Academic Regulations 2005/06

School of Ocean & Earth Science

Fieldwork Requirements

a. Residential field courses are held in association with the following modules:

  1. SOES1003: an introductory 7-day course (usually in the UK) and a 2-day course (usually in France).
  2. SOES2002: an 8-day training course in geological mapping (usually in the UK).
  3. SOES2012: a 14-day course observing and recording data (usually in Spain).
  4. SOES2017: a 7-day course in marine biology (Oceanography with Marine Biology students only) (usually in the UK).
  5. SOES3018: a 14-day course in Oceanography, collecting samples and data (usually in Plymouth).
  6. SOES3020: a 7-day course examining and interpreting volcanic successions (usually in Tenerife).
  7. SOES3021: an 8-day geophysical training course (usually in the UK or Europe).
  8. SOES3024/SOES3025: a 7-day mapping training class (usually in the UK).
  9. SOES3025: 5 weeks independent field mapping (usually in the UK or Europe).
  10. SOES6003: a 7-day course (usually in Cyprus).
  11. SOES6020: a 5-day course undertaking rocky intertidal fieldwork (usually in the UK).
  12. SOES6032: a 7-day course (usually in the UK).
  13. SOES6052: a 10-day tropical marine biology course planned to take place in Bermuda.
b. A number of modules include a commitment to local fieldwork, usually one or two days at weekends.


Bachelor Programmes

BSc Geology Single Honours

1. Programme Requirements

A-levels: BBC, to include 2 science/maths A-levels (eg: a biological subject, chemistry, environmental science, geography, mathematics, physics, statistics).
GCSE: Chemistry (or Integrated Science) if not offered at A or AS-level is desirable.

2. Compulsory Modules

Code Title Credits
First Year
SOES1001 Earth Materials 15
SOES1002 Dynamic Earth 15
SOES1003 IT, Communication, Field and Laboratory Skills 15
SOES1008 Earth and Ocean System 15
SOES1009 The Living Earth 15
SOES1010 Quantitative Earth and Ocean Sciences
(only if entering without A/AS level Mathematics)		 15
Second Year
SOES2001 Palaeobiology 15
SOES2002 Structural Geology and Exploration Geophysics 30
SOES2003 Environmental Geohazards and Mineral Resources 15
SOES2004 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology 15
SOES2012 Key Skills and Fieldwork for Geologists 15
SOES2013 Sedimentary Systems and Processes 15
SOES2018 Geochemistry 15
Third Year
SOES3006 The Evolving Earth 15
SOES3025 Independent Mapping Project 30
SOES3032 Global Tectonics 15


BSc Geology with Marine Biology

1. Programme Requirements

A-levels: BBC, to include Biology and 1 other science/maths A-level (eg: chemistry, environmental science, geography, mathematics, physics, statistics).
GCSE: Chemistry (or Integrated Science) if not offered at A or AS-level is desirable.

2. Compulsory Modules

Code Title Credits
First Year
SOES1001 Earth Materials 15
SOES1002 Dynamic Earth 15
SOES1003 IT, Communication, Field and Laboratory Skills 15
SOES1006 Elements of Marine Ecology 15
SOES1007 Marine Plants and Animals 15
SOES1008 Earth and Ocean System 15
SOES1009 The Living Earth 15
SOES1010 Quantitative Earth and Ocean Sciences 15
Second Year Whole Organism Route
SOES2001 Palaeobiology 15
SOES2002 Structural Geology and Exploration Geophysics 30
SOES2009 Estuaries 15
SOES2011 Marine Vertebrates 15
SOES2012 Key Skills and Fieldwork for Geologists 15
SOES2013 Sedimentary Systems and Processes 15
SOES2017 Ecological Processes in the Marine Benthos 15
Second Year Palaeoceanographic Route
SOES2001 Palaeobiology 15
SOES2002 Structural Geology and Exploration Geophysics 30
SOES2006 Phytoplankton and Primary Production 15
SOES2009 Estuaries 15
SOES2012 Key Skills and Fieldwork for Geologists 15
SOES2013 Sedimentary Systems and Processes 15
SOES2018 Geochemistry 15
Third Year Whole Organism Route
SOES3004 Microfossils, Environments and Time 15
SOES3006 The Evolving Earth 15
SOES3025 Independent Mapping Project 30
SOES3027 Independent Research Project 30
Third Year Palaeoceanographic Route
SOES3004 Microfossils, Environments and Time 15
SOES3006 The Evolving Earth 15
SOES3011 Biogeochemical Cycles in the Earth System 15
SOES3015 Palaeoclimate Change 15
SOES3025 Independent Mapping Project OR 30
SOES3027 Independent Research Project 30


