2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

SOEE5017M Geological Investigation and Characterisation

30 creditsClass Size: 45

Module manager: Dr Mark Thomas
Email: m.e.thomas@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This Module aims to develop students’ ability to characterize the ground for engineering geological purposes and develop various types of geological and geotechnical models. Students will be able to synthesis and evaluate methods used in the field and/or laboratory as part of a site investigation to contribute towards planning and design. They will be able to identify the importance of the laboratory and field aspects to an engineering geology investigation and elucidate how this contributes to a geotechnical project. They will be able to appreciate how their skills could be used in the applied engineering geology, geotechnical and construction environment. The students will develop transferable including interactive and group skills, data recording, communication skills, planning and management, problem solving, research skills, thinking in 3D, industrial style report writing and fieldwork skills.

Objectives

1. Develop conceptual geological models in ground engineering in their broadest concept and to demonstrate how such models can be used to guide site investigation;
2. Show how multiple datasets can be combined to provide a model of the ground that can be used to manage ground risk;
3. Develop and plan field and laboratory investigations;
4. Report results in an effective and concise reporting style;
5. Work effectively and safely in a laboratory and field environment either independently or a part of a group;
6. Understand the significance and importance laboratory and field investigations will have on determining the engineering characteristics of the ground for construction;
7. Understand the distinction between soil, rock-masses and intact rock material properties, as characterised in the field and laboratory; and
8. Understand the commercial world through visits to and presentations on real construction and site investigation schemes.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:

By the completion of this module students should be capable of performing a range of laboratory, technical and field skills including:

1. developing conceptual and observational geological or geotechnical models and populating these with parameters relevant to the subject at hand (e.g. strength, permeability etc), including the justification and defense of these models if they are questioned;

2. designing, interpreting, and professionally reporting on non-invasive and invasive methods of investigating the ground, including appropriate laboratory testing programmes;

3. recognizing how ground conditions may change over engineering time in response to active geological processes;

4. assessing the geological/ground information required in geotechnical designs and reports;

5. assessing geohazards via field, desk and laboratory investigations;

6. assessing the relative importance of discontinuities and their characteristics;

7. constructing and interpreting geomorphological maps in the field;

8. undertaking engineering geological observations in the field and recording these adequately in notebooks, including soil and rock/rock-mass description and classification in the field environment following the relevant standards; and

9. applying relevant national and international guidelines and standards in relation to field and laboratory investigations.

Skills learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:

1. Utilises different communication techniques: oral, written, drawings and presentations;

2. Takes responsibility for decisions;

3. Collaborates and promotes teamwork across diverse teams and across disciplines.

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lectures	1	3.00	3.00
Lectures	20	2.00	40.00
seminars	1	2.00	2.00
seminars	1	5.00	5.00
Practicals	1	2.00	2.00
Practicals	6	3.00	18.00
Fieldwork	12	7.00	84.00
Private study hours			146.00
Total Contact hours			154.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Ground model development and site investigation design for a high speed rail line. Verbal feedback from laboratory demonstrators/TA during the lab classes. Practice OTLA

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	OTLA	50.00
Assignment	Courswork	20.00
Assignment	Coursework	20.00
Assignment	Coursework	10.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 27/06/2024

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