Geology
TRO71
Course Advisor: Dr David Chew
chewd@tcd.ie
http://www.tcd.ie/Geology/
Further details on each module may be found at:
www.tcd.ie/Geology/undergraduate/modules/
The Geology Moderatorship aims to produce well-rounded graduates with a sound
understanding of the geological processes that have acted on the Earth’s surface and within
the planet from the dawn of time to the present day. The programme also aims to provide
each student with a broad set of both vocational and transferable skills.
Applicants to the Sophister course in Geology are strongly advised to have attended
the residential field courses in the Senior Freshman year. The course structure of the
Moderatorship in Geology is as follows:
Junior Sophisters:
The Junior Sophister programme is a prescribed course that consists of modules in the
main branches of the geological sciences. A series of transferable as well as subject specific
skills are developed during this year. Fieldwork is an important component and Junior
Sophister students attend at least two major field classes away from Dublin.
Senior Sophisters:
In the Senior Sophister year, students take some core modules (M) that include an
independent dissertation. In addition there is a range of optional (O) modules some of which
are provided by other schools or departments. There is at least one long field course away
from Dublin during the Senior Sophister year. Subject choice forms for the optional courses
in the Senior Sophister year are normally completed at the start of the year.
Junior Sophister Modules
60 credits
GL3301 Sedimentary Petrology: from sediment to rock TBA
5 credits
This module deals with how sediment is produced at the Earth’s surface and then becomes
rock and how the information preserved in these sedimentary rocks can be related to the
physical, chemical and biological processes that occurred during their formation.
GL3306 Palaeontology, Palaeoecology & Evolution
PWJ
5 credits
This module provides a link between modern and ancient ecosystems. It deals with
evolutionary processes, methodologies in taxonomy, and collection and analysis of biological
data from fossils in the field.
GL3321 Geochemistry and analytical techniques
QC
5 credits
This module focuses on the theory and application of geochemistry, including major and
trace elements as well as stable isotopes. The module covers both the acquisition of
geochemical data as well as the principal numeric steps to test geological hypotheses with
the data.
GL3317 Geological structures and mapping
DC
10 credits
This module examines the geometries, kinematics and mechanics of rock deformation. It
also deals practically with the representation of three dimensional structural data using
maps, cross-sections and stereographic projections. A study of the principles and
methodology of geological mapping at a variety of scales includes topics such as map
projections, coordinate systems and Global Positioning Systems (GPS).
GL3318 Mineralogy
IS
5 credits
This module aims to consolidate and extend the skills in using the polarized light microscope
developed in the SF year, and to reinforce a knowledge of the rock forming minerals. It also
aims to enlarge a knowledge of the chemistry and appearance of hand specimen minerals.
GL3322 Crystalline rocks 1: igneous processes
ET
5 credits
The emphasis of this module is on the study of rocks that form from magmas. It investigates
the generation and crystallisation of magma and the processes that lead to the generation of
the wide variety of compositions and textures seen in igneous rocks. A range of intrusive and
extrusive rocks are covered at different scales from the tectonic environment and local
occurrence to hand specimen and under the microscope.
GL3323 Crystalline rocks 2: metamorphic processes and crustal melting IS 5credits
The focus of this module is on investigating rocks that have been subjected to elevated
pressures and temperatures and crustal melting. It deals with how to determine the nature
of a rock prior to heating and/or metamorphism, how to decipher its history of stress and of
reactions involving fluids and melts, and how the rock and resulting anatectic melts might be
placed in a geotectonic setting.
GL3324
Geological Field Skills 1
CN
10 credits
This module deals with recognition of basic geological relationships in the field and the
means by which they are recorded. It illustrates features such as stratigraphic contacts,
intrusions, deformation fabrics, timing relationships and how they are represented on a
geological map. The course is based at a suitable location outside of Dublin at the start of
the junior sophister year.
GL3325
Geological Field Skills 2
DC
10 credits
