Environmental Geology

Environmental Geologists are at the forefront of research into some of the most significant threats facing humankind, from natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanoes to manmade issues such as climate change, pollution and resource depletion.

The BSc Environmental Geology is a highly practical programme that examines the extent and effects of human interaction with the environment, as well as the geological processes that have an impact on the wider world around us. A focus on problem solving will provide you with the practical skillset you need to make a real difference to the ways in which we interact with our planet. Participating in exciting fieldwork opportunities in the UK and overseas will develop your scientific understanding and hands-on experience of environmental, ecological and health issues.

Earth Sciences at Royal Holloway, University of London is one of the UK's most highly-regarded departments, consistently ranked among the top 10 (The Complete University Guide and The Times Good University Guide, 2018). You’ll become a part of a friendly, community-focussed department with an excellent staff-to-student ratio and learn with staff who are at the forefront of geological research.

You’ll graduate with a range of transferrable skills to take into the workplace, including environmental investigation, stratigraphy and geochemistry skills.

Pursue your passion for Environmental Geology and set yourself on the path to a rewarding career in your chosen field.

Gain a thorough understanding of environmental geoscience.

Contribute to our leading research working alongside our expert academics.

Optional modules to tailor your degree around your interests.

Participate in extensive fieldwork opportunities.

Graduate with practical and research skills needed for a rewarding career.

Graduate with a degree accredited by the Geological Society.

Course Modules

Core Modules

Year 1

• Physics and Chemistry of the Earth

• Earth Scientists Toolkit

• Evolving Earth

• Dynamic Planet

• Human Interaction with the Earth

• Academic Integrity

Year 2

• Stratigraphy and Past Sedimentary Environments

• Geological Evolution and Deep Time Synthesis

• Geohazards

• Geochemistry

• Geological field skills for Environmental students

• Earth Scientists Practical Toolkit

• Earth Scientists Digital Toolkit

Year 3

• Environmental Geology Independent Project

• Hydrogeology

• Advanced Geohazards

• Techniques in Earth Sciences

Optional Modules

Below is a taster of some of the exciting optional modules that students on the course could choose from during this academic year. Please be aware these do change over time, and optional modules may be withdrawn or new ones added.

Year 1

• All modules are core

Year 2

• Sedimentary Basin Analysis

• Igneous and Metamorphic Geology

• Applied Geophysics

• Structural Analysis and Remote Sensing

Year 3

• Marine Geology

• Advanced Topics in Sedimentology

• GIS and Remote Sensing

• Volcanology

• Modern Climate Change

• Mineral Resources

https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/studying-here/undergraduate/earth-sciences/environmental-geology/

Teaching and learning is mostly by means of practical classes, which comprise 60% of the timetabled study time. Lectures are used to introduce material and provide a context for private study. Tutorials supplement and reinforce knowledge and understanding. Field and laboratory project work carried out as individuals or in teams are valuable opportunities for students to develop in-depth knowledge of specialist areas and help to bring the syllabus to life.

Assessment is by a mixture of coursework and end-of-year examination in varying proportions, depending on the chosen course units. Coursework can include literature research reports, fieldwork and laboratory exercises and reports, oral presentations and independent dissertations. In the final year you will produce an independent geological map and write a research report with individual guidance from your tutor.

Year 1 is foundational, and marks do not count towards your final degree. Year 2, optional year abroad and final year marks do count, with the final year marks being more heavily weighted in order to reward progress and achievement.