F623)
• Environmental Geoscience (UCAS Code: F645)
• Marine Geography

The Cardiff MESci programme is a four year         The MESci degrees at Cardiff are comparable    Above: Discovering Earth History –
undergraduate degree aimed at training             to similar courses in Europe and North         De La Beche unconformity Somerset
students for a research career. Students with      America. There is demand in industry,
                                                                                                  Below: First year MESci students on a
a Cardiff MESci are qualified to enter directly    government and academia for a higher           residential trip to the Isle of Arran, Scotland
into PhD programmes, and the advanced              level of research training than a three year
fourth year courses and research skills also       undergraduate BSc course. For the
provide an enhanced basis for entering into        individual student, undergraduate Masters
professional careers in Earth Sciences. The        programmes provide:
Cardiff MESci programme provides you with
                                                   Q a wider range of options for future
considerable flexibility in your choice of
                                                     career paths
modules and programmes. In each of your
four years you will undertake research             Q opportunities to undertake research into
training in which you choose topics that             topics which interest you
match your interests. In the final year you will   Q a greater degree of choice in learning
complete a research dissertation and attend          outcomes
a series of modules, providing the skills and      Q more extensive opportunities for small
knowledge necessary to underpin your                 group and individual tuition
dissertation work. The nature of research
means that you will be involved in small           Q a higher level of university education
group teaching and will have the opportunity         comparable with international first degree
to work within the School’s internationally-         qualifications.
recognised research groups.
14   Master in Earth Science (MESci)

                                                     MESci Course Structure                             Inter-programme Transfer
                                                     The Year One, first semester programme is          Transfer into and out of the MESci
                                                     common for all MESci students, with small          programmes is possible but it is best to
                                                     group teaching provided in research tutorial       enrol on the MESci in Year One as there are
                                                     groups of up to six students, and with a           dedicated research training modules in Year
                                                     dedicated MESci residential field course at        One and Two. Transfer from a BSc to an
                                                     Easter. The first year programme with more         MESci is possible at the end of Years One or
                                                     specialised second semester modules                Two and requires an average mark of 60%.
                                                     specific to individual degrees’ is designed to     Transfer from MESci to the equivalent BSc
                                                     give you a broad view of earth and ocean           can also take place at the end of Years One
                                                     sciences, with the MESci research tutorial         or Two.
                                                     enabling you to begin exploring your long-
                                                     term research interests.                           MESci Programmes
                                                     In Year Two, you will take a suite of modules      Research has no subject boundaries, and
                                                     appropriate to your MESci degree programme         so in Cardiff we provide you with the broadest
                                                     which will enhance the basic building blocks       opportunity to follow and develop your
                                                     of knowledge necessary to undertake                own interests.
                                                     research. In addition, you will take the MESci
                                                                                                        Problems of climate change and the effect
                                                     Field Methods and Research Tutorial module
                                                                                                        of human activities on the environment are
                                                     and will produce a research poster on a field-
                                                                                                        increasingly important topics in international
                                                     related subject of your choice. Year Two
                                                                                                        research. The MESci in Environmental
                                                     contributes 15% to your total degree
                                                                                                        Geoscience provides a solid base for
                                                     assessment.
                                                                                                        investigation of climatic change and
                                                     In your third year, you will again select from a   anthropogenic effects on the planetary
     MESci Research project analysing                suite of modules appropriate to your degree        environment, including pollution and land
     water quality                                   programme. If you are following the MESci in       contamination. The MESci in Marine
                                                     Earth Sciences you can choose any Year             Geography focuses on near shore, coastal
                                                     Three module with in the School as long as it      processes, ocean policy and management
                                                     is possible on the timetable. You will take a      as well as oceanic sediments and how a
                                                     research module during which you will              detailed record of climate change can be
                                                     conduct research on a topic of your choice         elucidated from the marine geological record.
                                                     and write it up as a scientific research paper.    (See pages 17-18 for more information on
                                                     Year Three contributes 35% to your total           MESci in Marine Geography).
                                                     degree assessment.
                                                                                                        The evolution of the Earth and the life that it
                                                     The final year is centred on a research            supports underpins our understanding of our
                                                     dissertation in a subject of your choice,          own planet and other planets in the solar
                                                     depending on your degree programme. You            system. The MESci in Geology provides the
                                                     will work with a research supervisor and           basis for researching into the evolution of our
                                                     interact with a research group in the School.      planet. Sustainability of natural resources
                                                     Since the School is large you have a wide          requires that richer, more easily extractable
                                                     choice of dissertation topic. Year Four            resources need to be discovered and
                                                     assessment contributes 50% to your final           methods of extraction need to be both
      Alex Quas-Cohen                                degree and your research dissertation is 25%       energy efficient and environmentally friendly.
      Alex graduated with an MESci in Geology        of your total degree result. You will also chose   The MESci in Exploration and Resource
      and is now studying for a PhD at               options from Year Four modules which focus         Geology addresses both of these aspects on
      Manchester University, researching the         on topics at the cutting edge of research.         a global scale.
      formation of Norwegian eclogites and the
                                                                                                        With each of these MESci degrees it is also
      implications for crust-mantle interaction
      during subduction of continental crust.                                                           possible to spend Year 3 studying at a
                                                                                                        university in North America or Australia.
      How did you find the Cardiff student                                                              The marks from this year of study will count
      experience?                                                                                       towards your degree. More details of this
      “Cardiff is a fantastic city, especially for                                                      exciting opportunity can be found in the
      students: it’s small, clean, safe and cheap                                                       MESci (International) section of this
      but has all the perks of being a capital                                                          brochure (overleaf).
      city – gigs, shows, events etc. I very much
      enjoyed my undergraduate degree: the
      modules and fieldtrips were varied,
      challenging and enjoyable. The staff were
      friendly, approachable and fun. Overall, I
      had a great student experience at Cardiff
      and would recommend the School and the
      city to anyone.”
Master in Earth Science (MESci)   15

