Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London

Course Syllabus, 2014-2015

The degree course is structured but flexible; core modules are covered in year 1 and 2, where students may select the mix
of geology and geophysics modules that suits their interests. Significant choice is introduced in year 3 and 4. In all years,
students additionally have the option of taking a humanities, language or business studies module to broaden their
horizons. Typically students take these optional courses not for credit in year 1 and year 2. Some business modules are
for credit in year 2, and all languages/business/humanities are normally for credit in year 3. For example, finance courses
and higher level language courses are currently offered. The list below does not include all modules currently offered and
is intended to give an outline of the current syllabus only.
First Year
Dynamic Earth
Introduction to the physical processes operating in the Earth and how these are deduced. The aim is to provide an
overview of the Earth, and the Earth-system, from the elements that compose it, to the processes that have shaped it, to
the inter-dependence between biological and geological processes.
Stratigraphy
To provide an introduction the key principles of stratigraphy and palaeontology, providing a grounding and foundation for
the second level course Life and Earth.
Earth Materials
To provide an understanding of the properties and attributes of the key rock forming minerals (silicates and non-silicates),
and the significant rock groups (igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic), as a basis for further study in geology.
Solid Earth geochemistry
This course will provide an understanding of the principles that govern the behaviour and distribution of elements in the
Earth, introduce equations that can be used to predict the behaviour of elements during partial melting and crystallisation
and familiarize the students with various radiogenic and stable isotope systems and introduce their application in solid
Earth geochemistry. Students who have taken an A level or equivalent in chemistry, will study an introductory chemistry
class as an alternative.
Introduction to programming
This course will develop students algorithmic and problem solving skills, helping to prepare students for future careers in
any sector. Students will learn simple programming in Python. The course will prepare students for higher level modelling
work, particularly in the undergraduate geophysics third year project and in geophysics-related MSci projects. However
many aspects of modern life require a knowledge of programming which this course helps to prepare students for.
Maths methods 1
A variety of important and fundamental university-level mathematical tools to tackle mathematical problems that
commonly arise in Earth Science. Topics include vector calculus, matrices and first order differential equations. Students
who have not taken an A level or equivalent in maths, will study an introductory maths class as an alternative.
Maths Methods 2
Understanding complex numbers, double integrals, second-order differential equations, and the concept of a general
solution of an ordinary differential equation. Normally taken by geophysics and some geology students.
Numerical methods 1
The basic techniques that underlie the computational mathematical techniques in common use in the Earth sciences. It will
provide an overview of the capabilities and limitations of scientific computation including the concepts of error and
conditioning. The course will cover techniques applicable to both observational data and simulation and will have an
emphasis on the practical implementation of the methods studied in the Python programming language. Normally taken by
geophysics students.
Surface processes
An introduction to the physical processes operating at the Earths surface (weathering, erosion, rivers, deltas etc.), and
how these lead to the formation of sedimentary rocks.
Internal processes
This module teaches understanding of the origin of igneous and metamorphic rocks and how to identify rock types in hand
specimens.

Physical processes
Estimating & approximating, isostasy, gravity & circular motion, dimensional analysis & non-dimensional numbers,
modelling the real world with simple equations, fluid flow, Reynolds number, Bernoulli's equation, heat & heat
transport, sediment transport, diffusion, thermal convection. Students without Physics at A-level or equivalent take an
introductory physics course.
Structural geology 1
Structural geology is all about understanding how present-day rock geometries evolve and how they can be decoded to
reveal the geological past. This course covers structural geology at every scale and the module introduces many of the key
ideas in this field, from the basics of how rocks break, to the way in which mountain belts grow.
Optical mineralogy
To understand the nature of the optical properties of the principal rock forming minerals and how they can be observed
using a standard polarised light microscope. To understand how mineralogy can be used to help differentiate igneous,
sedimentary and metamorphic rocks in thin sections.
Life and Earth history
To be able to identify to family or order (as appropriate) a range of invertebrate groups (trilobites, brachiopods etc.) and to
understand the broad framework of the geological history of the UK in a global context.
Graphics and statistics
Students will be versed in Inkscape (vector drawing), G.I.M.P. (raster graphics), and will also be taught enough computergraphics theory to inform their use of these packages. In the second half of the course they will be taught basic statistics,
and chart-generation through Python.
Programming workshop
To support students in their study skills, and to enhance their knowledge, a series of programming workshops will take
place during the academic year.
Introduction to field geology and Dorset fieldtrip
To give students a grounding in the practical and theoretical skills required to perform geological analysis in the field,
students receive at least two days of classroom-based teaching followed by a three day field trip to the Dorset coast.
Field course to southeast Spain
Introduction to the principles of geological fieldwork, including rock and mineral identification, measurement and
interpretation of geological features, and geological mapping. A wide range of rock types and geological features are seen;
these tie in with the other first year modules and allow students to put their existing knowledge into context and to gain
greater confidence in independent work.
Tutorials
Tuition in groups of around four students, focussing on a range of geological topics outside the main syllabus. Essay-writing
and research skills are developed in a series of essay assignments that receive extensive feedback.
Workshops and clinics
Workshops and clinics are held throughout the year on topics such as field safety, field notebook preparation, use of
compass clinometer and rock description to support classes and fieldwork.

