Preliminary Examination in Earth Sciences

Differences from 2014/15 to 2020/21

A

  • 1. The subject of the Preliminary Examination in Earth Sciences shall be Earth Sciences, including supporting practical techniques and physics, chemistry, mathematics and biology.

  • 2. The number of papers and other general requirements of the Preliminary Examination in Earth Sciences shall be prescribed by regulation from time to time by the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Board.

B

  • 1. The Preliminary Examination in Earth Sciences shall consist of 5 compulsory papers taken at one examination, subject to the conditions of clause 5 below:

    • (a) Paper 1: Planet Earth

      (b) Paper 2: Fundamentals of Geology (Theory)

      (c) Paper 3: Fundamentals of Geology (Practical)

      (d) Paper 4: Chemistry, Physics and Biology for Earth Sciences

      (e) Paper 5: an approved paper in Mathematics

    • The syllabus for these papers shall be published annually in the course handbook, not later than the beginning of Michaelmas Full Term for examination three terms thence.

  • 2. In addition to the above five papers a candidate in Earth Sciences shall be required to submit to the examiners such evidence as they require of the successful completion of field work normally pursued during the three terms preceding the examination. Candidates who fail to satisfy the examiners in this regard will be required to sit a further paper, which may only be taken once.

  • 3. Candidates shall be deemed to have passed the examination if they have:

    • (a) satisfied the Examiners in the five papers in clause 1 either at a single examination or at two examinations in accordance with clause 5, and

    • (b) satisfied the additional requirements in clause 2.

  • 4. The Examiners may award a distinction to candidates of special merit who have satisfied them in all five papers in clause 1 in one examination and in the requirements of clause 2.

  • 5. Candidates who fail in one or two papers listed in clause 1 may offer that number of papers at a subsequent examination. Candidates who fail more than two papers must resit all five papers at a subsequent examination.

  • 6. The examination conventions of each examination paper listed in clause 1 will be published annually in the course handbook.