earth sciences, environmental science, petroleum engineering undergraduate brochure

Engineering and Physical Sciences

Earth Sciences,EnvironmentalScience, PetroleumEngineering

www.manchester.ac.uk/seaes

UNDERGRADUATE BROCHURE 2014

Teaching inspired bythe latest research

Diverse andexciting fieldworkopportunities

High staff-to-student ratio

Provision ofcourses accreditedby the GeologicalSociety of London

Excellent linkswith a wide rangeof industries

The facts

Introducing Manchester

Earth Sciences,Environmental Sciences,Petroleum Engineeringat ManchesterCourse details

Student Profiles

Find out more online

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Contents

Studying at Manchesterhas been a fantasticopportunity for me andhas kept me in touch withup-and-coming researchand technology.Laique RahmanBEng Petroleum Engineering

3Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, Petroleum Engineeringwww.manchester.ac.uk/seaes

Our UniversityMaking things happen

Influential, forward-thinking and down-to-earth,we’ll give you an amazing university experience rooted in a rich academic heritage.We turn enthusiasm into achievement andgroundbreaking theory into practice.

We accomplish feats of global significance, fromsplitting the atom to giving the world graphene –the two-dimensional wonder material that is one atom thick but 200 times stronger than steel. With more Nobel laureates on our staff than anyother UK university, and strong links to industry and public services, we vitalise our undergraduatecourses with pioneering research.

Join us at the heart of Britain’s most popularstudent city.

Learn more about us:www.manchester.ac.uk

Our cityAlways moving forward

Manchester lives on the edge of tomorrow,ever a step ahead in science, industry, media,sport and the arts. The Mancunian character,exemplified by the city’s central role in theindustrial revolution, strives for excellence in all walks of life.

This is a city of many accents, having become a cosmopolitan magnet for students andprofessionals eager to experience its can-doattitude, independent spirit and cultural wealth.

Never content to live on past glories,Manchester has a passion for progress.

Discover what makes Manchester unique:www.manchester.ac.uk/cityofmanchester

Introducing

Manchester

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Your experienceMore than just a degree

From the flexible, 24/7 learning environment of the Alan Gilbert Learning Commons tothe personal development opportunities andspecialist support services we offer, we willempower you to be your best.

We’re well underway with the biggestinvestment programme ever seen in UKhigher education, having invested £750million in our facilities since 2004, withanother £1 billion to follow. Away from yourstudies you’ll have access to the UK’s largeststudent union, almost 300 student societies,and excellent sports and fitness facilities.

The only thing you won’t experience is boredom.

Hear from some of our students, graduates and staff:www.manchester.ac.uk/ug/profiles

Your careerOn a course to success

We are one of the UK’s most targeteduniversities by employers – 92% of ourgraduates go straight into employment or further study.

We design our courses with youremployability in mind. Our problem-basedapproach to learning inspires you to thinkcritically, creatively, and independently. You’llalso be able to learn new skills throughvolunteering, personal developmentprogrammes and study abroad pathways.

We have the UK’s best careers service,providing advice and mentoring services, andconnecting you with employers who’ll putyou on a path to career success.

Take control of your career:www.manchester.ac.uk/careers

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The most significant challenges facing humanityin the 21st century are the depletion of naturalresources and the potential for irreversibledamage to our environment. Our courses allowyou to develop a deep understanding of theworkings of our planet and use thisunderstanding to identify new sources ofmaterials, and minimise the impact of theirextraction and use

Earth Sciences,Environmental Sciences,Petroleum Engineering

at Manchester

Our comprehensive and dedicated facilities includelaboratories and equipment that are among the best in the country.

Highlights include:

• International research reputation

• Excellent links with a wide range of industries

• Rated excellent for teaching by governmentinspection

• Free field courses (we ask you to contribute to thecost of food)

• Provision of courses accredited by the GeologicalSociety of London

• Opportunities to work with leading researchers

• School-based undergraduate resource centre

• Friendly and thriving community ofundergraduates, postgraduates and staff


The School of Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciencesat Manchester is one of the best-equipped schools of its kind inBritain. The academic staff in our school and our partnersinclude experts in a wide range of earth and environmentalsciences, chemical engineering and life sciences. A degree fromour School will set you up well for your future – and equip you tohelp meet the challenges we face.

Why Manchester?

