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
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
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
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.
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
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: 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
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: 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
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 nightclubLiving 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 201212 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 Wales16 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 additionalMESci 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 specialisation18 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 BayGeology 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 ModulesExploration 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 fieldtrip22 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 WalesEnvironmental 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 coalmine24 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 GeomicrobiologyMarine 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.You can also read