BSc Geology with Oceanography

1. Programme Requirements

A-levels: BBC, to include 2 science/maths A-levels (eg: a biological subject, chemistry, environmental science, geography, mathematics, physics, statistics).
GCSE: Chemistry (or Integrated Science) if not offered at A or AS-level is desirable.

2. Compulsory Modules

Code Title Credits
First Year
SOES1001 Earth Materials 15
SOES1002 Dynamic Earth 15
SOES1003 IT, Communication, Field and Laboratory Skills 15
SOES1004 Physical Oceanography I 15
SOES1005 Chemical Oceanography 15
SOES1008 Earth and Ocean System 15
SOES1010 Quantitative Earth and Ocean Sciences OR 15
MATH1006/1008 Introduction to Mathematical Methods 15
Second Year
SOES2002 Structural Geology and Exploration Geophysics 30
SOES2009 Estuaries 15
SOES2012 Key Skills and Fieldwork for Geologists 15
SOES2013 Sedimentary Systems and Processes 15
SOES2018 Geochemistry 15
Third Year
SOES3006 The Evolving Earth 15
SOES3015 Palaeoclimate Change 15
SOES3025 Independent Mapping Project OR 30
SOES3027 Independent Research Project 30


BSc Geology with Physical Geography

1. Programme Requirements

A-levels: BBC, to include Geography and 1 other science/maths A-level (eg: a biological subject, chemistry, environmental science, mathematics, physics, statistics).
GCSE: Chemistry (or Integrated Science) if not offered at A or AS-level is desirable.

2. Compulsory Modules

Code Title Credits
First Year
SOES1001 Earth Materials 15
SOES1002 Dynamic Earth 15
SOES1003 IT, Communication, Field and Laboratory Skills 15
SOES1008 Earth and Ocean System 15
SOES1009 The Living Earth 15
SOES1010 Quantitative Earth and Ocean Sciences
(only if entering without A/AS level Mathematics)		 15
GEOG1001 Global and Local Environmental Change 15
GEOG1002 Geomorphological Processes 15
Second Year
SOES2002 Structural Geology and Exploration Geophysics 30
SOES2012 Key Skills and Fieldwork for Geologists 15
SOES2013 Sedimentary Systems and Processes 15
GEOG2*** Two approved modules of Geography 30
Third Year
SOES3006 The Evolving Earth 15
SOES3025 Independent Mapping Project OR 30
SOES3027 Independent Research Project 30
GEOG3*** Two approved modules of Geography 30


BSc Geophysical Sciences

1. Programme Requirements

A-levels: BBC, to include Mathematics and Physics A-level.

2. Compulsory Modules

Code Title Credits
First Year
SOES1001 Earth Materials 15
SOES1002 Dynamic Earth 15
SOES1003 IT, Communication, Field and Laboratory Skills 15
SOES1008 Earth and Ocean System 15
MATH1006/1008 Introduction to Mathematical Methods 15
MATH1007 Mathematical Methods for Physical Scientists 15
PHYS1011 Waves, Light and Quanta 10
PHYS1015 Motion and Relativity 10
PHYS1022 Electricity and Magnetism 10
Second Year
SOES2002 Structural Geology and Exploration Geophysics 30
SOES2015 Key Skills and Signal Processing for Geophysicists 15
PHYS2026 Physics Skills 1 5
PHYS2028 Electricity and Magnetism 10
Third Year
SOES3021 Geophysical Field Methods 15
SOES3027 Independent Research Project 30
SOES3033 Geodynamics and Solid Earth Geophysics 15
SOES6004 Applied and Marine Geophysics 15


BSc Marine Biology with Oceanography

1. Programme Requirements

A-levels: BBC, to include Biology and 1 other science/maths A-level.