• One of the UK’s largest centres for earthand environmental teaching

• Diverse exciting fieldwork opportunities

• Opportunities to gain industrialexperience via work placements

Course details

Three-year courses

Geology BScUCAS Code F600

Environmental and Resource Geology BScUCAS Code F630

Geochemistry BScUCAS Code F670

Geography and Geology BScUCAS Code FF68

Geology with Planetary Science BScUCAS Code F6F5

Petroleum Engineering BEngUCAS Code H850

Environmental Science BScUCAS Code F850

Which course should I apply for?

Four-year courses

Earth Sciences MEarthSciUCAS Code F640

Geology with Planetary Science MEarthSciUCAS Code F6FM

Petroleum Engineering MEngUCAS Code H851

Geography and Geology with a Year Abroad UCAS Code FF86

Environmental Science with a Year Abroad UCAS Code F750

Environmental Science with Industrial Experience UCAS Code F75Z

Course details

You will find brief descriptions of each of thesecourses on the following pages.

It is mostly possible to change between thegeoscience courses at least until the end of your firstyear. The environmental course is science-based, withcore expertise that has been selected by our leadingenvironmental research scientists advised by ourindustrial liaison panel, allowing you to specialise inan area you find of particular interest.

If you can't decide which course is for you, pleasefeel free to contact us using the contact informationat the end of this brochure, to discuss your situation.Once you apply, you will also have an opportunity tovisit our School and discuss your options with amember of staff, so there will be many opportunitiesto change if you are uncertain what to do.

Entry requirementsTypical offer

A-level: AAB-ABBIB: 35-33

For full requirements, see:www.manchester.ac.uk/ugcourses

All coursesKey skills

As well as taking subject-specific course units, youwill also acquire important key skills, particularlythrough our tutorial system, field trips andindependent project work.

Skills you will develop include:

• Writing scientific reports�

• Developing critical arguments�

• Bibliographic skills

• Enhanced computing and IT skills

• Giving oral and poster presentations

• Project design�

• Numeracy and mathematical skills


FieldworkOur field courses provide you with a unique learning experience and are an integral part of�all our courses. Venues vary, but most Geology,Geography and Geology, and Environmental Sciencestudents will have the opportunity to take one or twofield courses overseas. Fieldwork allows you to applythe skills you learn in lectures and laboratory classesto real settings. You develop skills of observation andinterpretation, as well as techniques for investigatingspecific problems – these skills are vital for thoseseeking employment in these sectors.

Field courses run by our School are free. We ask youto make a contribution to food costs on courses thatare fully catered.

Most field courses are residential, allowing you to socialise with fellow students and staff in aninformal setting.

Some field courses are linked to options, or to yourchosen degree path.

Study abroadSome of our courses offer you opportunities to studyabroad for one semester during both the three andfour-year courses. Recent destinations of our studentshave included Hong Kong, Toronto, Sydney andSingapore. In order to gain a place on our studyabroad scheme, you need to achieve good marks inyour first-year exams and demonstrate a keencommitment throughout your course.

Students also often travel abroad as part of their fieldstudies and many take the opportunity to conducttheir independent mapping or project abroad.

We also offer courses that incorporate a year abroadand are developing others – please check our websitefor details of whether these will be available to you.

By choosing the year abroad pathway in Year 3 of ourEnvironmental Science or Geography and Geologycourses, you will broaden your perspective ofenvironmental issues by understanding the approachadopted in a foreign country and by studying optionsprovided by a foreign host institution.

Work placements and careersA number of opportunities arise most years forstudents to gain industrial experience during theirtime at Manchester. Our students have previouslytaken advantage of placements in areas ranging from oil exploration to site investigation ofcontaminated land.

You also have the opportunity to participate in avariety of mentoring schemes that allow you to gainexperience of a particular industry of your choice.Recently, one of our undergraduate studentsparticipated in the International PetroleumTechnology Conference in Dubai, where they usedthe opportunity to network and gain an insight into a career as a petroleum geologist.

Each of our course areas has a dedicated careersofficer, who organises regular events with potentialemployers and relevant professional bodies.

If you choose the year in industry pathway on ourEnvironmental Science course, you will gainexperience of working in the environmental sector,developing your discipline-specific and personal andemployability skills through interaction in acommercial environment.

The School is also currently in the process of settingup a year abroad / industry for our other courses.Please contact us for further information.

