Geology - Exploration Field Geology MSc - CKR43

If you are a geology graduate, this course will provide you with the essential knowledge, techniques and experience required by the exploration geology sector for employment in the metal, coal or hydrocarbon industries.

Our course recognises the exceptional demand for exploration geologists driven by the unprecedented rise in commodity prices for metals, coal and petroleum resources.

Bucking the global recessionary trend, significant employment opportunities exist for skilled geologists both within Europeand further afield, with Australiaand Canadarecognised as major markets.

Exploration companies require skilled field geologists. However, in many courses, geology graduates gain advanced knowledge in research-driven specialisms but lack industrially relevant skills and practical training in core areas. This course bridges that gap. We take note of employer feedback, and recognise and place emphasis on the field-based skills and competence required by industry.

Our course, therefore, provides an excellent foundation for a successful career in exploration geology.

On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

• demonstrate advanced competence in field methods as applied to the exploration industry in sedimentary, igneous, metamorphic and deformed terrains
• demonstrate advanced understanding of the principles and practice of coal exploration
• demonstrate advanced understanding of the principles and practice of basin analysis as relevant to the hydrocarbon exploration industry
• demonstrate advanced understanding of the principles and practice of offshore geological exploration
• apply Geographical Information Systems for geological mapping and exploration geology purposes
• test the geotechnical properties of rock and unconsolidated sediment with particular application to mining and quarrying
• demonstrate advanced understanding of the principles and practice of field exploration geology methodologies, e.g. regional sampling and core utilisation, to the level where you will be able to plan and direct an exploration course
• initiate independent research on a field geology topic.

Part I

You will take taught modules to the value of 60 credits involving field study, lectures, practicals, seminars, workshops, and self-directed learning.

Part II

You will undertake a substantial Research Project (GL6018) to the value of 30 credits in an area of geology field study. This project must be submitted by 1 September in the academic year of registration for the course.

Core Modules
You will take 90 credits as follows:

Part I (60 credits)
GL6002 Igneous and Metamorphic Terrain Mapping (10 credits) 
GL6003 Coal Exploration (5 credits) 
GL6004 Exploration Structural Geology (10 credits)
GL6005 Basin Analysis and Sedimentary Facies Analysis (10 credits)
GL6006 Geotechnical Investigations of Soils and Rocks (5 credits)

GL6007 Practical Offshore Geological Exploration (5 credits)

GL6008 Geological Application of Geographical Information Systems (5 credits)
GL6009 Field Exploration Methods and Professional Development (10 credits)

 Part II (30 credits)

GL6018 Field Geology Research Project (30 credits)

Further Information can be found on our postgraduate calendar

The MSc in Exploration Field Technology is a full-time 12-month course split into two parts.

Part I consists of taught modules running from September to April. You must pass Part I in order to progress to Part II.

Part II consists of a five-month research project. The course includes ship time experience aboard the Irish State Research Vessel Celtic Voyager. It also includes residential field trips to Co. Donegal, Co. Clare and Co. Kerry in Ireland, and to South Wales in the UK.

The taught modules in the course are assessed by a combination of written examinations and continuous assessment elements. These include essays, seminars, assessed presentations, practical reports, technical reports, offshore and field survey reports.

The five-month research project is assessed by a dissertation and a project seminar.

This course is taught by world leaders in the fields of mineral exploration. These currently include:

Garth Earls – gold exploration geologist

Prof Brian Williams (former Chair of Petroleum Geology, University of Aberdeen, now consulting) – petroleum geology

Dr Mark Cooper, Sherwood Geoconsulting Inc. – petroleum structural geology

Larry Thomas, author of the foremost coal exploration text book and consultant ­– coal exploration

Prof Donny Hutton (former Chair of Geology, University of Birmingham) – igneous and metamorphic terrain mapping

Most instructors manage their own exploration companies/consultancies or have direct industrial research and training  links.