Why study Geology? Geology can be considered as a leisure interest subject. It helps us to appreciate and understand our natural environment, both locally and further afield. Cumbria is a particularly good place in which to study geology with its varied landscape, a wide range of formations and its long history of mining. Many students develop a keen interest in collecting minerals and fossils, which they continue after leaving school. Career opportunities are also extremely wide ranging. Features of the course: Geology involves the scientific study of the earth. We examine in detail the materials that occur at the surface, the minerals and the various types of rocks and deposits. We look at how these materials are produced, changed and recycled, and how the processes involved change the landscape. There are in-depth studies of “big” topics - earthquakes, mountain-building, volcanic activity, ocean and continent formation - and we learn how these are related to huge changes in the earth’s interior. Emphasis is placed on applied geology. All nations depend upon a supply of essential resources: energy resources like coal, oil and gas; metals such as iron, copper, lead and zinc; construction materials such as limestone, sand and gravel, clay and roadstones; and an adequate supply of fresh water. Geologists are involved in finding and developing these vital materials. A consequence of human consumption of raw material is inevitably waste disposal - again needing geological expertise. Fieldwork is an essential part of the course and in the summer/autumn terms, four days of local field trips (Lake District, Eden Valley and Pennines) are arranged. In addition, there are afternoon excursions, which can be used to complete coursework requirements and occasional visits to local extractive industries such as the mine at British Gypsum.