Applied & Environmental Geology BSc(Hons)

Why choose this course?

This course examines the role of geology in the development of natural resources and in the construction and mining industries. It is ideal if you want to explore the applications of geology (eg in civil engineering) and the role that geologists play in the discovery, extraction and environmentally acceptable use of resources such as water, minerals and metals.

Watch a video to find out why you should study at Kingston University:

What will you study?

Years 1 and 2 of the course are shared with the Geology BSc(Hons) degree and provide a sound training in the core theory and skills of the subject. You then cover subjects such as economic geology, engineering geology and hydrogeology, and applied geoscience. Laboratory work and fieldwork, both in the UK and abroad, are a fundamental part of the curriculum.

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list. Those listed here may also be a mixture of core and optional modules.

Year 1

• The Dynamic Earth
• Historical Geology
• Understanding the Environment
• Investigating the Earth and Environment 1
• Hazards, Resources and Society
• Rocks and Minerals
• Geological Structures and Sedimentary Rocks
• Digital Earth

Year 2

• Geoscience Fieldwork and Techniques
• Structural Geology and Tectonics
• Geology of Earth Resources

• Geology of Earth Resources

  This module focuses on the occurrence and distribution of the Earth's physical resources, including gemstones. It explores the geological controls of their evolution and the major theories for their genesis.

  
   
• History of Life
• Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology

• Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology

  This module explores the evolution of the main igneous and metamorphic rock suites. It links fluid processes in the crust related to igneous and metamorphic activity to the evolution of gem and precious metal hosting pegmatites.

  
   
• Exploration and Evaluation Techniques
• Sedimentary Environments and Basins
• Geographical Analysis and Modelling

• Geographical Analysis and Modelling

  This module develops your skills in spatial data analysis and modelling. You also explore:

  • the application of techniques using GIS;
  • methods for the analysis of point patterns, spatially continuous data, area based data, spatial interaction data and networks;
  • issues of data visualisation, exploration and modelling;
  • the philosophy of an applied GIS approach; and
  • uncertainty and limitations
  
   
• Hydrology

Year 3

• Economic Geology
• Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology
• Geoscience Fieldwork
• Water Resource Management
• Independent Mapping Project
• Applied Geoscience
• Geomorphology
• Independent Research Project