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ESC-30156 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 04 December 2025

ESC-30156 - Engineering and Applied Geology
Coordinator: Glenda Jones Tel: +44 1782 7 34309
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

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. You 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 involving team work 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.

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 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
undertake standard hydrogeology and engineering geology experimental work and be able to make credible data interpretations: 1
explain, apply and critically evaluate primary hydrological and engineering geology data for the solution of practical problems through the medium of authentic, problem-based learning exercises: 1

Study hours

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

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Group Assessment weighted 30%
3,000 word Problem-based group report
Student led group-based (~ 4 learners in a group), authentic geotechnical problem-solving project. One report per group is to be produced and must include individual member contributions/task details. Groups receive a single mark unless issues with member contributions are identified (in which case individual marks will be amended accordingly). Group work will be supported throughout the assessment, learners with any concerns can raise these with the module leader.

2: Report weighted 70%
Independent 2000-word report
You will produce a written technical report of 2,000 words on a desk based site study to assess and evaluate the geotechnical, geoenvironmental and hydrogeological setting and potential development risks. Guidance and associated information will be given throughout the semester with the emphasis on students gathering and analysing published information throughout the semester and during the associated in-class activities.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 04 December 2025