Geophysics and Geology, BSc (Hons)

Course summary

If you are curious about how our planet works and want to help solve some of our biggest global challenges, geophysics may be for you.What is geophysics?Geophysics is about understanding the complex interactions between the Earth's systems using physics. We explore everything from the Earth's core to the atmosphere.For example:

• Studying what causes natural disasters, like earthquakes and volcanoes.

• By using satellites and drones, we can collect data on how the Earth behaves using a process called remote sensing.

• Understanding the physics of environmental change to find ways to reduce the harmful impact of human activity.

• We can also predict human impacts on the rapidly changing climate by understanding how the atmosphere and oceans interact.

It is the interdisciplinary nature of geophysics that defines much of what we do. It is also why geophysics plays an important role in creating a more sustainable future for everyone.What will I learn?Our degree offers you the best of both subjects.Many people confuse geology and geophysics, as both disciplines study the Earth and how it works. For example, they both explore the mechanisms behind plate tectonics.However:

• Geologists focus on the materialistic surface, namely rocks and minerals, of the Earth and its evolution.

• Geophysicists are mainly concerned about the mechanical and thermal structure of the Earth and the force balance in the Earth’s physical processes, including its internal composition and atmosphere.

As a student in geophysics and geology, you will learn about:

• the microscopic properties of minerals

• the structure and composition of the Earth

• how large scale forces such as gravity, seismology and magnetism shape the Earth

• our Earth's past to forecast and safeguard its future

• the impact of global climate change on our world

By studying this degree, you will learn from our wide range of experienced academics across a range of Earth science disciplines. Our research-led, industry-informed teaching makes your degree relevant to the world and helps make you highly employableWe have a hands on approach to learning, so you can develop valuable practical skills. Many of your activities are similar to what professionals do in the real world.An extraordinary reputationWe are one of the largest and most successful groupings of geographers, Earth and environmental scientists in the UK, many of whom are world experts in their field.

• We have pioneered research proving human-caused greenhouse gases are warming our planet, which helped underpin the 2015 Paris Agreement.

• We are working with major space agencies to monitor the environment using satellite data.

• We are 22nd in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2024.

• We are also in the world's top 50 and the UK's top 10 universities for natural sciences, environmental sciences, geology, geophysics, Earth and marine sciences, (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023).

Our staff will include the latest research in your teaching, and share our discoveries with you.

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