Available in 2024
Course code

CIVL1200

Units

10 units

Level

1000 level

Course handbook

Description

This course introduces students to geomaterials and their origin. It describes the context in which geomaterials are formed, transformed and commonly occur. Particular attention is given to the occurrence of materials in the near surface environment and the conditions and processes which occur there. The physical principles which prevail in natural processes and systems are established and emphasised.


Availability2024 Course Timetables

Callaghan

  • Semester 2 - 2024

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Describe the geological processes responsible for making rocks from soil, and soil from rocks.

2. Differentiate, identify, describe and classify soils, sedimentary rocks, igneous rocks and metamorphic rocks.

3. Recall the structure and composition of the Earth and explain the processes which shape continents, produce earthquakes and impart fabric and structure to rocks.

4. Understand the basic spatial forms and relationships between rock interpret spatial relationships and extrapolate simple surface outcrop patterns.

5. Describe the basic interactions between water and geomaterials in the near-surface geologic environment.

6. Explain the fundamental physical processes involving geomaterials and water with appropriate appreciation of the basic laws of physics and chemistry.

7. Relate geomaterial properties and geologic/hydrogeologic processes to practical engineering situations.


Content

  • Characteristics of the earth surface environment
  • Basis of water cycle, rainfall, runoff, infiltration, evaporation, transpiration
  • Introduction to geological materials and processes
  • Structural geology
  • Introduction to tectonics and seismology
  • Coal and coal deposits
  • Groundwater and hydrogeology
  • Spatial data, cross-sections, surface and subsurface maps and GIS
  • Mass balance and energy balance
  • Geological uncertainties

Assumed knowledge

Basic Secondary School Science


Assessment items

Quiz: Mid Term Online Quiz

In Term Test: Practical Exam

Written Assignment: Field Trip Group Report

In Term Test: Final Exam


Compulsory Requirements

Compulsory Placement and WHS Requirements:

  • WHS Requirement - Students must complete a Workplace Safety Induction or Risk Assessment. - Students must attend a particular session. Students must complete and pass an online WH & S site induction module in Canvas before being allowed to undertake the excursion.

Contact hours

Semester 2 - 2024 - Callaghan

Field Study-1
  • Face to Face Off Campus 4 hour(s) per term
  • The excursion is the best opportunity to contextualise the course material by entering a real-world situation and interpreting the theory of the course in a practical setting.
  • Compulsory Requirement: Students must meet the compulsory attendance requirement.
Lecture-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 2.5 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
  • Attendance at lectures is expected
Practical-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 13 week(s) starting in week 1
  • Compulsory Requirement: Students must attend 80% of sessions.

Course outline