Engineering Geomorphology and Geohazards

Marks and Grades
The Department of Geological Sciences uses the following scale to convert marks into grades:
90–100 A+ 70 – 74 B 50 – 54 C-
85 – 89 A 65 – 69 B- Restricted R
80 – 84 A- 60 – 64 C+ 40 – 49 D
75 – 79 B+ 55 – 59 C < 40 E
The Department reserves the right to adjust this mark/grade conversion. This will occur only when deemed necessary and such adjustments will not be made to the detriment of a student’s grade.
Late Work
Late work should be pre-approved by the course coordinator and accompanied with a short note explaining why the work is late. The work will be marked and marks may be subtracted for each day the work is late. Days late include weekends and holidays.
Aegrotat Applications
If you feel that illness, injury, bereavement or other critical circumstance has prevented you from completing an item of assessment or affected your performance, you should complete an aegrotat application form, available from the Registry or the Student Health and Counselling Service. This should be within seven days of the due date for the required work or the date of the examination. In the case of illness or injury, medical consultation should normally have taken place shortly before or within 24 hours after the due date for the required work, or the date of the test or examination. For further details on aegrotat applications, please refer to the Enrolment Handbook. You have the right to appeal any decision made, including aegrotat decisions.
Missing of Tests
In rare cases a student will not be able to sit a test. In such cases, the student should consult with the course co-ordinator or the Head of Geological Sciences to arrange alternative procedures. This must be done well in advance of the set date for the test, unless the situation is covered by the aegrotat regulations.
Reconsideration of Grades
• Grades for individual items of coursework may be reassessed, and in the first instance students should speak with the course coordinator. If an agreeable solution cannot be reached students should then speak to the Head of the Geological Sciences Department. Reconsideration should normally be requested within 4 weeks of the test or the return of the item of assessment.
• Grade reconsideration for courses as a whole can be obtained by applying to the Registry within 4 weeks of the date of publication of the final results. Students should refer to UC Calendar under general course and examination regulations for details of the appeal process.

Academic Liaison
Dr Ben Kennedy (Room 320, Phone 7775 email: ben.kennedy@canterbury.ac.nz) is Chairperson of the Postgraduate Liaison Committee. A student representative is appointed to the Liaison Committee at the start of the semester. Please feel free to talk to Ben Kennedy or the student representative about any problems or concerns that you might have, although as a matter of courtesy you would normally also talk to the course tutor.

Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities should speak with someone at the Disability Resource Service. Inquire in the first instance at Level 4 Erskine Building (Maths & Computer Science). Email: disability@canterbury.ac.nz

Policy on Dishonest Practice
Plagiarism, collusion, copying and ghost writing are unacceptable and dishonest practices.
• Plagiarism is the presentation of any material (text, data, figures or drawings, on any medium including computer files) from any other source without clear and adequate acknowledgement of the source.
• Collusion is the presentation of work performed in conjunction with another person or persons, but submitted as if it has been completed only by the named author(s).
• Copying is the use of material (in any medium, including computer files) produced by another person(s) with or without their knowledge and approval.
• Ghost writing is the use of another person(s) (with or without payment) to prepare all or part of an item submitted for assessment.
In cases where dishonest practice is involved in tests or other work submitted for credit, the student will be referred to the University Proctor. The instructor may choose to not mark the work.

Engineering Geology Programme
Background
Engineering Geology is concerned with site investigation for underground works, near-surface foundations and slopes, hazard assessment and geotechnical constraint identification, construction materials evaluation, and hydrogeological aspects of site and land development. The current areas of research interest include rock and soil mechanics, active tectonics, slope stability and subsidence, underground construction, land-use planning, hydrogeology, acid mine drainage, and environmental management. Close working relations are maintained with staff in Civil and Natural Resources Engineering at the University of Canterbury.

