Module Catalogue 2024/25

CEG8511 : Groundwater Assessment (Inactive)

CEG8511 : Groundwater Assessment (Inactive)

  • Inactive for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Brian Thomas
  • Lecturer: Prof. Neil Gray
  • Owning School: Engineering
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 2 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

-

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

-

Aims

The aim of the module is to:-

Introduce principles of groundwater systems analysis.

Provide a robust, practical introduction to techniques used to assess the quantity of groundwater resources.

Introduce methods of presenting and interpreting natural groundwater quality data in the context of ground water resource assessment.

The Groundwater Assessment module provides students with the background, understanding, and techniques to assess groundwater resources using a wide variety of information. Basic principles start from the point of geological mapping, which is re-interpreted using hydrostratigraphic classification to help to define hydrogeological units. Approaches used to develop these into evaluations of groundwater resource potential include field and desk reconnaissance, and analysis of surface geophysics. Understanding of recharge rates is developed and methods of determining physical aquifer properties using borehole information are introduced. A brief introduction to methods of presenting natural groundwater chemistry provides the basis for its use within an integrated approach to resource evaluation.

Outline Of Syllabus

Introduction to groundwater systems and groundwater resource evaluation

Hydrostratigraphy

Hydrogeological mapping

Aquifer boundaries and groundwater-surface water interactions

Stream depletion

Desk studies and preliminary reconnaissance

Introduction to drilling and determination of aquifer properties by test-pumping

Groundwater recharge assessment

Natural inorganic hydrogeochemistry, presentation and interpretation of data

Groundwater sampling & monitoring strategies

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of this module, students should have an understanding of:-

1. Recharge and discharge from groundwater systems, including interactions with surface water;
2. The basis for methods of reconnaissance;
3. Awareness of key aspects of groundwater drilling and borehole assessment;
4. Key principles governing natural groundwater chemistry.
5. Key principles governing ground source and geothermal energy.
6. The role of groundwater in engineering applications.

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of this module, students should have achieved the following skills:-

General

1.Ability to apply appropriate methods to groundwater resource evaluation

Subject-specific / Practical Skills

1.Ability to re-interpret geological information including surface geophysics, and interpret hydrogeological maps
2.Ability to interpret data on groundwater chemistry in the context of resource evaluation
3.Ability to combine these skills for groundwater resource assessment

Cognitive Skills

1.Ability to analyse data from a range of sources and interpret it systematically.
2.Use of scientific principles in the development of engineering and environmental solutions to practical problems in the water environment and water infrastructure operation.

Key (Transferable) Skills

1.Use of practical methods based on scientific evidence in the solution of problems.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion130:0030:00Coursework preperation
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical16:006:00Computer practical (PiP)and OS))
Structured Guided LearningStructured research and reading activities201:0020:00Lecture videos and slides for independent learning
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesWorkshops43:0012:00Structured online tutorial workshops. (PiP and OS))
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study130:0030:00Includes background reading and reading lecture notes for a full understanding of material.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesModule talk12:002:00Introduction to module (PiP)
Total100:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

In order to provide the correct blend of theoretical background and hands-on experience as envisaged in the learning outcomes, the module is designed to be run as an intensive one-week block course made up of lectures and practicals. The substantial private study element will be necessary to complete the more demanding practical exercises and to consolidate all aspects of learning.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

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

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written exercise2M100Report on case study (8 Pages max)
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

This module covers practical application of specific techniques, and the development of ability to bring these together into integrated assessments of groundwater resource potential. A formal exam will ensure that a range of basic knowledge and skills can be tested. The coursework assessment is designed to bring different components together and to develop and test the students' ability to assess a broad range of information.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

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Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.