2. Compulsory Modules

Code Title Credits
First Year
SOES1003 IT, Communication, Field and Laboratory Skills 15
SOES1004 Physical Oceanography I 15
SOES1005 Chemical Oceanography 15
SOES1006 Elements of Marine Ecology 15
SOES1007 Marine Plants and Animals 15
SOES1008 Earth and Ocean System 15
SOES1010 Quantitative Earth and Ocean Sciences 15
BIOL1005 Cellular and Genetic Mechanisms 15
Second Year
SOES2006 Phytoplankton and Primary Production 15
SOES2007 Practical Techniques and Key Skills for Oceanography 30
SOES2009 Estuaries 15
SOES2011 Marine Vertebrates 15
SOES2017 Ecological Processes of the Marine Benthos 15
BIOL2008 Quantitative Methods for Biological and Environmental Science 15
Third Year
SOES3018 Applied Oceanography and Fieldwork 15
SOES3027 Independent Research Project 30


BSc Ocean and Earth System Science

1. Programme requirements

A-levels: BBB, to include 2 science/maths A-levels.

2. Compulsory Modules

Geological Pathway
Code Title Credits
First Year
SOES1002 Dynamic Earth 15
SOES1003 IT, Communication, Field and Laboratory Skills 15
SOES1004 Physical Oceanography I 15
SOES1005 Chemical Oceanography 15
SOES1008 Earth and Ocean System 15
SOES1009 The Living Earth 15
SOES1010 Quantitative Earth and Ocean Sciences
(only if entering without A/AS level Mathematics)		 15
Second Year
SOES2001 Palaeobiology 15
SOES2003 Environmental Geohazards and Mineral Resources 15
SOES2012 Key Skills and Fieldwork for Geologists 15
SOES2013 Sedimentary Systems and Processes 15
SOES2018 Geochemistry 15
Third Year
SOES3011 Biogeochemical Cycles in the Earth System 15
SOES3027 Independent Research Project 30


Oceanographic Pathway

Code Title Credits
First Year
SOES1003 IT, Communication Field and Laboratory Skills 15
SOES1004 Physical Oceanography I 15
SOES1005 Chemical Oceanography 15
SOES1006 Elements of Marine Ecology 15
SOES1008 Earth and Ocean System 15
SOES1009 The Living Earth 15
SOES1010 Quantitative Earth and Ocean Sciences
(only if entering without A/AS level Mathematics)		 15
Second Year
SOES2006 Phytoplankton and Primary Production 15
SOES2007 Practical Techniques and Key Skills for Oceanography 30
SOES2010 Physical Oceanography II 15
SOES2013 Sedimentary Systems and Processes 15
SOES2018 Geochemistry 15
Third Year
SOES3011 Biogeochemical Cycles in the Earth System 15
SOES3018 Applied Oceanography and Fieldwork 15
SOES3027 Independent Research Project 30


BSc Oceanography Single Honours

1. Programme Requirements

A-levels: BCC, to include 2 science/maths A levels.

2. Compulsory Modules

General Pathway

Code Title Credits
First Year
SOES1003 IT, Communication, Field and Laboratory Skills 15
SOES1004 Physical Oceanography I 15
SOES1005 Chemical Oceanography 15
SOES1006 Elements of Marine Ecology 15
SOES1008 Earth and Ocean System 15
SOES1010 Quantitative Earth and Ocean Sciences OR 15
MATH1006/1008 Introduction to Mathematical Methods 15
Second Year
SOES2006 Phytoplankton and Primary Production 15
SOES2007 Practical Techniques and Key Skills for Oceanography 30
SOES2009 Estuaries 15
SOES2013 Sedimentary Systems and Processes 15
SOES2018 Geochemistry 15
Third Year
SOES3018 Applied Oceanography and Fieldwork 15
SOES3027 Independent Research Project 30

