O
F
INSHEET
EARTH SCIENCE
What is geoscience and why study it?
Earth science (or geoscience) is about understanding how
our planet works – from core to crust to atmosphere.
Geoscience focuses on the study of the solid Earth but
includes the way that it interacts with the atmosphere, oceans
and biosphere – making it one of the most wide-ranging of all
scientific disciplines.
Geoscientists use physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics
and computing to understand the planet as a natural
system – its origins, how it’s changing, and how it might
change in future.
WHY STUDY GEOSCIENCE?
Geoscience is helping us to tackle some of the biggest
challenges facing the world today.
• How might climate change affect our planet?
• How can we supply clean water to the developing world?
• How can we better predict natural disasters or geohazards
such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis and
drought?
• How can we exploit efficiently the planet's mineral and
energy resources while mitigating the negative
environmental impacts?
Earth science is about how we
can get the resources we need
without damaging the
environment.
Georgia Hole, Year 3, Geology
SCIENCE WITH ENGINEERING
At Imperial we combine geosciences with engineering –
the practical application of science in the real world.
Our courses are scientific, but you’ll also learn how that
science is being applied in fields such as the study of
earthquakes, mining, petroleum and environmental science.
The combination of scientific rigour with practical
understanding is just one of the reasons our graduates are so
sought-after around the world.
The ability to combine physics,
maths and chemistry in one
degree appealed a lot.
Nick Wainwright, Year 4, Geophysics
O
F
INSHEET
YEAR 1
A quick summary of what you will learn
In years one and two you’ll
get a holistic and processoriented introduction to
Earth science – the study of
the Earth by observation and
inference.
Geophysicists, geologists
and those interested in the
environment all take similar
courses in the first two years.
Classes will emphasise links
between physics, chemistry
and maths, with a chance to
catch up on topics you have
not studied at A-level.
If you’ve not done either
mathematics, chemistry,
physics or geology to A-level,
don’t worry, you can easily
catch up with what you need
to know in a course in the
first year.
TERM 1 & 2
Dynamic Earth
Your very first module
introduces you to the Earth
as a dynamic system. It looks
at the size, shape, mass and
age of the Earth. Other topics
include: earthquakes and
seismic waves; the Earth as
a planet, its structure and
composition; continental
and oceanic crusts; volcanic
processes; oceans and
atmosphere and global
tectonics.
Stratigraphy and life
This module is about
understanding the relative
positions of rocks (the strata)
and what they tell us about
the Earth’s history. You will
also learn about topics
including: geological time;
the Linnaean classification
of organisms; and an
introduction to the fossil
record.
Earth materials
In this module you will learn
how to identify rocks,
describe them and their
components, and understand
how they fit together.
Mathematics
There are separate modules
depending on whether or not
you already have A level
maths. In each case the focus
is on the application of maths
to geosciences with lots of
worked examples. Students
without A level maths find
this approach particularly
helpful and supportive.
Physics
If you do not have A level
physics you will study a
Physics for geoscientists
module, focusing on the
application of physics to
geoscience. Topics include:
the atomic theory of matter;
gases, liquids and solids;
mass and velocity; Newton’s
laws; and magnetic fields.
Students who already have
A level physics will do a
separate module called
Dynamic Earth B which looks
at topics including an
introduction to thermodynamics and modelling the
real world with simple
equations.
Geoscience workshops
These workshops equip you
with essential skills such as:
using a compass clinometer;
measuring angles of rocks;
reading a map (so you don’t
get lost in the field!);
making and annotating
a geological sketch; and
writing a research report.
The workshops continue
into Term 2.
Tutorials
Throughout the first year you
will also meet with your tutor
group of 4–5 students. Your
tutor will ask you to prepare
work for discussion as a
group. This might be include,
for example, reading a book
or watching a film and
discussing it from a
geoscientific point of view.
Induction
In the first term you will also
spend three hours a week
looking at topics such as:
study skills; advanced
literature searches; how to
apply for internships; and
how to avoid unintentional
plagiarism.
O
F
INSHEET
YEAR 1
A quick summary continued
TERM 2
Chemistry
Students without A level
chemistry will take the
Chemistry for geoscientists
module. This covers topics
including: the structure of the
atom; the periodic table;
molarity; and chemical
bonding. Students with
A level chemistry will take the
Geochemistry module,
understanding the principles
that govern the behaviour
of elements in the Earth.
Internal processes
After learning how rocks are
put together you will learn
about the processes involved
in producing different
igneous rocks, and why
certain rocks are found in
certain places.