 MESci Module Programme
 The majority of Year 1 to Year 3 module choices are the same as the related BSc course

 Year One                          Year Two                             Year Three                          Year Four
 Research Tutorial and             Research Tutorial and                Research Tutorial                   Research Project
 Earth Science Skills              Field Skills
                                                                                                            Research Frontiers
 Carry out a literature-based      Conduct a field-based research       Discover the research methods
 investigation of topics such as   project and present it as a poster   that you can apply to your          MESci Field Course
 “ice in the solar system”,        at the MESci Conference.             Masters thesis research in
 “early life on Earth”,                                                 Year 4. Carry out a laboratory      Process Geomorphology
 “conflict diamonds”                                                    project and present the results
 “Precambrian oceans” or                                                at the MESci Conference.            Evolution of Antartica
 “large igneous provinces”
                                                                                                            Plenatary Geology

                                                                                                            Seismic Interpretation and
 This list of modules is only                                                                               Petroleum Exploration
 indicative and may change
 slightly each year.                                                                                        Advanced Igneous Petrogenesis

 Key:                                                                                                       Contaminated Land
 ● Core Modules
 ● Optional Modules                                                                                         Marine Carbonate Chemistry

Research training fieldcourse, South Wales
16   MESci (International)

     MESci (International)
     Research-informed degrees in:
     • Earth Sciences (UCAS Code: F646)
     • Geology (UCAS Code: F602)
     • Exploration and Resource Geology (UCAS Code: F624)
     • Environmental Geoscience (UCAS Code: F647)
     • Marine Geography
      (All with a year spent studying at an overseas university)