Biological Pathway

Code Title Credits
First Year
SOES1003 IT, Communication, Field and Laboratory Skills 15
SOES1004 Physical Oceanography I 15
SOES1005 Chemical Oceanography 15
SOES1006 Elements of Marine Ecology 15
SOES1010 Quantitative Earth and Ocean Sciences OR 15
MATH1006/1008 Introduction to Mathematical Methods 15
Second Year
SOES2006 Phytoplankton and Primary Production 15
SOES2007 Practical Techniques and Key Skills for Oceanography 30
SOES2009 Estuaries 15
SOES2011 Marine Vertebrates 15
SOES2013 Sedimentary Systems and Processes 15
BIOL2008 Quantitative Methods for Biological and Environmental Science 15
Third Year
SOES3018 Applied Oceanography and Fieldwork 15
SOES3027 Independent Research Project 30

Chemical Pathway

Code Title Credits
First Year
SOES1003 IT, Communication, Field and Laboratory Skills 15
SOES1004 Physical Oceanography I 15
SOES1005 Chemical Oceanography 15
SOES1006 Elements of Marine Ecology 15
SOES1008 Earth and Ocean System 15
SOES1010 Quantitative Earth and Ocean Sciences OR 15
MATH1006/1008 Introduction to Mathematical Methods 15
CHEM1011 Fundamentals of Chemistry for Biological, Earth, Marine, Environmental and Physical Scientists 15
CHEM1015 Fundamentals of Inorganic Chemistry for Earth and Marine Scientists 15
Second Year
SOES2006 Phytoplankton and Primary Production 15
SOES2007 Practical Techniques and Key Skills for Oceanography 30
SOES2009 Estuaries 15
SOES2013 Sedimentary Systems and Processes 15
SOES2018 Geochemistry 15
Third Year
SOES3018 Applied Oceanography and Fieldwork 15
SOES3027 Independent Research Project 30

Physical Pathway

Code Title Credits
First Year
SOES1003 IT, Communication, Field and Laboratory Skills 15
SOES1004 Physical Oceanography I 15
SOES1005 Chemical Oceanography 15
SOES1006 Elements of Marine Ecology 15
SOES1008 Earth and Ocean System 15
MATH1006/1008 Introduction to Mathematical Methods 15
PHYS1015 Motion and Relativity 10
PHYS1018 Physics Skills I 5
Second Year
SOES2007 Practical Techniques and Key Skills for Oceanography 30
SOES2009 Estuaries 15
SOES2010 Physical Oceanography II 15
SOES2013 Sedimentary Systems and Processes 15
MATH2015 Mathematical Methods for Scientists 15
Third Year
SOES3018 Applied Oceanography and Fieldwork 15
SOES3027 Independent Research Project 30


BSc Oceanography with Geology

1. Programme Requirements

A-levels: BBC, to include 2 science/maths A-levels.

2. Compulsory Modules

Code Title Credits
First Year
SOES1001 Earth Materials 15
SOES1002 Dynamic Earth 15
SOES1003 IT, Communication, Field and Laboratory Skills 15
SOES1004 Physical Oceanography I 15
SOES1005 Chemical Oceanography 15
SOES1008 Earth and Ocean System 15
SOES1010 Quantitative Earth and Ocean Sciences OR 15
MATH1006/1008 Introduction to Mathematical Methods 15
Second Year
SOES2006 Phytoplankton and Primary Production 15
SOES2007 Practical Techniques and Key Skills for Oceanography 30
SOES2009 Estuaries 15
SOES2011 Marine Vertebrates 15
SOES2013 Sedimentary Systems and Processes 15
SOES2018 Geochemistry 15
Third Year
SOES3015 Palaeoclimate Change 15
SOES3018 Applied Oceanography and Fieldwork 15
SOES3027 Independent Research Project 30


BSc Oceanography with Physical Geography

1. Programme Requirements

A-levels: BCC, to include Geography and 1 other science/maths A level.

