PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title:
Final award (BSc, MA etc):
(where stopping off points exist they should be
Geophysics
BSc detailed here and defined later in the document)
UCAS code:
(where applicable)
Cohort(s) to which this programme specification is applicable:
(e.g. from 2008 intake onwards)
Awarding institution/body:
Teaching institution:
Faculty:
Parent Department:
(the department responsible for the administration of the programme)
Departmental web page address:
(if applicable)
Method of study:
Full-time/Part-time/Other
Criteria for admission to the programme:
F660
Intakes from 2000
University College London
University College London
Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Earth Sciences http://www.ucl.ac.uk/earth-sciences
Full time
See: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospectivestudents/undergraduate/degrees/geophysics-bsc
3 years Length of the programme:
(please note any periods spent away from UCL, such as study abroad or placements in industry)
Level on Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
(see Guidance notes
)
Relevant subject benchmark statement
(SBS)
(see Guidance notes)
Brief outline of the structure of the programme and its assessment methods:
(see guidance notes)
Board of Examiners:
Advanced Level (Level 6)
Earth Sciences
See: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospectivestudents/undergraduate/degrees/geophysics-bsc
Name of Board of Examiners:
Earth Sciences

Professional body accreditation
(if applicable):
Geological Society Date of next scheduled accreditation visit:
September 2020
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:

To provide a broadly based education in all major branches of geophysics, integrating theoretical studies with essential practical skills in the field and in the laboratory.

To develop the ability to work on group projects, prepare written reports and acquire oral skills.

To provide a sound training that may lead to careers in geophysics either with industry or through academic research.

To provide training in the methods of scientific research, including literature research, the identification and analysis of a research problem, the acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of data.
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
A: Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding of:

The origin, evolution and structure of the Earth as a physical and chemical
Teaching/learning methods and strategies: lectures, practical classes, various forms of coursework including written assignments, computer-based teaching, system, including the solid Earth, its oceans, ice sheets, atmosphere and fieldwork, and tutorials. climate.

The origin and nature of the geophysical fields, including the gravitational, magnetic, electrics and global stress fields.

Earthquake seismology and the relation to earth structure and its dynamics.

The physical and chemical principles underlying the processes by which rocks form and change through melting, crystallization, solid-state flow, recrystallization, chemical diffusion, weathering, erosion, deposition of sediment and rock deformation.

The origin, evolution, and internal structure and dynamics of the Earth and planets.

The interpretation of geophysical data and images towards an understanding of earth surface processes.

The understanding of the origin and evolution of surface features and how such features provide information on earth & planetary interiors, dynamics and evolution.

Intellectual (thinking) skills:
1. Reason inductively and deductively
2. Identify and solve problems
3. Analyse and interpret data
4. Test hypotheses critically
Practical skills (able to):

The identification, analysis, and classification of Earth materials.

The interpretation of structures, textures, and fabrics in rocks in terms of the processes by which they have formed.

The methods of observation, measurement, and recording of geological and geophysical data in the field, and the construction and interpretation of geological and planetary maps.

The geometrical analysis of complex three-
Assessment:
Assessment is by annual written examination, assessed laboratory work, course work, and field work, tutorial essays and marked problems, reports on individual field work.
B: Skills and other attributes
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Intellectual skills are developed through the teaching and learning programme outlined above. Laboratory and fieldwork exercises involve the collection and analysis of scientific data, and the use of the data to deduce processes, and to test or construct hypotheses.
Assessment:
Intellectual skills are assessed particularly through written reports and examinations, as well as through assessed coursework.
C: Skills and other attributes
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Practical skills are taught in laboratory and field classes, and in tutorials, and involve a combination of demonstration, group exercises, and individual exercises.
An important aspect of the skills teaching is the independent mapping project, in which the students have to apply their training, unsupervised, and produce a planetary map and report using mission image data. This exercise has the effect of developing the self-confidence and independent ability of the student, and allowing them to test and develop their interpretation skills. dimensional structures.

The measurement and interpretation of geophysical data, and its analysis in terms of the internal structure arid composition of the
Earth.

The application o f geological and geophysical skills towards an understanding of earth and planetary surfaces and interiors.
Assessment:
Practical skills are assessed primarily through assessed coursework and projects.

Transferable skills (able to):

Team-based problem-solving.

Communication and discussion of scientific ideas.

Oral and written presentation skills.

Graphical design skills.




Numerical skills appropriate to a physical scientist.
Use of information technology (wordprocessing, internet, databases, spreadsheets, statistical and graphical software).
Job application and interview skills.
First-aid training.
D: Skills and other attributes
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Transferable skills are inculcated through
(1) individual and team-based coursework assignments involving independent prefects that have to be completed to a schedule,
(2) seminars and oral presentations in tutorials, (3) preparation of major written reports, (4) coursework involving calculations, usually computer-based and involving spreadsheets, mathematical and statistical software; and (5) literature based research using electronic databases and the internet. First-aid training is part of our field-skills training.
Assessment:
Transferable skills are assessed in part through assessed coursework and projects, and through the informal medium of the tutorial system.
The following reference points were used in designing the programme:

the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications:
( http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Framework-Higher-Education-Qualifications-08.pdf
);

the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements:
( http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements );

the programme specifications for UCL degree programmes in relevant subjects (where applicable);

UCL teaching and learning policies;

staff research.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the departmental course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually by UCL and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Programme Organiser(s)
Name(s):
Professor Paul Bown
Date of Production: February 2003
December 2014 Date of Review:
Date approved by Head of
Department:
Date approved by Chair of
Departmental Teaching
Committee:
17 December 2014
17 December 2014
February 2015 Date approved by Faculty
Teaching Committee coursework and projects,