The present Engineering Geology postgraduate programme commenced about 1980, and since that time there have been over 100 MSc graduates and a similar number of Diploma graduates. The BSc (Hons) programme began in 1970, and has been active since that time but with many fewer graduates. PhD options in Engineering Geology also exist, and a programme of papers may be required prior to commencing PhD thesis research. Five staff members are closely involved in the Engineering Geology programme, and cover a wide range of professional interests and expertise.

The primary aim of the Engineering Geology course work is to prepare students for successful accreditation as a professional engineering geologist by providing coverage of the various aspects of engineering geology practice including, but not limited to, the following:

• Generation of engineering geology models
• Site investigation philosophy, methods and practices
• Principles and practices of rock and soil mechanics (geotechnics)
• Geohazard evaluation and mitigation at a variety of scales
• Construction materials and construction practices (surface & underground)
• Groundwater occurrence, behaviour, resources and remediation

Outcome statement
Graduates in engineering geology develop practical skills in the field and/or in the laboratory and an awareness of research in selected fields.  At completion of the BSc(Hons)/MSc/PGDip they will have an ability to critically assess and synthesise the literature and project data, a knowledge and understanding of contemporary issues and modern concepts, and an ability to think independently and communicate effectively.  Completion of this degree may lead to professional employment as an engineering geologist or geological consultant, or further postgraduate study.

Students undertaking a BSc(Hons) will note the increased workload arising from the 30 points for the research project, which is meant to introduce students to postgraduate research in preparation for Doctoral level research.

Students undertaking an MSc will complete a thesis year (Part 2), which will allow them to design and undertake a postgraduate research programme. This will prepare them for further research or employment in industry.

Graduate profiles
It should be noted that the course work for a PGDipEngGeol, BSc(Hons), and MSc Part 1 are nearly the same.  A BSc(Hons) requires an additional research project while, MSc Part 1 and PGDipEngGeol require a single semester design project. MSc Part 2 is a thesis. The research project for BSc(Hons) and the thesis for MSc Part 2 must be approved prior to enrolment.  

Graduate Profile:  Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering Geology (PGDipEngGeol)

A graduate of a PGDipEngGeol is expected to be able to:

Personal Attributes
 Demonstrate advanced knowledge of engineering geology and an ability to apply scientific principles and concepts
 Independently solve problems through the application of scientific knowledge and methods
 Engage in intellectual analysis and problem solving
 Understand, evaluate, access and critically review new information
 Demonstrate the ability to think independently
 Demonstrate an understanding of advanced theoretical concepts within engineering geology
 Effectively access and use information relevant to engineering geology
 Apply knowledge and skills to new situations
 Analyse, evaluate, and argue in support of conclusions
 Demonstrate skills for lifelong learning
 Work independently
Interactive Attributes
 Work collaboratively on tasks
 Communicate effectively both in written and spoken English
 Carry out fieldwork and reporting in engineering geology

Graduate Profile:  Bachelor of Science, Honours (BSc(Hons))
A graduate of a BSc(Hons) is expected to have the personal and interactive attributes of students with PGDipEngGeol, with the following additional:
Personal Attributes
 Research, analyse, evaluate, and argue from evidence
 Plan and carry out a specific programme of scientific research
 Demonstrate an understanding of sophisticated theoretical subject matter
 Perform under a demanding workload
Interactive Attributes
 Work collaboratively on tasks and show leadership
 Communicate concepts, results and conclusions related to research findings
 Design and carry out fieldwork and/or work collaboratively on research to a level required by the discipline in which the degree programme was completed

Graduate Profile:  Master of Science (MSc)
A graduate of a MSc is expected to have the personal and interactive attributes of students with PGDipEngGeol and BSc(Hons), with the following additional:
Personal Attributes
 Engage in rigorous intellectual analysis, criticism and problem solving
 Understand, evaluate, access and critically review new information, including findings and discussions in the literature
 Research, analyse, evaluate, and argue from evidence
 Demonstrate mastery of sophisticated theoretical subject matter

