The section presents the structure of the programme in relation to
the University???s Curriculum Framework. It must include:
- SQCF credit points and levels for each constituent course
and each year of the programme
- Entry requirements, including requirements for second-year
entry where applicable
- Progression requirements
- An explanation of the articulation of learning outcomes and
assessment practices
- Modes of study
- Exit awards available at the completion of specific stages
of the programme
If not provided earlier in the programme specification,
information needs to be included on relevant factors from the
University???s Strategy 2030, e.g. embedding in the curriculum
factors of:
- social and civic responsibility
- sustainability
- equality and diversity.
The BSc (Hons) Earth Science and Physical Geography degree is a
4-year (3-year if following the accelerated programme) joint
degree between the Earth Sciences and Geography programmes.
Applicants who meet the criteria can enter directly into Year 2 by
following the accelerated programme. Assessment is by a
combination of project work, coursework and examination. The
degree programme, which allows seamless changes to Environmental
Geoscience and Earth Sciences after year one, with the possibility
for changes up until the end of year two, will be accredited by
either the Geological Society of London or the Committee of
Heads of Environmental Sciences (CHES), which is the
education committee of the Institute of Environmental Sciences.
All four years consist of core courses with a choice of optional
courses. Appropriately qualified students can leave at the end of
the 1st, 2nd or 3rd years with an Undergraduate Certificate of
Higher Education, an Undergraduate Diploma of Higher Education or
an Ordinary degree respectively. The curriculum is shown below.
1st year: The Dynamic Earth (20 credits), Interpreting the
Geological Record (20 credits), Earth Science Data Analysis 1 (20
credits), Physical Geography (20 credits), option courses (40
credits of Level 7 and 8 courses in Schedules A-Q, T, W and Y).
2nd year: Earth Science Data Analysis 2 (20 credits), Earth
Materials: From Atoms to Planets (20 credits), Rock-forming
processes (20 credits), Field Skills for Earth Science and
Physical Geography (20 credits), choice of 1)
Geomorphology OR 2) Global Change (20 credits), option course (20
credits of Level 7 and 8 courses in Schedules A-Q, T, W and Y).
3rd year: Research Design for Physical Geographers (20 credits),
Physical Geography Year 3 Field Course - Spain (20 credits), choice
of
1) Tectonic Analysis of Rocks and Regions OR Sediment Fluxes on a
Dynamic Earth (20 credits), option courses (60 credits of Level 9
or 10 GeoScience courses [including Geography and Earth Science
courses]).
4th year: Dissertation in Earth Science and Physical Geography (40
credits), Applied Field Methods and Practice (20 credits),
option courses (60 credits of Level 10 GeoScience courses
[including Geography and Earth Science courses], with up to 30
credits at Level 11).
5th year: Advanced Earth and Environmental Sciences Research
Project (60 credits), Research Skills for Earth Scientists (20
credits), MEarthSci Field Training (20 credits), option courses
(20 credits)
This programme is one of a family of related programmes organised
by the School of GeoSciences (Earth Science, Environmental
Geosciences, several Geophysics degrees). Pre-honours
courses and some Level 10/11 option courses are open to other
Schools and the Edinburgh Futures Institute to widen choice
throughout the University. Each student is allocated a Cohort Lead
who will provide guidance and support throughout their time at
University. Students can apply to spend their 3rd year at
one of the many overseas Universities that are part of the
University???s International Exchange Scheme. Students are assisted
to gain professional experience during vacation time.
Exit points: Year 5- MearthSci; Year 4 - BSc (Hons); Year 3 - BSc;
Year 2 - Diploma of Higher Education; Year 1 - Certificate of
Higher Education.
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