Module manager: Dr Harry Holmes
Email: H.T.Holmes@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
| SOEE5195M | Engineering Geology |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Engineering Geology is the largest employment field for professional geoscientists and is a subject that bridges the fields of geology, engineering, geomorphology, structural geology, geophysics, geomechanics, and geochemistry. The module considers all of the above, but the most important role of an engineering geologist is identifying conceptual ground behaviour, potential hazards and adverse geological conditions through the studying of landforms and ground processes. Students will learn the role of an engineering geologist through both taught material and practical exercises and understand their importance in mitigating the potential hazards of ground-structure interaction.
To introduce different components of engineering geology allowing students to work through a ground engineering project from conceptual geological models to designing support systems for rock engineering projects.
1) Understanding conceptual and observational geological models and site investigation techniques
2) Undertake field observations of geological materials and structures and interpret these findings for use in engineering design
3) Undertake rock engineering design work and select appropriate design solutions
4) Effectively communicate engineering and geological information to a non-specialist audience
After taking this course students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding that is supported by text books and an underpinning of personal awareness in:
- The role of engineering geology in civil engineering
- The significance and importance of different rock and soil types, and their characteristics in engineering construction and design
- The basis for strength and other index properties of both intact rock, rock masses, single discontinuities and soil
- An appreciation of the importance of discontinuities and their characteristics
2. Apply their knowledge and understanding through devising and sustaining arguments to:
- Undertake geotechnical assessments
- Undertake preliminary design of a Site Investigation
- Analyse slopes for stability
3. Demonstrate an ability to make judgments through interpreting data that allows:
- Recognising and understanding slope instability in soils and rocks;
- Recognising and understanding potential geohazards related to the quaternary geological evolution of the British Isles
Lectures:
Introduction to Engineering Geology; Site Investigation; Ground Investigation; The strength and properties of soils and rock; The strength of joints and rock masses; Rock slope instability; Landslide types and processes, Geohazards
Practicals: (Held within Lectures): Site investigation; Mohr Circles; Site investigation; Introduction to Stereonets for Assessing Slope Stability, Limit Equilibrium Methods for Assessing Slope Stability.
3 day workshop/field trip working on the above and foundations. This workshop will run at some point during the Easter vacation (Weeks E1- E4). It is not possible to confirm the exact date at the time of module selection so it is the student’s responsibility to confirm the date of the workshop before making any other commitments during the Easter vacation.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fieldwork | 3 | 7 | 21 |
| Lecture | 9 | 1 | 9 |
| Practical | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| Private study hours | 62 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 38 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
Student progress will be monitored via a series of four formative in-class practicals.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Fieldwork | Workshop/field trip | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50 | |
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) (S1) | 1.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50 | |
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