Geology (2023)
1. Programme Title:Geology |
NQF Level: |
7 |
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2. Description of the Programme (as in the Business Approval Form) |
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The Geology programme provides a fundamental training for students who wish to gain a detailed understanding of the earth, its history, processes and resources. It provides the basis for employment as a professional geoscientist in a wide range of industry sectors or, through further specialisation and study, as a route into research and advanced technical industry roles. |
3. Educational Aims of the Programme |
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The programme aims to provide you with a thorough knowledge and understanding of the principal geological processes that have controlled Earth’s evolution, including climate change, tectonics, the history of life and the development of resources such as hydrocarbons and minerals. It also aims to provide you with robust practical skills of geological data acquisition and interpretation, through both field and laboratory work. In addition, the programme aims to develop your personal and key skills in verbal and written communication, data analysis, manipulation and interpretation, numerical problem solving, personal time management, team work and group interaction and self-managed and lifelong learning. The scientific training and research project that you undertake will provide skills appropriate to geoscience employment or a suitable platform from which to consider undertaking a research degree (MPhil/PhD). |
4. Programme Structure |
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Your MGeol Geology programme is a 4 year programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into 4 Stages. Each Stage is normally equivalent to an academic year. The programme is also divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work. You will be located at the Penryn Campus of the University of Exeter for the duration of your study.
Interim Awards If a student meets the criteria for progression to stage 4 but is for some reason unable to proceed, they will be eligible for the award of BSc Geology |
5. Programme Modules |
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The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the College web site: https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/ You may take Option Modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module. Descriptions of the individual modules are given in full on the College web site: https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/
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Stage 1
Code | Title | Credits | Compulsory | NonCondonable |
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CSM1042 | Dynamic Planet | 15 | Yes | Yes |
CSM1031 | Earth and Environmental Chemistry | 15 | Yes | No |
CSM1043 | Crystallography, Mineralogy and Gemstones | 15 | Yes | Yes |
CSM1044 | Earth History and Palaeontology | 15 | Yes | Yes |
CSM1036 | Field Geology and Geological Maps | 30 | Yes | Yes |
CSM1045 | Surveying and Digital Mapping | 15 | Yes | No |
CSM1041 | Quantitative Methods for GeoScientists | 15 | Yes | No |
CSM1904 | CSM Professionalism Year 1 | 0 | Yes | Yes |
Students attend a one week residential field class in Pembrokeshire during Easter Vacation / Term 3 as part of Field Geology and Geological Maps. This module also includes nine, one-day, field classes at localities in Cornwall. At the end of the first stage students also attend a two week practical surveying course, based on the Penryn Campus, that is assessed under CSM2184.
Stage 2
Code | Title | Credits | Compulsory | NonCondonable |
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CSM2182 | Structural Geology and Tectonics | 30 | Yes | Yes |
CSM2183 | Sedimentology and Stratigraphy | 30 | Yes | Yes |
CSM2184 | Geological Mapping Techniques | 15 | Yes | Yes |
CSM2190 | Geophysics | 15 | Yes | Yes |
CSM2051 | Magmatic and Metamorphic Rocks | 15 | Yes | Yes |
CSM2910 | Magmatism and Metamorphism | 15 | Yes | Yes |
CSM2904 | CSM Professionalism Year 2 | 0 | Yes | Yes |
There are two periods of residential fieldwork. As part of CSM2182, there are six, one-day, field classes at localities in Cornwall. As part of CSM2183, a six-day geological field class during Term 1 focuses on sedimentary rocks, stratigraphy and the tectonic development of the Wessex Basin (in Devon/Dorset) and you also get to go on a half-day field class during this term to look at modern sedimentary environments in Cornwall. An eight or nine-day field class in Scotland focussed on geological mapping skills takes place during the Easter Vacation (as part of CSM2184).
During the summer vacation, students carry out an independent study of at least 24 days duration (assessed under CSM3379). In some cases students obtain an industrial placement or work on a research project.
