The teaching laboratories in the School of Earth Sciences comprise 7 rooms and are used to facilitate hands-on student learning activities such as soil and water analysis, microscopy, hand sample identification, computer modelling or comparative anatomical studies. 

The rooms are in use for over 25 practical sessions across 3 programmes (Geology, Environmental Geosciences and Palaeobiology) plus sessions across the MSc programme. 

Whilst these teaching spaces usually are only accessible for timetabled sessions, they are also home to multiple public-facing events such as University Open Days, conferences, outreach activities, seminars and graduation ceremonies. 

The Andrew Hook lab G27

This is a multipurpose space that can be used for lectures, practical classes, recruitment events, graduation and conferences. It houses a large collection of geological specimens and microscopes which are core to our teaching. 

 

Independent studies lab G32

This lab houses samples, maps and microscopes for hands-on learning activities. Its ethos is one of independent learning across all programmes and year groups. It supports peer assisted learning and improves community cohesion amongst students.

G7 and G8

These labs offer a more intimate learning environment for teaching small classes, running workshops or lab group meetings. They also house geological and palaeontological samples, our international map archive and a mix of biological and petrographic microscopes.

Computer lab G4

With over 40 PCs this lab is used for timetabled classes requiring computer access e.g. for geological modelling or statistical computing software. It is also in use for extracurricular activities such as Access to Bristol and work experience week and revision.

Photography and digitisation room G33

This laboratory is accessible to all students and staff for the digitisation of research and teaching hand samples, thin sections, photographic slides and maps or images. The equipment of microscopes, cameras and scanners can cover photography and videography at mm – m scale.

Leica DM750P binocular petrological          Leica MZ12 5 with Moticam S20
microscope with photo and
video capture setup

Photography light box and photocopy stand      Nikon SLR D70 with a range of lenses

Nikon C-LED SMZ445 binocular microscope with photo and video capture setup

IC1.01 Environmental Geosciences Teaching Laboratory

IC1.01 has a range of field and laboratory equipment/analysers for conducting soil and water chemical analyses. The laboratory is also equipped with two grade A fumehoods and an oxygen free nitrogen gas supply. The laboratory also stores various chemicals, including many inorganic salts, concentrated acids and bases, and solvents. Equipment and analysers are used for teaching and research, but its primary use is for teaching support for the Environmental Geoscience degree course. 

Laboratory analysers

710 ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectrometer, Agilent)
For elemental concentration analysis (ppm to ppb levels) of aqueous samples only. Used for research and teaching.

883 IC (Ion Chromatograph, Metrohm)
For basic anion analysis (F, Cl, NO₃^-, SO₄^2- and PO₄^3-) of aqueous samples only. Primarily used for teaching.

884 VA (Voltammeter analyser, Metrohm)
HDME setup for metal speciation and concentration analysis (due to ppt levels) of aqueous samples only, can deal with high TDS samples. Teaching and research use available.

EA1110 (Elemental Analyser)
For %C/%N of solid samples.

Jenway UV-VIS spectrometers.

Laboratory equipment

Eppendorf 5810 Centrifuge, Various analytical balances, Whirlimixers, Hotplates, Riffleboxes, Sieves, Vacuum pump, Fridge, Carbolite ELF 1-6B Furnace, Low temp. driers, Hotbath, Purite Fusion deionised water system.

Field equipment

RS Pro ISM 410 Solarimeters, RS Pro RS-91 Temp/Humidity meters Hach HQ40D/HQ2000 multimeters (includes pH, SEC and DO probes), Hach DR890/900 colorimeters, Hanna Halo 2 pH testers, Survey kit (includes sighting compass/clinometers (Suunto)), Vantage handheld XRF (X-ray florescence) analyser