     The Cardiff MESci (International) programmes      experience will improve your employability        Amy Martin (right), Cardiff MESci
     are aimed at providing the opportunity for        and prospects of postgraduate studies.            (International) student at the University of
                                                                                                         Miami, meeting former US President Bill
     students to study at a prestigious overseas
                                                       Financially, these programmes are very            Clinton at the Clinton Global Initiative
     university for part of their Cardiff degree.                                                        University, which each year hosts a meeting
                                                       attractive since you pay no fees at the
     The MESci (International) programme has                                                             for students and youth organisations to
                                                       international university but merely continue to
     the same structure and aims as the Cardiff                                                          discuss solutions to pressing global issues.
                                                       pay fees to Cardiff University. This means that
     four year undergraduate MESci degree
                                                       successful applicants have the opportunity,
     programmes. It is research led and provides
                                                       for example, to attend world-class, private
     students with enhanced opportunities for
                                                       universities in the USA at Cardiff fee levels.    The International programmes are available in
     specialisation, subject choice and advanced
                                                       These institutions routinely provide intensive,   all MESci subject areas including Earth
     study. The difference is that the credits and
                                                       small group teaching by international leaders     Sciences, Geology, Environmental
     grades for Year 3 of your degree assessment
                                                       in an environment where individual student        Geoscience, Exploration & Resource Geology,
     are acquired at an overseas institution
                                                       welfare is paramount. Presently there are         and Marine Geography. The intake grades for
     The year abroad allows you to broaden your        agreements with the University of Miami,          these international programmes are higher
     horizons, both academically and culturally.       University of British Columbia, Wyoming           than the conventional Cardiff MESci, primarily
     You will undertake a research project during      University and the University of Vermont,         because there is strong competition for the
     your year overseas, usually on a one-to-one       Maquarrie University (Sydney) and the             limited places (see page 32).
     basis with an international research expert in    University of Western Australia. Further
                                                                                                         The MESci (International) programme gives
     the host institution. You will also be able to    opportunities are also planned with other
                                                                                                         you a great opportunity to experience new
     enrol in courses overseas that are not            leading institutions in North America,
                                                                                                         places and different cultures and will widen
     available at Cardiff. You will acquire a wide     Australia and New Zealand.
                                                                                                         your options for future career paths.
     range of transferable skills and the additional
MESci Marine Geography          17

MESci Marine Geography
(Subject to university approval in late 2012)

Marine Geography is a truly interdisciplinary      is possible taking your chosen subject area      Above: Year Three students surveying the
aspect of the wider Earth Sciences,                to research level and, as with the other         Grand Harbour, Valetta, Malta
embracing both near shore, coastal                 MESci programmes it is possible to spend
                                                                                                    Below: A Thornback Ray caught as part of a
processes in addition to ocean policy and          your third year at a university in North         seconf year trawling field work survey in the
management and how climate change can              America or Australia (see pages 16-17 for        Severn Estuary
be unravelled from the reading of the marine       further details of this option). In Year 4 you
sedimentary record. All of these areas are         also undertake a research project dissertation
available for study in the Cardiff programme       with one of the many marine specialists on
which brings together expertise from staff         the staff as a supervisor. This will link you
researching into ocean science and policy,         to an active research group and enable
marine ecosystems, ocean–atmosphere                you to concentrate on one aspect of
interactions, coastal geomorphology,               Marine Geography.
continental margin processes, chemistry and
                                                   The Marine Geography staff are active
microbiology of deep sea sediments, coastal
                                                   researchers in coastal processes, marine
hydrography and mapping of the seabed.
                                                   biology, conservation, policy, management,
The MESci in Marine Geography, formerly            hydrographic survey work and many other
named Marine Geoscience, follows the other         areas of coastal and offshore work.
MESci programmes in having a broad-based           Graduates will acquire a wide range of
first semester where all aspects of Earth          transferable skills since working and
Sciences are introduced as well as starting to     undertaking science at sea and in coastal
learn how to carry out research. In Year 2         regions involves a significant amount of team
students follow the BSc Marine Geography           work and project planning. Graduates from
modules, which means that it is possible to        this degree programme will be highly
change between the 3 and 4 year courses up         attractive to potential employers.
to the start of Year 3. In Year 3 specialisation
18   MESci Marine Geography

