Module manager: Dr Ana Heitor
Email: A.Heitor@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module enables students to learn the basic principles of soil mechanics and foundation engineering as practiced by civil engineers. The module is delivered with a blend of synchronous and asynchronous activities. Study resources are released every week to support the content covered in class.
* To introduce soils as engineering materials so that by the end of the module students will have an understanding of the main types of soil, their stress-strain behaviour and strength characteristics, and will be able to apply these concepts to Geotechnical analysis
* To teach the methods, and underlying principles of basic foundation design
* To demonstrate an overall approach to foundation engineering
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. An understanding of the how soils are characterised and tested for engineering purposes, while having an appreciation of limitations of testing and uncertainty.
2. Application of a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the factors that control strength and stiffness of engineering soils
3. Analysis of shallow & deep foundations and earth retaining structures, and an appreciation of the complex geotechnical design process (problem idealisation, analysis, and detailing).
4. Application of essential geotechnical skills for (a) idealizing soil profiles, and (b) idealizing soil-structure interaction, to permit analysis.
5. Application of a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the two "limit states" that must be considered (ULS and SLS) and appreciate that foundation design is often dominated by the need to limit deformations (SLS).
6. Effective communication of complex engineering matters in the context of soil engineering with technical audiences.
Skills learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Critical evaluation of data.
2. Work with information that may be incomplete or uncertain, quantify the effect of this on the design.
3. Extract and evaluate pertinent data and to apply engineering analysis techniques in the soil engineering.
4. Apply advanced problem-solving skills, technical knowledge and understanding, to establish rigorous and creative solutions that are fit for purpose for all aspects of geotechnical problems.
5. Decision making based on engineering analysis.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laboratory | 2 | 3 | 6 |
| Workshop | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Computer Simulated Practical Techniques | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Independent Learning | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Drop-in Session | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Lectures | 9 | 3 | 27 |
| seminars | 2 | 3 | 6 |
| Private study hours | 215 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 85 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
Evaluation of performance and provision of feedback after each assignment (both formative and summative).
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Problem Sheet | 10 |
| Assignment | Laboratory Report Coursework | 10 |
| Assignment | Geotechnical Analysis Coursework | 20 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 40 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 3.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 60 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 60 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
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