GEOL30070 Geology for Civil Engineers

Academic Year 2023/2024

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 required geological + hard rock knowledge required by a modern civil engineer is covered, including karstic environments, rock mechanics, hard rock slope stability, and tunneling.

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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. Apply qualitative and quantitative methods of site characterization in the context of geotechnical engineering.

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
Co-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
Continuous Assessment: Minerals/rocks and map work practical exam; assessment of practical work throughout the term; assessment of field work Varies over the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

50

Examination: Written examination of lecture material 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

50


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
Dr Mark Coughlan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Kara English Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Claire Harnett Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Frank McDermott Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Spring
     
Field Trip Offering 1 Week(s) - 26, 30 Fri 14:00 - 17:50
Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 31, 33 Fri 15:00 - 16:50
Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 32 Fri 15:00 - 16:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26 Mon 12:00 - 12:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 29, 31 Mon 12:00 - 12:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 Wed 11:00 - 11:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 29 Wed 11:00 - 11:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 30 Wed 11:00 - 11:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 31 Wed 11:00 - 11:50
Spring