CEG3204 : Exploring the Ground: Investigating and improving our terrestrial environment
CEG3204 : Exploring the Ground: Investigating and improving our terrestrial environment
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Jean Hall
- Owning School: Engineering
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| CEG2201 | Geotechnics |
Pre Requisite Comment
CEG2201, (or equivalents from previous undergraduate regulations)
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
This module will provide an introduction to the design and philosophy of geotechnical site investigations the range of ground exploration and testing techniques available to geotechnical engineers. Students will also learn how investigations are planned and how the results of investigations relate to the design process. The module will also introduce the students to the variety of improvement methods which could be used to treat contaminated, weak or poor ground conditions which may be found on an engineering site.
Outline Of Syllabus
The module will cover the key concept areas of
Ground Investigation Philosophy and Design, Exploratory Hole techniques, Sampling and testing in the field, Soil Behaviour and its relation to soil testing; Reporting the results and the development of the Conceptual Ground Model.
Concept of the variety of Ground Improvement techniques available for contaminated and poor ground conditions which maybe encountered on an engineering site.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
Interpret Ground investigation data to be able to propose a conceptual ground model and identify site-relevant engineering ground hazards and risks for a geotechnical project and propose suitable ground improvement interventions for a case study site (C2; C5; C6)
In addition students will gain knowledge in their ability to:
Appraise the ground conditions of an 'unknown site' to propose a ground investigation in order to gather appropriate depth of information to develop a Conceptual ground model (C3;C4;C5;C9;C13;C15)
Define what ground improvement is and explain why it is necessary both in general and in relation to specific ground conditions and engineering demands. (C1)
Describe the physical, chemical processes that enable ground improvement for a range of techniques such as: compaction; grouting; chemical soil alteration; consolidation; dewatering; geosynthetics and electrokinetics. (C1)
Intended Skill Outcomes
Students will be able to develop their 3D understanding of a ground profile and associated engineering and geological interactions to demonstrate the development a conceptual ground model and appraise the engineering ground risk and remediation.(C2;C6;C17)
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 10 | 2:00 | 20:00 | N/A |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 6 | 0:30 | 3:00 | lectures providing theory and notions |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 30:00 | 30:00 | Coursework preparation |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 1 | 1:30 | 1:30 | Soil and rock description |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Background reading and lecture follow up |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 1 | 1:30 | 1:30 | Interpretation of GI data |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 2 | 3:00 | 6:00 | Conceptual Model development |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Fieldwork | 1 | 4:00 | 4:00 | Rigs in Action: Site visit |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 24:00 | 24:00 | Includes background reading and reading lecture notes for a full understanding of the material |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Students will acquire knowledge through lectures, small group teaching activities, directed self study (independent study) and site visits (fieldwork). Skills will be practiced through formative exercises and small group teaching activities. Ground interpretation, application to investigative techniques and proposed solution to ground challenges will be assessed through an individual coursework exercise.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report | 1 | M | 100 | approx. 20 pages |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | Undertaken in class to check knowledge and understanding. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Design skills, that is, creative and innovative ability through application of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of geotechnics to produce a relevant ground investigation and interpretation of results will be developed through formative exercises, coursework and private study. They will be assessed through the production of a major exercise to evaluate a ground investigation and propose a solution for ground improvement based on parameters identified.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CEG3204's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- CEG3204's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2025 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, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2026/27 entry will be published here in early-April 2026. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.