Introducing Physical Geographies provides an overview of physical geography which looks at basic concepts and their development. The module outlines the physical framework of the Earth’s surface and investigates the materials and processes operating there. It covers aspects of biogeography, soils, climatology and geomorphology.

Environmental Issues provides an awareness and understanding of the nature of environmental issues facing the world today. Issues such as climatic change, water quality, flooding, biodiversity loss and human vulnerability to natural hazards will be considered. Through case studies, the physical processes underlying the issues will be explained together with an evaluation of management responses.

Practical Skills for Geography and Environmental Science is a skills-based module, using geographical knowledge to develop a range of subject-specific skills together with general use of ICT and communication skills. The module focuses on the handling, analysis and communication of spatial and graphical data. You will be introduced to the principles, uses and practical skills of Geographical Information Systems as part of the module.

Rocks, Minerals and Fossils enables you to appreciate the origin, composition, dynamics and history of the Earth as a planet. The module will show plate tectonics as a unifying concept in the geological sciences, illustrating the composition and formation of major mineral and rock groups and equipping you with the skills and knowledge required to describe, identify and classify marine and terrestrial fossils.

Geological Research Methods 1 provides an overview of a range of field and laboratory geological techniques covering the breadth of knowledge and skills that a geologist in training needs to successfully study and practise geology at more advanced levels. The module will guide you in recording basic geological information in the field and in the laboratory. You will learn how to communicate field information in an appropriate and scientific manner, discover how to recognise the form and function of basic geological maps and deduce aspects of Earth history from them.

Earth History enables you to appreciate geological time. In particular, the module will look at the evolution of the Earth from both a global perspective as well as the development of the British Isles. You will examine the beginning of the solar system and the theories behind the origin of the Earth and the Moon. The early conditions of Earth’s history will also be examined by considering the early continental crust, the likely nature of plate tectonics and the origin of the atmosphere and hydrosphere. The rise of modern style plate tectonics, the origin of life and the rise of atmospheric oxygen will be introduced alongside changes in the oceans and evolution of the Earth’s climate. Major episodes such as “Snowball and Greenhouse Earth” along with asteroid impacts, mass extinctions and super-massive volcanic eruptions will be outlined.

Research Methods for Physical Geography and Environmental Science uses investigative research processes to enhance and develop your knowledge and understanding of essential research methods in physical geographical and environmental science.

Geomorphology introduces you to the study of geomorphological processes and the landforms they produce in a range of Earth surface environments. The module will outline important concepts for understanding the relationships between processes and landforms. You will study the linkages between landforms and processes in a selection of Earth surface environments such as coastal, fluvial, desert and glacial. You will also be introduced to the identification of landforms and the observation of processes through work in the field and laboratory.

Weather, Climate and Soils provides you with a detailed understanding of the climate system and the soil system. The module covers a range of atmospheric processes through to the development of weather systems, with a specific focus on mid-latitude weather. The varying nature and properties of soils, and the soil processes which give rise to soil formation and development are then considered. You will receive practical training in the analysis and interpretation of meteorological data as well as being guided in the methods used in the field and laboratory analysis of soils.

Sediments and the Biosphere investigates sedimentary processes and products, as well as the interaction of the biosphere with sediments and sedimentary rocks, across a range of environments past and present. A range of techniques for examining and describing sediments, sedimentary rocks and elements of the biosphere will be introduced. This includes hand specimen and microscope analysis and field data recording. You will explore the use of these techniques in interpreting modern and ancient sedimentary environments and environmental change.

Geological Research Methods is about the application of knowledge in geology. The module will introduce you to independent field working and develop geological field mapping skills in complex terranes. Your field work understanding will be assisted by the use of digital geological techniques, in particular the use of vector graphic drawing packages and ArcGIS. Rock mass properties using the engineering laboratory will be introduced to provide a wider perspective and you will consider how they might be used in geological fieldwork.

Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology advances your knowledge and understanding, as well as presenting contemporary reviews, of current ideas and controversies surrounding the geological forms and processes associated with igneous and metamorphic geology/petrology. An understanding of  igneous and metamorphic geology is crucial to the Earth Sciences because of the interactive nature of Earth’s systems. An understanding and recognition of igneous and metamorphic rocks and related processes is a paramount requirement of a practising geoscientist.

Rivers and Coasts immerses you in the advanced study of fluvial and coastal landscapes. The module draws on geomorphological, environmental and management issues in rivers and coastlines in the UK and around the world, with particular emphasis on fluvial/coastal processes and resources. The impact of management strategies and climate change on fluvial and coastal landscapes will also be explored. The module considers key theories on fluvial and coastal geomorphology, examines recent papers in each topic area and explores some of the techniques and instrumentation in modern research. A number of examples will be drawn from research in the North West of England and other areas of the UK.

Dissertation in Geology enables you to develop and apply a range of research and transferable skills in the planning, execution and reporting of an individual research project on a relevant topic in geology of your choice. The module provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to work independently and effectively, meeting deadlines and producing a professional product, in consultation with a supervisor.

Geoenvironmental Engineering prepares you to apply earth science principles to the exploration, extraction and management of construction mineral resources. The module also provides an introduction to the principles and practice of engineering geology associated with mineral operations.

Environmental Change develops your knowledge and understanding of the nature of environmental change from the last glacial period to the recent past. You will examine the evidence for change, consider potential causes, and analyse the spatial and temporal responses.  The module explores the major changes of the Late Glacial, Holocene and recent periods and examines the relative contibutions of forcing factors, such as climatic variability and anthropogenic activity. In addition, the module critically considers the techniques and methodologies used in the reconstrcution of environmental change.

Wetlands explores the largest terrestrial carbon store; wetlands. The module studies the flora and fauna that have adapted to and formed these environments. You will examine the sensitivity of these environments to climate change and analyse the historic, current and future management strategies required to preserve these ecosystems.

Geoenvironmental Management focuses on real-world environmental problems faced by environmental specialists relating to mineral planning issues, the reduction or management of construction waste, waste disposal facilities, cleanup of contaminated sites, UK geohazards, superficial and man-made ground and the conservation of geodiversity.

GEO1240 Rocks, Minerals and Fossils (20 credits) and GEO1241 Geological Research Methods (20 credits) replace GEO1050 Dynamic Earth (20 credits) and GEO1052 Earth Materials (20 credits) as compulsory modules in Year 1.

GEO3242 Geoenvironmental Management (20 credits) replaces GEO3071 Natural Hazards (20 credits) as an optional module in Year 3.

The course title changes from BSc (Hons) Physical Geography and Geology to BSc (Hons) Geography and Geology with effect from September 2020 entry.

112-120 UCAS Tariff points are required to join this programme with effect from September 2020 entry.

GEO1050 Dynamic Earth (20 credits) and GEO1052 Earth Materials (20 credits) replace GEO1240 Rock, Minerals and Fossils (20 credits) and GEO1241 Geological Research Methods (20 credits) as compulsory modules in Year 1.

GEO2044 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (20 credits) replaces GEO2240 Volcanic and Igneous Rocks and Processes (20 credits) as an optional module in Year 2.

An A-Level (or equivalent qualification) in Geography, Geology, Environmental Science or a related subject is now essential in order to meet the standard entry criteria for this degree.