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Free and Open Access talks by UCL Earth Sciences
We offer a number of outreach and taster courses to sixth form students who wish to explore the field of Earth Sciences before joining the university. These courses are designed to get you inspired to broaden your understanding how our planet works, at depth and at the surface, the ideas and principles of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Geography are integrated in the exciting and stimulating studies which make up Earth Sciences. Summer courses give you a taste of university life.
Physics of the Earth, Summer Course
Our knowledge of the Earth from the atmosphere to the core depends on our understanding of the physics that govern our planet, from how material properties change with extreme pressure and temperature, how the mantle while being solid flows, and how we can predict weather and climate. We run a three hour taster course with an introductory lecture about the physical equations that govern the planet, followed by three practical demonstrations covering earthquakes and seismology, plate tectonics and mantle convection, and how to make a weather forecast. You will have the chance to meet both lecturers and graduate students and ask questions about UCL degrees and programs in Earth Sciences.
Course Requirements: This taster course is open to year 11 and 12 students or anyone considering starting their undergraduate studies. You must be studying two of maths, physics, chemistry, biology at A Level (or equivalent) to attend. This course would suit students interested in any of these UCL degree programmes:
- Geophysics
- Earth Sciences
- Geology
Your A level or IB subjects and predicted grades must match the entry requirements for one or more of the UCL degree courses above; refer to the online prospectus for details.
- The Deep Earth, Summer Course
Geology is the science, history and understanding behind the dynamic planet we inhabit today. The Earth has evolved over a period of 4.5 billion years to its current state of calm blue oceans, terrestrial forests and majestic mountains - relics of its’ exciting turbulent developments are found on the surface and deep within the Earth.
Though Earth’s evolution appears to have stopped, it is changing every second of every day. Natural forces rock and redefine the planet daily from earthquakes to volcanic eruptions; Earth is anything but static.
Earth Scientists investigate the planet through a number of approaches including mineralogy, seismology, mineral physics, geodynamics and magnetism. This summer challenge will introduce you to current research taking place in all of these areas giving you an insight into the deep Earth, from crust to core! Practical tasks accompanying lectures will help you to develop a better understanding and visualisation of the composition, structure, dynamics and evolution of the deep Earth.
This course would suit students interested in any of these UCL degree programmes:
Geophysics, Earth Sciences, GeologyYou might be interested in this course if you are currently studying Geography, Chemistry, Geology, Physics, Biology, Environmental Studies
Your A level or IB subjects and predicted grades must match the entry requirements for one or more of the UCL degree courses above; refer to the online prospectus for details. Visit Summer Challenge Courses
- Summer Course: The Earth: from crust to core
Summer Course: The Earth: from crust to core
Spend a day in the Department of Earth Sciences, UCL. You will have the opportunity to learn about the many aspects of Earth Sciences including earthquakes, volcanoes, the dynamics of the Earth's interior, minerals, rocks and fossils, and even the other terrestrial planets of the solar system.
You will also be able to speak to members of the Department, both staff and students, and get a real idea of what it is like to be a student in the Department.
We will hold Practicals and demonstrations and you will get to experience:
- A: Weighing Dinosaurs – Palaeontology research
- B: Earthquakes and seismology – Seismology Lab
- C: Thrusting in a sandbox – Rock Deformation Lab
- D: Fission Tracks – Fission Track Lab
- Learn about being student at UCL Earth Sciences
- Talk with our Professors, Students and Staff
Course Date: to be confirmed
Duration: One day (10am - 4pm)
Subject area/s: Earth Sciences, Environmental Geoscience, Geochemistry, Geology, Geophysics, Palaeontology, Planetary Science
Course Requirements: This taster course is open to year 12 students or anyone considering starting their undergraduate studies in September 2017. You must be studying two of either maths, physics, chemistry, biology, geology or geography at AS/A Level or equivalent to attend this taster course.
To find our more information about our courses please contact Dr Amy Gentry
UCL is committed to widening access to Higher Education and they offer an exciting range of visits, events and programmes for Years 7-13 students and adult learners.