Learning and teaching
Teaching methods include a combination of formal lectures, ‘hands on’ practical classes and field-based teaching. Laboratory classes, using our extensive teaching collections and petrographic microscopes, develop your understanding of the major groups of rocks, minerals and fossils. Project work often involves use of our world-class analytical mineralogical facilities.
You’ll have on average 18 teaching hours per week and will need to undertake additional hours of private study (assignments, additional project work and associated reading). You should expect your total workload to average about 40 hours per week during term time.
We’re actively engaged in introducing new methods of learning and teaching, including increasing use of interactive computer-based approaches to learning through our virtual learning environment, where the details of all modules are stored in an easily navigable website. Students can access detailed information about modules and learning outcomes and interact through activities such as the discussion forums.
You do not have to travel to Exeter for any of your modules – they are all taught at the Cornwall Campus.
Research-led teaching
We believe that every student benefits from being part of a culture inspired by research and being taught by experts with whom they can discuss the very latest ideas in seminars and tutorials and become actively involved in research.
CSM is an internationally recognised centre for research related to the formation, discovery, extraction and utilisation of the Earth’s natural resources, and subsequent remediation of mine sites. The applied nature of much of the research is indicated by significant international industrial collaboration. The teaching of undergraduate programmes is therefore underpinned by lecturing staff who are experts in their respective fields. We have active research interests in tectonics, sedimentology, igneous petrology, economic geology and environmental mineralogy.
Facilities
The facilities on campus offer state-of-the-art equipment for teaching and research. CSM research facilities include world-class geochemical and mineral analysis laboratories complete with QEMSCAN, a sophisticated scanning electron microscope-based mineralogical assessment system which is a unique facility amongst UK universities. In addition, our analytical suite comprises an electron microprobe, low vacuum scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometer and high quality microscope and imaging facilities. Other areas include a sensor based materials sorting and characterisation facility, mineral processing laboratory and a geomechanics rock and soil testing facility. You will have access to the research facilities in the department throughout your degree, especially during final year project work.
The environment and sustainability
At the University of Exeter, we are committed to producing graduates who have an understanding of both the scientific and the human/social issues which are involved in the vital field of environment and sustainability.
The new Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI) will play in key role in the study experience for all students at the Cornwall Campus. The ESI will give you the opportunity to develop your knowledge about the causes and consequences of environmental change and how to manage its effects, and to work with internationally acclaimed experts who are at the forefront of research in this area. We aim to develop further opportunities for Geology students to develop their knowledge, understanding and interest in sustainability.
