Study information

Hydrogeology - 2021 entry

MODULE TITLEHydrogeology CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODECSMM137 MODULE CONVENERDr Rich Crane (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 0 11 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 30
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content
In this module you will learn about the fundamentals of subsurface flow, highlighting the role of groundwater in the hydrologic cycle. The module includes knowledge of laboratory and field based analytical techniques and industry software demonstrations to determine the key aspects of local and regional hydrogeology, and to generate ground water models. Engineering applications include evaluating and dealing with groundwater contamination and dewatering at industrial sites.
Pre-requisite Module: CSM1027, or equivalent
AIMS - intentions of the module
This applied geology module describes the analysis of groundwater flow, both regional flow and radial flow to wells, with an emphasis on comparing and evaluating different methods of analysis, and aims to encourage the student to critically examine the underlying assumptions. The course provides a comprehensive introduction to hydrogeology focussing on the characterisation of key aquifer properties such as permeability, transmissivity and storage.
 
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

1 Understand the basic principles and concepts applied in hydrogeology;

2 Apply hydrogeological assessment techniques;

3 Use analytical and numerical models for hydrogeological quantification and problem solving;

4 Design, plan, conduct and interpret hydrogeological investigations;

5 Show awareness of the implications of actions on the water environment and foresee, avoid and remedy engineering problems associated with adverse groundwater conditions;

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

6 Analyse engineering and environmental problems and situations;

7 Solve mathematical problems concerned with groundwater flow;

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:

8 Demonstrate learning, problem solving, data-handling, applied mathematics and reporting skills.

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

- The hydrological cycle and its interactions;

- Understanding types of aquifers and their properties;

- Site investigation design: boreholes, piezometers & wells;

- Permeability testing;

- Pumping testing;

- Developing groundwater conceptual models;

- Groundwater control in mines and excavations;

- Groundwater chemistry;

- Quality and protection of groundwater;

- Contaminant transport in porous media;

- Introduction to numerical modelling and methods.

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 36 Guided Independent Study 114 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities 33 Lectures
Guided Independent Study 114 Private Study

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Not Applicable      

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 40 Written Exams 60 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Examination 60 1.5 hours 1-8 Verbal
Report (Case Study) 40 3,000 words 1-3, 6-8
Written
 

 

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Summative Assessment Additional Assessment As Above August Ref/Def Period
Examination Additional Examination As Above August Ref/Def Period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

As above, one piece of Coursework (40%), and/or one Exam (60%).

 

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic Reading:

ELE - http://vle.exeter.ac.uk

 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Freeze, R.A. and Cherry, J.A. Groundwater Prentice Hall 1979
Set Brassington, R. Field Hydrogeology 3rd John Wiley 2007
Set Fetter, C.W. Applied Hydrogeology 4th Pearson Education 2001
Set Hiscock, K.M. Hydrogeology - Principles and Practice Blackwell Publishing 2005
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES CSM1027
CO-REQUISITE MODULES
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Thursday 6th July 2017 LAST REVISION DATE Thursday 10th December 2020
KEY WORDS SEARCH Hydrogeology; Groundwater; Water Resources

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.