2. Compulsory Modules

Code Title Credits
First Year
SOES1003 IT, Communication, Field and Laboratory Skills 15
SOES1004 Physical Oceanography I 15
SOES1005 Chemical Oceanography 15
SOES1006 Elements of Marine Ecology 15
SOES1008 Earth and Ocean System 15
SOES1010 Quantitative Earth and Ocean Sciences OR 15
MATH1006/1008 Introduction to Mathematical Methods 15
GEOG1001 Global and Local Environmental Change 15
GEOG1002 Geomorphological Processes 15
Second Year
SOES2007 Practical Techniques and Key Skills for Oceanography 30
SOES2013 Sedimentary Systems and Processes 15
GEOG2***/ENVS**** Two approved modules of Geography and/or Environmental Science 30
Third Year
SOES3014 Applied Sediment Dynamics 15
SOES3018 Applied Oceanography and Fieldwork 15
SOES3027 Independent Research Project 30
GEOG3*** Two approved modules of Geography 30


Undergraduate Masters Programmes


Master of Geology (MGeol) (4 years)

1. Programme Requirements

A-levels: BBB, to include 2 science/maths A levels (eg: a biological subject, chemistry, environmental science, geography, mathematics, physics, statistics).
GCSE: Chemistry (or Integrated Science) if not offered at A or AS level.

2. Compulsory Modules

Code Title Credits
First Year
SOES1001 Earth Materials 15
SOES1002 Dynamic Earth 15
SOES1003 IT, Communication, Field and Laboratory Skills 15
SOES1008 Earth and Ocean System 15
SOES1009 The Living Earth 15
SOES1010 Quantitative Earth and Ocean Sciences
(only if entering without A/AS level Mathematics)		 15
Second Year
SOES2001 Palaeobiology 15
SOES2002 Structural Geology and Exploration Geophysics 30
SOES2003 Environmental Geohazards and Mineral Resources 15
SOES2004 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology 15
SOES2012 Key Skills and Fieldwork for Geologists 15
SOES2013 Sedimentary Systems and Processes 15
SOES2018 Geochemistry 15
Third Year
SOES3005 Sediments: Modern and Ancient 15
SOES3006 The Evolving Earth 15
SOES3020 Volcanic and Mantle Processes 15
SOES3025 Independent Mapping Project 30
SOES3032 Global Tectonics 15
Fourth Year
SOES6001 Contemporary Topics in Ocean and Earth Science 15
SOES6003 Formation and Evolution of the Ocean Crust 15
SOES6030 Independent Research Project 45
SOES6032 Group Project 15
SOES6041 Minerals Consultancy Simulation 15


Master of Geology with Year in North America (MGeol+NA) (4 years)

1. Programme Requirements

A-levels: AAB, to include 3 science/maths A levels (eg: a biological subject, chemistry, environmental science, geography, mathematics, physics, statistics).
GCSE: Chemistry (or Integrated Science) if not offered at A or AS level.

2. Compulsory Modules

Code Title Credits
First Year
SOES1001 Earth Materials 15
SOES1002 Dynamic Earth 15
SOES1003 IT, Communication, Field and Laboratory Skills 15
SOES1008 Earth and Ocean System 15
SOES1009 The Living Earth 15
SOES1010 Quantitative Earth and Ocean Sciences
(only if entering without A/AS level Mathematics)		 15
Second Year
SOES2001 Palaeobiology 15
SOES2002 Structural Geology and Exploration Geophysics 30
SOES2003 Environmental Geohazards and Mineral Resources 15
SOES2004 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology 15
SOES2012 Key Skills and Fieldwork for Geologists 15
SOES2013 Sedimentary Systems and Processes 15
SOES2018 Geochemistry 15
Third Year The third year is undertaken at the Pennsylvania State University
SOES3025 Independent Mapping Project 30
SOES3038 Geology in North America 1 30
SOES3039 Geology in North America 2 60
Fourth Year
SOES6001 Contemporary Topics in Ocean and Earth Science 15
SOES6003 Formation and Evolution of the Ocean Crust 15
SOES6030 Independent Research Project 45
SOES6032 Group Project 15
SOES6041 Minerals Consultancy Simulation 15


Master of Geophysics (MGeophys) (4 years)

1. Programme Requirements

A-levels: BBB to include Mathematics and Physics A level.

