ESC-30022 - Module Specification
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

This module uses active and team-based learning sessions and practical classes to look at the related subjects of geotechnical engineering and hydrogeology from a coherent, practical perspective. Students will explore principles of soil and rock mechanics and learn how (and why) physical, behavioural and engineering properties of the sub-surface are assessed through site investigation and laboratory testing. Geological and anthropogenic factors affecting ground strength and stability and the availability and vulnerability of groundwater resources are also covered alongside skills-building exercises on geotechnical data analysis. Industry guest sessions with case studies and lessons learned on geotechnical and geo-environmental sub-surface hazards are incorporated to further applied learning and facilitate discourse with sector experts. Practical classes will concentrate on integrating data for the analysis, evaluation and characterization of geological materials and a costed design and remediation assessment of a realistic geotechnical engineering problem.

The aim of the module is to teach students the key theoretical and technical issues of hydrological and engineering geology whilst providing a practical understanding of groundwater and rock/material behaviour through the use of problem-based exercises relating to the management and assessment of natural resource exploitation and site development.

Intended Learning Outcomes

demonstrate a systematic understanding of key aspects of Hydrological and Engineering Geology, including acquisition of coherent and detailed knowledge, at least some of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of defined aspects of Hydrological and Engineering Geology: 1,2
make informed judgements about the issues, debates and knowledge limitations in groundwater assessment, geotechnical engineering and environmental geology management: 1,2
carry out standard hydrogeology and engineering geology experimental work and be able to make sensible data interpretations: 1
explain, apply and evaluate primary hydrological and engineering geology data for the solution of practical problems through the medium of 'real world', problem-based learning exercises: 1,2

Study hours

Active learning hours:
9 x 1-hour in-person lectures/interactive lectures;
9 x 3-hour in-person practical classes/workshops;
9 x 1-hour asynchronous learning (combination of video lectures/ activities online)
Independent:
55 hours assignment work;
50 hours private and directed study.

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment