69724 - Geology and Applied Geology M

Learning outcomes

Learning some basic concepts for the understanding of geologic bodies, and rocks that constitute them. Reading and interpreting the geologic elaborates. Learning some notions of applied geology, essential for the correct use of engineering techniques in the field of civil works, with particular reference to geologic hazards.

Course contents

Requirements/Prior knowledge.

A high-school level understanding of physics, inorganic chemistry and physical geography is required to attend with profit this course. In addition, the student who knows nothing about the dynamics of Earth is recommended to get acquainted with this topic on high-school textbooks. Fluent spoken and written Italian are necessary pre-requisites, since all lectures, tutorials and study material are in Italian.

Course Contents

The first module of this course gives the student basic information on the following subjects: (a) identifying rocks and soils in hand samples as well as outcrops; (b) reading and interpreting geologic maps, stratigraphic schemes and geologic cross-sections; (c) estimating the effects of the geodynamic processes on volcanic, seismic and alluvial hazards.

The second module of this course is mainly about hydrogeology and landslides, with emphasis on the interpretation of large-scale geomorphologic maps, the monitoring techniques and the hazard mitigation interventions.

At the end of the course, the student is expected to understand terminology and contents of the geologic elaborates required for the planning of engineering works.

Readings/Bibliography

Module 1

LANDUZZI A., Schemi e appunti per le esercitazioni di litologia e cartografia geologica (downloadable from Virtuale). Handout useful for taking notes during lessons.

JORDAN T.H., GROTZINGER J.P., Capire la Terra, Zanichelli, 2016. Text to consult, especially if the student doesn't know what the Earth's dynamics is. Alternatively, other high-school level texts can be consulted, asking Alberto Landuzzi an opinion on their geological contents.

Module 2

SCESI L., PAPINI M., GATTINONI P., Principi di geologia applicata per ingegneria civile-ambientale e scienze della terra, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, 2014. Text recommended to students who want to deepen the study of Applied Geology.

Teaching methods

The first half of module 1 is devoted to the following topics: macroscopic identification of the main minerals; macroscopic identification of the most common rocks and soils based on texture, structure, composition and easy-to-determine physico-chemical properties; analysis of the lithogenetic cycle through the study of plutonic, volcanic, sedimentary, diagenetic and metamorphic processes; framing of the lithogenetic cycle in the internal and external dynamics of Earth.

The second half of module 1 is dedicated to the following topics: application of the principles of stratigraphy, tectonics and geomorphology to the interpretation of geological maps, stratigraphic schemes and geological sections; examination of geological and geomorphological data that contribute to the assessment of volcanic, seismic and alluvial risk.

Module 2 is dedicated to the following topics: detailed geomorphological cartography; elements of hydrogeology; classification, causes and modeling of landslides; monitoring tools and interventions for landslide risk mitigation.

The didactic activity of the course is entirely presented on the computer. In module 1 lessons alternate with exercises, which the students carry out on the computer. Each exercise has goals to achieve and a mind map to help achieve them. At the end of each exercise, the teacher shows the compiled mind map and describes the achieved results.

In order to allow students to verify their learning on the ground, educational trips will be organized near the end of the course in the southern Alps and/or in the northern Apennines.

Assessment methods

Verification of learning takes place through the performance of three partial tests, which the student chooses whether to face in one, two or three dates; this choice has no influence on either the complexity or the number of questions proposed.

For module 1 there are two partial oral tests of about 30 minutes each, that the student performs on the computer in dialogue with the teacher. The first test is done on HD photos of rock samples, and consists in the description of two rocks of different origin. The second test is done on HD scans of geological maps, and consists in the description of two objects of different cartographic significance (stratigraphic, tectonic or geomorphological). The dialogue with the teacher focuses both on the details of the objects to be described, and on the geological processes and their practical implications.

Passing the tests is guaranteed to students who show that they know the origin of the rocks and the cartographic objects they have described. A higher score is given to students who understand the technical issues inherent in the rocks and cartographic objects they have described.

Failure to pass one or both tests may depend on insufficient knowledge of the key concepts, possibly aggravated by poor command of the technical language.

For the second module there is a partial written test, to be carried out in 60 minutes. The written test consists of open and closed questions regarding the reading of a large-scale thematic map. The written test can be followed by an oral exam.

Passing the test is guaranteed to students who show knowledge of the origin and evolution of the objects shown on the map. A higher score is attributed to students who demonstrate that they have thoroughly understood the theoretical and practical contents of the module, and are able to explain them with a proper language. Failure to pass the test may depend on insufficient knowledge of the key concepts, possibly aggravated by poor command of the technical language.

When the student has passed all three partial tests with at least sufficient grade, the overall grade is calculated by making the arithmetic average of the three partial grades. The teachers of the two modules decide together whether to round this average up or down.

Teaching tools

Lessons are held on the computer, with the equipment available in the classroom. For module 1 exercises, students must have a notebook, tablet or at least a smartphone with them.

The module 1 participates in the University's didactic innovation project, with a wide range of supplementary teaching. On Virtuale are available: the course handout; the DVDs of the contents screened in the classroom; the material to carry out the exercises at home; the video recordings of all the lessons and exercises carried out in the academic year 2021-2022. Students who need clarification are encouraged to be received on Teams, so that all other interested students can attend and participate.

Office hours

See the website of Alberto Landuzzi

See the website of Lisa Borgatti