Applied Geology: Engineering Geology and Pollution Hydrogeology

This Spring Term module deals with the mainly quantitative problem-based aspects of engineering geology and pollution hydrogeology, developing the principal skills involved in these and other applied geology disciplines.

The main aims of the module are:

• To provide an essential working knowledge of the application of examples of engineering geology and pollution hydrogeology theory to solving practical problems
• To illustrate how real-world problems can be tackled when either (a) the science of the problem is too complex or is imperfectly understood, (b) when the data required by the theoretical model are too expensive to collect

Key skills

Problem solving, particularly in the context of the use of scoping calculations and computer modelling approaches, involving sensitivity analysis to help develop understanding of a given physical or chemical problem. Part of this is developing the ability to interpret equations and use them as part of developing an understanding.

Report writing skills, including both technical scientific writing and consultant report writing.