Surface processes
This module looks at the
processes that produce
sedimentary rocks, how to
describe sedimentary rocks
and how grains are moved
in a fluid.
Structural geology
This module is an
introduction to the principles
of stress and strain and how
rocks fold and break, and the
settings within which that
happens (eg. how and why
earthquakes happen). You’ll
also learn how geological
maps are put together.
TERM 1 & 3
All students learn a simple
introduction to programming,
graphics and statistics.
An element of choice is then
introduced during term two.
You are given advice to
choose the best degree
route for you.
Geological route
Students with an interest in
geology study modules
called Life and Earth history
(looking at for example the
emergence of life, extinction
and diversification) and
Optical mineralogy and
petrography (looking at the
description and identification
of minerals and rocks in thin
section).
Geophysics route
Students with an interest in
geophysics study modules
called Mathematical
methods (looking at for
example complex numbers,
Fourier series and multiple
integrals) and looking in
particular at vibrations and
waves and additional
programming.
FIELDWORK
Week 1
On the first Friday of term,
you will travel by coach to
Leicestershire for a one-day
field trip to begin to learn
about identifying rocks and
understanding the processes
behind how they got there.
Term 2
All students go on a three day
field trip to the world famous
Dorset coastline to see oil
seepage between different
rock strata and make their
first geological map.
Term 3
After exams, you will go to
Almeria in southern Spain for
the Rio Tinto Urra fieldtrip.
This two-week field trip is
your chance to put into
practice the skills and
knowledge you have
acquired during your first
year at college.
O
F
INSHEET
YEARS 2,3 &4
Choosing modules to suit your interests
YEAR 2
In year two you will build on
the knowledge acquired
during year one, and also be
introduced to new topics too.
Modules include: Earth
structure and tectonics
(eg. marine and geology
tectonics); applied
geophysics; and more about
igneous, metamorphic and
sedimentary rocks.
You will continue with
tutorials but also be
introduced to other members
of staff and their specialist
expertise. You will also have
the option to take a business
or language module of up to
five hours teaching a week,
which may count towards
your degree.
By the end of year two you
will be ready to make the
choices in years three and
four that will determine the
final degree you achieve.
INDEPENDENT
PROJECT
In year two summer term
all students undertake an
independent project
normally involving some
fieldwork. Geology students
go mapping while
geophysics students learn to
use specialised equipment.
Using the data collected
students produced detailed
reports. Students with an
environmental interest may
opt for a desk or lab-based
project.
YEAR 3
By the beginning of year
three you will know the
topics that interest you most
and want to deepen your
studies in these areas.
In year three you therefore
have far more choice over the
types of modules you study,
with students tending to
either focus on geology,
geophysics or a combination
of the two, or an
environmental emphasis.
Your choices in years three
and four will determine the
name of your final degree.
You could, for example,
choose mining or petroleum
related courses, or you could
focus on pure science
understanding.
For students with a particular
interest in physics and
maths, for example, we offer
specialist courses in
geophysics – using maths,
physics and computer
modelling to understand how
the world works.
We offer both three and four
year degree courses. The
fourth year is special. You will
undertake an independent
research project and prepare
for a higher level career,
often being taught alongside
masters (MSc) students.
YEAR 4
If you take a four year MSci
degree, you have the
opportunity to work as part
of a research team on a
cutting edge science or
engineering project that
marks the pinnacle of your
learning and development.
You could, for example,
find yourself studying cosmic
dust in a scanning electron
microscope, or analyse
landforms on Mars to learn
about water in its past, or
investigate new ways to use
foams in separating minerals
obtained by mining in the
laboratory.
For most students the fourth
year provides the icing on the
cake for their future careers.
O
F
INSHEET
ADMISSIONS
How to apply to join our department
All applications for our
undergraduate degrees are
made through UCAS.
You are advised to submit
your application as early as
possible before the 15 January
2013 UCAS deadline.
Baccalaureates, Scottish
Advanced Highers or the
French Baccalaureate.
Students with other
competencies will also be
considered.
Don’t worry if you have no
Our minimum offer is typically previous experience of
geology or geophysics. What
AAA but we may ask for
we look for is people who are
additional or higher
good at a number of science
requirements depending on
subjects, who are interested
the individual student.
in the world we live in, and
If studying UK qualifications
who wish to make a
you will need three A-levels
difference in the future.
and at least two from the
following list:
MATHS
•
•
•
•
•
•
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Geology
Geography
We welcome students from
across Europe and worldwide
with A-level equivalents such
as International or European
Maths is an important part of
all the courses so we expect
students to have at least
GCSE Maths (or equivalent)
at grade A, or an AS level
(or equivalent) at grade
B or above.
