Environmental Geochemistry and Geomicrobiology

Entry requirements

The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent).

Other combinations of qualifications and research or work experience may also be considered.

Months of entry

January, April, September

Course content

Environmental Geochemistry and Geomicrobiology, focuses on the characterisation of mineral water organic matter reactions in surface and near surface environments. Since chemical reactions in these environments are often catalysed by microorganisms, we have developed a recent and expanding interest in geomicrobiology. Here by combining the techniques of microbiology and molecular biology with physical, chemical and modelling approaches, we focus on the role microorganisms play - or have played - in key geological processes.

Fundamental work aims to identify the biogeochemical controls on mineral cycles in a range of environments, including the iron and sulphur cycle; as well as those of toxic metals, including arsenic, chromium, technetium and transuranics. Our excellent infrastructure facilitates the study of the biological, mineralogical and geochemical components of such cycles at a molecular scale.

We are also currently investigating innovative approaches that can be used to guide natural biogeochemical cycles, in order to drive the remediation of land and water contaminated by metals, radionuclides and toxic organics.