2. Compulsory Modules

Code Title Credits
First Year
SOES1001 Earth Materials 15
SOES1002 Dynamic Earth 15
SOES1003 IT, Communication, Field and Laboratory Skills 15
SOES1008 Earth and Ocean System 15
MATH1006/1008 Introduction to Mathematical Methods 15
MATH1007 Mathematical Methods for Physical Scientists 15
PHYS1011 Waves, Light and Quanta 10
PHYS1015 Motion and Relativity 10
PHYS1022 Electricity and Magnetism 10
Second Year
SOES2002 Structural Geology and Exploration Geophysics 30
SOES2015 Key Skills and Signal Processing for Geophysicists 15
MATH2015 Mathematical Methods for Scientists 15
PHYS2026 Physics Skills 1 5
PHYS2028 Electricity and Magnetism, 10
Third Year
SOES3021 Geophysical Field Methods 15
SOES3029 Seafloor Exploration and Surveying 15
SOES6004 Applied and Marine Geophysics 15
SOES6025 Computing for Geophysicists 15
Fourth Year
SOES6001 Contemporary Topics in Ocean and Earth Science 15
SOES6030 Independent Research Project 45
SOES6037 Geodynamics and Solid Earth Geophysics 15


Master of Geophysics with Year in North America (MGeophys+NA) (4 years)

1. Programme Requirements

A-levels: AAB in 3 science subjects, to include Mathematics and Physics A level.

2. Compulsory Modules

Code Title Credits
First Year
SOES1001 Earth Materials 15
SOES1002 Dynamic Earth 15
SOES1003 IT, Communication, Field and Laboratory Skills 15
SOES1008 Earth and Ocean System 15
MATH1006/1008 Introduction to Mathematical Methods 15
MATH1007 Mathematical Methods for Physical Scientists 15
PHYS1011 Waves, Light and Quanta 10
PHYS1015 Motion and Relativity 10
PHYS1022 Electricity and Magnetism 10
Second Year
SOES2002 Structural Geology and Exploration Geophysics 30
SOES2015 Key Skills and Signal Processing for Geophysicists 15
MATH2015 Mathematical Methods for Scientists 15
PHYS2026 Physics Skills 1 5
PHYS2028 Electricity and Magnetism, 10
Third Year The third year is undertaken at the Pennsylvania State University
SOES3021 Geophysical Field Methods 15
SOES3022 Dissertation 15
SOES3036 Geophysics in North America 1 30
SOES3037 Geophysics in North America 2 60
Fourth Year
SOES6001 Contemporary Topics in Ocean and Earth Science 15
SOES6004 Applied and Marine Geophysics 15
SOES6025 Computing for Geophysicists 15
SOES6030 Independent Research Project 45


Master of Oceanography (MOcean) (4 years)

1. Programme Requirements

A-levels: BBB, to include 2 science/maths A levels.

2. Compulsory Modules

Code Title Credits
First Year
SOES1003 IT, Communication, Field and Laboratory Skills 15
SOES1004 Physical Oceanography I 15
SOES1005 Chemical Oceanography 15
SOES1006 Elements of Marine Ecology 15
SOES1008 Earth and Ocean System 15
SOES1010 Quantitative Earth and Ocean Sciences OR 15
MATH1006/1008 Introduction to Mathematical Methods 15
Second Year
SOES2006 Phytoplankton and Primary Production 15
SOES2007 Practical Techniques and Key Skills for Oceanography 30
SOES2009 Estuaries 15
SOES2013 Sedimentary Systems and Processes 15
SOES2018 Geochemistry 15
Third Year
SOES3035 MOcean Research Training 30
SOES3018 Applied Oceanography and Fieldwork 15
Fourth Year
SOES6001 Contemporary Topics in Ocean and Earth Science 45
SOES6030 Independent Research Project 15


Master of Oceanography with Year in North America (MOcean+NA) (4 years)

(This programme is still subject to approval and validation.)

1. Programme Requirements

A-levels: AAB from 3 science/maths A levels.

