Environmental Geoscience (2023)
1. Programme Title:Environmental Geoscience |
NQF Level: |
6 |
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2. Description of the Programme (as in the Business Approval Form) |
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The Environmental Geoscience programme provides a fundamental training for students who wish to gain a detailed understanding of the Earth, the interactions between the geology, chemistry, physics of the Earth’s environment and how these can in turn be influenced by human activities. It provides the basis for employment as professional geoscientists across a range of sectors but particularly those which are environment and sustainability facing, including environmental remediation, applied geochemistry, resource management, hydrogeology and engineering geology. |
3. Educational Aims of the Programme |
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The programme aims to provide you with a detailed understanding of the Earth, the interactions between the geology, chemistry and physics of the Earth’s environment, and how these can in turn be influenced by human activities. It also aims to provide you with a thorough knowledge and understanding of the science, technology, engineering and mathematical theory behind key geological, hydrogeological and geochemical processes in order to solve some of the 21st century's most pressing geological challenges, namely: managing geological resources, protecting the environment from contaminants and geohazards, and the importance of environmental remediation for sustainable mining. The unique geological, environmental and industrial setting of Cornwall, which includes several internationally recognised contaminated sites, a mining industry which is currently in the midst of a renaissance, and several major geothermal energy projects, will provide an ideal backdrop for you to gain world-class hands-on experience via fieldwork and industrial site visits. The programme 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, teamwork and group interaction. Your progress will be monitored through summative assessment and regular formative assessment throughout the delivery of each module. The scientific training and research project that you undertake in Year 3 will provide skills appropriate to geoscience or other employment or progression to a higher degree (MSci / MSc). |
4. Programme Structure |
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Your BSc Environmental Geoscience programme is a 3-year programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into 3 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.
Exit Awards
If you do not complete the programme you may be able to exit with a lower qualification. If you have achieved 120 credits, you may be awarded a Certificate of Higher Education, and if you achieve 240 credits, where at least 90 credits are at Stage 2 (NQF Level 5) or above, you may be awarded a Diploma of Higher Education.
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5. Programme Modules |
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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 |
By end of Year 1, you will have gained training in foundational and key core geological content including - the origin and internal structure of the Earth, plate tectonics, geological structures and mapping, Earth history, climate change and palaeontology, and foundational concepts in chemistry and maths. You will 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 you will 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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CSM3049 | Contaminated Land Management and Remediation | 15 | 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 |
CSM2052 | Grand Geoenvironmental Challenges | 15 | Yes | Yes |
CSM2185 | Geotechnics | 15 | Yes | Yes |
CSM2904 | CSM Professionalism Year 2 | 0 | Yes | Yes |
There are two periods of residential fieldwork. 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 and Environmental Impact Assessment and Risk Assessment takes place during the Easter Vacation (as part of CSM2184).
By end of Year 2, you will have expanded on your core geological training in sedimentology and stratigraphy, igneous and metamorphic petrology and geological mapping and GIS, but will also have developed key foundational skills core to a graduate-level career in environmental geoscience, e.g., geophysics, geotechnics, the nature, UK legal framework, assessment and remediation of contaminated land management and remediation. This training will prepare you to undertake an independent study (assessed under CSM3073 Independent Research Project) during the summer between Years 2 and 3. You either do an industrial placement or work on a field-based research project. The module CSM2052 prepares you for the Independent Research Project by equipping you with a physical, chemical and geological understanding of the global geoenvironmental challenges humankind currently faces as you plan your independent study for the summer.