Stage 3
Code | Title | Credits | Compulsory | NonCondonable |
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CSM3047 | GIS for Geologists | 15 | Yes | No |
CSM3072 | Climate change: Past and Future | 15 | Yes | No |
CSM3068 | Geology Overseas Field Class | 15 | Yes | Yes |
CSM3070 | Volcanology | 15 | Yes | No |
CSM3379 | Summer Vacation Project | 30 | Yes | Yes |
CSM3904 | CSM Professionalism Year 3 | 0 | Yes | Yes |
In addition, students will select 30 credits from: | ||||
CSM3061 | Energy Resource Geology | 15 | No | No |
CSM3152 | Hydrogeology | 15 | No | No |
CSM3071 | Geological History of Life on Earth | 15 | No | No |
CSM3059 | Evolution of Earth and Planetary Systems | 15 | No | No |
During the Easter vacation students undertake a ten-day residential field course in Cyprus, Spain or Tenerife (assessed under CSM3068). The fieldwork provides a synthesis of much of the programme’s syllabus.
Stage 4
Code | Title | Credits | Compulsory | NonCondonable |
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CSMM439 | Research Project | 75 | Yes | Yes |
CSMM423 | Overseas Fieldclass | 15 | Yes | Yes |
CSMM440 | Research Frontiers in Earth Science | 30 | Yes | Yes |
CSMM904 | CSM Professionalism MSc | 0 | Yes | Yes |
The Fourth Year Fieldclass will occur during the Easter vacation when you will undertake a ten-day residential field course in Cyprus, Spain or Tenerife.
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning & Assessment Methods |
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On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be accommodated & facilitated by the following learning & teaching and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |||
A Specialised Subject Skills & Knowledge
1.recognise the structure and composition of the solid Earth (core, mantle, crust etc.), the hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere and the processes operating within and between them. | Learning & Teaching Activities
Material is introduced by lectures and directed reading / research and students are given very clear guidance in how to manage their learning. Understanding is developed and consolidated by laboratory work, private study exercises and, in particular, by field classes. Work is carried out individually and in groups with tutorial support and is both self-assessed and tutor marked to provide feedback. Field work and project work is used extensively to integrate material and make knowledge functional. 4 is supported explicitly by the 1st stage Quantitative Methods for Geoscientists and Earth and Environmental Chemistry modules and then developed by use in other modules throughout the programme including the stage 4 Research Frontiers in Earth Science module. 5 and 6 are introduced in the stage 1 Dynamic Planet and Earth History and Palaeontology modules, further developed in stage 2 modules, including Sedimentology and Stratigraphy, and in stage 3 modules such as Geological History of Life on Earth, Evolution of Earth and Planetary Systems, Climate Change: Past and Present and Energy Resource Geology, and the stage 4 module Research Frontiers in Earth Science. 7 is explicitly supported by the stage 1 Dynamic Planet , Earth history and Palaeontology and Field Geology and Geological Maps modules, stage 2 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy module, stage 3 modules Geological History of Life on Earth, Evolution of Earth and Planetary Systems and Climate Change: Past and Present and the stage 4 Research Frontiers in Earth Science module; it is also implicitly supported in all field-based modules. 8 is supported by 1st stage modules in Earth and Environmental Chemistry and Crystallography, Mineralogy and Gemstones and implicitly developed in most 2nd, 3rd and 4th stage modules. 9 is supported explicitly by the Crystallography, Mineralogy and Gemstones module in the 1st stage and then by Sedimentology and Stratigraphy and Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology modules in the 2nd stage and the 3rd stage Evolution of Earth and Planetary Systems; this skill is also implicitly supported and developed by the various Field Geology and Field Techniques modules throughout the four stages of the programme. 10 is introduced in the 1st stage Dynamic Planet module and supported explicitly by the 2nd stage module in Structural Geology and Tectonics and implicitly supported and developed by the various Field Geology and Field Techniques modules throughout the four stages of the programme. 11 is explicitly supported by the 1st stage Field Geology and Geological Maps module, the 2nd stage Geological Mapping Techniques, Structural Geology and Tectonics and Sedimentology and Stratigraphy modules, the 3rd stage Summer Vacation Project, and the Fourth Year Fieldclass. The surveying aspects of 12 are supported explicitly by the 1st stage Surveying and Digital Mapping module and the survey course at the end of stage one (contributing to stage 2 Geological Mapping Techniques). 12 is also explicitly supported by the laboratory techniques and microscope work undertaken in most of the 2nd stage modules, plus the fourth stage Research Project and implicitly by several other modules. 7 and 9-12 are further developed by the Summer Vacation Project at the end of the 2nd stage plus the Research Project and the Fourth Year Fieldclass. 