MSci Geology

CGE1405B: Earth System Science

The Earth consists of a series of interacting natural systems (lithosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, biosphere, atmosphere). The interactions between these systems, called feedbacks, are central to analysing the functioning of major aspects of the Earth, such as climate, sea level and biotic evolution. This way of looking at our world is also critical in analysing the human impact on the Earth system and identifying management strategies to mitigate, remediate or predict geological and environmental hazards and impacts, and in identifying resources. This module is therefore about connectedness and the development of an approach to understanding the Earth that emphasises the connections between the components rather than the components themselves. This module requires no prior skills or experience and is particularly suitable for interdisciplinary pathways.

This module aims to:

• Explore our understanding of Earth origins, the evolution of the solar system, of the ocean, the biosphere and the atmosphere.
• Introduce natural systems theory.
• Identify the Earth’s component natural systems and the Earth’s climate system, its forcings and feedbacks.
• Describe plate tectonics and the role of the internal system in determining or controlling rock formation, the sedimentary cycle, the carbon cycle, Earth surface landforms (geomorphology), oceanic gateways and barriers, biotic evolution.
• Analyse orbital and gravitational controls on the Earth: tides, days, seasons, years.
• Explore the influence of tides on the timing and rate of Earth-moon separation.
• Describe solar variability and its impact on Earth climate.
• Describe the Earth’s radiation balance, atmospheric and oceanic circulation and their role in redistributing heat around the Earth.
• Analyse interactions between the hydrosphere and the cryosphere.
• Identify and describe major biogeochemical cycles, in particular the carbon cycle.
• Explore the causes of major climatic changes through geological time.
• Discuss the evolution of hominids and the interactions of humanity with the Earth system.t

The module will involve a fieldwork component involving an investigation of evidence for sea-level change on the Cornish coastline.

This module will help you to develop and extend your awareness of the importance of taught and learnt skills in strengthening employability potential, especially through the application of critical analytical skills (review of scientific literature, simple calculations) to a range of contemporary global challenges, notably climate change and geoengineering. More generally, through attending the fieldwork and weekly lectures, alongside your own independent learning, you will develop the following academic and professional skills:

• fundamental problem solving (linking theory to practice with academic guidance), collaboration (learning about the views and values of others), and audience awareness (presenting ideas effectively, persuading others of the importance and relevance of your views, responding positively and effectively to questions).

The teaching contributions on this module involve elements of research undertaken by staff, such as work on sea-level change (Scourse). Moreover, you are encouraged to undertake enquiry-led learning, specifically through the field component.

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CSM1031: Earth and Environmental Chemistry

A sound appreciation of chemistry is relevant for understanding the environment we live in and the challenges we face. This module starts with an exploration of atomic structure, highlighting how atoms are classified in the Periodic Table of Elements and linking this to fundamental concepts in chemistry, including thermodynamics, kinetics, pH and redox. The distribution of chemicals in natural systems is addressed, emphasising the role and types of chemical reactions in different environments and methods for their detection and analytical characterisation. Aims of the module:

- To gain an understanding of atomic structure;

- To gain an understanding of atoms in materials;

- To gain an understanding of chemical reactions;

- To gain an understanding of chemical analysis;

- To gain an understanding of fundamental principles of thermodynamics;

- To gain an understanding of chemical transformations in aqueous environments;

- To gain an understanding of chemical laboratory and analytical practice;

- To gain an understanding of the major mechanisms which govern the mobility, fate and remediation of environmental chemical pollutants

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CSM1036: Field Geology and Geological Maps

Welcome to the module CSM1036 Field Geology and Geological Maps. We pride ourselves on delivering a robust programme of field-based training throughout your degree, enabling you to become competent a field geologist. The ability to identify, record and understand geological data in the field is a fundamental skill for a geologist. Geological maps provide a robust and functional way of presenting geological data allowing greater 3D visualisation of the underlying geology. This enhances interpretations of geological processes and promotes an understanding how focussed data collection can allow hypothesis testing.