      MESci Marine Geography Module Programme

      Year One                          Year Two                             Year Three                           Year Four
      Marine Charts and Hydrography     Field Skills and Research Tutorial   Research Tutorial and Dissertation   Research Project

      The Sedimentary System            The Ocean Atmosphere System          Marine Geoscience Fieldcourse        Research Frontiers

      Earth and Planetary               Applied GIS                          Applications of Marine Science       MESci Field Course
      System Science
                                        Processes in Coastal                 Marine Geomatics                     Evolution of Antartcia
      Fieldwork                         Environments
                                                                             Global Climate Change                Extremophiles
      Earth Science Skills and          Environmental Pollution
      Research Tutorial                                                      Ocean Science and Policy             Coastal Science and Policy
                                        Coastal Hydrography
      Dangerous Earth                                                        Biogeography                         Marine Carbonate Chemistry
                                        Marine Ecosystems
      Natural Resources and Energy                                           Integrated Coastal Management        Process Geomorphology
                                        Marine and Coastal
      Formation of the British Isles    Resource Development                 Marine Conservation Science

      Environmental Chemistry           Residential Field Project            Environmental Law                    This list of modules is only
      and Biology                                                                                                 indicative and may change
                                                                             Water Resources                      slightly each year.
      Development of the World Ocean
                                                                             Environmental Management             Key:
                                                                                                                  ● Core Modules
                                                                             Geomicrobiology                      ● Optional Modules

     Learning to use marine sonar systems in Cardiff Bay
Geology    19

Geology
 • BSc (UCAS Code: F600)
 • MESci (UCAS Code: F601)

                                                                                                   Mapping training at Penderyn

Structural geology field teaching in Spain

Our BSc in Geology provides you with a           In the summer of your second year, you will
broad view of the physical, geochemical          face the exciting challenge of spending five
and biological processes that formed planet      weeks working independently on a geological
Earth, its oceans, atmosphere, lithosphere       mapping project in an area of your own
and biosphere. You will learn how to read the    choice. The most popular mapping areas are         Adam Hughes
rocks, assess the processes involved in their    typically in Wales, Scotland, Ireland, southern
                                                                                                    Adam graduated with a BSc in Geology
formation, be able to reconstruct past           France, Spain and Portugal, but opportunities
                                                                                                    and is now working for AngloAmerican in
environments and interpret how life evolved.     exist for travel further afield. In your third     the coalfields of North Queensland. His
                                                 year, you will analyse and interpret your field    work involves visiting remote sites in the
A key component of this course is fieldwork.
                                                 map data and write a detailed report on your       Australian outback to log, sample and test
You will travel to a number of classic
                                                 summer mapping project.                            strata from deep underground to help
localities: current field excursions run to
                                                                                                    project subsurface 3D models of potential
areas both in the UK and abroad (Spain and                                                          coal reserves.
Cyprus). On these excursions you will learn
how to record observations, to analyse and                                                          How did you find the Cardiff student
interpret a wide range of rocks and structures                                                      experience?
in the field, and be trained in making a                                                            “The classes and learning environment in
geological map. Our field courses are                                                               the School are second to none and there
specifically designed to focus on key themes,                                                       was always help from any number of great
such as the origins of oceanic crust, the                                                           minds, no matter what the problem.
                                                                                                    Studying at Cardiff Uni was the best
development of sedimentary basins and their
                                                                                                    decision I have ever made and has taken
oil and gas potential, and the growth and                                                           me to places I’d always dreamed of going!”
collapse of mountain belts.
20   Geology

     In your third year there are several core
     synoptic modules, but you will also have a
     choice of optional modules in specialist and
     more applied subjects. Some of those
     specialist modules involve field excursions.
     You will also have the option to complete a
     research level project in a topic of your
     choice. The lecturers on the geology course
     are all specialists who publish research
     papers in international journals and books,
     so you will benefit from teaching at the
     forefront of geological research. One of the
     highlights of the third year is a residential
     field excursion to Cyprus to study an
     uplifted section of oceanic crust and its
     associated sediments.
     The four year MESci Geology degree is for
     students interested in professional research
     careers. It provides research training in
     specialist aspects of Geology (see MESci
     section for more details).

