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Geology
Geology with Palaeontology BSc
Geology with Palaeontology BSc

Geology with Palaeontology BSc

  • ID:UOL400063
  • Level:4-Year Bachelor's Degree
  • Duration:
  • Intake:

Fees (GBP)

Estimated Total/program:
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60
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100
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20
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1

Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements

  • A-levels: ABB-BBB including at least two from: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Maths, Use of Maths or Physics. 

  • EPQ with A-levels: BBB + EPQ at grade B. A-level subjects to include two from Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Maths, Use of Maths or Physics. 

  • GCSE: Grade C/4 in English Language and Maths. 

  • Access to HE Diploma: Pass science diploma with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3, 30 of which must be at Distinction. To include Physics, Chemistry and Maths Level 3 credits.

  • International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 30 points, including 5 points in two science subjects at HL. Minimum of 3 in HL Maths, or 4 in SL Maths, or 5 in Maths Studies required if grade C/4 not held at GCSE. Minimum of 4 in English Language required if grade C/4 not held at GCSE.

  • BTEC Nationals: Pass Diploma with DDD (Science Related). Please contact School regarding eligibility.

English Requirements

  • IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

Course Information

Palaeontology addresses how the origin and evolution of life is intricately linked with the geological history of the Earth. Through the fossil record you will explore topics such as evolutionary diversity, exceptional preservation and palaeoclimates. We will cover key groups of invertebrate fossils, vertebrate fossils and microfossils, investigating major concepts such as the origin of life, patterns of evolution and extinction, the importance of exceptional fossil assemblages, and the relationship between ecology and evolution.

You will also learn about the geological context in which fossils occur. This includes the environments where fossils became preserved, the age of the rocks that contain them, and biases resulting from geological processes. Furthermore, fossils provide crucial information for understanding current changes in ecosystems and the climate. The first-year modules will lay the foundations in palaeontology and across the breadth of the geosciences, and include a field-trip to the beautiful Isle of Arran in Scotland. Also, by choosing the Geology with Palaeontology degree when you apply, you will be assigned to a personal tutor who is a specialist in the field. In the second year, you will develop your skills and understanding across the geosciences, and start to specialise through a bespoke palaeontology module on major events in the history of life, and by choosing a palaeontological focus for your independent fieldwork. In the third year, you will develop specialist expertise through modules on vertebrates and microfossils, plus a dissertation on a palaeontological topic of your choice, and a specialist field trip. Your knowledge of palaeontology will also complement other modules including second-year climate change and the third-year optional module on stable isotopes.

Each year of the degree includes different field work opportunities including trips to Scotland, Spain and Wales where you will be able to apply all that you have learned here on campus. You will also carry out an independent field-based project which may range from geological mapping in a fossiliferous area, to field and laboratory analysis of fossils.

BSc or MGeol: what's the difference?

Whether you study for the Geology with Palaeontology BSc or the MGeol, your degree will combine the knowledge and skills base of a degree in geology with the development of expertise in the scientific study of fossils.

Apply for a BSc degree if you want an ideal three-year route to becoming a professional geologist or you’re looking to pursue further geological studies through a specialist MSc course.

Apply for a four-year MGeol degree if you are looking to fast-track your professional geological employment or to continue on to PhD research after graduation. MGeol courses include a major cutting-edge independent research project on a topic chosen by you, giving you the opportunity to work with specialist analytical facilities, learn the skills required to succeed in a research environment and potentially see your work published in a peer-reviewed journal.

UCAS code: F641

More Info: click here

Year 1

You will have a broad introduction to geoscience and discover the role of geology and geoscientists in today's society.

Modules

  • First Year Tutorials

  • The Rock Cycle – Our Dynamic Earth (double module)

  • Micro to Macro: From Rock Properties to Plate Tectonics

  • Palaeobiology and the Stratigraphic Record

  • Natural Resources and the Environment

  • Geological Maps and Structures

  • Introductory Field Course (Arran)

Year 2

You will develop your understanding of the fundamental aspects of geoscience, and a module covering major evolutionary events will begin your route toward specialisation in the field of palaeontology.

Modules

  • Geological Field Skills (Spain, Anglesey and a field skills training trip)

  • Magmatic and Metamorphic Processes

  • Major Events in the History of Life

  • Climate Change: Impacts, Vulnerability and Adaptation

  • Depositional Processes and Environments

  • Earth and Ocean Systems

  • Structure and Tectonics

Optional Year in Industry

If you want to, you can take a year out between your second and third years and spend that time working in industry.

If you choose to do this, you’ll take a module in your second year that will help you to find a work placement and prepare you for the workplace. Throughout your placement, there will be structured support available to you from specialist staff at the University.

You’ll benefit from real-world experience in a commercial setting, enabling you to make an easier transition from studying to working after you finish your degree. It will also strengthen your CV significantly in preparation for entering the graduate labour market. On top of all this, you’ll be paid a salary for your placement.

Final Year

During your final year you will concentrate on palaeobiology. You will gain an advanced knowledge of vertebrates and learn about the practical study of microfossils.

Core modules

  • Independent Field-Based Project

  • Basin Evolution and Palaeoenvironments Field Course - Wales

  • Geological Application of Microfossils

  • Diversity and Evolution of Vertebrates

Plus your Dissertation

Option modules

Choose one option module from:

  • Environmental Geoscience

  • Water Quality Processes and Management

Choose one option module from:

  • Earth Science in Education

  • Planetary Science

  • Reflection Seismology

  • Mineral Exploration and Evaluation

  • Stable Isotopes in the Environment

  • River Dynamics

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Pre Courses

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Pathway Courses

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Career Opportunity

Career Opportunity

All of our Geology degrees will provide you with the knowledge, technical and transferable skills required to achieve your professional goals. You’ll also benefit from a dedicated Careers Tutor with many years’ experience as an industry geologist.

Our annual Geology Careers Day is attended by a wide range of companies from across the geoscience sector. More than 50 companies are actively involved with Geology at Leicester, from funding major research projects to work experience opportunities.

Ability to settle

Overseas Student Health Cover

OSHC - $12276 GBP / per year

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