This practical-based module focusses on developing your skills with measuring and recording geological observations in the field. It also requires you to utilise skills developed in other modules (CSM1042 Dynamic Planet, CSM1043 Crystallography, Mineralogy and Gemstones, and CSM1044 Earth History and Palaeontology) to start interpreting those observations and focus hypothesis-driven fieldwork. You will also develop skills with geological mapping techniques. This will involve learning how to read and interpret geological maps and visualise geology in 3D. You will also learn how to make a geological map in the field.

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CSM1041: Quantitative Methods for Geoscientists

Mathematics and data are at the heart of all science and engineering subjects: we create mathematical models to understand and predict the behaviour of physical systems and we use mathematics to understand data and make precise, quantitative statements about the world. Provided at least a good grade at GCSE level mathematics, this module takes students of all levels of experience or confidence and brings them up to a level required to use mathematics as a tool in their other chosen pathways and modules.

This module aims to:

1. provide a solid foundation in key areas of mathematics;
2. develop your quantitative reasoning skills in the context of the geosciences;
3. develop your appreciation for the role of mathematical modelling and the complexity of mathematical issues in the geosciences.

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CSM1042: Dynamic Planet

In lectures you will learn about the origin and internal structure of the Earth, plate tectonics, and the formation, classification and applied significance of minerals, igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks and geological structures. In practicals you will gain hands-on experience of minerals, igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks minerals and rocks and introductory geological maps.

This module is recommended for interdisciplinary pathways.

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CSM1043: Crystallography, Mineralogy and Gemstones

Mineralogy is the study of minerals, focusing on their chemical composition, internal crystal structure, and physical properties. Minerals are the fundamental building blocks of the Earth and are essential for identifying rocks and reconstructing the history and conditions under which rocks formed. This module is a core component of Geology, and the ability to describe and identify minerals is a vital skill for all geologists. The skills developed in this course will be used throughout your geology degree.

There are no formal prerequisites for this module, although prior study of introductory geology and chemistry is advantageous. A background in science subjects is beneficial, but the module is also suitable for non-specialist students and those on interdisciplinary pathways.

The module aims to develop your understanding of crystals and common rock-forming minerals, while providing practical experience in recognising minerals in both hand specimens and thin sections.

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CSM1044: Earth History and Palaeontology

In this module you will learn why an understanding of stratigraphical and palaeontological principles is central to understanding Earth’s history and the rock record. You will examine the stratigraphic toolbox available to geologists, and how you can apply it to understand geological events in the past, including plate tectonics, climate change, the origin of life on Earth and its evolution through time. You will explore the key fossil groups and how their occurrence in rocks is used to date the geological record, to determine past environmental conditions and to improve our understanding of a range of fascinating time periods including Snowball Earth, mass extinctions and the palaeoecology of ancient animal communities.

The aim of this module is to introduce students to Earth history, the evolution of life on Earth and the principles of stratigraphy, and the application of both stratigraphy and palaeontology in geoscience.

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CSM1904: CSM Professionalism Year 1

The aim of the sessions this academic year is to support students' transition to higher education and ensure they understand the support available to them, including how and where to access it. The module builds on the CSM introduction activities during Welcome Week. Sessions will help to foster a sense of academic belonging and community within the broader department. Additional module aims include the acquisition or strengthening of certain key skills that will support their learning in other modules. An introduction to career support and post-graduation possibilities, and the expectations of professional life, will also be provided.

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CSM2182: Structural Geology and Tectonics

In studying Structural Geology and Tectonics you will gain an understanding of how geological structures, such as joints, faults, foliations and folds, form during deformation of the Earth's crust in a variety of tectonic regimes. You will learn how to identify geological structures and record their orientations and use stereonet software to summarise and analyse these data. You will also learn why geological structures are important controls on resource and engineering geology as well as providing an insight into regional tectonic evolution. Teaching comprises a mixture of lectures and practical classes plus skills-orientated field classes based upon the Upper Palaeozoic tectonic evolution of west Cornwall.

