Geology for Engineers

Module code: CEU33A08 · Semester: Semester 2

Resources

• Module descriptor (TCD)

Questions by Year

0 of 13 done · tick papers and add notes as you go

• 2025/26
• 2024/25
• 2023/24
• 2022/23
• 2021/22
• 2020/21
• 2018/19
• 2017/18 (old code CE3A8)
• 2016/17 (old code CE3A8)
• 2015/16 (old code CE3A8)
• 2014/15 (old code CE3A8)
• 2013/14 (old code CE3A8)
• 2012/13 (old code CE3A8)

Papers open on tcd.ie (sign in to TCD first).

Topics

• Earth's structure, plate tectonics, faulting and folding, earthquake seismology LO1–2
• Rocks and minerals; geological time LO1
• Volcanic processes and eruption dynamics LO3
• Sedimentary basins, reflection seismology and hydrocarbon exploration LO4, LO8
• Geology of Ireland LO1
• Surface processes: glacial, weathering, slopes, rivers, coasts LO5
• Natural hazards: earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, radon LO3, LO7
• Climate: greenhouse effect, Milankovitch cycles, human influence LO6
• Mineral deposits, mining and acid rock drainage LO4
• Rock mechanics, discontinuities, slope stability, karst and sinkholes LO8–9

Learning outcomes

1. Use standard geological terminology and classifications
2. Describe Earth's structure and plate tectonics
3. Relate earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanoes to plate tectonics, and why they are hard to predict
4. Explain how hydrocarbons form in sedimentary basins and how they are explored for and extracted
5. Describe glacial, river, slope, coastal and submarine processes and judge engineering responses
6. Explain controls on climate, past natural climate change and the engineer's role in climate change
7. Explain radon in Ireland and how to reduce indoor radon
8. Solve problems on geophysical surveys, rock discontinuities and slope stability
9. Appraise rock behaviour, e.g. dealing with karst in construction

Summarised from the module descriptor, checked November 2026.