     Year two field course, Spain

      BSc Geology Module Programme

      Year One                                       Year Two                                     Year Three
      Life Through Time                              Geological Fieldwork and Mapping Training    Geological Mapping Project

      The Sedimentary System                         Sedimentary Petrogenesis and Straitigraphy   Geology Field Course (Cyprus)

      Earth and Planetary System Science             Palaeoecology                                Dynamic Earth

      Fieldwork                                      Applied GIS                                  Advanced Sedimentology and Stratigraphy

      Earth Science Skills                           Igneous Geology                              Global Geomorphology

      Dangerous Earth                                Metamorphic Geology                          Structural techniques

      Natural Resources and Energy                   Geophysical Exploration                      Volcanic and Magmatic Processes

      Earth Materials                                Structural geology                           Palaeobiology

      Formation of the British isles                 Plate Tectonics                              Marine Microfossils

      Geological Maps, Sections and Structures       Geological Resources                         Water Resources
                                                     (ores, minerals, oil & energy)
      This list of modules is only indicative                                                     Engineering Geology
      and may change slightly each year.             Earth Surface Processes
                                                                                                  Global Climate Change
      Key:
      ● Core Modules                                                                              Petroleum Geology and Basin Analysis
      ● Optional Modules
Exploration and Resource Geology          21

Exploration and Resource Geology
 • BSc (UCAS Code: F621)
 • BSc (placement year) (UCAS Code: F622)
 • MESci (UCAS Code: F623)

This is a very opportune time to study for a      courses that include practical exercises in
degree in exploration geology since the           surveying, geological, geochemical,
exploration industry is blooming again, and       geophysical mapping techniques and safety.
young skilled people are in great demand to
                                                  This training programme leads on to
assist in the exploration for natural resources
                                                  residential field courses in the UK and
to feed the growing world demand for
                                                  abroad, forexample to Spain, and includes
minerals, oil, gas and industrial minerals.
                                                  a teambuilding ice-breaker visit to the
An exploration geologist requires a broad
                                                  Dolaucothi gold mine in mid-Wales.
range of skills including: an aptitude for
                                                  During field work you learn to draw detailed
fieldwork, good ICT skills and the ability to
                                                  geological maps using geological and
make key decisions from limited information.
                                                  geophysical techniques.
Our long-established vocationally-orientated
courses are unique in the UK and well             During the summer vacation before the third
respected in the exploration industry.            year, you undertake a six-week research-        Bill Levene
A degree from Cardiff in Exploration and          based practical field mapping project module
                                                                                                  Bill graduated with a BSc in Exploration
Resource Geology will prepare you for a           under School supervision, usually in areas of
                                                                                                  and Resource Geology and is currently
potentially exciting professional career as a     active resource exploration. In the autumn of   working for Hummingbird Resources in
geologist working in the global hydrocarbon,      your third year you will write an assessed      Liberia. Work involves running multiple
metaliferous or bulk mineral industries.          report on your project. It is also possible     trenching/soils sampling programmes,
                                                  to spend a full year out on an industrial       supervising up to 80 people. Many
The three year BSc degree focuses on
                                                  placement, regrettably however, in the          projects are a days walk from camp and
applied geology, with the exploration,                                                            involve staying in villages that have never
                                                  current economic climate, we are unable
evaluation and extraction of the Earth’s                                                          been visited by a European before.
                                                  to guarantee these placements. However,
natural resources. The aim is to provide an
                                                  through our extensive network of industry       How did you find the Cardiff student
understanding of the geological, physical and
                                                  contacts we will do our best to help you        experience?
chemical processes active within the Earth
                                                  secure a year-long placement.                   “The Cardiff course provided me with
that lead to the formation of a natural
resource. The course provides training in the                                                     skills very relevant to working in mineral
specialist fieldwork and IT skills required by                                                    exploration, which I have been able to
                                                                                                  build on since graduating. Cardiff was a
the modern professional exploration geologist
                                                                                                  fantastic place to study with ample
using whenever possible field-based project                                                       opportunity to get involved in other
work. You will participate in field training                                                      activities outside your course.”

