Module: Evolution of Ireland's Physical Landscape

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Evolution of Ireland's Physical Landscape
Module Code	GEO1012 (ITS: GY209)
Faculty	History & Geography	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the various elements that make up the physical landscape of Ireland. It is broken into three broad areas – (a) the bedrock foundation, (b) the glacial legacy and (c) how Ireland became populated with plants, animals and humans following the retreat of the last ice sheet. In this module students develop knowledge and skills in map reading and interpretation, interpreting graphs and linking various elements of Irish physical geography. The module is taught around learning statements with associated in-class activities within a lecture-format, supported by in-class assessment for learning throughout. Students are expected to attend and engage in the module.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the geological history of Ireland
2. Identify signs and patterns of glaciation on the Irish landscape and explain their significance in terms of the pattern of glaciation
3. Describe the transformation of the Irish physical landscape from glaciation to Holocene, with reference to climate, flora and fauna
4. Relate modern global earth surface processes to particular landforms on the Irish landscape
5. Explain and interpret a selection of maps and graphs used in earth science

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Lectures
Independent Study	101	Independent Learning
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	21374	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Susan Hegarty	Module Teacher	Jean Williams

Section Breakdown
CRN	21491	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Susan Hegarty	Module Teacher	Jean Williams

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Assignments as required	50%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

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Indicative Reading List

Books:

Aalen, F.H.A., Whelan, K. & Stout, M.: 1997, Atlas of the Irish Rural Landscape 1997. (1st ed), 2011 (2nd ed), Cork University Press, Cork,
Edwards, K.J. and Warren, W.P. (eds): 1985, The Quaternary History of Ireland, Academic Press, London,
Davies, G.L.H. and Stephens, N.: 1979, The geomorphology of the British Isles: Ireland, Methuen & Co. Ltd, London,
Jebb, M and Crowley, C. (eds): 201, Secrets of the Irish Landscape, Atrium, Cork,
Mitchell, G.F: 1976, The Irish Landscape, Collins, Glasgow,
Mitchell, G.F. and Ryan, M.: 1997, Reading the Irish Landscape, Townhouse Press, Dublin,
Sleeman, A, McConnell, B.& Gatley, S.: 2004, Understanding earth processes, rocks and the geological history of Ireland, Geological Survey of Ireland, Dublin,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

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