MSc Engineering Geology(Part-Time)

Year 1

(Award available for year: Master of Science)

Learning outcomes

On completion of the programme students should have provided evidence of being able to:

- demonstrate an advanced knowledge of how geological principles can be applied to engineering practice;
- critically assess data collected in the field and the laboratory and recognize their geotechnical importance;
- demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the inter-relationships between geological processes and the behaviour of the ground;
- develop a ground investigation programme based on an in-depth knowledge of geological and engineering constraints derived from a critical evaluation of desk study data and the scientific literature;
- use their mastery of geological principles to assist engineers in the design of structures;
- analyse the safety of slopes, foundations and tunnels/caverns and design suitable remediation measures to mitigate problems and ensure safety under in service conditions, using appropriate analytical and numerical approaches;
- demonstrate an ability to evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to problem solving associated with the discipline;
- work autonomously within a structured environment;
- conform professional boundaries and norms where appropriate;
- be able to communicate the results of their work to both a professional engineering / geological audience or to the public at large.

Transferable (key) skills

Students will have had the opportunity to acquire mastery of:

- Methods of project/problem specification and management;
- In-depth knowledge of methods for independent study/research;
- Critical review of the work of colleagues in a professional environment;
- Methods of independent learning which will allow successful participation in continuing professional development as
required for professional accreditation by the relevant body (Geological Society of London, Institution of Civil Engineers);
- The development of strong teamwork skills within a scientific environment.

Assessment

Achievement will be assessed by a variety of methods in accordance with the learning outcomes of the modules specified for
the programme and will include:

- demonstrating the in-depth knowledge of geological principles and techniques relevant to civil engineering;
- demonstrating skills competence in areas that cover the broad range of Engineering Geology as a discipline;
- showing an advanced understanding of areas not covered within a typical geological training, specifically soil mechanics,
rock mechanics and design issues, and knowledge of advanced analytical and numerical techniques in these areas;
- a satisfactory demonstration of breadth, as well as depth, of knowledge relevant to the practice of engineering geology;
- making reasoned judgements on the basis of incomplete geological data about parameters necessary for design;
- ability to work independently, setting appropriate aims/objectives and workplan, in the context of the dissertation project.