                                                  Year Three Exploration and Resource
Year one trip to Dolaucothi Gold Mine,            Geology students studying copper deposits,
Mid-Wales                                         on their Cyprus fieldtrip
22   Exploration and Resource Geology

     In your third year, you will study further core   Our graduates in exploration and resource      will be exposed to cutting edge research in
     exploration modules on metals and oil             geology are commonly employed in field-        exploration geology with access to our in
     together with a range of optional modules         based exploration all over the World, or are   house state-of-the-art mineral analytical
     involving both applied aspects and specialist     found analysing geological or geophysical      equipment, 3D-seismic processing and data
     geological topics. You will also have the         data using modern computer processing          visualization facilities. In the fourth year you
     opportunity to visit an area of outstanding       techniques in global exploration companies.    will undertake a research project in your
     European geology on residential fieldwork         If you choose to study the four-year MESci     subject of interest in exploration or resource
     such as Cyprus.                                   Exploration and Resource Geology degree you    geology (see MESci section for more details).

      BSc Exploration and Resource Geology Module Programme

      Year One                                         Year Two                                       Year Three
      Life Through Time                                Field Skills in Exploration and                Exploration and Resource
                                                       Resource Geology                               Geology project
      The Sedimentary System
                                                       Data Acquisition and Analysis                  Ores and Ore Genesis
      Earth and Planetary System Science
                                                       Geological Resources                           Exploration & Resource Geology
      Fieldwork                                        (ores, minerals, oil & energy)                 Field Course (Cyprus)

      Earth Science Skills                             Sedimentary Petrogenesis and Straitgraphy      Petroleum Geology and Basin Analysis

      Dangerous Earth                                  Igneous Geology                                Dynamic Earth

      Natural Resources and Energy                     Metamorphic Geology                            Water Resources

      Earth Materials                                  Structural Geology                             Advanced Sedimentology and Striatgraphy

      Formation of the British Isles                   Plate Tectonics                                Structural techniques

      Geological Maps, Sections & Structures           Applied GIS                                    Volcanic and Magmatic Processes

      This list of modules is only indicative          Earth Surface Processes                        Environmental Law
      and may change slightly each year.
                                                       Geophysical Exploration                        Engineering Geology
      Key:
      ● Core Modules
      ● Optional Modules

     Exploration Geology mapping training in west Wales
Environmental Geoscience       23

Environmental Geoscience
 • BSc (UCAS Code: F642)
 • BSc (placement year) (UCAS Code: F644)
 • MESci (UCAS Code: F645)

