2022/23 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
SOEE5070M Hydrogeology and Contaminant Processes
15 creditsClass Size: 65
Module manager: Dr Jared West
Email: L.J.West@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2022/23
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 investigation, 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 completion of this module students will:
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.
Syllabus
- water cycle and aquifers, Darcy's law, hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity, storativity, methods of permeability measurement;
- fluid potential and hydraulic head, aquifer hydraulics, flownets, interpretation of well pumping tests, slug tests and packer tests. Methods of management of groundwater in construction.
- Introduction to environmental contaminants and contaminated land, contaminant phase, source pathway receptor framework. Investigation of contaminated land; risk evaluation for human health, ecosystems and groundwater. Remediation of contaminated land and groundwater.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Workshop | 1 | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Lecture | 9 | 3.00 | 27.00 |
| Practical | 2 | 7.00 | 14.00 |
| Private study hours | 106.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 44.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150.00 | ||
Private study
Completion of formative assessment (Contaminated Land Phase I conceptual ground model and risk ranking table): 15 hoursCompletion of summative Pumping Test Analysis and Report (1500 words): 20 hours
Completion of formative assessment for Contaminated Land Phase II Field Investigation (SI objectives and layout diagram): 15 hours
Completion of summative Groundwater Risk Assessment practical: 20 hours Private study (associated with the lectures): 36 hours
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
- Formative assessments completed in private study time associated with the lectures- Feedback on the three summative assessments spaced through semester 1
Contaminated Land Investigation Reporting: - ground model diagram - risk ranking table - site investigation design diagram/plan
- Reflective self-assessment via activity sessions embedded within the lectures and workshop
Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Practical | Groundwater Risk Assessment | 60.00 |
| Report | Pumping Test Report | 40.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 | |
Re-sits are by a single open-book examination which will assess all the learning outcomes of the module.
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 26/05/2022 14:15:15
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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