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CSM2183: Sedimentology and Stratigraphy

This module will provide the fundamentals of sedimentology, tracing the physical and sedimentary processes from source terrain to sedimentary rock. You will review depositional sedimentary environments and the observations required to infer these from sedimentary successions. Practical work will include optical microscopy and hand specimen description. A central part of the module is a six-day field course to the Wessex Basin of southern England where your ability to describe and interpret sedimentary rocks in the field will be developed. You will also learn about the principal techniques used to date, correlate, and interpret the origin of sedimentary strata. In this module you will learn how fossils, stable isotopes, orbital cycles, rock magnetic properties and geophysical or geochemical logs can be combined to provide an integrated understanding of how we date rocks and how sediments are deposited. In addition, you will be introduced to sedimentary basins and the stratigraphic methods used to reconstruct their depositional histories.

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CSM2184: Geological Mapping Techniques

This field based module is made up of three key components that focus on the geology of NW Scotland and the Isle of Skye.

• It combines lecture with a residential field course and allows students to develop their independent mapping and geological interpretation skills.
• Develop an understanding of the regional geology of NW Scotland and Skye; students cover this in a series of lectures ahead of the field course.The module develops core field geology skills, focusing on geological mapping as a fundamental method of collecting and presenting geological data.
• Students spend 8 days mapping on Skye (or similar location in NW Scotland) and produce 3 geological maps of three different locations, and a geological cross-section as part of their assessed field course.
• Students learn mapping techniques, and ArcGIS digitisation to produce professional geological maps.
• Students integrate knowledge of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks to interpret geological processes and build coherent geological models.
• Emphasis is placed on safe, professional field practice, teamwork, independence, and building confidence in field-based work.
• This module is key to preparing students for independent mapping and forms part of their professional development.

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CSM2190: Geophysics

This module will introduce the fundamental concepts, techniques and results of applied geophysics. If you have ever wondered why graphite deposits can be mistaken for sulphide ores in geophysical surveys, what the best methods are to detect subsurface oil/gas reservoirs on land or at sea, how we can use micro-variations in gravity to delineate cave systems, or what the best geophysical techniques for mineral exploration or volcano monitoring are, this course is for you. The course is recommended as a valuable theoretical background to many subsequent and parallel modules, and will include a science communication project.

The aim of this module is to introduce and demonstrate a variety of geophysical methods that are used to investigate the Earth’s subsurface, with applications for natural resource exploration, monitoring natural hazards, archaeology, and engineering site investigations. Their underpinning physics will be explained, as well as their respective advantages and limitations.

The module develops problem-solving, science communication and team-work abilities and equips students with basic computer programming and computational geoscience skills. The transferable skills and content developed during this module will be applicable for later modules and research projects, as well as industry, with particular relevance for resource exploration (minerals and hydrocarbons) and environmental/engineering site investigations.

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CSM2327: Igneous and Metamorphic Geology

This module will provide you with the tools you need to characterise and record the geological materials that form as a result of magmatic and metamorphic processes. You will describe and identify igneous and metamorphic minerals and rocks in hand specimen and thin section. We will place this learning in a tectonic context, to provide some understanding of where and why the rocks form. Field classes will allow students to apply their theoretical learning in a real-world setting.

This module can be suitable for non-specialist students, but some prior knowledge of geology is recommended. This module is compulsory for Geology, Resource and Exploration, Engineering Geology and Geotechnics and Environmental Geoscience students. It provides the foundation for a number of 3rd year modules, including CSM3070 Volcanology.

The module introduces you to igneous and metamorphic products and their plate tectonic context. The module develops the skills that will enable you to describe, identify and classify igneous and metamorphic rocks. You will consider the characteristics of igneous and metamorphic rocks in a mineralogical context.

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CSM2328: Igneous and Metamorphic Processes

This module will provide you with the tools you need to interpret the mechanisms of formation of rocks that form as a result of magmatic, metamorphic and metasomatic processes. As such, you will become familiar with the fundamental principles underpinning geochemistry, phase diagrams and thermodynamics, as applied to igneous, metamorphic and hydrothermal systems. You will use this learning to reconstruct quantitatively the crystallization history of igneous rocks and the processes and environments of metamorphism. Field classes will allow you to ‘see’ these processes ‘frozen’ into the rock record.