Current Course Options
Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering Geology
The PG Dip Eng Geol programme comprises the MSc papers taken over one full-time year, or as part–time courses on a basis approved by the Head of Department. Diploma students may transfer to the MSc if they achieve a B+ average in their papers year, and it is also possible to withdraw from the MSc programme and be awarded a Diploma if the papers have been satisfactorily completed. The Diploma may be awarded with Merit or Distinction. Students who are not accepted for the MSc papers year, and who wish to proceed to MSc (Eng Geol), may still enroll for the PG Dip Eng Geol (subject to meeting the entry requirements below) and be eligible for transfer to MSc if they achieve a B+ average grade (ie a minimum GPA of 6.0 in the Papers year).

MSc in Engineering Geology
The MSc programme requires eight one-semester papers to be taken in one year. The compulsory papers are ENGE 410, ENGE 411, ENGE 412, ENGE 413, ENGE 414, ENGE 415, ENGE 416 and HAZM 410. Subject to a B+ average grade being achieved in their papers, students may proceed to a thesis in Engineering Geology, and this is 12 months duration for the award of Honours (ENGE 690). The thesis proposal for MSc Part 2 must be approved by Graduate Studies prior to enrolment.  Both MSc (Eng Geol) papers and thesis may be taken part-time with the approval of the Head of Geological Sciences. Intending MSc (Eng Geol) students should be aware that there is presently a limitation of six (6) enrolments in the thesis year, and that places will normally be allocated on the basis of prior academic merit.

BSc (Hons) in Engineering Geology
This comprises seven one-semester papers and a research project (ENGE 490). The compulsory papers are ENGE 410, ENGE 411, ENGE 412, ENGE 413, ENGE 414, ENGE 415 and HAZM 410. Intending BSc (Hons) students should discuss their Research Project proposal with an appropriate supervisor at an early stage, because there are strict time limits on submission and hence on completion of field and/or laboratory work. The research project for BSc(Hons) must be approved by the department prior to enrolment.

Entry Requirements
Students wishing to enter the PG Dip Eng Geol, MSc (Eng Geol) or BSc(Hons) programmes should normally have achieved a B+ average grade in their undergraduate studies for preferred entry; students with B- (for entry into PGDipEngGeol) and B (for entry into MSc) grade average will be on a waiting list until 3 weeks prior to commencement of lectures. There are required field courses (GEOL 240, 241, 351, 352 or equivalent), and at least 60 new points in GEOL 300 courses. There is also a requirement for 15 points of MATH 100-level and 15 points of STAT 100-level courses, and students should consult the University Calendar for full details. Intending PhD students should consult with the HOD in the first instance.

Current Engineering Geology Courses (2014)
ENGE 410 Engineering Geology Field Methods (S1)
ENGE 411 Engineering Construction Practice (S2)
ENGE 412 Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering (S2)
ENGE 413 Soil Mechanics and Soil Engineering (S1)
ENGE 414 Applied Hydrogeology (S1)
ENGE 415 Engineering Geomorphology (S2)
ENGE 416 Engineering Geology Projects (S2)
HAZM 410 Geological Risk Management (S1)

Week # Dates Lectures Labs
Topics Lecturers                                Topics
29 14th July Introduction TRD
30 21st July Geomorphic systems TRD
31 28th July Interpreting landforms TRD
32 4th Aug River behaviour TRD
33 11th Aug Geomorphic risk assessment TRD
34 18th Aug Summary TRD
35
36
37 8th Sept Landslide terminology DHB
38 15th Sept Landslide risk management DHB
39 22nd Sept Rockfall analysis MCV Rockfall modelling (1 hour tutorial)
40 29th Sept Limit equilibrium analysis MCV Slide modelling (1 hour tutorial)
41 6th Oct Large landslides in schist terrain or in soft rock DHB/JRP
42 13th Oct Liquefaction and lateral spreading DHB