This course provides an introduction to practical geology for civil engineers, emphasising: (i) identification of rocks, soils and associated landforms; (ii) appreciation of the occurrence and movement of groundwater; (iii) basic appraisal of geohazards relevant to engineering practice; (iv) applications of geology in civil engineering projects. It also introduces the topic of surveying and includes a series of practical sessions which allow students to familiarise themselves with surveying equipment.

2 lectures per week, a variety of Geology laboratory sessions, several Surveying practical sessions and a Field Trip.

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80% Written Exam

20% Practical Skills Assignment

The aims of this course are to:

■ convey a thorough grounding in applied geology as it relates to civil engineering practice;

■ explain and practise the engineering description of rocks and soils;

■ equip students with basic quantitative methods for analysing groundwater and geohazards.

■ develop student knowledge in surveying practice and technique

■ apply principles of surveying in practical levelling and setting out tasks

By the end of the course students will be able to:

■ identify most common rock types;

■ produce succinct engineering descriptions of rocks and soils;

■ deduce likely groundwater conditions in the field;

■ undertake preliminary analyses of relevant geohazards.

■ understand and utilise a surveying vocabulary

■ carry out simple levelling and setting out tasks on surveying instruments undertake preliminary analyses of relevant geohazards.

Students must attend the degree examination and submit the other components of the course's summative assessment.

Students must attend all classes and the field trip.

Any student who misses an assessment or a significant number of classes because of illness or other good cause should report this by completing a MyCampus absence report.