Our geochemistry research includes specific areas of expertise: applied and fundamental aspects of geochemistry; environmental sustainability; climate change; and biosphere/geosphere interactions. Through working with academics who are leaders in their field, you will be supported and guided to produce research of an international standard.
The School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences enjoys an international reputation for using the latest science to solve problems of global importance. For geochemistry we have MPhil and PhD supervision in the following areas:
Petroleum-related geological research
- reservoir and source-rock geochemistry
- microbial deep biosphere of petroleum reservoirs
- origin, significance and maturation of molecular biomarker compounds in the sedimentary record
- physico-chemical properties and behaviour of mudstone sequences
- shale gas
- geological sequestration of CO2
- palynofacies and organic facies of ancient and modern sediments
Examples of key staff in this area include:
- Dr Geoffrey Abbott, Senior Lecturer in Organic Geochemistry
- Professor Ian Head, Professor of Environmental Microbiology
- Dr Martin Jones, Analytical Facilities Manager
- Professor Thomas Wagner, Professor of Earth System Science
Environment-related research
- geomicrobiology
- mineral science
- molecular microbial ecology
- molecular palaeontology
- soil biogeochemistry
- waste management
- bioremediation of polluted soils and waters
- biogeochemical cycling of elements through Earth history
- climate change during past greenhouse conditions
- processes of carbon cycling and export across the land-ocean transition
Examples of key staff in this area include:
- Dr Neil Gray, Reader in Geomicrobiology and RCUK Research Fellow
- Dr Adam Jarvis, Reader in Environmental Engineering
- Dr Bryn Jones, Head of Academic Operations
- Professor David Manning, Professor of Soil Science
- Dr Helen Talbot, Reader in Organic Geochemistry
- Dr David Werner, Senior Lecturer
View all of our research activities, academic staff and student research projects in the School.
Delivery
We offer the MPhil and PhD on a full time or part time basis. You will work with research-active academics who will provide advice and support throughout your research project. You will receive formal training in research skills and methods and discipline-specific training is provided where appropriate.
The first three months of study involve intensive theoretical and practical tuition to ensure that you have the study skills to plan your project and can use the equipment and software related to your research. You are encouraged to attend our weekly research seminar series and to present your work at our annual postgraduate research conference, group seminars and relevant international conferences.
Facilities
The School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences has an exceptional range of laboratories equipped with a wide range of analytical instrumentation supporting our research, teaching and contract research projects.
- Chemical and Biological Research Laboratories
- Geotechnics and Structures Research Laboratories