Students wanting to study
geophysics must have
A-levels (or equivalent) in
physics and maths (although
you can still study geophysics
combined with geology
without maths A-level).
Candidates admitted without
an A-level (or equivalent) in
maths, physics or chemistry
are provided with additional
subject teaching in the first
year and take the
intermediate level courses in
those subjects a year later.
INTERVIEWS
Potential students are
offered an interview based on
their UCAS application.
We interview around half the
students who apply.
Students from the UK
(and some EU students)
are interviewed in London.
Others are interview by phone
or Skype. You will normally
be notified within two weeks
of your interview of the
outcome.
OPEN DAYS
We regularly hold open days –
see the website for details
and dates. Try and book early
as they can get full.
Students and their guests are
invited to learn more about
geosciences at Imperial
College London, our courses,
the Department, and our
teaching staff.
You will find out more
about finance, including the
Rio Tinto Scholarships.
You can also find out about
accommodation and living
in London.
There will be an opportunity
to talk to some of our current
students and staff.
Visits at other times can be
arranged by appointment.
Please contact Lorraine Craig,
admissions tutor, on
[email protected]
O
F
INSHEET
OVERSEAS STUDENTS
Feel at home in our international department
Earth science (geoscience) is a truly global discipline and
we are fortunate to attract top students from across the
world including Trinidad and Tobago, South Africa, China,
Malaysia, Singapore and the Middle East.
In our Department, around one undergraduate student in five
is from outside Britain and Europe, giving us an excellent mix
of British and international cultures to enhance the learning
environment.
A GREAT CITY
Foreign students enjoy being part of a British university where
they feel at home, while British students enjoy the chance to
work alongside people from very different cultures.
International students quickly integrate within the
Department, thanks to our tutorial system and links with
fellow students who show them around, and enjoy studying
in one of the world’s greatest cities.
London’s always fascinated me.
You can never get bored here.
William McMahon, Year 2, Geology
It’s a beautiful place to study.
It’s a vibrant, lively city and you’re
surrounded by so many people
from different walks of life.
Stephane Lusardi, Year 2,
Geology and Geophysics
If you need any help you can
get one-to-one personal time
with the lecturer.
Sam Coe, final year, Geology and Geophysics
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
We welcome students from across Europe and worldwide
with A-level equivalents such as International or European
Baccalaureates, Scottish Advanced Highers or the Irish
Leaving Certificate. Students with other competencies will
also be considered. Students from the UK (and some EU
students) are interviewed in London. Others are interview by
phone or Skype. You will normally be notified within two
weeks of your interview of the outcome.
O
F
INSHEET
FIELDWORK
Travel to different landscapes and cultures
At Imperial we place a great emphasis on fieldwork.
Fieldwork is all about testing your abilities in a real
environment and bring together problem-solving,
observation and interpretation skills.
On fieldtrips you see in front
of you what you’ve been learning
about in lectures.
Learning in the field is a great way to apply work previously
taught in the classroom. That’s why observational and
practical skills are integral to all degree courses. Fieldwork is
also a chance to get to know your classmates and work
together as a team – which makes it so popular with students.
Alicia Parbhoo, Year 2, Geophysics
The total cost of taught fieldwork is currently paid by the
department, apart from the undergraduate mapping project
or other third year projects. You don’t need much equipment –
mainly good walking boots and a waterproof. You will need
a compass clinometer and a hand lens, but can rent these if
you don’t study geology.
There’s no better way to put
into practice the theory you learn
in the lecture room.
Kirsty Purnell, Year 3, Geology
The best thing about fieldwork is
getting to know your classmates.
Katy Hebditch, Year 4, Environmental Science
YEAR 1: ALMERIA, SPAIN
In your first year you will go on fieldwork to classic localities
in the UK and abroad including spending two weeks in the
remote and fascinating region of Almeria, southern Spain.
Here you can bring together everything you have learned
so far in the classroom and apply your skills and knowledge
in a real geological environment.
In Almeria, on the Rio Tinto Urra trip, you will learn the
principles of geosciences fieldwork including rock
identification and interpretation of geological features
on maps.
• In week one you’ll be introduced to the geology of the area
and learn how to apply what you have learned in year one in
the field.
• In week two, you get the chance to make your own
geological map – an invaluable skill not just for geologists but
also geophysicist and environmental scientists.
O
F
INSHEET
FIELDWORK
Get practical skills throughout your course
YEAR 2: SCOTLAND
volcanology, structural geology and metamorphic petrology.
