Module manager: Dr. Xiaohui Chen
Email: x.chen@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Entry requirements to the MSc programmes
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module explores engineering responses to complex groundwater and soil pollution challenges. It focuses on understanding the interactions between soils, groundwater, and pollutants, linking engineering with earth science, environmental management, and sustainable development. Students will develop numerical and conceptual skills for modelling pollution transport and designing remediation strategies. The module bridges theory and practice through real-world case studies and modelling tools such as AI/Machine Learning, fostering professional competence in tackling groundwater and contaminated land issues.
The module aims to equip students with advanced understanding and skills for analysing and remediating groundwater and soil pollution. Students will learn the principles of contaminant transport, hydrogeology, and geochemistry, and how to apply numerical tools (AI) to simple real-world cases. The teaching integrates scientific theory, quantitative analysis, and professional practice to promote sustainable engineering solutions.
Upon completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes (contributing to the AHEP4 learning outcomes between brackets):
1. Apply a comprehensive understanding of engineering principles and undertake a critical review of the state of art technical literature in groundwater pollution and contaminated land, including hydrogeology, geochemistry and mineralogy. (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M1 and M5);
2. Ability both to apply groundwater pollution modelling analysis for solving complex problems in engineering and to assess their limitations. Ability to use the fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies in soils/groundwater restoration. Ability to collect and analyse research data and use appropriate engineering tools to tackle new scenario of pollutions. (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M3);
3. Knowledge, understanding and skills to work with information that may be incomplete or uncertain, quantify the effect of this on the design and where appropriate, use theoretical and modelling (e.g. using PHREEQC) research to mitigate deficiencies;
4. Awareness of the need for a high level of professional and ethical conduct in groundwater pollution and contaminated land. Awareness that engineering activities should promote sustainable development (especially for water and soils) and ability to apply quantitative techniques (e.g. numerical modelling) where appropriate. (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M7);
5. Advanced level knowledge and understanding of a wide range of engineering materials (e.g. cement or soils) and components (minerals, e.g. Quartz or K-feldspar), and understand the complexity of chemical transport within such porous media. A thorough understanding of current practice, especially in modelling, and its limitations, and some appreciation of likely new developments (e.g. coupled modelling);
6. Apply their skills in problem-solving, communication, information retrieval, working with others, and the effective use of general IT facilities. Be able to develop use/develop restoration methods for a real case study and, have an awareness of state-of-the-art knowledge and knowledge sources relating to contaminated lands, nuclear waste disposal and sustainable development.
This module contributes to the AHEP4 learning outcomes M1, M3, M5, M7.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
Academic:
a). The ability to plan time, prioritise tasks and organise academic and personal commitments effectively while working to complete a complex design problem numerically;
b). The ability to recognise and express knowledge and understanding and how it relates to personal experience and to demonstrate learning and growth from the experience (e.g. lessons learned).
Digital:
c). Ability to use numerical techniques (e.g. AI) for discretising and solving complex GeoEnvironmental problems.
Work ready:
d). The ability to prioritise, work efficiently and productively and to manage allotted time well in order to meet deadlines;
e). The ability to take a logical approach to solving problems; resolving issues by tackling from different angles, using both analytical and numerical skills. The ability to understand, interpret, analyse and manipulate numerical data.
Enterprise:
f). The ability to search for, evaluate and use appropriate and relevant information sources to help strengthen the quality of academic work and independent research.
- Definition of minerals, soils, groundwater and pollutants;
- Typical conditions in groundwater pollution;
- Assessing the public health risks associated with groundwater pollution and soil pollution;
- Effective delivery approaches for restoration;
- Modelling of groundwater.
Methods of assessment
The assessment details for this module will be provided at the start of the academic year
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 9 | 2 | 18 |
| Seminars | 2 | 3 | 6 |
| Practicals | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| Independent online learning hours | 6 | ||
| Private study hours | 112 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 32 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team