2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

SOEE5070M Hydrogeology and Contaminant Processes

15 creditsClass Size: 55

Module manager: Jared West
Email: l.j.west@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

In this module students learn the basics of hydrogeology including the fundamental physics of flow and contaminant transport through porous media, aquifer hydraulic properties and how to measure them, aquifer structure and heterogeneity, issues of groundwater control in construction, and contaminated land and groundwater investigation, risk assessment and remediation.

Objectives

On completion of this module students will be able to:

- interpret physical groundwater measurements in terms of aquifer properties and make predictions about groundwater responses to pumping e.g. in the context of water supply and construction dewatering;

- undertake preliminary investigations of contaminated sites (ie desk study and walkover), design field investigations and evaluate the impacts of contaminated land on various receptors such as groundwater, humans and ecosystems;

- demonstrate an understanding of groundwater control and contaminated groundwater remediation techniques.

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

1) have knowledge of how groundwater and contaminated land can be managed using scientific principles;

2) have developed skills for analysis of real data from groundwater systems using a mathematical description of behaviour in idealised cases;

3) have developed skills of synthesis of data from a range of sources to quantitatively assess hazards from contaminated land/groundwater;

4) have demonstrated critical evaluation of current practice in groundwater control and contaminated groundwater assessment.

Skills learning outcomes

SLO1. Specify ground investigations to obtain geotechnical and hydrogeological data via in situ techniques, laboratory tests and instrumentation and monitoring;

SLO2 Interpret the ground investigation data and develop a ground model including the identification of groundwater and contaminated land risks to the project as appropriate;

SLO3 Analyse, and interpret data using numerical, analytical and critical analysis techniques to develop an engineering understanding of the ground and how this will impact upon future design solutions;

SLO4 Use risk management techniques and manage risks associated with geotechnical engineering activities.

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	9	3.00	27.00
Practicals	2	7.50	15.00
Private study hours			108.00
Total Contact hours			42.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Formative assessments associated with the lectures; they are submitted to the course tutor who provides individual (written) and generic (verbal) feedback the following week. These excersies include analysis of falling-head and packer test hydraulic test data: - ground model diagram for contaminated site - risk ranking table for contaminated site- site investigation design diagram/plan for contaminated site

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	Coursework	60.00
Assignment	Coursework	40.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

It is not possible to resit the coursework assignments, due to the format of delivery. Resit will therefore take the form of OTLA which will assess all learning outcomes.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 11/04/2024

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