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 |
CSM3074 | Environmental Geoscience Overseas Fieldclass | 15 | Yes | Yes |
CSM3152 | Hydrogeology | 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: | ||||
CSM3070 | Volcanology | 15 | No | No |
CSM3071 | Geological History of Life on Earth | 15 | No | No |
CSM3061 | Energy Resource Geology | 15 | No | No |
CSM2050 | Safety and Sustainable Development | 15 | No | No |
CSM3444 | Soil Mechanics with Mine Tailings Engineering | 15 | No | No |
Year 3 core and optional modules will deepen your knowledge on the interactions between the geology, chemistry, physics, and biology of the Earth’s environment, and how these can in turn be influenced by human activities. Crucial aspects of climate change in both the geological past and the future will also be introduced, as will practical training in hydrogeology and GIS. During the Easter vacation you undertake a ten-day residential field course in Cyprus, Spain or Tenerife (assessed under CSM3074 Environmental Geoscience overseas Fieldclass). This field class integrates the skills directly relevant to a variety of graduate-level careers in the environmental geosciences that you have learned thus far during your studies to examine an area of classic European geology famous for its mining history.
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 & KnowledgeOn successfully completing the programme you will be able to: 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.
2. Understand the cycling of matter and flows of energy into, between and within these Earth system components. 14. Understand human impacts on the geology, chemistry, physics and biology of Earth’s environment.
15. Understand the chemical and hydrogeological behaviour of chemical contaminants in the natural environment.
16. Understand the natural, unnatural and legal concentrations of a wide range of chemical contaminants.
17. Understand the principles and protocols for contaminated land investigation, remediation and redevelopment. 18. Understand legal requirements of Environmental Audits, risk assessments and their role in the planning process. 19. Understand the types, advantages and limitations of the principal methods of sampling, geophysical and invasive ground investigation techniques.
20. Understand geohazards and their impacts on human societies. | Learning & Teaching ActivitiesIntended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be accommodated & facilitated by the following learning & teaching and evidenced by the following assessment methods:
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. 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, Contaminated Land Management and Remediation and Grand Geoenvironmental Challenges, and in stage 3 modules such as Geological History of Life on Earth, Climate Change: Past and Future and Energy Resource Geology. 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 and Climate Change: Past and Future; 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, and 3rd stage modules. 9 is supported explicitly by the Crystallography, Mineralogy and Gemstones module in the 1st stage and then by Sedimentology and Stratigraphy and Magmatic and Metamorphic Rocks modules in the 2nd stage; this skill is also implicitly supported and developed by the various Field Geology and Field Techniques modules throughout the three stages of the programme. 10 is supported by 1st stage Dynamic Planet and Field Geology and Geological Maps module and the various Field Geology and Field Techniques modules throughout the four stages of the programme including explicitly by the six day Wessex Basin (Devon and Dorset) as part of Sedimentology and Stratigraphy and the nine-day Skye field courses as part of Geological Mapping Techniques in Stage 2. 11 is explicitly supported by the 1st stage Field Geology and Geological Maps module, the 2nd stage Geological Mapping Techniques, and Sedimentology and Stratigraphy modules, the 3rd stage Independent Research Project. 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), by stage 2 Geophysics, and the stage 3 Environmental Geoscience Overseas Fieldclass. 12 is also explicitly supported by the laboratory techniques and microscope work undertaken in most of the 2nd stage modules, and implicitly by several other modules. 7 and 9-12 are further developed by the Independent Research Project, at the end of the 2nd stage plus the Research Project. 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, by stage 2 Contaminated Land Management and Remediation and Grand Geoenvironmental Challenges modules, and by 3rd stage modules in Hydrogeology and Energy Resource Geology; it is also integrated within the 3rd stage Environmental Geoscience Overseas Fieldclass module and also integrated within a range other modules throughout the programme, including the stage 3 Independent Research Project. 15 is introduced during stage 1 one-day fieldclasses as part of Field Geology and Geological Maps and by stage 1 module Earth and Environmental Chemistry. It is supported explicitly by stage 2 modules Contaminated Land Management and Remediation and Grand Geoenvironmental Challenges, and by stage 3 modules Hydrogeology, Energy Resource Geology and Safety and Sustainable Development. 15 is also supported by stage 3 Independent Research Project. 16 is introduced during stage 1 one-day fieldclasses as part of Field Geology and Geological Maps and by stage 1 module Earth and Environmental Chemistry. It is supported explicitly by stage 2 modules Contaminated Land Management and Remediation and Grand Geoenvironmental Challenges, and by stage 3 modules Hydrogeology and Safety and Sustainable Development. 16 is also supported by the stage 3 Independent Research Project. 17 is supported explicitly by stage 2 modules Contaminated Land Management and Remediation and Grand Geoenvironmental Challenges. 17 is also supported by the stage 3 Independent Research Project. 18 is explicitly supported by stage 2 Contaminated Land and Remediation and by stage 3 module Safety and Sustainable Development. 19 is introduced in stage 1 field work as part of Field Geology and Geological Maps and is explicitly supported by the stage 2 modules Geophysics and Contaminated Land Management and Remediation and stage 3 Energy Resource Geology. 20 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. 21 and 22 are implicitly supported by a large number of the modules throughout the programme. 22 is explicitly supported by the 3rd stage Independent Research Project, and further developed during all fieldclasses. 23 is explicitly supported in the 3rd stage Independent Research Project, and implicitly by all modules throughout the programme. | |||
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:
