Module Catalogue 2013/14

CEG1201 : Geotechnical Properties of Soils and Rocks

  • Offered for Year: 2013/14
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Colin Davie
  • Owning School: Civil Engineering & Geosciences
Semesters
Semester 2 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0
Pre Requisites
Pre Requisite Comment

None

Co Requisites
Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

This module aims to introduce:
1 - The fundamental concepts and principles of soil and rock formation.
2 - The relevance of soil and rock materials to civil engineering.
3 - The relevance of geological processes to civil engineering.
4 - Techniques for the identification and classification of soils and rock.

Summary:
This module will provide an introduction to geology and the properties of soils and rocks of relevance to civil engineering. It will discuss geotechnical failures and disasters and introduce geotechnical structures. Students will perform laboratory and field practicals in soil and rock description.

Outline Of Syllabus

Introduction to Geology.
Properties of soils and rocks and their relevance to Civil Engineering.
Geotechnical failures and disasters.
Introduction to geotechnical structures.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module, students should have gained knowledge and understanding of:

A1 - the fundamental concepts processes of soil and rock formation
- the relevance of geology and geological processes in civil engineering

A9 - basic engineering properties and behaviour of rock and soil
- key geotechnical structures

A11 & A8 BS5930 Code of Practice for Site Investigations

Intended Skill Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

B5 & B7 - interpret geological data in the context of civil engineering
- identify and describe soils and rocks to BS 5930 standards

C1 - Carry out experiments safely

C2 - Use laboratory equipment to generate data

Graduate Skills Framework

Graduate Skills Framework Applicable: Yes
  • Cognitive/Intellectual Skills
    • Critical Thinking : Assessed
    • Data Synthesis : Assessed
    • Active Learning : Assessed
    • Numeracy : Assessed
    • Literacy : Assessed
    • Information Literacy
      • Synthesise And Present Materials : Assessed
      • Use Of Computer Applications : Assessed
  • Self Management
    • Self Awareness And Reflection : Present
    • Planning and Organisation
      • Goal Setting And Action Planning : Present
      • Decision Making : Present
    • Personal Enterprise
      • Initiative : Present
      • Independence : Present
      • Problem Solving : Assessed
      • Adaptability : Present
  • Interaction
    • Communication
      • Written Other : Assessed
    • Team Working
      • Collaboration : Present
      • Relationship Building : Present
      • Leadership : Present
      • Negotiation : Present
      • Peer Assessment Review : Present

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion11:301:30Exam
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture221:0022:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion112:0012:00Blackboard-based sessions based on the results of laboratory and field class exercises.
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion220:3011:00Revision for exam
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical33:009:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching22:004:00Tutorials
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesFieldwork16:006:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study134:3034:30Includes background reading and reading lecture notes for a full understanding of material
Total100:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Fundamental principles and concepts are delivered in lectures and reinforced through tutorial sessions. Practical skills are developed through demonstration and practice in practical, laboratory and field classes

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written Examination902A70Unseen
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Computer assessment2M30Blackboard-based assessment based on the results of Laboratory and Field Exercises.
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The exam covers the knowledge outcomes relating to the fundamental concepts and processes of soil and rock formation, the relevance of geology and geological processes in civil engineering, the identification of basic engineering properties and behaviour of rock and soil and the identification of key geotechnical structures. Other assessment will consist of Blackboard-based assessment based on the results of a laboratory and a field practical class.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

Original Handbook text:

Note: The Module Catalogue now reflects module information relating to academic year 13/14. Please contact your School Office if you require module information for a previous academic year.

Disclaimer: The University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver modules in accordance with the descriptions set out in this catalogue. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, however, the University reserves the right to introduce changes to the information given including the addition, withdrawal or restructuring of modules if it considers such action to be necessary.