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Course & Unit Catalogues


AR10499: Geology, hydrology and surveying

[Page last updated: 09 August 2024]

Academic Year: 2024/25
Owning Department/School: Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering
Credits: 10 [equivalent to 20 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 200
Level: Certificate (FHEQ level 4)
Period:
Semester 2
Assessment Summary: PR 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • Field Course (PR 100%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites:
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of the unit you will be able to:
* Recognise and describe geological and hydrological materials and processes. (K3)
* Interpret simple geological and hydrological information in order to assess the impact of geology and hydrology on civil engineering design and construction. (I3)
* Demonstrate competency in using a range of modern surveying techniques, especially in the context of engineering projects. (K3)
* Work effectively within a team undertaking field based measurements. (PT4)
* Report field observations in an effective and concise manner using a variety of methods to specialist and non-specialist audiences. (PT1)


Synopsis: Develop your understanding of the links between geology, hydrology and surveying - how subsurface geology and the hydrological cycle influence the topography, and how we can measure that topography to accurately position civil engineering works. A residential field trip will allow you to put your knowledge and skills into practice, working effectively as a team under staff supervision to complete tasks related to the subject area.

Content: Soil and rock description and classification;
Plate tectonics, volcanoes and earthquakes;
Formation and characteristics of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks;
Development and interpretation of simple geological maps and cross sections;
The hydrological cycle and occurrence of ground water;
Hydrological mapping;
Weathering, erosion and deposition processes;
Influence of geology and hydrology on topography;
Planning and application of engineering surveying;
Measurements of distance, angle and elevation;
Knowledge of traditional and advanced surveying methods;
Surveying to develop engineering plans and to set out construction.

Course availability:

AR10499 is a Designated Essential Unit on the following courses:

Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering
  • UEAR-AFB11 : BEng(Hons) Civil Engineering (Year 1)
  • UEAR-AKB11 : BEng(Hons) Civil Engineering with Year long work placement (Year 1)
  • UEAR-AFB12 : BEng(Hons) Structural and Architectural Engineering (Year 1)
  • UEAR-AKB12 : BEng(Hons) Structural and Architectural Engineering with Year long work placement (Year 1)
  • UEAR-AFM11 : MEng(Hons) Civil Engineering (Year 1)
  • UEAR-AKM11 : MEng(Hons) Civil Engineering with Year long work placement (Year 1)
  • UEAR-AFM12 : MEng(Hons) Structural and Architectural Engineering (Year 1)
  • UEAR-AKM12 : MEng(Hons) Structural and Architectural Engineering with Year long work placement (Year 1)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2024/25 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2025/26 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2024/25.
  • Courses and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.