2. Compulsory Modules

Code Title Credits
First Year
SOES1003 IT, Communication, Field and Laboratory Skills 15
SOES1004 Physical Oceanography I 15
SOES1005 Chemical Oceanography 15
SOES1006 Elements of Marine Ecology 15
SOES1008 Earth and Ocean System 15
SOES1010 Quantitative Earth and Ocean Sciences OR 15
MATH1006/1008 Introduction to Mathematical Methods 15
Second Year
SOES2006 Phytoplankton and Primary Production 15
SOES2007 Practical Techniques and Key Skills for Oceanography 30
SOES2009 Estuaries 15
SOES2013 Sedimentary Systems and Processes 15
SOES2018 Geochemistry 15
Third Year To be undertaken in North America
Fourth Year
SOES6001 Contemporary Topics in Ocean and Earth Science 45
SOES6030 Independent Research Project 15


Master of Oceanography with French (MOcean/FR) (4 years)

1. Programme Requirements

A-levels: BBB to include 2 science/maths A levels. Additionally a minimum of AS-level French.
In some cases, GCSE French Grade A (if not taken at AS/A level) may be considered.

2. Compulsory Modules

Code Title Credits
First Year
SOES1003 IT, Communication, Field and Laboratory Skills 15
SOES1004 Physical Oceanography I 15
SOES1005 Chemical Oceanography 15
SOES1006 Elements of Marine Ecology 15
SOES1008 Earth and Ocean System 15
SOES1010 Quantitative Earth and Ocean Sciences OR 15
MATH1006/1008 Introduction to Mathematical Methods 15
FREN9033 French for Marine Scientists I 30
Second Year
SOES2006 Phytoplankton and Primary Production 15
SOES2007 Practical Techniques and Key Skills for Oceanography 30
SOES2009 Estuaries 15
SOES2013 Sedimentary Systems and Processes 15
FREN9021 French for Marine Scientists II 30
Third Year The third year is undertaken at the University of Bordeaux-1
Fourth Year
SOES6001 Contemporary Topics in Ocean and Earth Science 15
SOES6030 Independent Research Project 45
SOES6053 Training in Research Skills for Oceanography 15
FREN9019 French for Marine Scientists III 30


Postgraduate Programmes

MSc Oceanography

1. Programme Requirements

A BSc (Hons) degree (class 2.2 or above), or its equivalent, in an appropriate discipline (Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Geology, Geophysics, Mathematics, Physics) or an appropriate joint honours or inter-disciplinary degree (such as Environmental Science). Occasionally students are accepted with other degree subject areas, eg: Engineering, Geography. All students are expected to be numerically competent; an A level in Mathematics, or suitable undergraduate experience, is preferred.

2. Compulsory Modules

General Pathway

Code Title Credits
SOES6013 Introductory Biological Oceanography 7
SOES6014 Introductory Physical Oceanography 7
SOES6015 Introductory Chemical Oceanography 7
SOES6016 Introductory Marine Geology 7
SOES6018 MSc Key Skills and Literature Review 17
SOES6039 MSc Oceanography Research Project 60

Physical Oceanography Pathway

Code Title Credits
SOES6013 Introductory Biological Oceanography 7
SOES6014 Introductory Physical Oceanography 7
SOES6015 Introductory Chemical Oceanography 7
SOES6016 Introductory Marine Geology 7
SOES6018 MSc Key Skills and Literature Review 17
SOES6039 MSc Oceanography Research Project 60

Global Ocean and Climate Dynamics Pathway

Code Title Credits
SOES6013 Introductory Biological Oceanography 7
SOES6014 Introductory Physical Oceanography 7
SOES6015 Introductory Chemical Oceanography 7
SOES6016 Introductory Marine Geology 7
SOES6018 MSc Key Skills and Literature Review 17
SOES6039 MSc Oceanography Research Project 60

Marine Geophysics Pathway

Code Title Credits
SOES6013 Introductory Biological Oceanography 7
SOES6014 Introductory Physical Oceanography 7
SOES6015 Introductory Chemical Oceanography 7
SOES6016 Introductory Marine Geology 7
SOES6018 MSc Key Skills and Literature Review 17
SOES6039 MSc Oceanography Research Project 60

