📖Program Curriculum
The programme runs full-time over one full year (with a September or January start) with three semesters; Semester 1 starting in September/January Semester 2 starting in January/May and Semester 3 starting in June/September.
Alternatively you can take the programme part-time with a January or September start
completing the compulsory ESC-40087 Digital Geoscience and Spatial Analysis in Semester 2 and continuing work on other modules and the dissertation module over the following years.
The programme comprises of five compulsory modules designed to develop research skills:
Project Management and Business Skills
Research Design
Digital Geoscience and Spatial Analysis
Sustainable Extraction
Dissertation module
In addition to these compulsory modules you will also take optional modules in the wider sustainability field.
Core Modules
ESC-40085 Sustainable Extraction (15 credits)
During this module you will learn about the topical subject of ore-geology and mineral resources in terms of the geological processes that form them and the methods used to explore and extract them. You will develop an understanding of the environmental and societal implications of resource extraction and in turn the opportunities and barriers to the sustainable and responsible extraction of mineral resources. The module will include a field excursion.
The module will be assessed by an individual poster presentation based on a research investigation into an aspect of environmental societal and/or sustainable resource extraction including 10-minute oral presentation.
ESC-40091 Project Management and Business Skills (15 credits)
This module aims to provide you with key skills and a broad understanding and appreciation of professional practice in the context of sustainability and technical development project planning and management. You will learn how to use data to evaluate and inform decision-making in a commercial setting which has different priorities to a research context and to navigate the stages in planning developing delivering and managing successful projects.
The ability to prepare and present information to enable decision making in sustainability-related projects is an important skill to equip you for a competitive job market. It is a highly transferrable skill for professional roles in R&D in commercial public sector and academic settings.
The module will be assessed by a 4000 word report outlining a commercial project proposal.
ESC-40087 Digital Geoscience and Spatial Analysis (30 credits)
Digital Geoscience and Spatial Analysis is designed to introduce the acquisition visualisation interpretation and analysis of surface and sub-surface geoscience data through field and laboratory-based topographical geophysical and geological surveying and mapping techniques. In addition the module includes coverage of a variety of digital methods that are used to process interpret and visualise geoscience data including computer programming database design Geographical Information Systems computer aided design and remote sensing. Throughout the course industry standard software and methodologies will be used in order to simulate real-world situations.
The module will be based mainly upon practical-based classes in which you will learn about various techniques and methods from demonstrations by members of staff and hands-on experience. The relevant theoretical background will be dealt with in lectures. This module includes a campus-based field course.
Assessment of this module is by a 10-minute oral presentation on field data acquisition data processing interpretation and analysis.
ESC-40093 Research Design (15 credits)*
*Subject to module validation
ESC-40089 Dissertation (60 credits)
The dissertation module focuses on a student-led research project culminating in the write-up of the research project in the form of a 15000- 20000 word master's dissertation. The module is delivered via a combination of one-to-one meetings with the project supervisor(s) independent research and self-learning techniques.
Optional Modules
Indicative Optional Taught Modules
CSC-40044 System Design and Programming (15 credits)
This module provides a comprehensive introduction to system design and programming for students who did not graduate from a computer science or related programme. The module covers the principles and practice of system design in the context of an available set of requirements introduction to programming (algorithms data structures data storage and manipulation and user interfaces) introduction to object oriented programming the development of computer programs using appropriate technology and including the accessing of data over the Internet and the use of user interfaces to manipulate and display data. Students studying this module will be able to develop programs in a major programming language using principles taught on the course.
CSC-40054 Data Analytics and Databases (15 credits)
This module aims to equip you with the knowledge of database operations and a variety of tools and statistical techniques to enable them to make sense of the exponential growth of big data. On successful completion of the module you will understand big data issues and advanced analytics and statistical modelling techniques.
ESC-40097 Clean and Green Technologies (30 credits)
This module aims to provide you with an overview of key concepts debates processes and discourses in relation to clean technologies including renewable sources such as wind/wave/solar and storage technologies such as hydrogen. The module will emphasising how we can use these technologies in specific scenarios and minimise carbon footprint and assessing the contribution each might make to meeting energy needs sustainably. You will also gain an appreciation of clean technology while developing transferrable employability skills.
ESC-40101 Collaborative Project (15 credits)*
*Please note you can choose the Collaborative Project module or the Advanced Traineeship module not both.