This module is suitable for students specialising in geological subjects and will develop transferable skills. It will provide the foundation for the Year 3 15-credit modules: CSM3046 Mineral Deposit Geology, CSM3151 Exploration Techniques, CSM3070 Volcanology, CSM3048 Applied Field Geology and CSM3416 International Field Class.

The module introduces you to the techniques used to interpret the petrogenesis (history of formation) of igneous and metamorphic rocks and develops the skills needed that will enable you to reconstruct magmatic and metamorphic systems from source through to crystallization or recrystallization and alteration.

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CSM2904: CSM Professionalism Year 2

This module follows on from the year one CSM1904 module, and will continue to foster a sense of academic belonging and community within the broader department. The content will support students in developing their own research interests and preparing for their dissertation projects. The module will continue to provide career support and guidance, including on developing networking and application skills, and on emphasising professional conduct in the workplace. It will draw on the experience of staff, UoE support services and external visitors. The module will also facilitate the acquisition or strengthening of certain key skills that will support their learning in other modules.

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CSM3047: GIS for Geologists

This module introduces you to the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in geology. This is an essential requirement for accreditation and an important skill for geological employment. The software you will use includes ArcGIS Pro but may introduce other packages. This module trains you to produce high quality cartographic outputs and GIS databases that can be used to inform decision making.

The aim of the module is to provide you with a practical introduction to Geographical Information Systems and Science for use as a Geoscientist. You will build on the introductory GIS skills that you have gained from the CSM2184. This module will develop your ability to use core GIS skills, concepts, and techniques in a range of applied scenarios enabling you to assess, quantify and test the significance of patterns and spatial relationships of environmental and geological features.

Lectures integrate within the Practical sessions which are progressive and build on your skills to increase your independence in problem solving.

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CSM3070: Volcanology

Volcanoes are geological powerhouses and an important geohazard. By studying their geological products and physical behaviour, we can not only learn about the engine room of Earth's interior but also how to protect populations threatened by them. To learn how volcano research can be used in this way, this module will look at a variety of volcano-related subjects, ranging from volcano monitoring and volcanic risk reduction, through physical, social and geological volcanology, to how volcanology interacts with climatology, petrology and natural resources. You will participate in lectures, seminars, and practical sessions to teach you about the state-of-the-art theory of volcano science and their practical applications.

Pre-requisites for this module are CSM327 Igneous and Metamorphic Geology. There are no co-requisites. This module may be suitable for non-specialist students or interdisciplinary pathways.

This module aims to introduce and explore the processes that drive volcanic eruptions and their impacts on lives, livelihoods and the environment. You will investigate how volcanoes work, and develop an understanding of the physics of volcanic processes, starting from magma generation and the birth of a volcano, through magma ascent and eruption style, to volcanic hazards, impacts of eruptions and risk mitigation. Social and cultural concerns will also be considered as these drive volcanologists to protect communities at risk.

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CSM3072: Climate Change: Past and Future

This module will provide a broad introduction to Earth’s climate system, past and present, and will equip you with the tools used to study the geologic record for evidence of past environmental and climatic change. You will learn to interpret and critically evaluate the evidence for a varied range of important past changes in Earth’s climate over the last 66 million years, guided by current internationally important research. You will learn about the importance of oceans in the Earth system, and about how climate and the carbon-cycle interact on a variety of time and spatial scales. You will learn how the Earth’s climate has changed both very slowly over million-year timescales, and occasionally shifted very dramatically over much shorter hundred to thousand year timescales. You will examine the influence of external orbital forcing on the climate and carbon-cycle throughout the Cenozoic. You will learn about the impact of recent human activities on Earth’s climate and about the implications of anthropogenic activities for future climate.

- To provide an introduction to the workings of Earth’s modern climate system (ocean-atmosphere-biosphere-cryosphere) with a particular emphasis on the role of the carbon cycle in regulating climatic change;

- To equip you with knowledge of the tools used by geologists to reconstruct past changes in Earth’s climate;

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CSM3416: International Field Class

This module provides an opportunity to examine an outstanding area of geology famous for its tectonic, volcanic, sedimentological and/or geological evolution. The destination varies but will typically be Spain, Cyprus, Ireland, Italy, Portugal or Tenerife. Depending on the location, you may learn about: (i) geohazards, including their deposits and monitoring, (ii) geothermal and hydrothermal processes, (iii) sedimentary and climatic processes, (iv) palaoenvironments and depositional settings, (v) tectonic landscape evolution and/or (vi) applied, environmental or georesource aspects of the geosciences, integrating knowledge from across the modules covered during your course.

