Course content for year 1
Our first year will introduce you to the modern way we study the Earth. The emphasis in the first year is on building foundational knowledge in the natural sciences, tailored to the Earth, planets and their environments, and on developing practical and transferrable skills.
During this year you will study the principles that underlie all our degree specialisations and will receive one-on-one advice to help you choose your preferred pathway at the end of the first year. Every first year student will be supported by our peer mentoring schemes and small group work with an academic tutor.
The first year units will develop your theoretical knowledge, your numerical, field and laboratory skills, and aid your professional development:
Course units for year 1
The first year is composed of three units which run across the academic year. Two thirds of your time will be spent in practical and field-based activities. Each unit is worth 40 out of a total of 120 credits.
Unit 1: Understanding the Earth
This unit will provide you with an understanding of evolution of the Earth within our solar system, the establishment of Earth cycles including the development of plate tectonics, the atmosphere and the oceans. You will study the history of life on Earth from first life through to the rise of humans, how we utilise energy and resources, and how Earth systems will evolve in the future.
Unit 2: The Natural Scientists Toolkit
In this unit you will study the chemistry, physics and biology of the Earth and planets as integrated systems. You will develop skills in numeracy and scientific problem solving, learn programming, and apply numerical models to analyse the chemistry and physics of the Earth and its environment.
Unit 3: Practical Skills
Practical classes fieldwork and professional skill development make up a large part of the course. This unit is composed of three parts.
Field Work
You will take part in regular field days throughout semester 1 covering the breadth of the course, for example, explore planetary science at Jodrell bank and geology in the Derbyshire Peak District that is on our door step. You will attend a residential field course in semester 2 that is focused on your preferred degree pathway
Laboratory Skill Development
You'll be introduced to the key observational, laboratory and field skills that you'll need as an Earth scientist.
The Professional Scientist and Society
Our course will equip you with an armory of skills to take into the world of work, including the ability to analyse problems, to work collaboratively as part of a team, and to communicate effectively to different audienc
Course units for year 1
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title Code Credit rating Mandatory/optional
Understanding the Earth EART11100 40 Mandatory
The Natural Scientist's Toolkit EART11200 40 Mandatory
Practical and Professional Skills Development EART11300 40 Mandatory
Course content for year 2
In year 2 you will tailor your studies to your own academic interests by focusing on a particular aspect of the Earth and planetary sciences. Each pathway consists of the series of core units and extends topics from your first year, introducing new areas in your area of specialisation. Available Pathways are:
Geology - The Earth's rocks and minerals preserve a 4.5 billion year record of global change. In this pathway you will learn how to read that rock record and develop an understanding of the physical processes responsible for it.
Planetary Science - In this pathway you will gain the skills of a professional geologist while pursuing a broader interest in planetary science, developing an understanding of how the Earth and other planets have been shaped by the prehistory, formation and evolution of our solar system.
Geochemistry - Understanding the chemistry of the Earth is fundamental to challenges such as managing resources like precious minerals and oil, understanding climate change at the molecular level, and the control of pollution. In this pathway you will also study the composition and evolution of the planets, melting and mineral reactions in Earth's interior, and Earth's (bio)geochemical cycles.
Energy and Resources - In this pathway you'll study units that are focused on resource formation, ranging from metal and hydrocarbon resources, to nuclear energy and groundwater resources. You will also study sustainable and efficient extraction of resources, while acquiring the skills suitable for a thriving energy and resources job market.
Geology and Physical Geography - In this pathway you will study the processes that have shaped the Earth's surface and its landforms, and how humans and societies have learned to exploit and protect themselves from these phenomena.
Palaeobiology - Palaeobiology addresses major questions relating to the Earth's living systems, their interplay over geological time, and the genesis and evolution of today's living world. This pathway takes an interdisciplinary approach, combining the study of the biodiversity and ecology of modern and ancient life, with training in the geological processes that shape the history and future of Earth.
Course content for year 3
Your third year will be spent undertaking a year-long placement. Students who take this degree will find themselves working full-time in one of the world's leading research labs. You will gain experience in a professional research setting and make connections with world-leading researchers. You will report your results in a scientific paper which will be marked at Manchester. You will also complete 20 credit units by distance learning.
Course content for year 4
You'll carry out an extended individual research project working alongside world-leading scientists using state-of-the-art research facilities, study subject-related units, and attend specialist lectures.
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