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Preliminary Examination in Earth Sciences

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 4 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: Chemistry, Physics and Biology for Earth Sciences

      (d) Paper 4: 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. An approved set of practical assessments at regular times during Michaelmas, Hilary and Trinity terms, subject to the conditions of clause 6 below.
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  • 3. In addition to the above four papers and practical assessments, 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.
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  • 4. Candidates shall be deemed to have passed the examination if they have:

    • (a) satisfied the Examiners in the four papers in clause 1 either at a single examination or at two examinations in accordance with clause 6, and

    • (b) satisfied the Examiners in the set of practical assessments in clause 2, either at a single sitting or two sittings in accordance with clause 6, and

    • (c) satisfied the additional requirements in clause 3.

  • 5. The Examiners may award a distinction to candidates of special merit who have satisfied them in all four papers in clause 1 and the set of practical assessments in clause 2 and in the requirements of clause 3 at the first attempt.

  • 6. 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 four papers at a subsequent examination. Candidates who fail in any individual practical assessment must resit that assessment at a subsequent date.

  • 7. The examination conventions of each examination paper listed in clause 1 and for the practical assessments in clause 2 will be published annually in the course handbook.