This module provides the opportunity to work on real-world issues as you work with staff to identify and approach appropriate collaborative partners and define appropriate projects. You will gain essential employability skills and experience as you are supported to lead collaborative discussions to co-define and co-design a project scope and to review the project's progress and outcomes. You will also develop highly desirable skills in project planning and management communicating in a professional setting and problem solving.
GEG-40030 Advanced Traineeships in Geography Geoscience and Sustainability (15 credits)*
*Please note you can choose the Advanced Traineeship module or the Collaborative Project not both.
Advanced traineeships in Human Geography and Sustainability will provide you with real world ‘hands on’ experience of working on a live research project. Through collaboration with a directive research mentor you will generate a range of new subject-specific and generic research knowledge and skills which will enhance your understanding of contemporary societal challenges as well as future employability. Furthermore you will generate key insights into different aspects of the research process ranging from research design and grant preparation to the delivery of impact-related activities and work alongside a range of stakeholders during your research traineeship.
ESC-40047 Green IT (15 credits)
This module will enable you to gain an understanding of the sustainability challenges facing the IT industry and of the strategies and techniques that are available to address these challenges. You will also explore ways in which IT can enhance sustainability in other sectors (e.g. through the use of simulation and modelling software and IT tools such as video conferencing).
ESC-40060 Climate Change Science (15 credits)
You will explore factors affecting the climate and the impacts that this change is having on our planet and its inhabitants. Topics include how climate change comes about its effects and how to prevent it including the role of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). You will gain skills and confidence in interpreting and communicating complex information basic modelling and data analysis related to climate change.
ESC-40073 Reservoir Geology and Geophysics (15 credits)
The exploration for and exploitation of geological reservoirs is fundamental for the sustainable energy areas of geothermal carbon dioxide sequestration and hydrogen storage as well as for hydrocarbon energy that will still be developed for decades to come. This module will equip you with the understanding of the techniques used in reservoir evaluation and the skills to follow employment opportunities in these developing areas crucial for a sustainable future.
LAW-40043 International Environmental Law (15 credits)
This module offers a critical perspective on the development of international environmental law. It provides a grounding in the legal norms institutions and processes of the field and explores current environmental global issues such as biodiversity loss trade and environment food security and climate change through specific treaty regimes. Drawing on a range of legal policy and other literature the module highlights key challenges facing the regulation of the environment today.
ENL-40001 Academic English for Postgraduate Students 1 (15 credits)
This module is designed to enable non-native English speaking international postgraduate students to develop their knowledge and use of the specific linguistic rhetorical and critical competencies essential to success on their chosen programme of study or research. Particular emphasis will be placed on equipping students with a 'toolkit' for avoiding plagiarism in their writing and developing the critical and analytical skills needed for a judicious approach to scholarship and research. Students will also have the opportunity to prepare and deliver a team oral presentation on a topic related to their field of study or research.
Student Publications
Publishing your masters dissertation can add considerably to your achievement and can help build your reputation within your discipline along with developing your CV skills. This is particularly relevant for those seeking to progress to a career in the private sector academia or research. If publishing is of interest to you please speak to a member of staff. We have had numerous successes in helping Geoscience Research students publish their work. Follow the links below to view published papers from past students.
Student Year Paper Title Journal
Tom Elliston
2017-2018
Ecotoxical assessments of biochar additions to soil employing earthworm species Eisenia fetida and Lumbricus terrestris
Environmental Science & Pollution Research
Nicholas Cooper
2016-2017
The search for "Fred": An unusual vertical burial case
Journal of Forensic Sciences
Joe Ainsworth
2016-2017
Geophysical Investigations of WW2 UK air-raid shelters
Journal of Conflict Archaeology
James Francis
2016-2017
Determining geophysical responses from burials in graveyards and cemeteries
Geophysics
Luis Rees-Hughes
2016-2017
Multidisciplinary investigations at P.O.W. Camp 198 Bridgend S. Wales: Site of a mass escape in March 1945
Journal of Conflict Archaeology
Joel Blackburn Dan Price
2016-2017
A new observation of Ovummuridae from the mid-Silurian (Wenlock) strata of Wenlock Edge Shropshire UK: A preliminary report.
Proceedings of the Shropshire Geological Society
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