A GUIDE TO LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
IN BGS FOR ENVISION/BGS PhD STUDENTS
BGS provides learning and development opportunities to help staff to develop key professional skills.
Brief details of core BGS/NERC/UKSBS training courses/workshops are shown below. The majority of
our courses are delivered internally, for such courses there will not be a charge. However, for those
courses that we have to use an external trainer to deliver and for field courses (with overnight
accommodation) a charge may be passed on, as indicated by an asterisk below.
To apply for these or any other learning and development activities you should contact Theresa
Mankelow (training@bgs.ac.uk), unless stated otherwise. Your name will then be added to an
electronic waiting list and you will be sent an invitation when a place becomes available.
Statistical analysis and data interpretation
Statistics for Geoscientists
Aimed at geoscientists who need to describe, analyse and interpret datasets using statistical
techniques. Microsoft Excel and the R statistical computing and graphics language are used to
calculate summary statistics and produce plots.
Location: BGS sites depending on demand
Duration: 2 days
Geostatistics
A course for scientists needing to use geostatistics for the analysis and interpretation of spatiallydistributed data.
Location: Keyworth, depending on demand
Duration: 3 days
Matlab for Geoscientists
A course for those wanting to use the MATLAB programming environment for the processing,
analysis and visualisation of large datasets.
Location: BGS sites depending on demand
Duration: 1 day
R for Statistics
A course aimed at geoscientists who need to use the R statistical computing and graphics
programming language for calculating and plotting statistical data.
Location: BGS sites depending on demand
Duration: 2 days
Sampling design and interpretation of sampled data
A course to familiarize participants with the basic issues that arise when sampling spatial variables
and analysing the data that are obtained. The course will cover some of the pitfalls in sampling
design and the analysis of legacy data collected in different ways.
Location: BGS sites depending on demand
Duration: 3 days
(including initial half
day on R)
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Core Geological Skills
Geological Feature Mapping*
A field-based course to develop skills in the highly detailed and accurate geological mapping of
sedimentary bedrock successions based on recording and interpreting subtle landform features.
Location: Baslow, Derbyshire and Sheffield
Duration: 7 days
(flexible)
Mapping Deformed Terranes*
A field-based course aimed at geologists working on polydeformed and metamorphosed terranes
either overseas or in the UK.
Location: Kincraig (central Highlands)
Duration: 10 days
Applied Geoscience
Carbon Capture and Storage
This course covers the principles of carbon capture and storage, the mechanisms for trapping CO2
underground, storage site assessment, techniques for monitoring CO2 and potential risks and
mitigation strategies.
Location: BGS sites depending on demand
Duration: 1 day
Clastic Sedimentology*
This sedimentology course will focus on clastic (detrital) sediments and rocks and will be of use to
those working with sedimentary deposits and/or working in sedimentary environments.
Location: Keyworth and local field areas
Duration: 5 days
Description and Classification of Rocks and Soils (Engineering Geology)
This introductory course provides an understanding of how earth materials are described and
classified for engineering purposes based on the BS5930:1999 - Code of Practice for Site
Investigation.
Location: : BGS sites depending on demand
Duration: 2 days
Glacitectonics*
This field-based course involves the examination of a classic layer-cake glacigenic succession and a
traverse across an ancient ice margin to show the range and complexity of glacial sequences. It is
aimed at geoscientists from a range of disciplines whose work involves understanding the complex
nature and properties of glacigenic sequences within the UK.
Location: north Norfolk coast
Duration: 4.5 days
(including travel
time)
Introduction to Ground-based Geomatic Surveying
Provides an understanding of the principles of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and
Terrestrial Laser Scanners (TLS) and hands-on instruction in carrying out ground-based geomatic
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surveys.
Location: BGS sites as required. One day field-based.
Duration: 3 days
Hydrogeology
An introduction to the basic concepts of hydrogeology aimed principally at those with little or no
previous experience of groundwater.
Location: Keyworth or Edinburgh as required
Duration: 4-5 days
Quaternary geology: highland/lowland mapping*
These field-based courses provide hands-on opportunities to gain confidence in the field mapping
of Quaternary deposits, concentrating on either lowland or highland Quaternary deposits and
landforms.
