Geology for Engineers
Course title : Geology for Engineers (Engineering Geology)
Code: GEOL 3015
Class days: Tuesday, Friday (from 4 September 2023 to 17 December 2023)
Period: 16:35 to 18:20
Location: Room 1 - K1
Instructor: Dr.-Ing. Nguyen Quang Tuan
Language : English
Textbook: West, Terry R., 1995, Geology Applied to Engineering, Prentice Hall. (only and MUST HAVE for offline course)
Online textbook: https://opengeology.org/textbook/
References: Physical Geology and https://opentextbc.ca/physicalgeology2ed/
Warning!
Engineering Geology is difficult subject. The students must pay attention to the course. You all guys must have one quizz every lesson. If one fail two consecutive quizzes, he or she is not allowed to continue the course.
Engineering geology is the application of the geology to engineering study for the purpose of assuring that the geological factors regarding the location, design, construction, operation and maintenance of engineering works are recognized and accounted for. Engineering geologists provide geological and geotechnical recommendations, analysis, and design associated with human development and various types of structures. The realm of the engineering geologist is essentially in the area of earth-structure interactions, or investigation of how the earth or earth processes impact human made structures and human activities.
Engineering geology studies may be performed during the planning, environmental impact analysis, civil or structural engineering design, value engineering and construction phases of public and private works projects, and during post-construction and forensic phases of projects. Works completed by engineering geologists include; geological hazard assessments, geotechnical, material properties, landslide and slope stability, erosion, flooding, dewatering, and seismic investigations, etc. Engineering geology studies are performed by a geologist or engineering geologist that is educated, trained and has obtained experience related to the recognition and interpretation of natural processes, the understanding of how these processes impact human made structures (and vice versa), and knowledge of methods by which to mitigate against hazards resulting from adverse natural or human made conditions. The principal objective of the engineering geologist is the protection of life and property against damage caused by various geological conditions.
The practice of engineering geology is also very closely related to the practice of geological engineering and geotechnical engineering. If there is a difference in the content of the disciplines, it mainly lies in the training or experience of the practitioner.
Course objectives
To explore and gain an appreciation for physical geology through the study of material and infrastructure of the earth, the relationship of it’s landforms, natural resources, living environments, and humans. Special emphasis will be placed on the principles of physical geology, earth’s internal structure, and geologic time.
The content of the course is presented in different topics in lectures. In each lecture, key points are addressed. Important technical term are presented as well. Additionally, list of questions are given as guideline to study. See the website for more detailed.
Exams and quizzes
There are 3 scheduled exams, and a final exam. Unexcused absences during an exam result in a 0 for that test. Your grade in this course will be based on your 1-hour exam scores plus your final exam, plus other activities for a total grade. Your numeric average will be computed by adding your total points, dividing this number by the total possible points and multiplying the resulting fraction by 100%.
Exams may consist of a combination of true/false, multiple choice, matching, fill-in the blank, short answer and essay questions.
Quizzes can be given anytime after the beginning of class. Quizzes are true-false and multiple choice.
The examples of quizzes are also given here
Assignments
These will either be posted on whiteboard or assigned in class. Please pay attention to instructions for each assignment and due dates. Late work will not be accepted, nor will electronic versions of your assignment. It is your responsibility to attend class and turn in your OWN assignment.
Class Regulations
ATTENDANCE: It is required that you come to class in order to get a good grade and understand material. Because you are responsible for your overall grade. The lecturer advises you attend all class sessions, ask questions and utilize your study groups. Situations may arise resulting in excused or unexcused absents please make sure you contact me in a timely fashion, and obtain notes from your fellow classmates. Be advised however, if you consecutively miss class you will be penalized via percentage points.
STUDENT CONDUCT: Talking, texting, sleeping and doing other works are not permitted during lecture. The use of cell phones or laptops for purposes other than note taking is only allowed during class only in case that leturer accepts. Using smartphone during class, you will be asked to leave immediately and will be will be docked 5% point from overall grade; second offenders will be docked 10% point from overall grade; third offenders are not allowed.
NO cell phones are permitted during examination and quiz periods. To ensure the integrity of class examinations, students will be required to show their Student ID at the time they hand in each exam. If you do not have your ID, YOUR test will not be accepted. If you cheat during an examination or quiz, the exam will be discarded.