Earth Sciences - Geology

Overview

We combine physics, chemistry and biology with geology, geography and palaeontology to answer fundamental questions about the origin, development, and future of the Earth. You will be trained in the skills required for the interpretation of rock materials and geological phenomena as well as applying theory and techniques from other disciplines to the study of the Earth and the environment.

You will be given the opportunity to learn about how our planet works, and address some of the major issues of our times: from the origin of the solar system, the Earth and life, to the climate system and the fate of glaciers and ice sheets. The diverse range of courses cover processes from the Earth’s interior, as mapped by seismic waves, to the evolution of the Earth’s crust documented in the rocks at its surface.

Fieldwork/international opportunities

The Earth Sciences - Geology course from the University of Oxford includes several excursions. These link closely to material covered in lectures, and convey the practice of geology, geophysics, geochemistry and palaeontology in the field environment. This work culminates in an independent project to study and map an area chosen by the student. Many of the field excursions take place out of term time.