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DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2011/2012
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DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Geosciences : Earth Science

Undergraduate Course: Hydrogeology 1: Applied Hydrogeology (EASC09039)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Geosciences CollegeCollege of Science and Engineering
Course typeStandard AvailabilityAvailable to all students
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 9 (Year 3 Undergraduate) Credits10
Home subject areaEarth Science Other subject areaEnvironmental Courses
Course website None Taught in Gaelic?No
Course descriptionThe course covers the following topics:

* Introduction to Applied Hydrogeology foundations;
* Soil description for Applied Geoscience purposes;
* Groundwater flow;
* Groundwater Geochemistry;
* Case studies Ogallala Aquifer, Arizona & Aral Sea;
* Modelling groundwater flow;
* Aquifer investigation techniques; and
* Contaminant transport
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Additional Costs None.
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesNone.
Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus?Yes
Course Delivery Information
Not being delivered
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
Students will gain a knowledge that covers and integrates most of the principal areas, features, boundaries, terminology and conventions of applied hydrogeology. Accordingly, they will be able to divide the subsurface in terms of aquifers, aquitards and aquicludes and be able to define the differences between unconfined and confined flow. They will understand the physics of groundwater flow, the impact of geology on groundwater distribution and understand the geochemistry and the classifications of groundwater. They will also gain an understanding of the principal theories and concepts behind the development of a conceptual hydrogeological model. As part of this they will understand; how the groundwater flow equation is derived and the physics behind it (Darcy&©s law, Balance equations); key hydraulic parameters such as permeability, hydraulic conductivity and how they relate to the material and fluid parameters. They will also understand the key concepts of contaminant transport (diffusion, dispersion, sorption, decay). They will cover a range of standard techniques for the investigation of hydrogeological parameters and will be able to describe a material according to its engineering relevant characteristics (BS5930). In addition they will be able to use both analytical and graphical techniques to predict and model the movement of groundwater and contaminant transport and to determine the groundwater piezometeric suface and flow direction, as well as be able to produce water balances for catchment areas. Through group based case studies on real life problems, which the students will present, the applicability of the subject area, its use and its limits are demonstrated. In addition, as part of the assessment, students are expected to complete a project on the distribution of groundwater in different hydrogeological environments. This will require a synoptic understanding of hardrock and surface geology, facies interpretation and material characteristics. Students are expected to be able to apply their hydrogeological knowledge to a critical analysis of water managements issues demonstrated in terms of key case studies. Finally, accompanying the lecture series reference is made to the parameter uncertainty and its impact in terms of risk.
Assessment Information
Group presentation on case study, Scenario assessment report; and examination.
Special Arrangements
None
Additional Information
Academic description Not entered
Syllabus Not entered
Transferable skills Not entered
Reading list Not entered
Study Abroad Not entered
Study Pattern Not entered
KeywordsHydrogeology_1
Contacts
Course organiserDr Chris Mcdermott
Tel:
Email: cmcdermo@staffmail.ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMiss Emma Latto
Tel: (0131 6)50 8510
Email: emma.latto@ed.ac.uk
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