Environmental Geoscience BSc (Hons)

The degree covers:

• data science, programming, and computing skills
• traditional field and laboratory skills
• knowledge of how the Earth's environment functions

You will study a range of topics related to the environment, and what shapes Earth's environmental conditions. For example, we will address the physical, chemical and biological processes that control the world’s oceans, atmosphere and ecosystems.

We will focus on processes that connect different environmental settings and how a change in one area affects other areas.

You will develop the skills needed to address important challenges, including:

• How can we predict and reduce the effects of global climate change?
• What tools can we use to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere?
• Why is our planet able to sustain life?
• How can we reduce the effects of environmental pollution?
• Will changes in seawater properties affect the ocean's role as a food source?
• How does the increased CO2 concentration in seawater affect ocean life?

We believe it is important to understand the connection between the Earth's environment and our impact on it.

We also want you to develop practical skills for future employers. Many of your activities are similar to what professionals do in the real world. You will also learn computational analysis and quantitative skills.

The exciting nature of environmental geoscience means you will have a diverse learning experience during your years with us.

Your programme begins with a broad foundation in topics across Earth sciences and the environment. You will:

• build on this foundation while exploring new topics in the following years
• develop independence and confidence as you progress through your studies

You can find details for compulsory and option courses through the 'Programme Structure' link below.

Switching degrees

Most of the courses in Years 1 and 2 are shared with our range of Earth science and environment degrees. You will then specialise in the subjects of your choice in later years.

As a result, you may have the opportunity to switch between degrees in your early years. However, some later courses may not be available if you have not taken the necessary pre-requisite courses. You should discuss your interests with your Cohort Lead to make sure that these options are still available to you.

Option courses

One of the best things about a Scottish undergraduate degree is the amount of electives (called 'option courses') you can study. You have the opportunity to take courses outside your degree in Years 1 and 2.

You can choose courses related to your degree, or you can try something different and new to you.

Changes to teaching and learning

We are committed to offering high-quality education to all our students. However, there may be changes to course options and delivery. All decisions are made to make sure we can provide the highest standards for your educational experience.

We try to provide a wide range of option courses to choose from but these can be changed or cancelled at short notice. Course capacity and timetabling constraints can limit places on option courses. Therefore, we cannot guarantee every offer holder their top choice of option courses.

Data innovation

A key feature of our programme is a focus on developing your skills around the generation and analysis of scientific data, aided by a range of computational techniques.

Along with your subject-specific skills, you will develop valuable transferable skills allowing you to:

• use advanced computing and data skills
• think in 3D and 4D
• integrate spatial and temporal information
• understand processes on a range of scales
• extrapolate hypotheses based on small data sets
• extract key information from complex sets of observations
• assess large data sets
• express ideas and arguments via a range of platforms, including social media
• deal with complex systems and uncertainties