Geology
Fieldwork
Fieldwork is fundamental to an understanding of rocks and the geological processes which formed them. At Derby, the rocks, landscapes and mineral and fossil wealth of the Peak District are on our doorstep. We take advantage of this, with day trips in Derbyshire and surrounding counties. We also offer optional modules which include residential field courses ranging from a weekend to two weeks in length, in the United Kingdom, Europe and further afield.
Day and half day visits are normally provided at no cost to you, and we subsidise the costs of residential fieldwork to students. Our active student Geology Society also arranges short, informal field trips.
You can watch some of our Geology students out on a fieldtrip, talking about the course here.
Where will you go?
Midlands, UK
Module: Geological Field and Map Skills (first year)
You'll gain an introduction to essential fieldwork skills in geology, and to the regional geology of the UK.
North Yorkshire, UK
Module: Geological Field Mapping (beginning of second year)
You'll practice geological mapping and recording geological data in the field.
Tenerife, Canary Islands
Module: Volcanology; Volcanology for Global Hazards (second year)
The spectacular volcanic scenery of Tenerife provides an outdoor classroom where you'll learn to recognise and interpret volcanic processes, products and hazards.
Anglesey, UK
Module: Volcanology; Volcanology for Global Hazards (second year)
You'll learn how to determine large-scale structures from minor structures. The fieldwork is part of a module investigating theoretical and practical approaches to understanding processes and products of metamorphism and deformation in rocks.
West Wales, UK
Module: Sedimentology (second year)
The scenic coastal outcrops of West Wales are an excellent venue to introduce you to the processes and products of sedimentary environments from deep marine to continental. You'll acquire skills in recording and interpretation of sedimentological data.
Pacific North West, USA
Module: Regional Case Studies in Global Hazards (third year)
The area is subject to volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunami, landslides, floods and other hazards. You'll gain first-hand experience of a wide range of natural hazards, and their effects on society and infrastructure. You'll also look at hazard planning and mitigation.
Dorset, UK
Module: Basin Analysis (third year)
You'll study the evolution and petroleum geology of the Jurassic to Tertiary fill of the Wessex Basin. You'll collect and interpret data which relate sedimentary processes to controlling factors such as tectonics, climate and sea-level change.
Norfolk, UK
Module: Quaternary Studies (third year)
This course studies aspects of the geology, geomorphology and quaternary evolution of North Norfolk. There is a particular emphasis on the industrial applications of such studies, including the use of appropriate site investigation techniques.
Derbyshire and Staffordshire
Module: Industrial Applications of Geology (third year)
You'll get practical experience of field and site-based investigations and associated report writing. You'll visit mineral extraction sites and areas with ground and slope stability problems.
