CLASS DESCRIPTION FORM

CL119

Introduction to Geology and Soil Mechanics

Class Registrar:
Professor Z Shipton

Taught To (Course):
Civil Engineering
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Structural and Architectural Engineering
Credit Weighting: 20
Semester: 1 & 2

Other Lecturers Involved:

Dr M J Kenny
Assumed Prerequisites:
Course entry requirements

Compulsory

Academic Level: 1

Class Format and Delivery (hours):

Lecture

Tutorial

Laboratory

Project

Assignments

Private Study

Total

40

33

110

200

Educational Aim
This class aims to introduce key aspects for engineering geology for civil engineering and basic concepts of soil
mechanics.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of the class the student is expected to be able to:

LO1 Describe the processes by which rocks are formed

LO2 Characterise the engineering properties of rocks
LO3 Describe and classify soils for engineering purposes
LO4 Determine the physical properties and compaction characteristics of soils
(UK SPEC suggests no more than 4 learning outcomes per class. Statements must be broad and be syllabus free and link in
with the intended learning outcomes on the programme specifications.)

Syllabus
The class will teach the following:
Engineering Geology
Planet Earth and plate tectonics; geological time and unconformities; igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic
rocks; mineral and rock identification; rock deformation - folding and faulting.
Engineering behaviour of rocks: Mapping and description of rock masses, intact behaviour, influence of
discontinuities on strength and permeability. Rock weathering products, transportation and deposition, how to
read geological maps.
Soil Mechanics
Introduction to soil mechanics and site investigation. Solving problems in geotechnics. Sources of information.
Use of geological maps and borehole records. Interpreting ground models from rock outcrops and borehole
information (3-point problems). Drawing plans and cross-sections. Physical composition of soils and clay
minerals, classification and description of soils. Phase relationships, between the various phases of soils. Soil
compaction: processes and controls used to produce engineering fills from different soils and rocks.

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Criteria
For each of the Class Learning Outcomes the following criteria will be used to make judgements on student learning:
[Note: Criteria break the LO down into teachable elements but do not become syllabus orientated i.e. no mention of CAD
package names, components etc.]

LO1
C1 describe the main rock forming processes for igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.
C2 identify rocks and minerals in hand specimens.
C3 distinguish between agents of weathering and erosion by wind, water and ice.
LO2
C1 give an illustrated account of geological deformation of Earth materials.
C2 discuss how rock- and soil-forming processes influence their engineering properties.
LO3
C1 interpret site investigation information and construct ground models.
C1 describe the physical composition of soils and clay minerals.
C2 classify soils according to recognised standards.
LO4
C1 calculate physical properties of soils.
C2 determine the compaction characteristics of soils.

The standards set for each criterion per Class Learning Outcome to achieve a pass grade are indicated on the
assessment sheet for all assessment.

12 Principles of Assessment and Feedback

(on Learning & Teaching web pages: www.strath.ac.uk/learnteach/teaching/staff/assessfeedback/12principles/ )

1. Model answers for assessment tasks and providing opportunities for them to make comparisons against
their own work.
3. Assignment feedback provided against stated criteria
7. On-line quizzes through MyPlace

Assessment Method(s) Including Percentage Breakdown and Duration of Exams

Examinations
Number

Duration

2 hours
per
exam

Courseworks

Weighting

60%

Number

Projects

Weighting

Number

Weighting

40%

L/Outcomes
Indicate which learning outcomes (L01, L02 etc) are to be assessed by exam/coursework/project as required.

Coursework / Submissions deadlines:

G10 Dip and Strike (1%)
G11* Rock Classification 3 weeks after laboratory (4%)
G12* Geological Maps 3 weeks after laboratory (5%)
G13 Geology Field Trip 3 weeks after field trip (10%)
G14 Site Investigation Case Study (10%)
G15* Soil Classification Laboratory 3 weeks after laboratory (5%)
G16* Compaction Laboratory 3 weeks after laboratory (5%)
*These laboratories are undertaken in small groups. See laboratory timetable for date and time of laboratories for
each group.
Resit Assessment Procedures:
Exam in August
PLEASE NOTE:
Students need to gain a summative mark of 40% to pass the class. Students who fail the class at the first
attempt will be re-examined during the August diet. This re-examination will consist entirely of exam.
Recommended Reading

Understanding Earth, Fifth Edition 2007. John Grotzinger, Thomas H. Jordan, Frank Press, Raymond
Siever. ISBN-10: 0-7167-6682-5 Paperback, 672 pages WH Freeman
Craig, R.F. Craig's, Soil Mechanics, 7th edn., (2005) Spon Press ISBN 0-415-32703-2. Available online.

Additional Student Feedback

(Please specify details of when additional feedback will be provided)

Date

Time

Room No

Session: Feedback on laboratories will be given within 3 weeks of the date of the final laboratory exercise in
each laboratory series.
Approved:
Course Director Signature: Neil S Ferguson
Date of Last Modifications: August 2014

CLASS TIMETABLE

CL119

Engineering Geology and Soil Mechanics

Class Code:

Class Title:

Brief Description of Assessment:

G10 Dip and Strike (1%)
G11* Rock Classification 3 weeks after laboratory (4%)
G12* Geological Maps 3 weeks after laboratory (5%)
G13 Geology Field Trip 3 weeks after field trip (10%)
G14 Site Investigation Case Study (10%)
G15* Soil Classification Laboratory 3 weeks after laboratory (5%)
G16* Compaction Laboratory 3 weeks after laboratory (5%)

The submission deadline for laboratory reports is 3 weeks after the date of the laboratory.

Assessment Timing:Indicate on the table below the Start/Submission dates for each Assignment/Project and the timing of each Exam/Class Test(s).

Semester
One

WK1

WK2

WK3

WK4

WK5

WK6

WK7

WK8
G13
Field
Trip
G11
rock
classific
ation

WK9

WK10

WK11
G13
Report
submit
G12
Maps

WK12
G10 dip
and
strike

Exam Period
Class Exam

WK9

WK10

WK11

WK12

Exam Period

Semester 2 lab timings not yet finalised marks will be returned no later than 3 weeks after each lab.

Semester

WK1

WK2

WK3

WK4

WK5

WK6

WK7

WK8

Two

G14

G14
Submit

Class Exam