Course Title: Hydrogeology

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Hydrogeology

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

CIVE1184

City Campus

Undergraduate

120H Civil, Environmental & Chemical Engineering

Face-to-Face

Sem 2 2006,
Sem 2 2007,
Sem 2 2008,
Sem 2 2009,
Sem 2 2010,
Sem 1 2011,
Sem 1 2012,
Sem 1 2013,
Sem 1 2014,
Sem 1 2015,
Sem 1 2016

CIVE1184

City Campus

Undergraduate

172H School of Engineering

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2017,
Sem 1 2018,
Sem 1 2019,
Sem 1 2020,
Sem 1 2021,
Sem 1 2022,
Sem 1 2023,
Sem 1 2024,
Sem 1 2025

Course Coordinator: Dr Mohammad Aminpour

Course Coordinator Phone: -

Course Coordinator Email: mohammad.aminpour@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: -

Course Coordinator Availability: by appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Assumed Knowledge

A basic knowledge of geology


Course Description

This course covers the principles and techniques required to conduct hydrogeological investigations and solve common problems involving groundwater. You will learn the theoretical concepts and practical skills required by environmental and civil engineers, environmental scientists and natural resource managers when conducting hydrogeological assessments, such as groundwater impact assessments, groundwater resource appraisals and groundwater contamination investigations.

You will learn the basic skills required to work in professional hydrogeology practice, including how to develop conceptual hydrogeological models, assess the rates and direction of groundwater flow, use analytical models to predict impacts of development activities on groundwater, analyse water balances and assess ground-surface water interaction.

The course also introduces you to sustainable groundwater management concepts, with reference to international and local examples and policies.

Students who wish to continue with more advanced hydrogeological studies (e.g. CIVE1122) will learn the necessary skills required to do so. In this regard, it is also recommended that students complete OENG1039 Land Contamination and Geohazards.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the program learning outcomes for the following programs:

BH080P23 - Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental Engineering) (Honours)

BH096ESP24 - Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental Engineering) (Honours)

PLO 1. Demonstrate a coherent and advanced understanding of scientific theories, principles and concepts and engineering fundamentals within the engineering discipline​
PLO 2. Demonstrate a coherent and advanced body of knowledge within the engineering discipline
PLO 5. Utilise mathematics, software, tools and techniques, referencing appropriate engineering standards and codes of practice, in the design of complex engineering systems
PLO 8. Communicate engineering designs and solutions respectfully and effectively, employing a range of advanced communication methods, in an individual or team environment, to diverse audiences.​​
PLO 10. Critically analyse, evaluate, and transform information, while exercising professional judgement, in an engineering context.

This course contributes to the program learning outcomes for the following programs:

BH080 Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental Engineering) (Honours)

BH096ESDD - Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental Engineering) (Honours)

1.1. Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.

1.2. Conceptual understanding of the, mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.

1.3. In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.

2.1. Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.

3.2. Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.

3.4. Professional use and management of information.

For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide.


Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

CLO1 Apply the laws governing groundwater flow in porous media in addressing engineering and environmental problems
CLO2 Develop conceptual hydrogeological models using qualitative and quantitative data to represent groundwater systems
CLO3 Analyse quantitative data to solve practical hydrogeology problems, including groundwater impact assessments and resource appraisals
CLO4 Interpret groundwater data obtained from field and laboratory investigations including aquifer testing and water quality assessments
CLO5 Plan sustainable groundwater management practices based on local and international policies and case studies
CLO6 Present findings and recommendations from groundwater studies, clearly and professionally


Overview of Learning Activities

This course involves lecture sessions, practical exercises and a field trip. Assessments are completed individually (practical assignments), and in teams (group presentation assignment). These assessments build analytical and communication skills relevant to professional hydrogeology practice.

Total study hours: Total of 48 teacher guided hours. It is recommended students conduct 4 hours per week of self-supervised study.


Overview of Learning Resources

Lecture notes, references and further reading material will be posted on the course web-site.

RMIT Library Subject Guide: http://rmit.libguides.com/civileng


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Task 1: Conceptual hydrogeological models, 25%, CLO1, CLO2, CLO3 and CLO4
Assessment Task 2: Tutorial problems, 25%, CLO1, CLO3 and CLO4
Assessment Task 3: Presentation (Group), 20%, CLO1, CLO2, CLO4 and CLO6
Assessment Task 4: Theory and practical assignment, 30%, CLO1, CLO2, CLO4 and CLO5

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.