Diploma in Geology (Evening)

This two year Diploma programme aims to give a broad based up-to-date appreciation of Geology. It tackles subjects such as the history of the earth and its environment over the past 4.6 billion years, how the earth works and an explanation for the occurrence of earthquakes, volcanoes, the evolution of life and planetary geology.

The course analyses exciting new theories of plate tectonics which aim to unify these and other topics, and presents several case studies. The course is of two years duration, for one evening per week, 7.00-10.00pm. Several one-day field classes are held at times convenient to the students, and there is a weekend field class in April of each year.

First year

This year provides an introduction to physical geology. The topics covered include: The origin of the earth, Geological time, Earthquakes and the internal layering of the earth, Continental drift and plate tectonics, Minerals and crystals, Igneous rocks, Volcanic activity, Sedimentary rocks and ancient environments, Metamorphic rocks, Folding and fracturing of rocks.

Second Year

This year builds on year one by introducing historical geology and looks at the applications and uses of geology in the 21st century. Topics covered include:

Evolution of life; Fossils and dating of rocks; Interpretation of past environments; History of Ireland over the past three billion years; Geomorphology - processes which shape the landscape; Evolution of the atmosphere; Geology of the moon; Application of geology to everyday life; Environmental geology including: petroleum geology and Ireland's continental shelf, groundwater resources and protection in Ireland, engineering geology, geological hazards and geophysics. Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements other than a curiosity about the world and how it works, the history of the planet and the physical forces that shaped it. Applicants should be over 18 at the time of registration.

This includes a combination of continuous assessment, written and practical examinations and two projects.

Project one is an essay to be handed in by 15th February of the first year and project two is a poster handed in by 15th February of the Second Year.

Further Opportunities

This course can form part of the Open University B.Sc. or B.A.

Further Information

Dr. Richard Unitt, Department of Geology, UCC.
Tel: +353 21 4904575
E-mail: r.unitt@ucc.ie