Back to Course List

BSc Environmental Geophysics with a Year in North America ( F665 )

UCAS Course Code:
F665
Duration:
4 years
Attendance:
Full Time
Award:
Degree of Bachelor of Science
School of Study:
Environmental Sciences
Brochure:
School of Environmental Sciences Undergraduate Brochure (PDF)
Typical A-Level Offer:
AAA (including A level Mathematics)

The University of East Anglia in Norwich offers a unique degree in Geophysical Sciences, encompassing not only the solid Earth but the whole Earth system and its interactions, which control our environment. We follow a complete and integrated physical approach to address the environmental issues that threaten our future.

The Year in North America programme involves four years of study with the first two years at UEA following the BSc Geophysical Sciences programme. The third year is spent at a University abroad. You return for your fourth year to UEA and complete the final year modules from the BSc Geophysical Sciences.

The aim of the degree programme is to provide a quantitative, physical understanding of the whole Earth system and the processes that control our environment. The course takes students on a journey of discovery around the Earth studying the skies, seas and the Earth's deep interior and examining the surface to discover how the Earth has developed into what is seen today. Because Geophysics is a broad subject at the intersection of many disciplines, the degree programme is taught within the School of Environmental Sciences to enable students to choose a multidisciplinary path of study. The integrated approach stresses the links between wide-ranging subjects including solid Earth geophysics, meteorology, geophysical modelling, oceanography and geology. The course covers the various environmental threats and their impact on human society.

Links with industry and careers

In addition to the support services provided by the University, UEA’s degree programmes in Geophysical Sciences benefit from our strong links with local and multinational companies, which provide valuable teaching support and sponsor two prizes for students enrolled in the degree programmes. Given the strategic proximity of UEA to the North Sea, all our students are invited to visit the facilities of local geophysical companies including marine geophysics surveying ships and to carry out practical work using industrial data and software.

A report by the British Geophysical Association in 2006 highlighted a national shortage of geophysicists, which is likely to persist or become more pressing in the future. Graduates of UEA’s programmes in Geophysical Sciences easily find employment and have gone to work for various local and multinational companies in the sectors of geophysical exploration and services, geotechnical engineering, risk analysis, environmental consultancy, amongst many others. By doing their undergraduate studies in Geophysical Sciences, students gain a wide range of skills that are highly-prized by employers.

"UEA’s geophysics course is a source of bright, knowledgeable, reliable and adaptable students and employees for Gardline. At a time when graduates with a good geophysics background are becoming harder to find, having the academic excellence of UEA on our doorstep has proved a big advantage."

Roger Birchall Geophysical Manager, Gardline Geosurvey Limited

Field Course Options and facilities

Field courses and practical classes are an integral part of training our geophysical science students. You will be introduced to many different geological environments and learn to use a variety of technological equipment through the wide range of field courses available.

UEA has state of art equipment for teaching and research in Geophysics and has the support of a dedicated technician. Moreover, we use sophisticated computational modelling and massive global data sets to study the source process of earthquakes and to image the Earth's deep interior. We also investigate and advice on the phenomena related to seismic and volcanic hazards and risks including earthquake, volcanic and crustal deformation monitoring and numerate analyses of seismic and volanic hazard, vulnerability and risk.


Dr. Victor Bense

Why choose usEnvironmental science is a rapidly progressing, vibrant and exciting field of study with excellent career prospects in the UK and beyond.

Environmental Science is a modern scientific discipline that will have a profound effect on human society as environmental concerns become paramount at the beginning of the 21st century.

A human population of over 6 billion demands energy, transport, and technology, while climate change threatens the security of the most vulnerable peoples on the planet. Management of pollution and waste is essential to protect human health. Global environment change is eroding the planets biological diversity. Natural hazards threaten infrequent but catastrophic disasters.

Solving these urgent problems requires the expertise of trained environmental scientists. In ENV you will be trained to understand the complex interactions of human society with the bio-geosphere and to provide solutions for enhanced industry and sustainable economies. Inter-disciplinary scientists are needed to communicate the solutions and influence policy at local, national and global scales.

Volcanology, seismology, ecology, conservation, meteorology, oceanography, environmental economics, environmental politics, geochemistry, soil science, climate change and energy resources are just a few of the subjects you could study. Whether you choose to study a broad range of the environmental sciences or specialise in one field, you can be sure that your degree will be challenging and inspiring from beginning to end.

