BSc (Hons) Geography and Geology course preparation

Suggested reading

You will be given far more information about which textbooks to read and introduced to the University Library, as well as the many ebooks we have for you to access, when you begin your studies in September.

In the meantime, below are the details of some textbooks and other resources which will may be required reading for your Year 1 modules or may help you prepare for your first year of study:

• Hunter, A & Easterbrook, G (2004) The Geological History of the British Isles.Open University Press
• Hunter, A & Easterbrook, G (2004) The Geological History of the British Isles.Open University Press
• Kneale, P (2011) Study Skills for Geography, Earth & Environmental Science Students. (3rd) Arnold.
• Skinner, B. J. (2012) The Dynamic Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology. John Wiley & Sons.
• Cambridge Compass Magazine (2018) Preparing to Study Geography at Uni? 5 Suggestions

Suggested materials

One of the more exciting and stimulating parts of your degree course is fieldwork. Therefore, if you don’t already have them, it would be advisable to invest in a rucksack and a good set of waterproofs (jacket & trousers) in preparation. Walking boots or stout footwear with ankle support are also usually required for fieldwork.

Royal Geographical Society

If you’re thinking about a future career in Geography take a look at the Royal Geographical Society website.

Things to do now

Geology is defined as being the study of the Earth, encompassing the materials that it is made of, the structure of and processes acting upon those materials. The subject can concern itself with fundamental processes such as Earth’s internal processes resulting in volcanoes and earthquakes; to natural resources and the importance of discovering and managing resources for the future.

These are four activities that we think you should try if you are preparing to study a degree in Geology:

1. Read a chapter of ‘An Introduction to Our Dynamic Planet’, by Nick Rogers et al.
2. Have a go at the Geological Society’s assessment activity to determine if Earth has entered a new Geological Epoch, the ‘Anthropocene’
3. Listen to a series of podcasts from The Geological Society’s Lyell Meeting about Mass Extinctions.
4. Take a look at our UniSkills webpage to prepare for your first year. 

Listen to some podcasts

Listen to some of the National Geographic’s ‘Overheard Conversations’ podcast, with a different uploaded each week.

Do some research

1. Learn a little bit more about the rocks around us. What do they look like? How are they formed? What are their uses?
2. Learn about the plate tectonic story of an area near you with the Geological Society’s ‘Plate Tectonic Stories’.

Meet your programme leader:

Additional ways to prepare

Preparing to start

This session examines how to make a successful transition to university. From planning your results day, accommodation and commuting tips, extra support available to you and general advice on uni life.

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Find out more about who you are

The following information provides an insight into what to expect when coming to university along with some good advice on how to navigate some of the potential challenges you may face.

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