Module details for Landscape Processes and Surveying

Description

Introduction to landscape processes and surveying.

Aims

The aim of this Module is to provide the student with a basic understanding of geology, hydrology and geomorphology and methods for assessing and understanding landscape forms and processes - specifically, surveying for engineering and environmental application.

Learning Outcomes

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

1.  Demonstrate an understanding of geology relevant to civil and environmental engineering

2.  Demonstrate an understanding of hydrological and geomorphological processes at the landscape scale and their relevance to sustainable development

3.  Understand surveying theory for use in civil and environmental engineering

4.  Understand practical surveying skills relevant to civil and environmental engineering using safe working practices.

Indicative Content

1 Introduction to Earth Surface Processes:

The origin and structure of the earth - Including large scale processes (earthquakes, volcanoes) and long time scales (geological formations)

2 Introduction to Geology:

Minerals (properties of common rock forming minerals); Rocks (geological origin and identification of rocks); Structural Geology (principles of stratigraphy and structural geology: dip and strike, folds, faults and unconformities)

3 Introduction to Environmental Systems:

Environmental systems and cycles − The Physical Environment (Geomorphological and Hydrological processes).

4 Human forces behind environmental issues:

Population, technology, socio−cultural organisation, etc.

5 Environmental problems related to landscape processes:

Including air pollution, water pollution, contaminated land, waste disposal, agricultural pollution, noise pollution, deforestation and soil erosion, and urbanisation.

6 Surveying:

Apply the principles of good practice in land surveying, with knowledge of the accuracies achievable/required for different industry/construction-related tasks.

7 Surveying tasks:

Demonstrate an understanding of standard field techniques and carry out calculation and computational data-manipulation used in various surveying tasks applied to industry/construction.

8 Three-dimensional survey:

Complete a detailed three-dimensional survey plan for a small area of land.

9 Surveying theory and practice:

Demonstrate an understanding of surveying theory and carry out calculations related to surveying practice.

Teaching and Learning Work Loads