South Wales is one of the best locations in      At the start of the course you will be taught
the UK to study environmental geoscience,        how our planet works, and how natural and
as there is a wealth of local natural and man-   man-made events interact with, and change,
made geoenvironmental subjects to study.         the environment. You will learn about global
These natural locations range from the           systems like climate, how they work today,
beautiful Welsh coastline up to the scenic       how they have operated in the past, and are
mountains of the Brecon Beacons, including       expected to change in the future.
eroding sea cliffs, sand dunes, wetlands,
                                                 You will also learn about man-made issues
valley slopes and past glacial erosion.
                                                 like pollution; its causes, assessment,
With a long and heavily polluting industrial     monitoring and clean up. During this year
history, South Wales offers study sites that     you will be taught how our dynamic planet
include landfills, heavy metal contamination,    is constantly changing, and how we need to
acid mine drainage, derelict land and mining     evolve from activities that are depleting
subsidence. The environmental geologist is       finite resources towards policies of             Hanna Hayward
at the forefront of the scientific community’s   sustainable development.                         Hanna graduated with a degree in
efforts to understand our complex and                                                             Environmental Geoscience (with a
changing surroundings. Furthermore,                                                               placement year) and is currently working
the challenging and growing market of                                                             Assistant Environmental Advisor for BAM
contaminated and derelict land                                                                    Construct UK.
remediation is a growing source of                                                                How did you find the Cardiff student
employment for geoscientists.                                                                     experience?
                                                                                                  “There were many reasons that made me
                                                                                                  choose Cardiff to study Environmental
                                                                                                  Geoscience, but it was the opportunity to
                                                                                                  have an industrial placement year as well
                                                                                                  as the variety of field trips and high
                                                                                                  standard of teaching which separated
                                                                                                  Cardiff University from my other choices.
                                                                                                  I thoroughly enjoyed my degree.”

                                                                                                 Pollution studies – acid mine water from
                                                                                                 abandoned South Wales coalmine
24   Environmental Geoscience

     In the second year you will study a wide
     variety of modules. These modules range
     from: more ‘applied’ modules that will
     facilitate your understanding of site-specific
     geoenvironmental issues, such as
     contaminated land, rock engineering and
     geotechnics: to modules that address more
     ‘global’ geoenvironmental issues, providing
     a base for studies on subjects like climate
     change and sea level rise: to those specialise
     in biological interaction with past and present
     environments. In all these modules you will
     be taught the skills required for planning,
     executing and reporting on project work.
     This will include both field-based and
     desk-based studies, and working                   Environmental Geoscience students on their         Environmental GPS mapping
     independently and as part of a team.              Tenerife field course
     At this stage of your studies, project work is    This is also an opportunity for you to start       and skills. However, in this final part of your
     a vital component of the course. The School       acquiring more specific skills that will be        degree, the emphasis is much more on
     provides a wide range of different potential      required for your own project work. For            synthesis, tying together the separate strands
     projects from which you can choose a subject      example, if you undertake a project that           to give a more complete and holistic
     that interests you. However, students are         requires you to do geochemical analyses, you       understanding of the subject.
     actively encouraged to devise and design          will be taught the protocols required to work in
     their own projects. Students often choose or                                                         The evolution of our present environment into
                                                       a modern state-of-the-art geochemical facility.
     devise projects that relate to geoenvironmental                                                      the future is a key subject for global enquiry
     issues close to their homes or that have          In the third year you will complete your           and includes the problems of climate change
     impacted on their lives in the past. Often        project work, presenting it in the form of a       and the effect of human activities on the
     the projects are undertaken with help and         professional report. There are a few ‘core’        environment. For students interested in
     advice provided by bodies such as the             modules, but the majority are optional,            professional research careers in
     Local Authorities or Environmental Agency.        allowing you to target your own                    Environmental Geoscience, the four year
     Dedicated environmental training takes place      geoenvironmental interests and aspirations.        MESci in Environmental Geoscience provides
     around Easter, and this addresses issues that     As with the previous years, the third year         a basis for investigation of these key areas
     have not been covered in previous modules.        consists of a mixture of taught knowledge          (see MESci section for more details).