In the 2012 National Student Survey, the School of Environmental Sciences at UEA gained a 96% satisfaction rate, putting the department at joint 5th in the UK, above universities like Southampton and Exeter. Teaching was a particular highlight of the survey, and as a School, Environmental Sciences came in joint 2nd with a rating of 97% satisfaction.

UniStats Information

Compulsory Study (110 credits)

Students must study the following modules for 110 credits:

Name Code Credits
ATMOSPHERE AND OCEAN ENV-1A56 10
DYNAMIC EARTH ENV-1A67 10
FORCES OF NATURE ENV-1A25 10
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES ENV-1A29 20
MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENTISTS 1 ENV-1A61 10
MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENTISTS II ENV-1A62 10
MECHANICS AND MODELLING MTH-1C32 10
PROBABILITY MTH-1C34 10
RESEARCH & FIELD SKILLS 1 ENV-1A41 10
RESEARCH & FIELD SKILLS 2 ENV-1A42K 10

Option A Study (10 credits)

Students will select 10 credits from the following modules:

Name Code Credits
EARTH'S CHEMICAL PROCESSES 1 ENV-1A32 10
EARTH'S CHEMICAL PROCESSES II ENV-1A34 10

Compulsory Study (40 credits)

Students must study the following modules for 40 credits:

Name Code Credits
MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENTISTS III ENV-2A21 20
MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENTISTS IV ENV-2A22 20

Option A Study (60 credits)

Students will select 60 credits from the following modules:

Name Code Credits
EARTH SCIENCE FIELD SKILLS ENV-2A98K 10
EARTH SCIENCE SKILLS ENV-2A96 10
EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTISTS ENV-2B52 10
GEODYNAMICS: EARTH'S ENGINE ENV-2A43 20
GIS SKILLS FOR DISSERTATIONS ENV-2A94 10
METEOROLOGY I ENV-2A23 20
METEOROLOGY II ENV-2A24 20
METEOROLOGY II WITH FIELDCOURSE ENV-2A24K 20
OCEAN CIRCULATION ENV-2A39 20
SOLID EARTH GEOPHYSICS ENV-2A12 20
SOLID EARTH GEOPHYSICS WITH FIELDCOURSE ENV-2A12K 20

Option B Study (20 credits)

Students will select 20 credits from the following modules:

Name Code Credits
APPLIED STATISTICS A CMPC2S10 20
LOW CARBON ENERGY ENV-2A82 20
LOW CARBON ENERGY WITH FIELDCOURSE ENV-2A82K 20
PROGRAMMING FOR NON-SPECIALISTS CMPC2X02 20
SEDIMENTOLOGY ENV-2A25 20
WAVES, TIDES AND SHALLOW WATER PROCESSES ENV-2A40 20

Compulsory Study (120 credits)

Students must study the following modules for 120 credits:

Name Code Credits
YEAR ABROAD IN NORTH AMERICA ENV-2Y1Y 120

Compulsory Study (60 credits)

Students must study the following modules for 60 credits:

Name Code Credits
INDEPENDENT PROJECT ENV-3A91 40
MODELLING ENVIRONMENTAL PROCESSES ENV-3A11 20

Option A Study (20 credits)

Students will select 20 credits from the following modules:

Name Code Credits
CATCHMENT WATER RESOURCES ENV-3A60 20
CLIMATE CHANGE: PHYSICAL SCIENCE BASIS ENV-3A49 20
EARTHQUAKE AND VOLCANIC HAZARDS ENV-3A04 20
EARTHQUAKE AND VOLCANIC HAZARDS WITH FIELDCOURSE ENV-3A04K 20
FOSSIL FUEL ENV-3A33 20
GEOSCIENCES FIELDCOURSE ENV-3A57K 20
PALAEOCLIMATOLOGY ENV-3A58 20

Option B Study (20 credits)

Students will select 20 credits from the following modules:

