Module manager: Jason Williams
Email: J.R.Williams1@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Successful completion of Level 1 of registered programme (or equivalent for ISA)
SOEE2940 Applied Geosciences
This module is not approved as a discovery module
The objective of the module is to enable students to understand and apply fundamental concepts in engineering geology, soil science, hydrology, and shallow surface geophysics. Providing students with a solid foundation in geoscience principles and practical skills, preparing them to use established methods and technologies in areas such as energy, hydrogeology, environmental geology, and geotechnical engineering.
Learning activities will blend theory with hands-on experience, ensuring students can connect theoretical principles to real-world scenarios.
Classroom based teaching will impart the majority of the theory while practical classes, fieldwork, and case studies will foster active engagement and evidence-based learning while illustrating how geoscientists contribute to different sectors of industry.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes:
SSLO1: Contextualise geology, geomorphology and environmental concerns in understanding and conceptually modelling the structure, properties and history of the ground within a modern day setting.
SSLO2: Appraise and suggest potential methods for directly investigating and testing the ground.
SSLO3: Develop understanding which remote sensing and geophysical techniques can aid our understanding of the shallow subsurface, and which techniques are most appropriate for engineering applications.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
SKLO1: Develop Academic Skills (Critical Thinking, Presentation, Information searching and Referencing). Students will develop critical thinking and information searching by engaging with real-world geological and environmental scenarios. They will demonstrate an ability to critically analyse data, synthesise information from diverse sources, and present their findings in a structured and coherent manner.
SKLO2: Develop Sustainability Skills (Systems thinking, Anticipatory & Future Thinking). Students will learn to apply systems thinking to analyse complex geological and environmental scenarios. They will understand how to anticipate future challenges and consider long-term implications, fostering an understanding of how present-day decisions impact future outcomes.
SKLO3: Develop Work Ready Skills (Communication, Research, Problem Solving and analytical skills): Through this module students will enhance their ability to convey and receive information clearly, accurately, and appropriately. Ultimately receiving and understanding information in a way that allows effective communication on sensitive topics.
Shallow subsurface investigations are crucial because this zone is where human activity and infrastructure intersects with the Earth's environment, and is vital for sustainable development, resource management, and risk mitigation in a wide range of sectors. In this module, you will learn fundamental concepts and principles related to investigating the shallow subsurface through the use of geological and geophysical methods and data to investigate and model the ground. The material covered is relevant to a large variety of career paths for geoscientists. The taught component of the module will contain a mix of engineering geology, soil science, hydrology and shallow surface geophysics, covering both theory and practice. Throughout the module, a topical case study or studies will link the different aspects of the syllabus and inform on how a geoscientist can apply their fundamental knowledge to become involved in the energy, hydrogeology, environmental geology and geotechnical/civil engineering sectors.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 12 | 2 | 24 |
| seminars | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| Practicals | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| Fieldwork | 2 | 6 | 12 |
| Private study hours | 150 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 50 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Throughout the running of the module there will be four practical classes. These practicals will be explicitly linked to the type of work expected in the final module assessment, and there will be formative feedback provided on the work undertaken. This will either involve feedback on work directly completed in the practical and submitted, or a discussion of work conducted prior to the practical during the practical activity in a flipped classroom approach.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Coursework | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Resits will take the form of a reflective report on what students learnt during their learning in preparation for a first attempt. This resit will cover all required module Subject and Skills Learning Objectives.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 20/05/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team