Programme Specification: Part III Geological Sciences
This course is taught by the Department of Earth Sciences primarily for those students intending to continue their academic studies at the post-graduate level.
- to expose advanced students to the breadth of the Geological Sciences through a combination of seminars, course work and field trips;
- to provide "state of the art" knowledge of specific areas in the Geological Sciences through a combination of seminars, course work, and faculty-supervised independent research;
- to develop the conceptual and practical skills necessary for independent research;
- to develop communication and presentation skills to an advanced level.
Teaching and learning methods
The course is taught via:
- an original, in-depth research project, supervised by a member of staff;
- twice-weekly seminars, presented by both visiting and in-house Earth scientists (one term);
- course work and associated practical classes and library reading, organised into 16-lecture 'options' (of which students are required to take three);
- small-group supervisions;
- direct experience in communicating results in the form of student seminars and a poster presentation of research project results.
Course performance is assessed on the basis of:
- an independent, original, research project, conducted over the course of the first term (for aims 1-4);
- one unseen written examination of 3 hours based on Department seminars (for aims 1-4);
- two unseen written examinations of 3 hours, covering aspects of the option courses and field trip (for aims 1-4);
- three unseen practical examinations, covering practical aspects of the option courses (for aims 1-3);
- submission of a record of practical and field work during the year (for aims 1-4);
- an oral examination with an external examiner (for aims 1-4).
Courses of Preparation
Essential: NST Part II Geological Sciences