Many of our students decide to study for a furtherdegree: MSc, MA, or PhD. This is a recognised routeto enter a specialist career. Because masters coursesare only one year full-time, they provide you with achance to react to changes in the job market, givingyou confidence that your prospects have improved.PhDs normally require three years of full-time study;they allow you to develop your more academicinterests in greater depth and to really show that youcan carry out independent research that is worthpublishing for all to read.

Funding

Industrial scholarships

Please contact us for further details and availability ofindustrial scholarships.

University scholarships and bursaries

For the most up-to-date information on our fundingoptions, check our website:www.manchester.ac.uk/studentfinance

10 Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, Petroleum EngineeringUndergraduate brochure 2014

Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, Petroleum Engineering

GeoscienceWhy study geoscience?

Geoscience is the study of the composition,behaviour and history of the Earth and other planets.It integrates and applies different scientific disciplinesto studying problems such as the formation andcomposition of the Earth, the causes of earthquakeand volcanic activity, the causes of ice ages, and theorigin and evolution of life. It is central to thediscovery and exploitation of new resources, such asoil, gas and metals, as well as to understanding howto exploit them sustainably.

You will find geoscience to be an immensely practicalsubject; geologists study many phenomena thataffect our daily lives. For example, geoscientists makea major contribution to: the study of natural hazards,such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslidesand floods, and how to predict their occurrence; thesearch for new energy and mineral resources andtheir safe exploitation; maintaining quality watersupplies; disposal of domestic, industrial and nuclear waste; and the study of short and long-termclimatic change.

Geoscientists work especially in the oil, mining,engineering, water and environmental fields.

We offer a number of different courses in geoscience.They involve a common core, which allows you totransfer between courses in your first year.

BSc (Hons) GeologyThis broad course covers all the major�aspects ofgeology and equips you to pursue a career in anyarea of geoscience.

Benefits include:

• Accreditation by the Geological Society of London

• Wide choice of options in Year 3

• Ideal course if you want to go on to a masters orenter general graduate employment

• Full fieldwork programme, including independent mapping

BSc (Hons) Environmental and Resource GeologyIf you are particularly interested in exploration forearth resources and the environmental impact of theirextraction, along with the safe disposal of any wasteproducts, this course will suit you well.

Benefits include:


• Specialist course units include Mineral Deposits,Energy Resources, Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology


• Opportunity of taking course units shared withenvironmental scientists �


Course details

BSc (Hons) Geochemistry Geochemistry is ideal if you have a good backgroundin chemistry and other physical sciences, and you areparticularly interested in the chemistry of naturalsystems and their evolution through time.

Benefits include:

• Opportunity to apply geochemical methods tosuch diverse problems as the origin of the solarsystem and polluted groundwater

• Available course units include BiogeochemicalCycles, Organic Systems, Analytical Techniques and Isotope Geochemistry



MEarthSci (Hons) Earth SciencesThis four-year undergraduate course is known as anintegrated masters degree. It is particularly suitablefor students who wish to pursue a career in research.We allow you to switch to the four-year course fromany other geoscience course within your first twoyears of study. Remaining on the course is subject tomaintaining a strong performance in assessments.

Benefits include:


• You can follow a Geology, Environmental andResource Geology, or Geochemistry pathwaythrough the earlier years of the course

• You undertake a research project in Year 4, whichgives you the opportunity to interact with staff atthe forefront of new developments in geoscience

• You undertake a small number of specialistcourses, some shared with postgraduate students


BSc and MEarthSci (Hons) Geology with Planetary SciencePlanetary Science is an interdisciplinary subject thatbrings together geologists, astronomers, physicists,chemists and biologists to study the origin andevolution of the solar system.

Benefits include:

• Unique course combining geology with the studyof the origin and evolution of the solar system

• Course overall approximately two-thirds geology,one-third planetary science

• Available in three or four-year format; the latterincludes a mapping project and is accredited bythe Geological Society of London

• Opportunity to undertake a research project inplanetary science

• Specialist course units available includeComparative Planetology, Study of Moon Rocksand Meteorites, and Origin of the Solar System, as well as astronomy options from our School ofPhysics and Astronomy



BSc (Hons) Geography and GeologyThis course is designed for students who have astrong interest in physical geography and who wishto focus their studies on natural processes at theEarth’s surface.