1. Recognise and use subject-specific theories, paradigms and concepts.
2. Critically analyse, synthesise and summarise information, including prior research.
3. Collect and integrate lines of evidence to formulate/test hypotheses.
4. Apply knowledge and understanding to address problems.
5. Recognise the moral/ethical issues of investigations and appreciate the need for professional codes of conduct.
Practical skills – able to:
6. Plan, conduct and report on investigations.
7. Collect, record and analyse data using appropriate field and laboratory techniques.
8. Cork in a safe and responsible manner in field and laboratory.
9. Reference work in an appropriate manner.
| 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, and 3rd stage fieldwork and project-based modules. 5 is developed by use in modules throughout the programme and specifically applied in the stage 3 Independent Research Project.
6-8 are introduced in a number of 1st stage modules, developed further in many 2nd, and 3rd stage modules, where extensive field data collection and laboratory work is undertaken. 9 is developed throughout the four stages of the programme. 6-9 are an integral part of the fieldwork and project modules in the 3rd stage.
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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 and 3rd stages, including the stage 3 Independent Research Project (assessed via written report and field documents). | ||||
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.
2. Appreciate issues of sample selection and data quality in the collection and use of geoscientific data.
3. Manipulate, interpret and present data using appropriate techniques and packages.
4. Solve numerical problems using computer and non-computer based techniques.
5. Work in a team, identifying and recognising individual and collective opinions and roles and evaluating performance of all members.
6. Develop self-managed and lifelong learning skills (target setting, time and project management, reflective practice).
7. Develop a flexible approach to study and work.
| Learning & Teaching Activities1 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 and 3 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. 5 is developed through laboratory and group work in many modules, including 1st stage Surveying and Digital Mapping, stage 3 Geology Overseas Field Class. 6 and 7 are initially developed in the 1st stage with students being required to carry out regular reviews of their own progress, upon which they get formal feedback through the tutorial system. Further development occurs throughout the programme, particularly in the stage 3 Independent Research Project which requires a large element of independent study. | |||
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. 6 and 7 are implicit in much of all students' study but are explicitly tested in the 2nd, 3rd stage fieldwork and project modules. |
7. Programme Regulations |
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Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook. To obtain the award of Associate of CSM (ACSM) the student must attend and complete the zero-credit-bearing modules CSM1904, CSM2904 and CSM3904.
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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.
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10. Admission Criteria |
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Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter. Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the Undergraduate Study Site webpages
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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. |
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 BSc (Hons) Environmental Geoscience 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 | ||
18 | Final Award(s) | BSc (Hons) | |
19 | UCAS Code (UG programmes) | F756 | |
20 | NQF Level of Final Awards(s): | 6 | |
21 | Credit (CATS and ECTS) | 360 credits (180 ECTS) | |
22 | QAA Subject Benchmarking Group (UG and PGT programmes) | Earth sciences, environmental sciences and environmental studies |
23 | Origin Date | January 13th 2023 | Last Date of Revision: | September 19th 2023 |
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