Name Code Credits
ALGEBRA MTH-2C3Y 20
ANALYSIS MTH-2C1Y 20
AQUATIC ECOLOGY ENV-2A01 20
AQUATIC ECOLOGY (CW) ENV-2A01C 20
ASYMPTOTIC ANALYSIS MTH-3E37 20
ASYMPTOTIC ANALYSIS (CW) MTH-3E37C 20
ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY AND GLOBAL CHANGE ENV-2A37 20
ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY AND GLOBAL CHANGE (CW) ENV-2A37C 20
CHEMICAL OCEANOGRAPHY ENV-2A45 20
CLIMATE CHANGE HISTORY, ECONOMICS AND GOVERNANCE (CW) ENV-2A09C 20
CLIMATE CHANGE SCIENCE AND POLICY ENV-2A09 20
COMBINATORICS MTH-2G40 10
CRYPTOGRAPHY MTH-2G27 10
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS MTH-2C41 10
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS (CW ONLY) MTH-2C41C 10
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS AND ALGORITHMS MTH-2C4Y 20
DYNAMICAL OCEANOGRAPHY MTH-3E48 20
EARTH AND LIFE ENV-3A38 20
EARTH SCIENCE FIELD SKILLS ENV-2A98K 10
EARTH SCIENCE SKILLS ENV-2A96 10
EARTH SYSTEM GEOCHEMISTRY ENV-2A30 20
EARTHQUAKE AND VOLCANIC HAZARDS ENV-3A04 20
EARTHQUAKE AND VOLCANIC HAZARDS WITH FIELDCOURSE ENV-3A04K 20
ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM MTH-3E74 20
EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTISTS ENV-2B52 10
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY ENV-2A92 10
ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS AND POLICY MAKING ENV-2A06 20
FLUIDS AND SOLIDS MTH-2C2Y 20
FREE SURFACE FLOWS MTH-3D77 20
GALOIS THEORY MTH-3E21 20
GEODYNAMICS: EARTH'S ENGINE ENV-2A43 20
GEODYNAMICS: EARTH'S ENGINE (CW) ENV-2A43C 20
GIS SKILLS FOR DISSERTATIONS ENV-2A94 10
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE ENV-3A20 20
GRAPH THEORY MTH-3E23 20
HISTORY OF MATHEMATICS MTH-3D71 20
HISTORY OF MATHEMATICS (CW) MTH-3D71C 20
HYDROLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY ENV-2A65 20
HYDROLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY (CW) ENV-2A65C 20
INTERACTIONS AND POPULATIONS ENV-2A35 20
INTERACTIONS AND POPULATIONS (CW) ENV-2A35C 20
LOW CARBON ENERGY ENV-2A82 20
LOW CARBON ENERGY WITH FIELDCOURSE ENV-2A82K 20
MARINE SCIENCES FIELDCOURSE ENV-2A47K 20
MATHEMATICAL MODELLING MTH-2G47 10
MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENTISTS III ENV-2A21 20
MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENTISTS III (CW) ENV-2A21C 20
MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENTISTS IV ENV-2A22 20
MATHEMATICS MINIPROJECT MTH-2M01 10
MATHEMATICS MINIPROJECT MTH-2M02 10
METEOROLOGY ENV-2A23C 20
METEOROLOGY I ENV-2A23 20
METEOROLOGY II ENV-2A24 20
METEOROLOGY II WITH FIELDCOURSE ENV-2A24K 20
NUMBER THEORY MTH-3E56 20
OCEAN CIRCULATION ENV-2A39 20
OCEAN CIRCULATION (CW) ENV-2A39C 20
QUANTUM MECHANICS MTH-2G50 10
RESEARCH SKILLS FOR SOCIAL SCIENTISTS ENV-2A90 10
SEDIMENTOLOGY ENV-2A25 20
SEDIMENTOLOGY (CW) ENV-2A25C 20
SET THEORY MTH-3E18 20
SOIL ENVIRONMENTS AND PROCESSES (CW) ENV-2A27C 20
SOIL PROCESSES AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ENV-2A27 20
SOLID EARTH GEOPHYSICS ENV-2A12 20
SOLID EARTH GEOPHYSICS WITH FIELDCOURSE ENV-2A12K 20
STATISTICAL MECHANICS MTH-3E64 20
THE LEARNING & TEACHING OF MATHEMATICS MTH-3T01 10
WAVES, TIDES AND SHALLOW WATER PROCESSES ENV-2A40 20
YEAR ABROAD IN EUROPE ENV-2Y2Y 120
YEAR ABROAD IN NORTH AMERICA ENV-2Y1Y 120
YEAR IN AUSTRALASIA ENV-2Y4Y 120
YEAR IN AUSTRALIA MTH-3X4Y 120
YEAR IN INDUSTRY ENV-2Y5Y 100
YEAR IN NORTH AMERICA MTH-3X3Y 120

Free Choice Study (20 credits)

Students will select modules worth 20 credits from the course catalogue with the approval of their School

Disclaimer

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules and regular (five-yearly) review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff or sabbatical leave. Where this is the case, the University will endeavour to inform students.

