University of Exeter, BSc (Hons), Applied Geology

Year 1: Foundation in geology, together with the fundamentals of mineralogy, stratigraphy, geological maps, palaeontology and surveying; modules in mathematics and chemistry provide the basis for more advanced geological and engineering modules in years 2 and 3; fieldwork includes a 1-week residential geology field class in Pembrokeshire and 10 1-day geology field classes in Cornwall; students also undertake a 3-week practical surveying course around the Cornwall Campus at the end of the summer term. Year 2: Core geological skills are developed in sedimentology, igneous and metamorphic geology and structural geology and include a substantial amount of laboratory-based practical work; students develop skills in geological data collection and analysis during field classes in Devon/Dorset (Wessex Basin stratigraphy, sedimentology and tectonics), on the Isle of Rum, NW Scotland (Tertiary magmatism and geological mapping training) and 5 1-day field classes in Cornwall (tectonics and structural geology); students also receive a thorough grounding in geotechnics; during the summer vacation students undertake an independent study through either an industrial placement, geological mapping or research project. Year 3: Students report on their vacation project and also carry out a research project focusing on an area of special interest; other modules include: surface excavation design; hydrogeology; mineral deposit geology; exploration techniques; applied field geology; options; fieldwork includes underground geological mapping at the CSM Test Mine and a 10-day residential field course in SE Spain.