73360 - Engineering Geology

Learning outcomes

Engineering Geology explores engineering and environmental challenges stemming from interactions between geology and human activities, aiming to build understanding of geological processes and their impact on engineering design. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: - Analyze Geological Processes: Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of geological and geomorphological processes, assessing their implications for engineering and environmental projects. - Interpret Geological Data: Critically analyze and interpret geological data from various sources, including maps and site investigation reports, to make informed engineering geological decisions. - Assess Geological Hazards: Evaluate geological hazards, with a focus on mass movements, and develop geological models to inform engineering decisions. - Develop Preventive and Remedial Measures: Formulate strategies to prevent and mitigate the impacts of geological hazards, with a focus on mass movements, including recommendations for site-specific interventions. - Collaborate with Multidisciplinary Teams: Communicate effectively with professionals across disciplines, contributing geological insights to multidisciplinary engineering and environmental design.

Course contents

Prerequisites

Students are expected to have a background in basic geology, including the main geological and geomorphological processes, the properties of soils and rocks, and the basic principles of geological mapping. A working knowledge of English is required, as lectures, tutorials, teaching materials and assessment activities are delivered in English.

Course programme

The course addresses engineering and environmental problems arising from the interaction between geological processes and human activities, with particular attention to slope instability and geo-hydrological hazards. The teaching activities are organised into two modules.

Module 1 – Geological models, investigations and monitoring

The module focuses on the development and critical assessment of geological models for engineering geology applications. The main topics are:

• reconstruction and assessment of geological models using desk studies, field data, geognostic investigations and monitoring data;
• analysis and discussion of case studies related to slope instability.
  

Module 2 – Digital slope characterization and numerical modelling applications

The module focuses on the application of digital tools for the characterization and analysis of natural or engineered slopes. The main topics are:

• collection, management, processing and interpretation of spatial, geological, geomorphological, and geomechanical data;
• use of mapping tools and numerical modelling software for engineering geology applications.

Practical activities will include the analysis of thematic maps, the use of dedicated software tools and the discussion of real or realistic case studies. These activities are designed to support the development of applied, critical and problem-solving skills relevant to engineering geology.

Readings/Bibliography

All compulsory teaching materials, lecture notes, slides, documents, datasets and practical exercise materials will be made available through the course page on Virtuale.

The materials provided on Virtuale constitute the core study material required for the final assessment.

The following references are recommended for consolidating previous knowledge and for further study:

• Marshak, S., Earth: Portrait of a Planet, W.W. Norton.
• Abramson, L.W., Lee, T.S., Sharma, S., Boyce, G.M., Slope Stability and Stabilization Methods, Wiley.
• Turner, A.K. & Schuster, L.R., Landslides: Investigation and Mitigation, Transportation Research Board, Special Report 247.
• Dikau, R., Brunsden, D., Schrott, L., Ibsen, M.L., Landslide Recognition: Identification, Movement and Causes, Wiley.

Additional readings may be suggested during the course and made available through Virtuale. Unless explicitly indicated by the instructors, these additional materials are intended for further study and are not compulsory for the final assessment.

Teaching methods

The course combines lectures, practical exercises, guided discussion of case studies, group activities and seminars by invited experts. These methods are intended to support the progressive acquisition of theoretical knowledge, applied skills and critical judgement in engineering geology.

Lectures introduce the key concepts, methods and technical terminology of engineering geology. Practical activities allow students to apply these concepts to the analysis of geological and geomorphological data, thematic maps, monitoring information and case studies. Group discussions and case-study work are used to promote active learning, problem solving and the ability to justify technical choices.

The course may include a field trip or field-based activity, aimed at providing direct experience of geological and geomorphological processes and of their relevance to engineering and environmental problems.

Videos, online resources and digital materials will complement the classroom activities. Practical exercises may involve the use of specialised software and digital tools for the management, processing and interpretation of geological spatial data.

All teaching materials and operational information will be made available through Virtuale.

Safety training

In consideration of the teaching methods adopted, and in particular of any field activities and/or practical activities involving specific environments, attendance may require prior completion of the relevant health and safety training modules for study activities, according to University regulations. Detailed information on any compulsory safety training and on the procedures to be followed will be provided through the course page and/or the Degree Programme website.

