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We use a mixture of lectures, practical, laboratory classes, field courses, directed reading, problem-orientated learning, private study and tutorials to enable you to gain the theoretical knowledge and practical skills demanded by the programme you choose to study. You will also develop key transferable skills such as critical analysis, report writing, team working and organisational skills. On average you will be timetabled for around 20 hrs per week and you are expected to spend as much time if not more studying independently.
Taster Lectures:
Courses common to all our undergraduate degree programmes during the first and second years provide core knowledge and understanding of the Earth Sciences. The programmes in Geology, Geophysics and Environmental Geoscience then allow you to follow specific interests, or you may choose to follow a personal choice of options within the broad Earth Sciences programmes. The third year provides opportunities for this specialisation and diversification, with an emphasis on individual initiative and problem-based learning. Fieldwork provides a unique opportunity to develop independent and team skills and problem-solving abilities. Whichever degree you choose, you will normally undertake fieldwork in the UK and mainland Europe. The additional fourth year of the MSci allows for an individual research project and advanced options, providing extra depth and breadth of knowledge.
Academic & Pastoral Support
Student welfare is rooted in the Department, and supported by College structures and facilities. On admission, each student is assigned a Personal Tutor from the academic staff whose rôle is to provide pastoral support and guidance throughout your time at UCL – someone who will get to know your interests and aspirations, and will give you help and guidance as required. Each student is also assigned an Academic Tutor from the academic staff.
Your Academic Tutor will change from year to year, even from term to term, and is linked to support of specific core modules and activities eg the introductory module ‘The Earth’ in the first term of the first year. In the fourth year, for MSci students, your Independent Project supervisor becomes your Academic Tutor. The roles of the Academic and Personal Tutors are described more fully here. UCL offers extensive provisions for Student Welfare.