Course Title: Engineering Geology 1

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Engineering Geology 1

Credit Points: 12.00


Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

EASC1079

City Campus

Postgraduate

120H Civil, Environmental & Chemical Engineering

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2006,
Sem 2 2006,
Sem 1 2007

Course Coordinator: Dr John V. Smith

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 99252184

Course Coordinator Email: johnv.smith@rmit.edu.au


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

The course introduces and applies knowledge and skills from the geological sciences and engineering to problems of mineral resource development and construction engineering. The emphasis is on the collecting and collating of geological data and making appropriate predictions and interpretations based on that data. Applications to recognizing and solving practical problems are addressed. A range of examples are introduced through problem-based studies. This experience will be applied to a specific work-based case in the Graduate Diploma level course.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

The following capabilities will be developed to a level of awareness of the issues and ability to apply principles appropriately to a case study scenario.

  • Problem solving and decision-making
  • Information literacy
  • Technical capabilities
  • Extract relevant information from geological and associated types of maps and reports to address engineering problems.
  • Recognize the potential impacts of common minerals, rocks and geological structures on engineering and mining projects.

The capabilities developed in this course will be further developed in Engineering Geology 2 and are complementary to Geological Engineering Practice 1 and Excavation Engineering 1.


1. Assess geological data quality
2. Infer 3-D geology from surface and borehole data
3. Analyse and present three dimensional geological data
4. Recognize mineralogy of rock and soil related to engineering and economic properties
5. Predict the behaviour of rock in various stress conditions
6. Assess the suitability of sites for foundations
7. Assess suitability of rock and soil for construction purposes
8. Collect and report geotechnical data
9. Classify rock masses according to currently used schemes
10. Investigate local and regional hydrogeological processes


Overview of Learning Activities

You will undertake learning tasks using resource kits of learning objects include maps, core logs, reports, publications and links to other data sources related to specific projects. You will be are required to investigate the resources and links provided and complete learning tasks which progress from comprehension through to analysis and evaluation. You will be assigned 12 assignments to complete.  Regular progress meetings/communications will be held by RMIT staff.


Overview of Learning Resources

Resource kits of learning objects include maps, core logs, reports, publications and links to other data sources


Overview of Assessment

The preliminary Portfolio of results of agreed learning tasks will be assessed for completeness and accuracy. The quality of the portfolio will be assessed according to professional practice standards emphasizing that the work is well organized, complete and concise. You will present a summary of the portfolio to teaching staff. At this stage most of the tasks involve knowledge, comprehension and application.

The final Portfolio of results of agreed learning tasks will be assessed for completeness and accuracy. You will present a summary of the portfolio to teaching staff. At this stage most of the tasks involve analysis synthesis and evaluation.

In the oral exam you have an opportunity to explain the content of your learning task portfolio. The examiners will seek clarification on aspects of your portfolio. A thorough knowledge of the content and context of your work will be required.