Undergraduate Course: Hydrogeology 1: Applied Hydrogeology (EASC09039)
Course Outline
| School | School of Geosciences |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Course type | Standard |
Availability | Available to all students |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 9 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Credits | 10 |
| Home subject area | Earth Science |
Other subject area | Environmental Courses |
| Course website |
None |
Taught in Gaelic? | No |
| Course description | The 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-requisites | None. |
| 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 |
| Keywords | Hydrogeology_1 |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Chris Mcdermott
Tel:
Email: cmcdermo@staffmail.ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Miss Emma Latto
Tel: (0131 6)50 8510
Email: emma.latto@ed.ac.uk |
|
|
University Homepage