C9306 - APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY

Learning outcomes

The course provides students with the basic concepts for the knowledge of geological bodies, highlights the dynamics of dispersion of contaminants in soils and the contamination of aquifers according to their vulnerability, highlights the techniques of defense against pollution and their reclamation. Students are able to define the characteristics and the environmental and territorial risks related to the exploitation of geological resources and deposits for CO2 storage, to define strategies for the use and recovery of degraded and polluted sites and the conservation of environmental assets.

Course contents

This course focuses on the fundamentals of geology (rock and deposit types, geomorphological processes, groundwater etc.). We will explore natural processes and anthropogenic effects on those processes in the context of natural hazards, natural resources, and sustainability.

The course is divided into three units:

• Unit 1: Basic concepts in geology and Earth sciences (internal structure of the Earth, rock cycle, minerals, rocks, soils)
• Unit 2: Earth surface process (earthquakes and volcanic hazard, floods and river erosion, landslides and slope stability, geohazards in the context of climate change)
• Unit 3: Sustainable use and protection of natural resources (critical elements for green transition and their distribution, mining and extraction techniques, environmental issues, groundwater flow in saturated media, permeability, pollution, aquifer protection and mitigation)

The aim of the course is to increase the awareness and understanding of a broad spectrum of human interactions with the geological environment. The course content will initially cover the basics of geology and Earth sciences, therefore, no prerequisite knowledge is requested.

Readings/Bibliography

The following textbooks are recommended to complement understanding and deepen comprehension:

• Understanding Earth: Seventh Edition. Grotzinger, J., and Jordan, T.H., 2017
• Environmental Geology, 2nd Edition. Reichard, J., 2013

The following online open books can also be used:

• Environmental Geology. Earle, S., 2021 (Thompson Rivers University, licensed under CC-BY NC SA 4.0)
• Historical Geology: a free online text “book”. Bentley, C., Layou, K.M., Kohrs, R., Jaye, S., Affolter, M. and Ricketts, B. 2020 (licensed under CC-BY NC 4.0)

Mandatory and supplementary readings will be specified in a syllabus provided to the students at the beginning of the course. Notes and slides will be provided by the instructor through the Virtuale platform.

Teaching methods

The course will take advantage of a combination of traditional (frontal lessons) and innovative teaching methods (e.g., flipped class). On several occasions, students will be asked to watch online videos or read shared materials before coming to class, where interactive and teamwork activities will be proposed (practical exercises, research and presentations, discussions, debates). Participation to in-class activities is highly encouraged, as it will allow students to practice critical thinking, scenario discussion, and communication that will be important both in preparing the final oral examination and for the development of transferable skills.

At least one guest seminar and one field trips will be part of the course.

Assessment methods

The evaluation will be based on the performance of an oral examination. Oral examination will begin with the description and analysis of a real or realistic scenario or situation, in which the candidate will identify and discuss the controlling factors, effects, impacts, and implications of active processes. The discussion will then expand and explore other topics, to evaluate the candidate’s ability to identify connections between them, and the overall understanding of the content of the course.

To obtain a passing grade (18-26/30), students are required to at least demonstrate a knowledge of the key concepts of the subject, some ability of critical analysis, and a comprehensible use of technical and scientific language.

Higher grades (27-30/30) will be awarded to students who demonstrate an organic understanding of the subject, the capability of critical analysis and making links between different topics, as well as a clear and concise communication o the various concepts and topics.

A failing grade will be awarded if the student shows knowledge gaps in key-concepts of the subject, and/or logic failures in the analysis of the subject.

Teaching tools

Frontal lessons will take advantage of projected power point slides.

Interactive activities and quizzes may be proposed through online platforms such as Wooclap, which can be accessed through any device (smartphone, tablet) connected to the internet.

On some occasions, activities in teams or small groups will require the use of a laptop and the installation and/or use of dedicated software.

Generative AI tools may be used, where appropriate, as support for individual study, for example to summarise notes, review terminology, organise concepts or prepare self-assessment questions and scenarios. When authorized by the instructor, they can also be used during in-class activities.

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

Office hours

See the website of Davide Donati