To participate in this module, you need to have studied year 1 and 2 of BSc/MGeol/MSci Geology, Resource and Exploration Geology, Environmental Geoscience, Engineering Geology and Geotechnics (or equivalent). This module is not suitable for non-specialist students or interdisciplinary pathways.

The aim of this module is to develop an integrated approach to the study of geology in field-based settings. This module brings together subject areas that have been taught during the first, second and third year of the study program. We will investigate the interaction of tectonic, geological and climatic processes, and how these sculpt the world around us. The module aims to develop communication and interpersonal skills that will be essential for a successful future career.

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CSM3417: Dissertation Project

The Dissertation Project is principally an independent project, designed to give you the opportunity to put into practice the specific and transferable skills you have developed during your degree to date. It will allow you to demonstrate your ability to devise, organise and undertake independent project work that involves the collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation of primary geological data (or equivalent data from a discipline that overlaps with geology).

The module is undertaken by all undergraduate (BSc and MSci) Geology, Resource and Exploration Geology, and Engineering Geology and Geotechnics students. Project work is carried out in the summer months of Year 2, with data analysis, interpretation, and write-up in Term 1 Year 3 and submission at the start of Term 2 of Year 3.

There are three main pathways you can choose from according to your preference:

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CSM3904: CSM Professionalism Year 3

This module follows on from the years one and two (CSM1904 and CSM2904) modules. It will continue to foster a sense of academic belonging and community within the broader department. The main aim of these sessions is to support students during their final year and prepare them for the next stage of their careers. This includes building an understanding of professional accreditation and bodies, and further support with successfully applying for graduate jobs. The concepts covered will complement individual tutorials, which will provide an opportunity for students to reflect, discuss and track their individual journey with their tutors.

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CSM3046: Mineral Deposit Geology

This module aims to equip you with knowledge on the nature and formation of ore deposits and industrial minerals. During the practical sessions you will study hand specimens and drill core containing ore minerals, and associated maps, to determine the characteristics and mode of origin of the ore deposits being studied.

This module is concerned with the study of the more important metalliferous and industrial minerals deposits. Attention is given to their general geological characteristics and the controls on their formation. Practical training is given in techniques for recording geological data pertaining to mineral deposits.

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CSM3061: Energy Resource Geology

Energy underpins modern society, but the ways we extract, store, and transition between energy sources create major geological, environmental, and societal challenges. This module introduces the geological frameworks used to understand and evaluate energy resources and subsurface energy technologies, spanning conventional and unconventional hydrocarbons, coal, carbon capture and storage (CCS), geothermal systems, and the geological supply of critical raw materials that enable low-carbon technologies. The emphasis is on how stratigraphy, sedimentology, palaeontology, and structural geology are applied to real subsurface problems, and how geoscientists assess uncertainty, risk, and environmental impact in energy decision-making.

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CSM3152: Hydrogeology

In this module you will learn about the fundamentals of the hydrologic cycle, surface water and groundwater. The module will introduce a wide knowledge base delivered through a traditional mix of lectures and practical classes, along with field, laboratory, and software demonstrations. Application of knowledge to engineering problems will be embedded through weekly problem sheets.

The module introduces key aspects of local and regional hydrogeology. We start by looking at how water fits into the global cycle, followed by process controlling the behaviour of surface water, and how rivers and groundwater interact. The course introduces fundamental hydraulic controls on flow of water through geological media. We look at aspects of porosity, permeability and hydraulic conductivity as properties of geological media and how they vary with length scale. We look at how we can describe and quantify material properties through laboratory tests. This is then re-examined in the context of radial flow to wells, with an emphasis on comparing and evaluating different methods of analysis. How we understand and estimate transmissivity and storage from these tests is explored.