Benefits include:

• Joint course between our School of Earth,Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences and the School of Environment and Development

• Opportunity to attend field courses run by both Schools

• Wide choice of course units in both subject areas

• Dissertation typically in the area of physicalgeography or geology, often field-based

BSc (Hons) Geography and Geology with a Year AbroadBenefits include:

• A year spent studying in a university abroad

• A broad course that covers all areas of earthsciences and physical geography

• Teamwork, problem-solving and field skills play akey role in integrating all the elements of thesubject and developing your transferrable skills

• Careers support and active recruitment

Environmental scienceWhy study environmental science?

Environmental science is the study of how physical,chemical, and biological processes maintain andinteract with life, and includes the study of howhumans affect nature.

Our Environmental Science course combines a strong science base selected by a panel of industrialspecialists. It includes elements from our Faculty ofLife Sciences, with discipline-specific skills, and so canlead to employment opportunities in the commercial,industrial, government and educational sectors. Italso provides you with an excellent foundation forpostgraduate study in environmental science andrelated disciplines.

You may interact with students from other disciplineson University-wide course units, such as Sustainabilityand Leadership, and take selected humanities courseunits in areas such as planning and economics, whereenvironmental concerns are of increasing importance.

We offer you a stimulating learning environment,with welcoming, enthusiastic staff and strongexpertise over many areas. Research in the Schoolwas termed ‘world leading’ or ‘internationallyexcellent’ in the most recent Research AssessmentExercise, and our staff draw on their research toensure our courses are relevant, exciting and up to date.


Course details

BSc (Hons) Environmental ScienceA science-based understanding of our environment is vital to ensure that human needs are met, in asustainable way, so that everyone will have access to clean water, clean air, and the earth resourcesrequired for agriculture and industrial activity.

This course sets out to produce excellent scientists with an awareness of environmental problems and solutions, and who can communicate well with others.

Our course develops three fundamental sciencestrands, Bioscience, Geoscience and EnvironmentalPhysics, which are then woven together byintegrative course units to give you perspective andallow you to apply scientific concepts to realenvironmental problems. This is a multi-disciplinary,research-informed course that includes units taughtby active researchers across a range of areas includingBiology, Geography, Planning and Earth Sciences.

Benefits include:

• Core of compulsory course units for allenvironmental degrees and a choice of options in each year, allowing you to specialise in areasthat interest you most

• Strong science base

• Subsidised field programme, including a dedicated environmental field course in each ofthe three years

• Opportunity to interact with students from other disciplines on University-wide course units,such as Sustainability

• Dissertation gives opportunity to review anenvironmental problem of your choice in detail

• Core non-science course units in second and thirdyear to ensure the policy side of environmentalscience is integrated into your course

BSc (Hons) Environmental Science with a Year Abroad Benefits include:

• Spend a year studying in a university abroad

• A course that provides a broad but solidfoundation in science that explores sustainabilityand environmental issues, such as clean water,clean air and the resources required for agriculturaland industrial activity


• The opportunity to interact with students fromother disciplines within University-wide courses onissues around sustainability

BSc (Hons) Environmental Science with Industrial Experience Benefits include:

• Teamwork, problem solving, tutorial sessions andfield skills play a key role in integrating all theelements of the subject and serve to develop yourtransferrable skills

• Careers support, including a directed set of careerstutorials, plus active recruitment

• Industrial links and partnerships with a range ofindustrial partners as well as two University-directed commercial companies, Intelisys Ltd andMineral Solutions Ltd

• Course structure developed with input from ourIndustrial Liaison Committee to ensure keycompetencies are incorporated into the course




Petroleum engineeringWhy study petroleum engineering?

The availability and exploitation of oil and gasresources underpin the world’s economy and, as thepetroleum industry reaches maturity, newhydrocarbon resources are becoming increasinglydifficult to find. In addition, the worldwide demandfor oil is increasing rapidly. The decline in newdiscoveries, coupled with increased demand, hasresulted in rising oil prices, and so oil companies areplacing more emphasis on efficient recovery tomaintain production and meet increasing demands.

Petroleum engineers work at the interface betweengeology and engineering and play a pivotal role inthe efficient exploitation and long-term recovery of hydrocarbons.

These courses, which we run in partnership with our School of Chemical Engineering and AnalyticalScience, are designed to equip you with theknowledge and skills required by the petroleumindustry. Several of the course units are led by industry professionals and the project work is designed to simulate real petroleum engineering problems.

