NES3203 : Geotechnical and Geophysical Investigations
NES3203 : Geotechnical and Geophysical Investigations
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Mark Ireland
- Lecturer: Professor Mohamed Rouainia, Dr Jean Hall
- Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| NES1207 | Dynamic Earth |
Pre Requisite Comment
The knowledge of the fundamental geological processes that affect rock and ground stability (NES1207).
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
The aims of this module is describe the principles and applications of geophysical, borehole and laboratory investigations and give students the opportunity to learn the skills to interpret these data.
The module will cover the theory behind data acquisition, processing and interpretation. It will cover:
i) geophysical methods
ii) principles of rock and soil mechanics
iii) borehole investigations
The module will introduce the environmental, engineering, and geoenergy applications of the methods.
Outline Of Syllabus
The module will cover:
Rock and soil mechanics
Principles of soil mechanics
Principles of rock mechanics
Lab tests for soils
Core plugs and whole core
Lab tests for defining rocks
Geophysical methods
Introduction to geophysics
Reflection
Refraction
Passive
Applications
Borehole investigations
How to drill a borehole
Basic principles of borehole data collection
Wireline techniques
Borehole imaging
The module will have 3 practicals (which may be desktop, computer, or laboratory based). During these practical’s students will learn how to interpret a selection of different data types with a focus on applications in the environmental, engineering, and geoenergy.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
At the end of this module students will be able to:
Explain the fundamental concepts of geophysical techniques
Explain the principles of soil and rock mechanics
Explain the principles of data acquisition in boreholes
Intended Skill Outcomes
At the end of this module, students will be able to:
Identify the most suitable geophysical technique for different applications
Determine the most suitable soil or rock testing method
Determine the most suitable suite of data collection different borehole investigations
In addition, students will be able to:
Perform basic interpretations of seismic reflection data
Interpret the results of different soil and rock mechanic test
Perform basic interpretations of borehole data
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:30 | 1:30 | Completion of coursework |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 10 | 0:30 | 5:00 | Revision |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 10 | 2:00 | 20:00 | Lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | Preparation for and completion of formative problem solving exercise |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 3 | 3:00 | 9:00 | Practicals |
| Guided Independent Study | Skills practice | 3 | 2:00 | 6:00 | Skills practice |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 32:30 | 32:30 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Online Discussion | 3 | 2:00 | 6:00 | N/A |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The module will be taught through a series of 2 hour lectures the theory and principles behind key subsurface investigative methods. Each of the primary techniques, geophysics, soil and rock mechanics, and borehole techniques, is paired with a 3 hour practical where students will learn to interpret different subsurface data types and information.
The online discussion, skills practice, independent study and assessment preparation and completion will allow students to consolidate their learning gained from both lectures and practicals and practice their skills.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Case study | 2 | M | 100 | Geotechnical or geophysical investigation or survey plan for applied project |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 2 | M | Completion of 3 problems related to the practicals |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The coursework will test the knowledge and understanding of engineering geology.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- NES3203's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- NES3203's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.