13 is supported by 1st stage Dynamic Planet and 3rd stage modules in Hydrogeology and Energy Resource Geology. 14 is explicitly supported by 1st stage Earth History and Palaeontology and 3rd stage modules in Hydrogeology and Energy Resource Geology; it is also integrated within the 3rd stage Geology Overseas Field Class module and also integrated within a range other modules throughout the programme. 15 is introduced during the 1st stage Dynamic Planet module and implicitly developed during 2nd stage modules and explicitly in stage 3 modules Volcanology, Evolution of Earth and Planetary Systems, Climate Change: Past and Present and Geology Overseas Field Class modules and the Fourth Year Fieldclass module. 16 and 17 are implicitly supported by a large number of the modules throughout the programme, as is 17. 17 is explicitly supported by the 3rd stage Summer Vacation Project, 4th stage Research Project and further developed during all fieldclasses. 18 is explicitly supported in the 3rd stage Summer Vacation Project, 4th stage Research Project and implicitly by all modules throughout the programme.
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Assessment Methods
Direct assessment is through a range of formal written examinations, both open and closed book and marked coursework in the form of problem sheets, laboratory reports and reports based on directed reading/research. | ||||
B Academic Discipline Core Skills & Knowledge
Intellectual skills – able to: | Learning & Teaching Activities
1-4 are integrated into most modules and developed steadily throughout the 3rd and 4th stages; in particular, 2-4 are developed during 2nd, 3rd and 4th stage fieldwork and project based modules. 5 is developed by use in modules throughout the programme and specifically applied in the stage 3 Summer Vacation Project and stage 4 Research Project | |||
Assessment Methods
Problem solving, analytical and synthesis skills are assessed within many modules through a range of formal written examinations, both open and closed book, and marked coursework. These skills are primarily shown, however, in project work and fieldwork modules in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th stages, including the Summer Vacation Project and Research Project (assessed via written report and field documents, verbal presentation). | ||||
C Personal / Transferable / Employment Skills & Knowledge
1. receive and respond to a variety of information styles (written, verbal and graphic) and communicate in these styles to different audiences, including use of the Internet. | Learning & Teaching Activities
1 and 3 are specifically introduced throughout the programme with regular verbal and written presentations of work. 2 is explicitly covered in almost all stage 2, 3 and 4 modules. 3 and 4 are introduced in the 1st stage Quantitative Methods for Geoscientists and Earth History and Palaeontology modules and further developed in all the 2nd stage modules, most of the 3rd stage modules such as Volcanology, Evolution of Earth and Planetary Systems, Hydrogeology and GIS for Geologists and all stage 4 modules. 5 is developed through laboratory and group work in many modules, including 1st stage Surveying and Digital Mapping, stage 3 Geology Overseas Field Class and stage 4 Fourth Year Fieldclass. | |||
Assessment Methods
Assessment of key skills occurs throughout the entire programme, mostly through items of coursework in the form of written and oral presentations, field notebooks and maps, vivas and project reports. |
7. Programme Regulations |
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Credit The programme consists of 480 credits with 120 credits taken at each stage. Normally not more than 75 credits would be allowed in any one term. In total, students normally take no more than 150 credits at NQF Level 4, and must take at least 210 credits at level 6 or higher of which at least 120 must be at NQF level 7. The pass mark for award of credit in an individual module is 40% for modules taken at levels 4, 5 and 6; and 50% for modules taken at NQF level 7 Progression You can progress to the next stage (in stages 1, 2 and 3) once at least 90 credits have been passed in a stage, and provided that an average of at least 40% has been achieved over the 120 credits of assessment for that stage. You can proceed to the award of an honours degree in the final year provided that an average of at least 50% has been achieved over the 120 credits of assessment for the final stage. However, there are additional requirements for progressing to Stage 3. Progression to Stage 3 - In order to progress to Stage 3 of the MSci Geology programme, you must achieve an average ≥60% in stages 1 and 2 (weighted 40% Stage 1 + 60% Stage 2). If you do not reach this threshold, but have a stage 2 average of at least 40%, you may progress to stage 3 of the BSc Geology programme. Condonement is the process that allows you to pass a ‘stage’ should you fail to achieve the required number of credits in any stage. You are required to achieve 120 credits in each stage of the programme. In stages 1, 2 and 3, you must have achieved an average mark of at least 40% across the 120 credits of assessment including the marks for any failed and condoned modules. In stage 4, you must have achieved an