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CSM3409: Politics, Mining and Sustainable Development

This module covers the vital industry issues of corporate social responsibility, social license to operate, stakeholder engagement, health & safety and political & environmental factors that affect mining decisions. The module explores how environmental impact is measured, monitored and controlled, and what sustainability means in the context of mining. It also explores international and local mining legislation, expectations of local people in mining regions, and the long- and short-term impacts of mining on a local and national scale with a particular focus on the social, economic and environmental impacts of mine closure. The module covers the key aspects of health and safety management that future managers, engineers and scientists will need to know and find useful in their future lives and careers.

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CSM3415: Surveying and Digital Mapping

This module is intended to build upon your previous introduction to surveying, expanding your capabilities. It is intended that you will focus on the practical aspects of surveying most relevant to the areas of industry that geologists are most likely to be engaged with. The module will balance theory with practical exercises.

The module aims to underpin theoretical knowledge with an understanding of practical applications, with the intention that you will be able to demonstrate capabilities that will enhance your employability.  Teaching will be provided by staff with extensive experience of surveying in industry.

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CSM3418: Evolution of a Liveable Planet

Earth scientists interpret the geological record using process-based reasoning, linking evidence preserved in rocks, fossils and geochemical archives to physical, chemical and biological processes operating on Earth (and other planets) today. In a world of rapid environmental change, this “present–past” logic is increasingly paired with a “past–future” question: what do deep-time tipping points tell us about the planet’s possible trajectories now and in the future? This module revisits the Principle of Uniformitarianism in its modern sense, not as “everything is slow and steady,” but as a disciplined commitment to testable mechanisms, while recognising that rates, magnitudes and boundary conditions can change dramatically.

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CSMM423: Year 4 Fieldclass

This module is an advanced research-led field-based course that provides an opportunity to investigate in-depth an area of geology. The destination varies but will typically be Spain, Cyprus, Italy, Portugal or Tenerife. Depending on the location, you may focus on: (i) geohazards, including their deposits and monitoring, (ii) geothermal and hydrothermal processes, (iii) sedimentary and climatic processes, (iv) palaoenvironments and depositional settings (v) tectonic landscape evolution, and/or (vi) applied, environmental or georesource aspects of the geosciences. You will examine how tectonic, climatic and geological processes interact, how they have influenced and continue to influence environment and society, and encounter examples of how such processes are recorded for research and monitoring purposes.

The aim of this module is to develop the independent field-based research skills of the student so they are comfortable planning and producing original field-based work. The goals that underpin this overall aim and the field course in general relate to the possible themes that will be explored, i.e., (i) geohazards, including their deposits and monitoring, (ii) geothermal and hydrothermal processes, (iii) sedimentary and climatic processes, (iv) palaoenvironments and depositional settings, (v) tectonic landscape evolution, and/or (vi) applied, environmental or georesource aspects of the geosciences.

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CSMM439: Research Project

This module content is based on the chosen area of independent research. The project topic can be on any aspect of the syllabus relating to the chosen MSci Programme of study.

To undertake an independent research project associated with any aspect of geology.

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CSMM440: Research Frontiers in Earth Science

In this module you will gain an appreciation of how to critically analyse research methods, data collection, balanced argument and weighing of the evidence. This will be achieved through a series of seminars taking a forensic look at emerging and exciting frontiers in the Earth Sciences. You will also learn how to communicate scientific results, as well as critically evaluate presentations by others. The topics will be focused on a wide range of research fields reflecting expertise across the discipline, and will include ore deposits and critical metals, mineral recovery, palaeoclimate and global change in geological time, active earth and mining. This module will build upon the concepts and skills learned during CSM modules spanning years 2–3.

• To provide an overview of new and emerging research areas in the Earth Sciences, relevant to the broad range of research carried out in the Camborne School of Mines.
• To gain an understanding and critical assessment of exciting research methods.
• To understand the process of hypothesis testing, balanced argument and creating theory.

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CSMM904: CSM Professionalism Year 4 and MSc

The aim of this module is to support students as they adapt to MSc study and prepare for industry and industry aligned research careers. This includes building an understanding of professional accreditation and bodies, and further support with successfully applying for graduate jobs. Additionally, it will foster a sense of academic belonging and community within the broader department.

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