Second Year
Applied geophysics
To understand the basic theoretical principles behind potential field, electrical and seismic methods; to be able to describe
how to conduct these geophysical surveys; to process, graphically present and make geological interpretations of these
geophysical data.
Igneous 1
To develop knowledge and understanding in igneous petrology, and to develop skills in describing, classifying and
interpreting the tectonic setting of igneous rocks.
Structural 2

The interpretation of geological maps and sub-surface structure, allowing the structural 3D information extracted to be
used to infer geological histories in case studies of classic areas of geological interest. Use of proprietary structural
modelling software.
Vibrations and waves
To understand the physics of waves with particular emphasis on the properties and behaviours encountered in geophysics
(reflection, refraction, transmission, interference, diffraction, polarisation, attenuation and dispersion).
Sedimentary geology
To understand how sediments are deposited in a range of environments (rivers, shorelines, deep-water, deserts, glaciers
etc.) and be able to interpret sedimentary rocks in context of these depositional processes.
Maths 3 and Maths 4
To extend students' mathematical skills in the areas of vector calculus, partial differential equations and Fourier analysis,
Taylor series. These courses are normally taken by geophysics students.
Numerical Methods 2
To extend students mathematical skills in solving differential equations: the integration of Ordinary Differential Equations
and the integration of Partial Differential equations. Solutions to problems are worked through Python. Taken only by
geophysics students.
Mechanics
To understand the motion of particles and objects, in particular those that deform, such as elastic solids and fluids.
Normally taken by geophysics students only.
Low-temperature geochemistry
The aim is to introduce the fundamental inorganic chemical processes and principles that determine the distribution of
elements in earth materials and environments. The focus is on solutions and low temperature geochemistry, including
dissolution, precipitation and redox reactions.
Metamorphic
To examine different metamorphic settings, recognise important mineral assemblages, the reactions they represent, the
factors controlling their development, and reconstruct pressure-temperature-time histories of metamorphic terrains with
implications for tectonic evolution.
Earth structure and tectonics
Objectives are to study the structure of the interior of the Earth, understand the observations that led to plate tectonic
theory, understand how the plates have moved over time.
Remote sensing and GIS
An introductory course on remote sensing and GIS (geographic information systems). The course aims to provide basic
knowledge of remote sensing principles and essential image processing and GIS skills, for computerised interactive image
interpretation and field use for geological mapping. After completing the course, students should be familiar with the
major remote sensing satellites and datasets.
Structural 3
The aim of this course is to familiarise the student with the mechanical principals governing the deformation of the crust,
including multiple phases of deformation, salt diapirism and the movement of fluids during folding and faulting.
Earth resources
An introduction to energy and mineral deposits, their origin, extraction and use. It will describe petroleum geology and
production. The techniques of surface and underground mining and processing to metals will be covered. Broad
sustainability concepts will be introduced, and a practical exercise on resource estimation and drill planning forms a key
part of this module.
Rocks master class
A refresher course in rock identification to enhance their rock identification skills in a range of geological settings.
Palaeontology
To review the evolution of life on earth, and provide practical experience with identification and interpretation of fossils
(including vertebrate and trace fossils).
Geological field course to the Pyrenees

An 11-day fieldtrip to introduce students to mapping techniques in structurally simple terrain incorporating sedimentary
interpretive techniques in a small-scale fold and thrust belt.
Mapping field course to the Scottish Highlands
A two-week field trip to Kinlochleven and Assynt in the Scottish Highlands to introduce the students to aspects of igneous
and metamorphic geology not yet covered in the field and to train students to analyse complexly deformed regions by the
detailed field mapping and structural analysis in preparation for their independent mapping exercise.
Geophysics course to Morocco and data analysis project.
A twelve day trip to the western Sahara of Morocco introduces students to measurement techniques such as seismic,
ground penetrating radar, resistivity, electrical and gravity. Students start to process data while in the field and complete
the data processing in workshops on return to the department.
Tutorials
In second year students have a series of academic tutorials focussing on the specialist areas of a range of lecturers;
additionally, second year students meet regularly with their personal Tutor to discuss their progress and welfare.

Second year summer term, independent project

All students work on their independent project, currently structured as follows:
Geology: students undertake a 6-week independent mapping project (in pairs) in an agreed location.
Geophysics: students continue with a data-analysis project following on from the 12-day field course in Morocco.
Environmental or desk-based project: for those students unable to undertake the geology or geophysics project, a labbased or desk based project may be offered.
All students submit their main report at the end of autumn term of year 3.

Third and Fourth Years

A range of modules or electives are available for third and fourth year undergraduates in the spring term; some are listed
below. For some students, it is possible to take second-year modules that they have not previously studied, timetable
permitting.
Ice and Fire; Climate Science; Environmental seminars; Biogeochemistry; Environmental geochemistry; Geohazards;
Seismology; Seismic techniques; Ore-forming processes; Hydrogeology and fluid flow 1 & 2; Minerals processing;
Hydrothermal and ore forming processes; Geomorphology; Environmental impact assessment; Environmental and
engineering geology; Coastal engineering; Solid waste management; Palaeo and environmental magnetism; Advanced
igneous petrology 2 & 3; Palaeo-oceanography; Palaeo-climatology; Palaeo-biology; Geomorphology; Remote sensing &
advanced GIS; Physical oceanography; Advanced exploration seismology; Basin analysis; Advanced sedimentology; Basins
and tectonics; Dynamic stratigraphy; Marine stratigraphy; Thermodynamics; Geodynamics; Marine geology and
geophysics; Earth systems; Planetary science; Dynamic Earth 2; Geophysical inversion; Impact cratering; Advanced
programming [C/C++}; Programming in Matlab; Climate Change Controversies; Science communication and more...
Geologists go on field trips to Sardinia (third year) and the Italian Apennines (fourth year); geophysicists may attend the
Apennines or a relevant conference in year 4.
All fourth year students carry out an independent research project into an unsolved geological or geophysical or
environmental problem, developing a deep understanding of the topic; many students go on to publish their results in
internationally acclaimed scientific journals. The project spans 24 weeks and is an excellent showcase for students applying
for jobs or wishing to continue on to study for a PhD.

This document is current for 2014-2015 only and will be subject to change annually.
Lorraine Craig
June 2014