You’ll visit ore working and consider environmental
Students continuing with a geology degree in year two will
go on a field trip to Scotland. The skills, knowledge and
remediation.
techniques applied during the two weeks in the Highlands
The course demonstrates that using good field observations
and recordings, you can reconstruct the geological history of
can be used during any geological career.
an area – a vital transferable skill that employers will value.
YEAR 2 & 3: INDEPENDENT
FIELD PROJECT
YEAR 4: APENNINES, ITALY
This is the grande finale. Early in the summer term of the final
5–6 week independent mapping field trip. Field areas visited in year students visit the Apennines – and the trip to Italy is
perfectly structured for everything students have been
recent years include north west Scotland, Samos, the Jura
In the summer term of year two, geology students undertake a
Mountains, Colorado, Alpes Maritime and northern Spain.
learning to fall into place.
Geophysics students also undertake independent research.
In recent years students have undertaken geophysical
measurements in the western Sahara in Morocco. Reports are
prepared independently and submitted at the end of autumn
term in year three, and accompanying material at the end of
spring term in year four.
I’ve loved the fieldwork
experience on places such as
Spain and Scotland.
YEAR 3: SARDINIA
This field trip provides an overview of the geological evolution
of the island with an emphasis on applying small scale
observations to the geology of that part of the Mediterranean.
You’ll cover a wide range of areas including igneous rocks,
Nafa Al Jahdhami, Year 3, Geology
You work together in a group and
gain team skills.
Yang Liu, Year 3, Environmental Science
O
F
INSHEET
RESEARCH
Be where top research is happening
The Department of Earth Science and Engineering is one of
the world’s leading centres for geosciences research.
As an undergraduate, you will be taught by lecturers who,
when they are not teaching students, are pushing forward our
knowledge in key areas such as life on Mars, how the
dinosaurs became extinct, what comets can tell us and
modelling tsunamis.
In 2001 the Department achieved the highest possible 5*
rating in the Research Assessment Exercise. In 2008, 70% of
our research was rated in the top two categories of ‘worldleading’ and ‘internationally excellent’.
And as you progress through your course you’ll be able to
take part in research projects yourself.
RESEARCH SKILLS
In years one and two you will gain an introduction to research
skills in year. Each year a number of students also take part in
the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme which
offers students the chance to work alongside existing
research teams for a period of four to ten weeks.
ENGINEERING
Our research enthusiastically straddles the interface between
pure science and engineering. This integration gives us the
ability to undertake research into some of the key issues
facing the planet today including:
• the supply of renewable energy
• the production of clean energy from fossil fuels
• the sustainable production of metals.
Geophysicists at Imperial College London have worked with
others on, for example, detailed geophysical and drilling work
at the Chicxulub crater, Mexico, and installed a network of
fireball observatories in the Australian desert.
CLIMATE CHANGE
We work with the Grantham Institute for Climate Change to
look at how complex climate systems operate. We also
conduct advanced research on the numerical modelling of
meteorite impacts, ocean circulation and tsunamis.
Our links with the Natural History Museum allow a number of
our students each year to undertake research work alongside
museum staff and staff from this Department, with access to
both equipment and specimens of superb calibre.
There’s world class research
going on – some really amazing
projects being put out by
lecturers and ex-students.
Harriet Lau, Year 4, Geophysics
O
F
INSHEET
CAREERS
No graduates get better jobs than ours
A degree in Earth Science and Engineering from Imperial is
an excellent passport to a wide range of exciting careers.
Our graduates have a better record of finding graduate-level
jobs than any other department in the country. Imperial
graduates come very high in the league table of graduate
earners because of the high salaries they can attract.
INDUSTRY
Many graduates find lucrative jobs in oil and mineral
companies, or with environmental, civil engineering or
geotechnical firms, technical or consultancy firms often as
a result of contacts made while on the course.
I’m going into finance in the city
because my degree is numerical,
it’s analytical, so it applies.
Simon Titte, Year 4, Geophysics
When I finish this degree I’ve got
a job working at the ESA in Rome.
(European Space Agency)
Chandra Taposea, Year 4, Geophysics
GOVERNMENT
FINANCE
Other students seek careers in scientific investigation with
government departments, non-governmental organisations or
environmental protection agencies.
Around one third of our students choose to transfer their skills
to the worlds of finance, media, management, teaching and
other careers, where their analytical and problem-solving
skills give them a great head start.
I really want to become a
geologist and go into research
or maybe work on climate.
Many others choose to continue their studies with either
a post-graduate taught Masters degree or a research PhD.
Georgia Hole, Year 3, Geology
Whatever your choice, your Imperial degree is bound to make
you stand out from most other candidates.