University home > Unit and programme catalogues in 2017/18 > Programme catalogue > Faculty of Science > School of Earth Sciences > Geophysics (MSci) > Specification
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Programme code | 2GELY021U |
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Programme type | Single Honours |
Programme director(s) |
Michael Kendall
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Faculty | Faculty of Science |
School/department | School of Earth Sciences |
Teaching institution | University of Bristol |
Awarding institution | University of Bristol |
Accrediting types: |
Accredited by the Geological Society for the purpose of partially meeting the experience requirement for Chartered Geologist. (http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/) |
Relevant QAA subject benchmark groups | Earth sciences, environmental sciences and environmental studies (2019) (benchmark statement) |
Mode of study | Full Time |
Programme length | 4 years (full time) |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Acquisition of knowledge and understanding is through a combination of lectures, supervised practicals, coursework, field work and ICT-based support materials. Throughout students are provided with, and encouraged/required to undertake independent learning through reading and field and class tasks, so as to consolidate and broaden their knowledge and understanding of the subject and their local environment. Level C/4 is a foundation level to provide a suitable learning environment for students without a background in geology. Levels I/5 and H/6 involve greater depth in knowledge and understanding coupled with an increasing role of independent learning. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Knowledge and understanding base is assessed via a combination of closed examinations and assessed coursework, class tests, coursework projects and presentations. Self-assessment of an individual's progress is encouraged through the provision of solutions to practical classes and self-led field tasks with solutions and ICT provision. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Cognitive skills are promoted through all parts of the teaching programme with analysis, synthesis and evaluation of topics and concepts, but these are gained particularly in Earth Sciences, via supervised and independent field classes. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Knowledge and understanding base is assessed via a combination of closed examinations and assessed coursework, class tests, coursework projects and presentations. Self-assessment of an individual's progress is encouraged through the provision of solutions to practical classes and self-led field tasks with solutions and ICT provision. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Acquisition of subject-specific skills is through a combination of supervised practicals, coursework, field and project work. In addition students are provided with, and encouraged/required to undertake self-learning field tasks so as to consolidate and broaden their knowledge of the subject and their local environment. Promotion of key skills is through implicit and explicit approaches. Implicitly, all units promote high quality presentation of coursework, often involving integrated ICT and number skills assignments, and there are tutorial-led assignments involving written and oral presentations. Explicitly, there are separate units in computing and communications and quantitative skills that provide additional staff-led and self-learning support for to ensure a high level of proficiency in key skills. Professional/self-management skills are strongly promoted through the tutorial system. Students are encouraged to undertake self-analysis and reflection of their progress. This is integrated with the promotion of Personal Development Planning (PDP) providing the means for students to plan for their own personal development. These items are also integrated with Careers, Education and Information Guidance. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Knowledge and understanding base is assessed via a combination of closed examinations and assessed coursework, class tests, coursework projects and presentations. Self-assessment of an individual's progress is encouraged through the provision of solutions to practical classes and self-led field tasks with solutions and ICT provision. |
Statement of expectations from the students at each level of the programme as it/they develop year on year.
Level C/4 - Certificate |
Students will be expected to have a sound and broad-based knowledge and understanding of the integrated manner of the working of Earth processes. To develop an introductory ability to apply their understanding of Earth systems to the natural world. They will gain a foundational understanding in the physics and mathematics required for later years. Work will be extensively directed by staff, but will have an introductory understanding of the need for self-evaluation and self-direction of learning. |
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Level I/5 - Intermediate |
At Level I/5, students are expected to have developed a modern, solid foundation of subject specific skills underpinned by the interdisciplinary, scientific principles (quantitative, physicochemico) underlying Earth processes and observation methods. Students will be able to apply the principles more widely and undertake more in-depth analysis, and be able to communicate with others in a sound scientific manner. Students will be more at ease in being able to guide themselves in analysis of their own performance, and of setting and achieving their aims. |
Level H/6 - Honours |
At Level H/6, students will have an expanded range and depth of subject specific knowledge, through the study of core, and option units specific to their aims. Major independent work will have allowed students to become confident in the ability to collect, synthesis, and evaluate data, so as to be able to communicate and defend their own ideas and interpretation of the work. |
Level M/7 - Masters |
Most of the work undertaken at this level will be at, or informed by the latest research findings and concepts, and will provide an opportunity to work closely with the international research community within the Earth Sciences department. This will enable the student to be fully conversant with the principles of a research-led learning environment. Students will undertake planning, management and data collection for a research project, and communicate the results and interpretation in a mature manner to a scientific audience. |
The intended learning outcome mapping document shows which mandatory units contribute towards each programme intended learning outcome.
For information on the admissions requirements for this programme please see details in the undergraduate prospectus at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/prospectus/undergraduate/ or contact the relevant academic department.
Workload Statement
The Faculty of Science expects a minimum work input by its undergraduates of 40 hours per week for every week of the academic year. The 40 hours is made up of a portfolio of different components. The balance between these components varies slightly from programme to programme reflecting the varying academic demands of different subject areas.
Lectures, practical work, tutorials, seminars and required coursework and homework for may take up around 20 hours per week. While this volume of formal teaching is common in the early years of programmes, in later years there is more self directed learning and the opportunity to carry out supervised research work. In total the formal teaching and the students learning should amount to the 40 hours a week mentioned.
The Faculty of Science requires students to do some academic work in the periods between the terms, both required work and that which reflects their interest in, and commitment to their programmes of study.
Assessment Statement
https://www.bris.ac.uk/science/undergraduates/satementonassessment.pdf
For general undergraduate enquiries please e-mail earth-undergrad@bristol.ac.uk
This Integrated Master's programme has been designated as type II: Advanced Study in accordance with the QAA descriptors for Master's programmes. Please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes for further information on this type of programme.
All units in this year are must pass. For the definition of must pass units please see the Glossary of Terms from Annex 1 to the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
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Geology 1 | EASC10001 | 40 | Mandatory | TB-4 |
Computing for Earth Scientists | EASC10007 | 10 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Introduction to Field Skills in Earth Sciences | EASC10008 | 10 | Mandatory | AYEAR |
Mathematics 1A20 | MATH11004 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Core Physics I:Mechanics and Matter | PHYS10006 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Core Physics II: Oscillations, Waves and Fields | PHYS10005 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Essential Maths for Physics | PHYS11400 | 10 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Certificate of Higher Education | 130 |
This Integrated Master's programme has been designated as type II: Advanced Study in accordance with the QAA descriptors for Master's programmes. Please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes for further information on this type of programme.
All units in this year are must pass. For the definition of must pass units please see the Glossary of Terms from Annex 1 to the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
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Structural Geology | EASC20006 | 10 | Mandatory | TB-2D |
Sedimentology | EASC20007 | 10 | Mandatory | TB-2C |
Atmospheric Processes | EASC20027 | 10 | Mandatory | TB-1B |
Introduction to Field Mapping | EASC20029 | 10 | Mandatory | AYEAR |
Mineralogy and Petrology | EASC20035 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Petroleum Geophysics | EASC20036 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Numerical Methods and Programming | EASC20041 | 10 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Applied Geophysics | EASC20042 | 10 | Mandatory | TB-1A |
Mapping, Tectonics and Remote Sensing | EASC20045 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Diploma of Higher Education | 120 |
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
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