Assessment methods

The assessment is designed to verify whether students have achieved the expected learning outcomes, with particular reference to their ability to:

• understand and use the main concepts and terminology of engineering geology;
• analyse geological and geomorphological information for preliminary site assessment;
• interpret investigation and monitoring data;
• apply appropriate methods to landslide hazard assessment;
• present and discuss technical results clearly and critically.

Attending students

For students who attend the course, assessment consists of:

1. Case-study assignment, to be presented and discussed at the end of the course.

This component assesses the student’s ability to analyse an engineering geology case study, select and interpret relevant information, apply appropriate methods, and present the results using correct technical language.

2. Computer-based multiple-choice test, consisting of multiple-choice questions;

3. Essay on the application of digital and numerical modelling tools for the characterization and analysis of natural or engineered slopes in real cases or realistic scenarios.

These components assess knowledge and understanding of the core concepts, methods and terminology covered in the course, as well as understanding of constraints and applicability range of discussed methodologies.

The final mark is calculated as follows:

• case-study presentation: 1/3 of the final mark;
• computer-based test (multiple-choice)1/3 of the final mark;
• essay on a practical scenario: 1/3 of the final mark.

Penalty for wrong answers in the multiple-choice test will be applied. Notes, books, teaching materials, digital devices and other support tools are not allowed during the written test, unless explicitly authorised by the instructors.

Non-attending students

For students who do not attend the course, assessment consists of a written exam with open and multiple-choice questions, followed by an oral discussion. The written exam assesses knowledge and understanding of the course contents, while the oral discussion verifies the student’s ability to connect concepts, apply methods to engineering geology problems, and use appropriate technical language.

Assessment criteria

The final grade will be based on the following criteria:

• 18–19/30: sufficient knowledge of a limited number of topics; basic ability to use technical language; limited analytical autonomy.
• 20–24/30: adequate knowledge of the main topics; ability to apply concepts to standard problems; generally correct use of technical language.
• 25–29/30: good or very good knowledge of the course contents; ability to analyse case studies critically and make reasoned technical choices; accurate use of specialist terminology.
• 30–30L/30: comprehensive and well-structured knowledge of the subject; excellent ability to connect concepts, critically analyse complex cases, justify methodological choices and present results with full command of technical language.

A failing grade will be assigned when the student shows substantial gaps in key concepts, serious errors in the use of technical terminology, insufficient ability to apply methods, or logical inconsistencies in the analysis.

Students with disabilities or specific learning disorders

Students with disabilities or temporary/permanent specific learning disorders are invited to contact the University office responsible for support services. The office will propose any necessary adaptations, which must be submitted to the instructors for approval. The instructors will assess the suitability of the proposed adaptations in relation to the learning outcomes of the course.

Use of generative AI in assessment

For assessment activities carried out in a non-controlled environment, the use of generative AI is not allowed unless explicitly authorised by the instructors. Any submitted work may be validated through the analysis of working materials and, where necessary, through an oral discussion. Unauthorised or undeclared use of generative AI constitutes a breach of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

The course uses lectures, slides, lecture notes, scientific and technical documents, thematic maps, datasets, videos, online resources. Students are required to bring a personal laptop to participate in practical activities with specialised software tools. The software is provided under a university licence and is available online for use within the department facilities. These materials support both the acquisition of theoretical knowledge and the development of applied skills.

All core teaching materials will be made available through Virtuale. The platform will also be used to provide instructions for practical exercises, case-study work, software-based activities and any additional resources useful for individual study.

Students who need adaptations to access teaching materials or digital tools are encouraged to contact the relevant University support services in advance.

Generative AI tools may be used, where appropriate and if authorised by the instructors, as support for individual study, for example to summarise notes, review terminology, organise concepts or prepare self-assessment questions. Such tools cannot replace the study of the official course materials and must not be used in assessment activities except under the conditions explicitly stated by the instructors.

Office hours

See the website of Lisa Borgatti

See the website of Davide Donati