Study information

Site Investigation Including Near Surface Geophysics - 2021 entry

MODULE TITLESite Investigation Including Near Surface Geophysics CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODECSMM190 MODULE CONVENER Neill Wood (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 0 11 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 30
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content
This module covers the engineering description of soil, soil classification and a basic knowledge of site investigation practice and principles. It also focuses on application of a range of near surface geophysical techniques in the context of ground investigation. Knowledge of a variety of methods and their applications is supported by an overview of the legal context of site investigations.
 
This module is suitable for students studying courses in surveying, land and environmental management, geology, mining engineering, geotechnical engineering, geography or environmental science. It is recommended for interdisciplinary pathways. Students should be aware that a knowledge of GIS software and basic data spatial data processing skills are highly desirable.
 
AIMS - intentions of the module
The module provides an understanding of engineering properties and description of soil, soil classification and a basic knowledge of site investigation practice and principles. The module aims to provide an understanding of the characteristics of a suite of geophysical techniques so that students can understand their application and identify the appropriate technique(s) for a variety of situations. In addition to developing an understanding of the techniques themselves, you will also develop an understanding of appropriate techniques for data processing and image processing. It is intended that this module will focus on the use of modern equipment and techniques. You will also be given an understanding of the legal context in which site investigations are performed, and the responsibilities and obligations of professionals undertaking such work. The technical context is also expanded to provide you with a basic appreciation of soils to aid your ability to select appropriate investigation techniques and to interpret survey results.
 
Theoretical lectures will be supplemented by fieldwork during which you will undertake surveys to research a site and subsequently process your own data in order to derive an interpretation.
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. Appreciate soil behaviour in the context of the geotechnical and related industries;

2. Describe and classify an engineering soil;

3. Design and cost a site investigation programme, using techniques appropriate to a site that the student has researched and visited;

4. Recognise the influence of factors controlling the engineering behaviour of a rock or soil;

5. Physical investigations including drilling, window sampling and logging of data on site;

5. Display an understanding of a range of near surface geophysical techniques and be able to select an appropriate technique or techniques for a specific purpose at a specific site;

6. Plan and execute a geophysical survey;

7. Understand the commercial and legal context pertaining to site investigation;

8. Use a basic knowledge of soils to plan an investigation and to assist in the interpretation of survey data;

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

9. Process data appropriately and process images in order to facilitate interpretation of the data;

10. Identify and effectively deal with the practical constraints encountered during geophysical surveys;

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:

11. Construct and defend an enquiring approach;

12. Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

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

The module content will include:

- A general introduction to Site investigation best practice and legal context in the UK law relevant to site investigations;

- An overview of the engineering description of soil, soil classification and a basic knowledge of site investigation practice and principles;

- Stages of a site investigation programme, design and implementation;

- Test methods used in site investigation, laboratory and field-based;

- Drilling and sampling techniques;

- Reporting of results, preparation of site investigation report;

- An introduction to the modes of operation of a variety of near surface geophysical techniques;

- The principles of near surface geophysical surveying, including appropriate selection of techniques;

- The application of surveying techniques to the collection of geophysical data in the field;

- Data processing relevant to a selected range of techniques;

- Techniques of image processing in order to aid the interpretation of processed data;

- Principles of data interpretation and subsequent reporting.

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 40 Guided Independent Study 110 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities 40 Lectures, fieldwork and IT suite sessions
Guided Independent Study 110 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
Supervised Processing of Example Data 1 hour 5, 6, 9, 10 Immediate informal verbal feedback
Peer and Lecturer Feedback - to immediately address queries and misconceptions Ongoing 1-12 Verbal feedback during seminar discussions
Drop-In Assignment Clinic Approx 1 hour 1-12 Informal student-led session held during the assignment period to address any deficiencies in skills or knowledge exposed during the assignment

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 70 Written Exams 30 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Exam 30 1 hour 1-8 Exam Result
Assignment - Desktop 35 +/- 5 pages 1-5, 7, 8, 12 Written Feedback Sheet
Assignment - Fieldwork Write-Up 35 +/- 10 pages 5, 6, 8-10, 12 Written Feedback Sheet

 

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
Exam Refer Exam As Original Aug Ref/Def Period
Assignment - Desktop Refer Coursework (similar to original) As Original Aug Ref/Def Period
Assignment  - Fieldwork Write-Up Refer Coursework. If fieldwork-based work impractical, a desktop assignment of similar scale will be set. As Original Aug Ref/Def Period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Given that this is a PGT module it may not be possible to form a view on the need for reassessment until after the exam board at the end of the programme. However, if the likelihood for reassessment becomes clear at an earlier stage the reassessment may be undertaken within the year.

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/

An Introduction to Applied and Environmental Geophysics - Reynolds

Other Resources:

The Use of Electromagnetic Induction Techniques in Soils Studies (2014)

James A. Doolittle (USDA-NRCS-NSSC, jim.doolittle@lin.usda.gov)

Eric C. Brevik (Dickinson State University, Eric.Brevik@dickinsonstate.edu)

USING GEOPHYSICAL METHODS TO IMAGE THE INTERNAL STRUCTURE OF MINE WASTE ROCK PILES

Campos, D.1, Chouteau, M.1, Aubertin, M.1 and Bussière, B.2

1Department-CGM, Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal, Canada.

(daniel.campos@polymtl.ca, chouteau@geo.polymtl.ca, michel.aubertin@polymtl.ca)

2UQAT-URSTM, Rouyn-Noranda, Canada

(bruno.bussiere@uqat.uquebec.ca)

 

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Monday 5th October 2020 LAST REVISION DATE Tuesday 18th May 2021
KEY WORDS SEARCH Site Investigation; Soil Properties; Geophysics; Surveying

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