 BSc Geophysical Sciences
MGeophys BSc Geophysical Sciences (International)
• BSc (Hons) Geophysical Sciences
• MGeophys BSc Geophysical Sciences (International)
Geophysics is the study of the Earth through the application of physical principles. Geophysicists tackle a wide range of subjects, often closely linked to geological data, for example exploring for hydrocarbons and mineral deposits. They investigate the interior of the Earth and other planets and measure the movements of the Earth's tectonic plates, and they are also involved in monitoring natural hazards and assessing the impact of human activities on the environment.
Field skills are an essential part of the geophysicist's toolkit and you will have the opportunity to learn and apply these skills in different settings during your course. The School covers the cost of transport and accommodation for all students on every compulsory field class.
There are two distinct geophysical sciences programmes available in this School:
• BSc (Hons) Geophysical Sciences - a 3-year undergraduate degree with options for a Study Year Abroad or an Industrial Placement - Full programme details for 2008-09
• MGeophys BSc Geophysical Sciences - a 4-year integrated undergraduate masters degree which a year of study in North America or Australasia .
- Full programme details for 2008-09
Geophysics graduates of this School are highly regarded by employers and by other universities. Many go on to successful careers in industry or with government bodies, or they may take a vocational MSc course or a PhD (3 year doctorate) as the first step on a career in academic research. Many of our postgraduate courses are sponsored by industry or the research councils.
For more about geophysics look at the Institute of Geophysics and Tectonics web pages .
There are two types of geophysics degree offered at Leeds for undergraduate students:
1 st Year – BSc and MGeophys
All first-year modules are compulsory, providing you with a solid grounding in geology, physics and applied maths, modules in computing and a one-week Easter field class in South Wales.
2 nd year – BSc and MGeophys
You learn to make geophysical observations on a field class in North Wales , and take compulsory modules in time series analysis, numerical methods and statistics. These modules prepare you for more advanced study of exploration seismics, gravity, magnetics and geoelectric techniques. Your choice of options this year – from a list that includes Mineralogy, Quantum Physics, Petrology and Electromagnetism - can lead you further towards physics or towards geology.
BSc options – Study Year Abroad and Industrial Placement
BSc students can choose to do a Study Year Abroad (usually in Europe ) or an Industrial Placement between Years 2 and 3. These are enhancements to your degree and are optional. You will typically decide whether or not to take this opportunity after you start your degree, and you should ask your personal tutor and the appropriate administrative coordinator for advice before you make your final decision.
MGeophys – International Study Year Abroad
Students on the MGeophys BSc Geophysical Sciences (International) programme, take the same course as the BSc (Hons) students for the first two years. At the start of Year 3 you begin your integrated undergraduate Masters programme in earnest, spending your third year studying in North America or Australasia with one of our international partner institutions. You will have many opportunities to study courses not available to you at Leeds , and to broaden your understanding through research in specific areas.
3 rd Year - BSc
In Year 3, you will write a report on a field or research topic of your own choosing, that will be based on your independent work in the UK or overseas. This project is one of the core modules for Year 3 and you will complete it under the supervision of a member of academic staff. The project report makes up 30 credits (25%) of your final-year assessment.
There are four more compulsory 10-credit modules in the final year BSc programme as well as optional modules such as Plate Tectonics, Cosmology, and Engineering Geology. The wide range of topics covers current geophysics research, and all are taught by international specialists on the School's staff. The final year BSc includes a two-week geophysics field trip to an international location; previous destinations include Hungary , Portugal , Canada and Montserrat .
4 th Year – MGeophys
On your return to Leeds you enter your fourth year, choosing 120 credits of Masters-level modules. You will undertake independent research on a topic of interest to you during this final year, to achieve this higher-level degree. Fieldwork during Year 4 can include the optional overseas Easter class, alongside the BSc students.
What do Geophysicists do?
Detailed Programme of Study – MGeophys Geophysical Sciences
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