Environmental and Engineering Geology

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Apply examples of environmental and engineering geology theory and practice to address environmental and waste management problems.
• Integrate aspects of environmental geochemistry, environmental radioactivity, hydrogeology/hydrology and engineering geology to develop solutions to complex environmental or engineering problems.
• Apply fluid flow and stress-strain concepts and relations in porous media to assess the potential for human and naturally triggered geohazards.
• Apply fundamental radioactivity equations and concepts to assess environmental and human health consequences of nuclear industry discharges.

The module is concerned with a number of inter-related environmental and geological engineering issues that have not been encountered in other modules. Relevant introductory material is presented to ensure that a good understanding of the key issues can be gained by students having a background in any of the science degrees accepted in the module (geology, geophysics, physical geography, environmental geosciences, and oceanography). Several of the module topics are inter-related which increases the value of the learning outcomes. Additionally, several aspects introduce information on employability prospects. The module covers environmental and engineering problems in the built environment, including water supply and pollution (hydrology and hydrogeology), waste management, contaminated land, and stability of infrastructure. It also includes the impact of mining and extractive industries on the environment, introduces geoscience and engineering aspects for the development of renewable energy offshore, aspects of natural and anthropogenic environmental radioactivity, aspects of natural or human induced geohazards, and the many issues relating to problems relating to nuclear site operations, incidents, decommissioning, waste discharges to the sea and nuclear waste disposal.

Formal Lectures: (24 x 45 minute Lectures): are concerned with theoretical background and case-studies relating to water resources, wastes, geological engineering, land remediation, radioactivity, environmental geochemistry and health. Invited speakers make specialist contributions to the course.

Practicals: 7 x 2 hour laboratory classes.

Tutorial / group discussion: 2 hours

A wide range of support can be provided for those students who have further or specific learning and teaching needs.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.