average mark of at least 50% across the 120 credits of assessment including the marks for any failed and condoned modules. You will not be allowed reassessment in the condoned credit. Up to 30 credits of failure can be condoned in a stage. However, you must pass the modules marked with a 'Yes' in the 'non-condonable' column in the tables above. The pass mark for these modules is 40% (in stages 1, 2 and 3) and 50% (in stage 4). Assessment and Awards Assessment at stage one does not contribute to the summative classification of the award. The award will normally be based on the degree mark formed from the credit-weighted average marks for stages 2 and 3 and 4 combined in the ratio 2:3:4 respectively. Classification The marking of modules and the classification of awards broadly corresponds to the following percentage marks: Undergraduate Degrees Class I 70% + Class II Division I 60-69% Class II Division II 50-59% Class III 40-49% Full details of assessment regulations for UG programmes can be found in the Teaching Quality Assurance Manual (TQA) on the University of Exeter website. Generic marking criteria are also published here. Please see the Teaching and Quality Assurance Manual for further guidance. To obtain the award of Associate of CSM (ACSM) the student must attend and complete the zero-credit-bearing modules CSM1094, CSM2094, CSM3094 and CSMM094. |
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning |
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Personal and Academic tutoring: It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you on individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff. Students have access to good computing and library facilities at the Penryn Campus. Computer-based exercises and web-based learning materials are a feature of the programme, which can be accessed via the internet. IT Services provide a range of central services, including open and training clusters of PCs (available on a 24/7 basis) within the Centre. Network access is available from all rooms in the hall of residence on site. The Learning Resource Centre contains a library of 70,000 volumes and some specialist collections. In addition, students have full access to the central University of Exeter library, including the electronic library resources. Online Module study resources provide materials for modules that you are registered for, in addition to some useful subject and IT resources. Generic study support resources, library and research skills, past exam papers, and the 'Academic Honesty and Plagiarism' module are also available through the student portal (http://vle.exeter.ac.uk). Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision. |
10. Admission Criteria |
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All applications are considered individually on merit. The University is committed to an equal opportunities policy with respect to gender, age, race, sexual orientation and/or disability when dealing with applications. It is also committed to widening access to higher education to students from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience. Candidates must satisfy the general admissions requirements of the University of Exeter.
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11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards |
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Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures. The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
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12. Indicators of Quality and Standards |
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Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).
The MSci (Hons) Geology programme is accredited by the Geological Society. A degree in an accredited programme will normally qualify the holder for admission to Fellowship of the Society and for the award of Chartered Geologist (CGeol) status after a specified period of professional development and relevant experience. Accredited status provides added assurance to prospective students that a department's teaching is of the highest quality, and has been approved by an independent body of academics and industrialists. See www.geolsoc.org.uk for further information.
Accreditation is awarded for a maximum of 6 years under each assessment exercise. The dates applicable to the current accreditation of this degree programme can be viewed on the Geological Society list of accredited degrees: www.geolsoc.org.uk
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14 | Awarding Institution | University of Exeter | |
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15 | Lead College / Teaching Institution | College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences | |
16 | Partner College / Institution | ||
17 | Programme accredited/validated by | The Geological Society | |
18 | Final Award(s) | MSci (Hons) | |
19 | UCAS Code (UG programmes) | F603 | |
20 | NQF Level of Final Awards(s): | 7 | |
21 | Credit (CATS and ECTS) | 480 (240 ECTS) | |
22 | QAA Subject Benchmarking Group (UG and PGT programmes) | Earth sciences, environmental sciences and environmental studies |
23 | Origin Date | February 8th 2023 | Last Date of Revision: | February 8th 2023 |
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