St Anne’s is now one of the larger colleges for Earth Scientists, with two College teaching Fellows – Don Porcelli and David Pyle, who are both University Lecturers.

Undergraduates may read for either a three-year BA honours degree or a four-year MESc honours degree. Most students opt for the four-year course, as this allows them to benefit fully from the course, including an opportunity to undertake independent research projects in the fourth year. We recommend that candidates apply for the four-year course, as it is always possible to change to the three-year course at a later date; it is not necessarily straightforward to do the reverse.

The two College tutors, Don Porcelli and David Pyle, have teaching expertise in geochemistry and petrology, and both teach major first- and second-year courses in the University. Don Porcelli’s particular expertise is geochemistry, with research interests in planetary evolution, groundwaters and ocean chemistry.  David Pyle’s primary interests are in the behaviour of volcanoes and the impacts of volcanic eruptions.

We regard a solid science background as the best preparation for the Earth Sciences, but we will consider applicants from a wide range of school and academic backgrounds. No previous formal study of Geology is required; just a keen interest in the subject. We look primarily for a lively, enquiring, intelligent mind; an ability to observe and reason on the basis of observation and an awareness of the natural environment.

Follow this link for a student's view of Earth Sciences at St Anne's.