Marine Biology and Ecology Pathway

Code Title Credits
SOES6008 Deep Sea Ecology 15
SOES6009 Zooplankton Ecology and Processes 15
SOES6013 Introductory Biological Oceanography 7
SOES6014 Introductory Physical Oceanography 7
SOES6015 Introductory Chemical Oceanography 7
SOES6016 Introductory Marine Geology 7
SOES6018 MSc Key Skills and Literature Review 17
SOES6039 MSc Oceanography Research Project 60

Marine Biogeochemistry Pathway

Code Title Credits
SOES6007 Biogeochemical Cycles in the Earth System 15
SOES6013 Introductory Biological Oceanography 7
SOES6014 Introductory Physical Oceanography 7
SOES6015 Introductory Chemical Oceanography 7
SOES6016 Introductory Marine Geology 7
SOES6018 MSc Key Skills and Literature Review 17
SOES6039 MSc Oceanography Research Project 60


MSc Ocean Remote Sensing

1. Programme Requirements

BSc(Hons) degree (class 2.2 or above), or its equivalent, in an appropriate discipline (Biology, Biogeochemistry, Chemistry, Geography, Engineering, Geophysics, Mathematics, Physics) or an appropriate joint honours or inter-disciplinary degree (such as Environmental Science). Occasionally students are accepted with other degree subject areas, eg: Geology. All students are expected to be numerically competent and an A level in Mathematics, or suitable undergraduate experience, is preferred.

2. Compulsory Modules

Code Title Credits
SOES6013 Introductory Biological Oceanography 7
SOES6014 Introductory Physical Oceanography 7
SOES6017 Introductory Remote Sensing of the Oceans 15
SOES6028 Mathematical Techniques for Remote Sensing of the Oceans 15
SOES6029 Introduction to Earth Observation 7
SOES6040 MSc Ocean Remote Sensing Research Project 60
SOES6043 Science Communication Skills and Literature Review 9


MRes Marine Geology and Geophysics

1. Programme Requirements

BSc(Hons) degree (class 2.2 or above), or its equivalent, in an appropriate discipline (Chemistry, Geology, Engineering, Geophysics, Mathematics, Physics), or an appropriate joint honours or inter-disciplinary degree (such as Environmental Science). Occasionally students are accepted with other degree subject areas. All students are expected to be numerically competent and an A level in Mathematics, or suitable undergraduate experience, is preferred.

2. Compulsory Modules

Exploration Pathway

Code Title Credits
SOES6001 Contemporary Topics in Ocean and Earth Science 15
SOES6004 Applied and Marine Geophysics 15
SOES6049 Introductory Marine Geology 8
SOES6024 High Resolution Marine Geophysics 15
SOES6042 MRes Research Project 120

Geodynamics Pathway

Code Title Credits
SOES6001 Contemporary Topics in Ocean and Earth Science 15
SOES6003 Formation and Evolution of the Ocean Crust 15
SOES6049 Introductory Marine Geology 8
SOES6037 Geodynamics and Solid Earth Geophysics 15
SOES6042 MRes Research Project 120

Modelling Pathway

Code Title Credits
SOES6001 Contemporary Topics in Ocean and Earth Science 15
SOES6002 Modelling in Environmental and Earth System Science 15
SOES6014 Introductory Physical Oceanography 7
SOES6049 Introductory Marine Geology 8
SOES6025 Computing for Geophysicists 15
SOES6042 MRes Research Project 120

Coastal Processes Pathway

Code Title Credits
SOES6001 Contemporary Topics in Ocean and Earth Science 15
SOES6011 Applied Sediment Dynamics 15
SOES6014 Introductory Physical Oceanography 7
SOES6049 Introductory Marine Geology 8
SOES6042 MRes Research Project 120

Palaeoceanography Pathway

Code Title Credits
SOES6001 Contemporary Topics in Ocean and Earth Science 15
SOES6015 Introductory Chemical Oceanography 7
SOES6049 Introductory Marine Geology 8
SOES6022 Microfossils, Environments and Time 15
SOES6042 MRes Research Project 120
SOES6047 Global Climate Cycles 15