625-023 Geology (Engineering Course)

Students enrolled in combined engineering/science courses will receive 100-level science credit for this subject.

By the end of the course, the student will know some of the basic concepts of geology that are pertinent to the practice of engineering. Case studies on the origin and effects of catastrophic events such as earthquakes, sea level changes, flooding and land movements will be integrated with other case studies involving the cognisance of geology used in road building, the Channel Tunnel, flood/tidal control, underground water and mining.

The student will comprehend how processes at the Earth's surface modify basic geological materials into forms whose properties are of direct relevance to engineering. The student will appreciate the methods, both direct and indirect, by which the properties of, and distribution of, rock materials near the surface of the Earth can be predicted and evaluated.

A written assignment of 3000 words due at the end of semester (20%); a 2-hour laboratory-based practical examination towards the end of semester (50%); a 2-hour written examination in the examination period (30%).