Location: highland course (Inverness area), Lowland course (Norfolk, Vale of Duration: up to 10
York, Peak District, Vale of Belvoir)
days (flexible)
Seismic Reflection Interpretation
This course is aimed at geologists who need to understand the seismic reflection method and
interpret seismic sections.
Location: BGS sites, depending on demand
Duration: 5 days
Well Log Interpretation
This course explains how the range of geophysical wireline logs available are acquired and
interpreted and how logs can be correlated with borehole core. Course contents can be adapted to
suit requirements.
Location: BGS sites, depending on demand
Duration: 2 days
XRFS, handheld
Instruction in the theory and use of portable handheld X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry
instruments for the analysis of samples in the field.
Location: Keyworth, depending on demand
Duration: 1 day
Digital data capture and GIS, geological framework modelling and
visualisation
ArcGIS, Introduction
An introduction to geographic information systems and how to display and analyse spatial data and
create map layers using ArcGIS software.
Location: BGS sites, depending on demand
Duration: 3 day
Coordinate Systems, an introduction (using ArcGIS10)
An introduction to projected, geographic and vertical coordinate systems. Attendees should ideally
have some prior knowledge of ArcGIS though this is not essential. This module can be delivered by
an instructor but is also suitable for self-managed study.
Location: BGS sites as required
Duration: 0.5-1 day
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GeoVisionary
Training for geoscientists needing to visualise and interpret digital elevation surfaces, 3D geological
models, aerial and satellite imagery and other spatial datasets using GeoVisionary software.
Location: Keyworth or Edinburgh, depending on demand
Duration: 2 days
GOCAD, Introduction
An introduction to the GOCAD 3D geological framework modelling package for staff needing to use
this software to create and refine geological models.
Location: BGS sites, depending on demand
Duration: 1 day
Python scripting in ArcGIS10
An introduction to Python scripting in ArcGIS 10 suitable mainly for more experienced ArcGIS users
looking to automate GIS workflows. Basic programming skills and familiarity with object-oriented
programming concepts are recommended but not essential. This module can be delivered by an
instructor but is also suitable for self-managed study.
Location: BGS sites, depending on demand
Duration: 1 day
SIGMAmobile
An introduction to digital data capture using Tablet PC hardware and the SIGMAmobile interface.
The course includes an opportunity to try the system out in the field.
Location: BGS sites, depending on demand
Duration: 1 day
Access*
Designing, customising and querying Access databases. Courses available at introductory,
intermediate and advanced levels.
Location: BGS sites as required
Duration: 1 day
BGS Word Templates
A short course for staff needing to use standard BGS Word templates for the production of
technical reports.
Location: BGS sites, depending on demand
Duration: 0.5 day
CorelDraw*
An introduction to the creation of vector-based technical diagrams using CorelDraw.
Location: BGS sites, depending on demand
Duration: 1 day
EndNote
A course for those wanting to use EndNote bibliographic management software to create reference
lists in prescribed styles, manage this information in a database and search for references online.
Location: BGS sites, depending on demand
Duration: 1 day
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Excel
Designing and using Excel spreadsheets to analyse, interpret and display data. Courses are available
at introductory, intermediate and advanced levels.
Location: BGS sites, depending on demand
Duration: 1 day
Health & Safety
Driving 4x4 vehicles*
Practical training in the safe use of 4x4 vehicles both off- and on-road
Location: Off-road sites as selected by training providers
Duration: 1 day
First Aid for Fieldworkers*
Training for staff undertaking field work
Location: BGS sites, depending on demand
Duration: 1 day
Manual Handling
Practical training for all staff who need to understand how to safely handle and lift heavy objects
Location: BGS sites, depending on demand
Duration: 2 hours
Writing and Communication Skills
NERC Engaging the Public with your Research
A NERC course covering how the media works, involving your press office/communications team,
writing effectively, giving effective radio interviews, and developing activities to engage the public
with your research.
Location: Swindon
Enrolment: Contact : Naomi Smith directly Duration: 2 days
naoith@nerc.ac.uk
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