At the University of Liverpool
in the Department of Earth Ocean
and Ecological Sciences
we teach a range of programmes
in Earth sciences.
Earth Science
is the scientific study
of planet Earth
our world leading
experts at Liverpool
teach degree programmes
in geology and geophysics teach degree programmes
in geology and geophysics
including joint degrees with
physics and physical geography
Geology is an applied science
concerned with understanding
the evolution of
planet Earth
and using that
knowledge to help
society prosper through
wise and careful use of society prosper through
wise and careful use of
finite resources.
Geophysics uses
theory and methods from physics
to investigate the fundamental structure
and evolution of our planet.
Like geology
geophysics plays a key role
helping our society
prosper through wise and careful use
of finite resources.
Geophysics differs from geology because
it has more focus on applications
of physics to do this.
Earth science is important
because our whole built environment
and our daily lives depend on
geologists and geophysicists.
Earth scientists
use biology, chemistry,
physics and maths to understand our planet
- and so can appreciate
the links between these subjects.
Earth scientists are
used to dealing with uncertainty
and are attuned to making
sound judgements and risk assessments
based on incomplete data.
Earth scientists are able to identify
and help reduce the risks
from hazards across the globe including
earthquakes, volcanoes,
wildfires, floods
and landslides
and so they help save lives.
They are also the scientists with the best chance
of solving problems on our planet.
Our climate, for example
is changing faster than ever before
in Earth's history
and it is those Earth scientists who study
past climate who can help understand
future climate.
Finally, the annual consumption
of earth materials is
100 billion tonnes
and it is Earth scientists who find
and manage those resources.
We teach using lectures,
practicals, workshops
seminars, tutorials
fieldwork
formal groupwork, library and independent study
and we also use a virtual learning environment
or V.L.E.
providing you with resources, activities, videos
and helps you to fit your learning
around your life.
What is our overall aim if we are teaching you ?
We aim that the Liverpool geoscience graduate
is practical, self reliant
confident and employable.
For our teaching facilities
we have
23 million pounds, state-of-the-art
award-winning laboratories
that were opened in 2012.
Facilities include
4 million pounds worth of new research grade
teaching equipment for geoscience and geography
This equipment includes
optical microscopes
a scanning electron microscope
XRF analysers
which we can use to determine the chemistry of samples
LIDAR instruments
that is, Light Detection and Ranging systems
or remote sensing methods we can use
to examine the surface of the earth.
GPS equipment
that is, Global Positioning System equipment
that uses signals from satellites
to pinpoint a location on the Earth's surface
We also have flumes
which are special water tanks
in our laboratories to help you understand
fluid properties and the basics of sediment.
There's also a range of geophysics equipment.
Well what can you do with your geology or geophysics degree?
Liverpool geoscience graduates do jobs that make a difference
recent graduates now work in these fields:
hazard assessment and mitigation
especially looking at earthquakes, volcanoes, floods and landslides.
They work in environmental management
especially water and waste management.
Many work in site investigation
mainly for engineering and construction works,
and a significant number work
looking at natural resources
that is in the discovery of Earth materials
and energy including geothermal energy.
Liverpool is an internationally recognised centre
for research and teaching in geosciences
We have more than 100 years of experience teaching geology and geophysics.
Nowhere in the UK can match our breadth of experience.
Our department is friendly and has a community feel
and - it is important to know
that if you end up as a student here
that we have a really true open door policy,
a strong student/staff committee
and a student society called the Herdman Society
which is run by students for the students.
Liverpool is a friendly and vibrant city.
It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It's one of the top ten UK destinations for visitors
and that's offical according to TripAdvisor and Lonely Planet!
It's also a UNESCO City of Music.
Why not become a Liverpool Earth Scientist
have a great time studying and living in Liverpool
and on graduation
make a real difference to our collective futures.