Geosciences

[natoono]

Ive accpeted my offer from St. Andrews so this is probably a bit late now, but are there any opinions on whats it like and also anyone else starting it in Sept 06? (or when ever the first Semester starts)and their opinions on why they choose it? (mine was purely becasue i loved the area on the open day)

(i really need to start improving grammar)

[Telinar]

I'm a first year Geoscience student at the moment started in Sep05. The department is awesome and the lecturers are really good at their jobs, and totally willing to help you. Geoscience has 5 lectures a week in the Purdie building and one 3 hour lab class per week. Admittedly these can go on for a bit and could maybe benefit with being 2 hours but they're generally pretty good anyway.

And then there's field trips. They kick ass. Two trips per semester that are in the local area looking at various rock formations and such like and do involve a LOT of walking...bring hiking boots and a waterproof jacket. Also second semester there is a 4 day residential field trip to Thurso, which is next week for me so I can't tell you what it's like as of yet but from what I've heard it's pretty awesome. Also, you will end up sacrificing weekends for these field trips, or sometimes wednesday afternoons. YOU DON'T GET OUT OF CLASS BECAUSE OF THEM.

All in all, it's a good course, if not the largest in the uni but this means that you tend to get smaller groups, esp in labs so you get taught more if you know what I mean. Hopefully you'll enjoy it as much as I have!

[hr]

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[Lyeta]

Geoscience is great - one of the smallest and friendliest departments in the university in my experience. The lecturers are great and get to know you by name really quickly (probably thanks to the field trips and practicals!). I took geoscience for my first two years as optional modules and loved it. Field trips aren't ALWAYS what you feel like doing at 9am on a Saturday morning, but they are generally a good laugh. Definately bring waterproofs and hiking boots as Telinar suggested above, and you will get your oh-so-attractive yellow hard hat when you get here!
Hope you have a great time at St. A's!

[October]

Yeah.
I'm the same deal as Telinar.
Classes are great, And I really do mean that.
I don't know if there are going to keep the time that it's at, if they do that means a 12 o'clock, and a fast walk back to get food.
Feild trips are much fun,
But my best pice of wisdom (if you can call it that) is get Tony Prave and Stuart Allison, on your side as quickly as you can. Wether them knowing you by name is really a good thing...Well I guess we'll have to find out at some point.
Just don't make them think you're insane by saying "cheese" at the wrong time.

And there is nothing wrong with the hard hats, they come in a choice of colours,
Yellow or White.
Another thing I'd surjest is to Join Geol Sco when you get here. It's ment to be a great way of getting to know people in your coures, and who know's I might see you there.
Oh, and don't worry about the grammer I never do. And look at me.

[hr]

I'm really not a nice person.

[natoono]

Thanks for the replies

The field trips are what im looking most forward to. I do Geology now at 6th form and the highlight was a residential to pembrokeshire coast national park, a trip which i will never forget (very hard work, loads of walking but great socialising)


and getting very wet, im use to it. Who needs water proofs lol

I choose St. Andrews because of the small class sizes. I had other offers from bigger Universities but 60+ students doesn't appeal to me

and to October i will definitely join the Geo Soc

[Telinar]

Quoting October from 22:58, 16th Mar 2006
Just don't make them think you're insane by saying "cheese" at the wrong time.
[hr]

That's just you October.

The field trips in first year are along the Fife coast, which if it's a nice day, is very beautiful. Bring a camera. And yeah, join the Geolsoc. From what I've heard, the lecturers sometimes buy drinks......

[hr]

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[Sid]

I did Geoscience and I have to admit looking back on it I did really enjoy it. Everyone here is right, the staff in the department are really nice and friendly, even the ones who seem a bit scarey in first year are friends by the time you graduate.

I remember dreading the Thurso trip. The weather was cold and shit, but we all had such a great laugh, especially in that night club they had there!

I'm sure you'll have a great time when you get here and best of luck to you!

Sid

[teeniebash]

And the second year fieldtrip residential is to Spain, definately not to be missed, leaving the Scottish weather behind is a blessing and seems to make the geology work seem alot easier and more fun!
So stick in with it until at least second semester of second year and I'm sure you won't be dissapointed!

[riddled]

geoscience... quite possibly the most boring module i ever took, i became so bored during lectures that i metamorphed into a rock and i am now on display in the irvine building. the people above may claim geoscience "rocks" !!! but in reality its the pits...