Diploma in Geology

The Diploma in Scientific Studies (Geology) provides an introduction to the science of geology for people with a general interest in the natural environment. It explores key questions such as:

How did the Earth and the landscape form?

What is a geological hazard?

What are geological materials and how are they exploited?

What effect does that have on the environment?

The programme aims to provide students with a broad introduction to the study of the Earth and hands-on practical experience of the techniques employed within the fields of geology. The principles of geology are covered using case studies and physical materials from around the world and the course includes field trips to see in-situ geology in an Irish context.

The programme consists of lectures and practical exercises concerning the structure of the Earth from the atomic to the planetary level, internal and external Earth processes and materials, and the interaction between people and the planet they inhabit.

The programme includes the following topics:

Planet Earth

Structural Geology and Geological Maps

Building Blocks of the Earth

Crystallography, Mineralogy and Microscopy

Irish Geology

Virtual Geology Tours

Evolution of the Earth

Palaeontology

Economic Geology

Earth's Physical Resources

The Human Perspective

Hazards and the Environment

There are also two feild trips available per semester, usually from a half day to one day in duration.

There are all located in Ireland, in Counties Mayo, Galway, Clare and sometimes further afield (e.g. Antrim, Kerry or Waterford) and they are designed to complement the course material.