Faculty of Environment & Technology School of Construction &

Civil Engineering

MODULE GUIDE

2013 JAN
UBGLVA-10-1 Engineering Geology
 Engineering Geology
(UBGLVA-10-1)

1. Introduction

A knowledge of geological materials, and their organization within the earth is necessary background to
understanding their qualities in terms of mineral resources, and structural behavior within the civil engineering
sphere.

2. Aims
The aim of the module is to introduce students to geological principles complimentary to other modules concerned
with structures and ground engineering. The material covered will be of value to students with professional interests
in natural building materials and those concerned with construction and civil engineering.

3. Learning outcomes

By the end of the module the student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the rock cycle.
2. Evaluate the natural processes operating within the Earth and at its surface that lead to the formation (material
qualities) and organization (timescale and structures) of different rock types.
3. Apply basic laboratory techniques to identify minerals and rock types.
4. Recognize some of the properties of geological materials.
5. Interpret geological maps.

4. Course content

1. Introduction to the structure of the Earth and Earth materials, minerals, rocks and the rock cycle.
2. Igneous and metamorphic processes; identification and properties of igneous and metamorphic rocks.
3. Weathering and sedimentary processes; identification and properties of sedimentary rocks.
Tectonics and geological structures.
4. Stratigraphy and the geological timescale.
5. Interpretation of geological maps and sections, visualization of the geological model.
Geomorphological stability: slopes and coasts.
6. Introduction to geological resources, the interpretation of site/ground conditions.

5. Module leader
Gayani Rajapaksha
E mail:gayani@northshore.lk
 6. Teaching and learning methods

The module will be presented through a series of 12 lectures of 1.5 hours each and 12practical sessions of 3 hours
each. You are expected to attend all lectures and practical sessions and a register will be taken at each session.
Each lecture will provide the theoretical context and introduction to the literature on the subject. After the
lecture you will be required to do further reading to deepen your understanding.

Lectures (L): 18 hours (12 sessions of 1.5 hours)

practical (T): 36 hours (12 sessions of 3 hours)
Directed learning: 24 hours
Self-directed learning: 22 hours
Total student hours: 100 hours

7. Formative assessment

(feedback given, no marking, helps to prepare for the summative assessment).

During the programme students will work on materials in practicals and on worksheets. The worksheets
will be looked at during the practicals and feedback on performance given. There will also be a ONE
hour mock examination. It is expected that all students will attempt the practical work, worksheets and
mock examination.
8. Summative assessment

(which determines whether the student passes or fails the module)

A TWO hour examination to be sat during the examination period.

9. Required and recommended texts

Core text:
 Bell F.G. 2007 Engineering Geology. Butterworth
All or part of chapters 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 9
This is an ebook available via the library.

Additional texts:
 Bishop A.C., Woolley A.R. and Hamilton W.R. 2001. Guide to Mineral, Rocks and
Fossils. Philips, London.

 Haslett S.K 2009. Coastal Systems. Routledge

 Matthews M. C. 2007. A Short Course in Geology for Civil Engineers. Thomas Telford, London.
  Press, F., Siever, R., Grotzinger, J., Jordan, T.H. and Jordan, T. 2003.
Understanding Earth. W H Freeman. New York.

 Skinner, B.J., Porter, S.C. and Park J. 2004. Dynamic Earth. Wiley. New York.

10. Academic programme

Scheduled times: (Lecture) Tuesday 10:30 am – 12:00 noon

(Practical) moday 10.30am – 12:00 noon

1 Lecture 01 27th may to 2nd June

Introducing the Earth –why study Geology

practical 01 27th may to 2nd June Mineral and rock specimens

2 Lecture 02 27th may to 2nd June The structure of the earth and the rock cycle, Minerals:
characteristics, properties, resource value and identification
practical 02 27th may to 2nd June Mineral and rock specimens

3 Lecture 03 3 June - 9 June Formation, characteristics, resource value and identification of

Igneous rocks.
practical 03 3 June - 9 June Mineral and rock specimens

4 Lecture 04 10 June - 16 June Field visit-2days

practical 04 10 June - 16 June Field visit-2days

5 Lecture 05 17 June - 23 June Formation, characteristics, resource value and identification of

metamorphic rock
practical 05 17 June - 23 June

6 Lecture 06 24 June - 30 June Formation, characteristics, resource value and identification

sedimentary rocks. Weathering and erosion processes, The
characteristics of sediments

practical 06 24 June - 30 June Sediment particle size and sorting – beach and sand dune
example
7 Lecture 07 1 July - 7 July Coastal erosion and coastal defense structures

practical 07 1 July - 7 July Interpreting beach and dune data

8 Lecture 08 8 July - 14 July Geological map Interpretation

practical 08 8 July - 14 July Field visit

9 Lecture 09 15 July - 21 July Links to Engineering Geology: Introduction to groundwater

hydrology and hill slope processes/
 practical 09 15 July - 21 July Interpreting beach and dune data

10 Lecture 10 22 July - 28 July Resources – construction materials, waste disposal sites,/

Ground Investigation
practical 10 22 July - 28 July Introduction to geological maps.
water extraction