Year Abroad

At the School of Environmental Sciences, UEA, Norwich we can offer you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to spend a year of your studies abroad.

The year abroad degree programmes are four years in duration. You will spend your first two years at UEA, Norwich. The third year is spent at a university (of your choice) abroad and the fourth and final year is spent back at UEA, Norwich. The overseas placement is subject to satisfactory academic performance during Years 1 and 2. Students on an exchange programme will be expected to pay 15% of their annual tuition fee to UEA during their year abroad and we will pay the overseas university.

The chance to spend a year abroad can be an experience of a lifetime as well as providing you with:
  • Travel opportunities
  • The opportunity to learn a second language
  • The chance to experience different cultures
  • The chance to study topics that we cannot provide here at UEA
Students on the North America exchange programme have the option to spend one year of their studies in either the USA or Canada. We currently exchange with a wide range of institutions (listed below). We will do our best to place you at the exchange university of your choice, however if the demand for a particular university exceeds the places available, you will be placed elsewhere.

Entry Requirements

A Level:
AAA (including A level Mathematics)
International Baccalaureate:
34 (incl 3 HL subjects at grade 6, to include HL Maths)
Scottish Highers:
AAAAA (including Maths)
Scottish Advanced Highers:
AAA (including Maths)
Irish Leaving Certificate:
AAAAAA (including Maths)
Access Course:
See below
European Baccalaureate:
85% overall (including Maths)

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

  • IELTS: 6. overall (minimum 5.5 in any component)
  • TOEFL: Internet-based score of 78 overall (minimum 20 in Speaking component, 17 in Writing and Listening components and 18 in Reading components.
  • PTE: 55 overall (minimum 51 in any component).

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Interviews

The majority of candidates will not be called for an interview. However, for some students an interview will be requested. These are normally quite informal and generally cover topics such as your current studies, reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and extra-curricular activities.

Gap Year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and may wish to contact the appropriate Admissions Office directly to discuss this further.

Special Entry Requirements

A level Mathematics or equivalent.

General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.

Intakes

The School's annual intake is in September of each year.

Alternative Qualifications

We encourage you to apply if you have alternative qualifications equivalent to our stated entry requirement. Please contact us for further information.

Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 45 credits at Level 3, including 12 Level 3 Maths credits.

GCSE Offer

Students are required to have Mathematics and English at minimum of Grade C or above at GCSE Level.

Fees and Funding

 

Undergraduate University Fees

We are committed to ensuring that Tuition Fees do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds.  Full time UK/EU students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £9,000.  The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases.  Full time International students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £14,400.  The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases.

Year Abroad Fees

For Home/EU students opting for a  Year Abroad the tuition fee is currently £1,350.  The Year Abroad tuition fee will be subject to an  annual increase. International Students are required to pay 25% of their annual tuition fee to UEA during their year Abroad and will be calculated based on the current tuition fee for that year.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Home/EU - The University of East Anglia offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships.  To check if you are eligible please visit http://www.uea.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/finance/university-financial-support      

International Students -  The University offers around £1 million of Scholarships each year to support International students in their studies. Scholarships are normally awarded to students on the basis of academic merit and are usually for the duration of the period of study.    Our University international pages gives you more details about preparation for studying with us, including Fees and Funding http://www.uea.ac.uk/international



Applications need to be made via the Universities Colleges and Admissions Services (UCAS), using the UCAS Apply option.

UCAS Apply is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time Undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom. It is made up of different sections that you need to complete. Your application does not have to be completed all at once. The system allows you to leave a section partially completed so you can return to it later and add to or edit any information you have entered. Once your application is complete, it must be sent to UCAS so that they can process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.

The UCAS code name and number for the University of East Anglia is EANGL E14.

Further Information

If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances with the Admissions Office prior to applying please do contact us:

Undergraduate Admissions Office (Environmental Sciences)
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk

Please click here to register your details online via our Online Enquiry Form.

International candidates are also actively encouraged to access the University's International section of our website.