MEng and BEng (Hons) Petroleum EngineeringProducing oil and gas from reserves effectively andsafely is of immense economic importance, andrequires a broad spectrum of knowledge and skills.These Petroleum Engineering courses aim to equipyou with the skills and knowledge required tomanage and operate oil fields effectively.

Benefits include:

• Joint course with teaching shared between ourSchool of Earth, Atmospheric and EnvironmentalSciences and School of Chemical Engineering andAnalytical Sciences

• Industrial input to course design and delivery

• Dedicated laboratory space with access to industry-standard software

• Design projects in each year, enabling you to puttheory into practice

For all our degree coursesFor a full list of course units relating to all ourcourses, visit:www.seaes.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduates


Course details

Student profiles

I especially feel that the annual field tripsare an integral part of the course, as theyhave allowed me to gain valuable scientificsurveying skills and put the theory I learntin class into practice. It is rare that auniversity organises a compulsory fieldcourse every year, and I believe that it is a great opportunity provided byManchester, as it has also allowed me toreally get to know my course mates andwork well as a team.

Sarah PerryBSc Environmental Science

The great thing about the EnvironmentalScience course is that the contentincludes topics that cover all scientificdisciplines. I don't believe that any othercourse could cover such a wide range oftopics in such detail. The range of topicscovered by the course means that you’reconstantly learning and never doing thesame thing twice.

Alexandra CordeauxBSc Environmental Science


Manchester offers a unique experience on its earth science courses, such asGeochemistry and Geology. TheUniversity has excellent facilities,resources and lectures. Obviously there isa lot of hard work involved, but there is alot of fun to be had too; the second-yearfield trips have provided me with somegreat memories. Finally, by the end of it allI’ll have a top notch degree and a choice ofcareer that will hopefully take me to a hotcountry somewhere.

Dominic MulroyBSc Geochemistry

The fourth year of the MEarthSci coursediffers from those previous in theincreased amount of choice involved. Youare allowed greater independence in theselection of a project and relevant courseunits, ideal for students perhapsconsidering a PhD. The fourth-year NorthWales field trip also gave great insight intothe industrial side of geology.

Lee MartinMEarthSci

The Petroleum Engineering course at The University of Manchester is a greatcombination of geoscience andengineering, practical-based, andtheoretical work. The course unitsincorporated and the connections with industry are placing me in excellentstead for a graduate position in the oil and gas industry.

Sarah BarberBEng Petroleum Engineering

Studying Petroleum Engineering atManchester is challenging, stimulating,exciting and rewarding. The course is verydynamic, and students are exposed to avaried mix of lectures, group tutorials andfieldwork. My favourite part of being aPetroleum Engineering student atManchester has been being a part of aclose-knit group of like-minded studentswho support each other every step of theway. I feel that the course will equip mewith the necessary technical and personalskills to go out into the real world, and I amconfident that I will be successfully in myfuture career. I would strongly recommendcoming to Manchester – it really is great!

Maria SinakovaBEng Petroleum Engineering

Discover your new home: www.manchester.ac.uk/accommodation

Everything you need to apply:www.manchester.ac.uk/ug/howtoapply

Accommodation

Admissions and applications

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Childcare

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Funding and finance

Maps

Prospectus

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IT Services

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Library

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Sport

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Support

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Students’ Union

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Videos

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Download or order a copy of our prospectus:www.manchester.ac.uk/ug/courses/prospectus

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Take control of your career:www.manchester.ac.uk/careers

CareersLet us help you prepare for your time here:www.manchester.ac.uk/international

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Disclaimer

This brochure is prepared well in advance ofthe academic year to which it relates.Consequently, details of courses may varywith staff changes. The University thereforereserves the right to make such alterationsto courses as are found to be necessary. Ifthe University makes an offer of a place, it isessential that you are aware of the currentterms on which the offer is based. If you arein any doubt, please feel free to ask forconfirmation of the precise position for theyear in question, before you accept the offer.

For further information about the courses,or about qualifications, please contact us at:

AddressSchool of Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences The University of Manchester Oxford RoadManchester M13 9PLUnited Kingdom

tel +44 (0)161 275 0776email [email protected]

For the most up-to-date courseinformation, visit our website:www.seaes.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduates

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Royal Charter Number RC000797M647 06.13

School of Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences The University of ManchesterOxford RoadManchesterM13 9PLUnited Kingdom

tel +44 (0)161 275 0776 email [email protected] www.seaes.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduates

earth sciences, environmental science, petroleum engineering undergraduate brochure

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