      BSc Environmental Geoscience Module Programme

      Year One                                         Year Two                                           Year Three
      Life Through Time                                Field Skills in Environmental Geoscience           Environmental Geoscience Project

      The Sedimentary System                           Data Acquisition and Analysis                      Environmental Geoscience Field Course
                                                                                                          (Tenerife)
      Earth and Planetary System Science               Earth Surface Processes
                                                                                                          Environmental Case Studies
      Fieldwork                                        Environmental Pollution
                                                                                                          Global Geomorphology
      Earth Science Skills                             Applied GIS
                                                                                                          Environmental Management and Policy
      Formation of the British Isles                   Biogeochemistry
                                                                                                          Integrated Coastal Management
      Natural Resources and Energy                     Catchment Hydrology & Geomorphology
                                                                                                          Environmental Law
      Dangerous Earth                                  Palaeoecology
                                                                                                          Marine Microfossils
      Geological Maps, Sections & Structures           Structural Geology
                                                                                                          Water Resources
      Environmental Chemistry & Biology                Geoecology
                                                                                                          Global Climate Change
                                                       The Atmosphere System
                                                                                                          Palaeobiology
      This list of modules is only indicative
      and may change slightly each year.                                                                  Engineering Geology
      Key:
                                                                                                          Biogeography
      ● Core Modules
      ● Optional Modules                                                                                  Geomicrobiology
Marine Geography      25

Marine Geography
 • BSc (UCAS Code: F841)
 • BSc (placement year) (UCAS Code: F842)

                                                                                                   Marine Geography students studying marine
                                                                                                   ecology on their field course to Greece

Marine Geography is the study of the ocean       Cardiff is the birthplace of the discipline of
and its coastlines – the geography of the sea.   Marine Geography in UK. A major component
Marine geographers augment traditional land      of the course in Cardiff is that of mapping the
based geographic skills with new techniques      marine environment in order to understand
and approaches in order to understand the        its physical and biological characteristics.
intriguing geography that lies offshore and      This involves using some of the most
beneath the ocean surface. Marine                advanced and exciting technology available.
geography offers an offshore perspective and     You will learn not only about traditional
the opportunity to pursue studies beyond the     navigation and hydrographic surveying
low water line.                                  techniques, but you will also gain experience
                                                 of modern remote sensing systems including
The World Ocean, which covers 71% of the
                                                 satellite imagery, side-scan and multi-beam
planet, may be considered the last frontier on
                                                 SONARS for seabed mapping, and 3D-
Earth for the exploration and development of
resources to sustain humanity in the future.
                                                 seismic methods for probing the ocean floor.       James Thomas
                                                 You will also get the opportunity to ‘ground-
Owing to its size, dynamic nature and                                                               After his BSc in Marine Geography James
                                                 truth’ the images of the seabed and marine
diversity, the geography of the ocean                                                               obtained employment as a Hydrographic
                                                 ecosystem by deploying underwater TV and           Surveyor with Titan Environmental
environment is fundamental to our
                                                 various seabed-sampling devices including          Surveys. His work involves acquiring
understanding of the natural systems of
                                                 grabs, corers and trawls.                          marine data for seabed habitat mapping,
the living Planet. Marine geographers study
                                                                                                    coastal sea defence appraisals, and port
the socio - economic relationships between       The course involves a multidisciplinary
                                                                                                    development projects.
people and the physical characteristics of       approach to the wide range of data relating
the sea and coast at global and local scales.    to society and the sea. Information acquired       How did you find the Cardiff student
This new approach to global marine issues is     from a range of equipment and techniques is        experience?
characteristic of the Cardiff philosophy that    compiled using Geographical Information            “As part of my degree I completed a 1
seeks to integrate and synthesise knowledge      Systems (GIS). In this, advanced computer          year placement with Titan Environmental
about the world ocean and its coastlines to      technology is used to superimpose layers of        Surveys. I highly recommend taking time
help decision-making about the future. Issues    spatial data to reveal the geography of the        out to gain hands on experience in the
concerning fisheries, offshore oil and gas,      system. The results of the GIS analyses are        marine industry, and gained skills that I
                                                                                                    was able to use upon returning to
ports and shipping, conservation, minerals       used not only to investigate the geography of
                                                                                                    university. My placement also provided me
and energy, strategic use and management,        the coasts and oceans, but also to help            with a job to return to.”
are all critical in terms of sustainable         decision-makers involved in Integrated
development and environmental protection.        Coastal Zone Management.
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