Studying online
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
This unit presents an introduction to geology and geological processes as they affect civil, resource and environmental engineering projects. Topics include weathering; erosion; minerals, rock and soil types; the rock cycle, rock-forming processes and soil-forming processes. All topics are explained using well-illustrated local and international examples. Full use is made of available video footage and demonstration models and students gain hands-on experience of various soil and rock types. The unit then deals with concepts of effective stress; soil compression and consolidation; seepage; and the strength and deformation properties of soil. The underlying framework is that of critical state soil mechanics which links the strength and stiffness of soil to the density and effective stress level. In-class practice sessions are an essential component of the teaching of the unit to ensure students gain supervised experience in the application of effective stress and critical state principles. Students observe and report on laboratory experiments designed to supplement understanding gained at lectures on the strength and compressibility of soils.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Semester 1 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Outcomes
Students are able to (1) write concise technical reports; (2) apply critical thinking to assignments and laboratory work; (3) use interpersonal skills when working in teams; (4) identify the role of geotechnical engineering in the civil engineering design process; (5) apply geotechnical design principles in civil engineering design; (6) identify soil properties of compressibility and strength for soil foundation design; (7) perform soil laboratory tests on soil properties for foundation design; (8) assess the pros and cons of soil laboratory testing and in situ soil field tests; and (9) work in teams.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) lab quiz and active participation; (2) laboratory reports; and (3) module tests. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Professor Yuxia Hu
- Unit rules
- Contact hours
- 4 hours per week
practice sessions: 1 hour per week
labs: 3 hours per week - Note
- Enrolled students can access unit materials via the LMS (Learning Management System).
- Texts
-
Atkinson, J. The Mechanics of Soils and Foundations, 2nd edn: Taylor & Francis 2007
Whitlow, R. Basic Soil Mechanics, 4th edn: Longman Scientific and Technical 2001
Bolton, M. D. A Guide to Soil Mechanics: Macmillan Press 1979
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.