ESC-30022: Hydrological and Engineering Geology

School of Physical and Geographical Sciences

ESC-30022

Hydrological and Engineering Geology

Co-ordinator:

Dr Nigel Cassidy Room: WSF09, Tel:33180

Teaching Team:

Lecture Time:

See Timetable...

Level:

Credits:

Study Hours:

150

School Office:

Programme/Approved Electives for

Applied Environmental Science Major (Level 3)
Applied Environmental Science Minor (Level 3)
Geology Major (Level 3)
Geology Major (Level 3)
Geology Minor (Level 3)
Geoscience Single Honours (Level 3)

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this module

Barred Combinations

Not applicable

Description

This module will look at the related subjects of engineering and hydrological geology from a applied practical perspective. In particular, it will focus on the way in which geological factors influence the availability of water resources and the design/construction of geotechnical engineering structures. This is an active research area at Keele and thus students gain valuable knowledge and experience with current cutting-edge technologies and ideas.

The availability of this module provides an important addition to the portfolio of geoscience topics offered to year 3 students whilst building upon material taught in both years 1 and 2 (e.g. Structural Geology, Environmental Geoscience and Applied &Environmental Geophysics). It also complements the existing year 3 modules such as Advanced Topics in Sedimentology, Advanced Geophysics and Water Resources.

Aims

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 behavior through the use of problem-based exercises relating to the management and assessment of groundwater and natural resource exploitation.

Intended Learning Outcomes

demonstrate a systematic knowledge and understanding of the key issues relating to the theoretical and practical aspects of Hydrological and Engineering Geology. will be achieved by assessments: 4
make informed judgments about the issues, debates and knowledge limitations in groundwater assessment, geotechnical engineering and environmental geology management. will be achieved by assessments: 4
carry out standard hydrogeology and engineering geology standard experimental work and be able to make sensible data interpretations will be achieved by assessments: 1,2
explain, apply and critically evaluate primary hydrological and engineering geology data to the formulation and solution of practical problems through the medium of a 'real world', problem-based learning exercise. will be achieved by assessments: 3

Study hours

20 x 1-Hour Lectures
30 hours practical classes
20 hours guided self/peer assessment exercise research including web-based course-support materials.
30 hours practical work completion outside practical classes
50 hours private study, revision and assessment

Description of Module Assessment

01: Practical Assessment weighted 10%

HYDROLOGICAL PROPERTIES PRACTICE
Written report based on practical

02: Practical Assessment weighted 10%

GEOMECHANICAL PROPERTIES PRACTICAL
Written report based on practical

03: Practical Assessment weighted 30%

PROBLEM-BASED REAL WORLD LEARNING EXERCISE
Student-led, group-based, geotechnical problem-solving exercise

04: Unseen Exam weighted 50%

2 HOUR UNSEEN EXAM

Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Mar/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.