This module takes place towards the end of the year. It integrates and illustrates important
theoretical concepts covered in the class room and laboratory during the year. It reinforces
geological field techniques, field note taking and mapping principles. The course takes place
at a suitable location outside of Dublin in Spring.
Senior Sophister Modules
60 credits
GL4402 Fieldwork (M)
TBA
5 credits
An extended field course that integrates many of the specialist areas is held away from
Dublin, usually in Hilary Term. Shorter courses may be scheduled during the year.
GL4404 Geological Literature (M)
PWJ
5 credits
This module deals with critical analysis of research papers, an appreciation of early
geological concepts and theories, and current topics of debate in the earth sciences.
GL4406 Global Igneous Petrology (O)
ET
5 credits
This module deals with the production, differentiation and eruptive behaviour of magmas in
the main tectonic settings.
GL4410 Hydrogeology and groundwater quality (O)
CC
5 credits
This module aims to train student in the basic research tools used in hydrogeology and
groundwater contamination work. It introduces them to the practical application of these
tools, with case studies from both the developed and developing world.
GL4411 Organic Petrology, Palynology & Palaeobotany (O)
GC
5 credits
This module deals with the study of organic matter in rocks, the main groups of
palynomorphs and the early and the early radiation of land plants. There is a strong
emphasis on the practical uses of this field of study.
GL4412 Laboratory Project (O)
PWJ
5 credits
The aim is to execute a piece of laboratory based geological research and present the
acquired data and interpretations in a logical and professional manner.
GL4413 Introduction to Micropalaeontology (O)
GDS
5 credits
This module introduces the subject of micropalaeontology, its scope, methods (including
scanning electron microscopy) and potential, as well as the main groups of microfossils –
calcareous nanoplankton, foraminifers, radiolaria, ostracodes and conodonts. It also
demonstrates the practical use of these fossils in biostratigraphy, palaeoenvironmental
analysis, oceanography and thermal maturation studies.
GL4414 Petroleum Geology & Exploration (M)
CN
10 credits
In this module the principal theoretical concepts of petroleum generation, migration and
accumulation are introduced. These concepts are then illustrated by investigating the reallife example of ongoing oil exploration in the East African Rift System. Concepts will be
further reinforced using other laboratory and field examples.
GL4416 Planet formation and the early Earth (O)
BSK
5 credits
This module first reviews evidence in meteorites and in the geochemistry of the Earth’s
mantle for the formation of solids and planetary embryos in the Solar System. Discussion of
planet formation is followed by a chronological introduction to events that shaped the Earth
until the oxygenation of the atmosphere. The module will introduce students to rocks that are
unique to the early Earth with a focus on the most important events that have shaped the
planet from the billion of year time perspective.
GL4418 Radiogenic isotope geochemistry and mass spectrometry (O) QC 5 credits
This module provides an advanced treatment of radiogenic isotope geochemistry and
geochronology. The principles underlying different types of mass spectrometers and different
radiogenic isotope systems are covered along with their applications.
GL4419 Economic Geology (M)
TBA 5 credits
In this module, students will familiarise themselves with the most important types of ore
deposits. Building onto the now familiar geotectonic and absolute time framework, the
module introduces the various mineralisation types with case studies. Apart from
understanding the anatomy, mineralogy and chemistry of ore deposits, students will also
learn strategies for mineral exploration, including reconstructing alteration histories and
manipulating lithogeochemical data.
Geology Moderatorship Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this programme a student should be able to:

identify, formulate, analyse and suggest reasoned solutions to geological
problems

identify earth materials and interpret three and four dimensional distributions of
these materials from incomplete data sets

apply scientific procedure to solving problems

critically assess previously produced geological data sets and interpretations

work effectively as an individual, in teams and in multidisciplinary settings

communicate effectively with both the geological community and with society at large

Update their knowledge and undertake further study with a high degree of
autonomy.