GEOL30070 Geology for Civil Engineers

Academic Year 2021/2022

This module introduces the major rock types and geological processes that shape the Earth. It consists of lectures, practical classes and two half-day field classes. Igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, weathering and geomorphological processes are described. The practice of map-based geological interpretation is introduced. The application of Geology to Civil Engineering is analyzed in the context of engineering geology problems and solutions. The principles, methodologies and practices of geologically based site investigation are discussed in the context of examples and cases histories including slopes, dams/reservoirs and tunnels/caverns.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify the major rock-forming minerals and rock types. 2. Describe and interpret the main geological features of common igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. 3. Interpret simple geological maps. 4. Collect a range of types of geological field data of relevance to engineering geology. 5. Assess the geological suitability of sites, predict likely geologically related problems and suggest reasonable geotechnical solutions.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

17
Practical

23
Field Trip/External Visits

8
Autonomous Student Learning

52
Total

100
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Teaching and learning will be delivered via: i) lectures and ii) practicals with active/task based exercises. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Students must have successfully completed Stage 2 of Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering with Architecture, or Engineering Science, or equivalent courses in another university, in order to be eligible to enrol to this module


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Pre-requisite:
CVEN20010 - Mechanics of Solids I, MEEN20040 - Mechanics of Solids I

Incompatibles:
GEOL40300 - Environmental Geology


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: Written exam 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

60
Continuous Assessment: Minerals/rocks and map work practical test; assessment of laboratory notebook and/or online practical work; assessment of field work Varies over the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

40

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Classes will receive group and individual feedback on practical class exercises, before and after assessment of the work.

Name Role
Dr Lawrence Amy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Claire Harnett Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Frank McDermott Lecturer / Co-Lecturer