Engineering geology Syllabus

1. Sir/Ma’am
This is to formally inform you that all of the members of my Engineering Geology class have agreed to
contribute a significant amount of PHP1500 to further enhance their skills in this new field of
engineering/geology. This letter is made to elaborate how your hard-earned money will be spent.
As discussed during our initial meeting, the class will invite four speakers in different areas of
specialization; hydrogeology, rock support for underground excavation, soil mechanics, and kinematic
analyses of hard rock slopes. These speakers will come from reputable companies from different parts of
the country. We are going to shoulder all their travel and accommodation expenses. There will be a four-
part, four days for each specialization – a total of 16 days of lecture series that will run starting this
February up to summer.
The rest of the remaining topics in the course syllabus will be lectured by yours truly. Please see attached
course syllabus for this semester.
There will be a series of lectures outside the classroom. Engineering Geology is not something the
students can learn inside the comfort of the university, most of the time we will go out in the field to
conduct ground investigation on areas where engineering applications are needed. This is where your
money will go as well – transportation for these trips will come from that PHP1500. Now, if we run-out of
money, we will let you know. But I’m quite sure this will suffice.
There are a number of reasons why we have decided to do this. First, I am not always around. I only
come home once a month, and that is the only time that I can teach. When I am around, I will accompany
them in field-based classes. Secondly, my experience does not include the aforementioned
specializations. My understanding of them is too shallow.
I am pushing this activity to help open new job opportunities for these students. As a matter of fact, there
are only two or three of us from NORSU-Geology who practice as an Engineering Geologist or a
Geotechnical Engineer. There is no hydrogeologist, as far as I am concern. No Ground Support Engineer
either.
Members of the class are elected to facilitate the speakers and keep the money. I will never ever touch a
single piece of coin that comes from your hard labor. To that, I hope that the students will realize how
difficult it is to earn money and be more responsible.
I hope that you will consider this activity. Furthermore, I religiously hope that you will include this in your
2016 budget. This is a good investment. Deadline is on January 7, 2016.
If you have any questions, send me a message on Facebook.
Regards,
RYAN GANTALAO
Geotechnical Engineer
NORSU Guest Instructor
PRC No. 0001891

2. Negros Oriental State University Applied Engineering Geology 2015 Page 1
Republic of the Philippines
NEGROS ORIENTAL STATE UNIVERSITY*
RA 9299 June 25, 2004
Dumaguete City Main Campuses I
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
AACCUP RE-ACCREDITED LEVEL II
Telephone Number: (35) 225-9400 Local 139
Title: Applied Engineering Geology
Code: GEOL 324
Units: 3
Introduction:
Engineering geology provides students the opportunity to examine geological elements as they relate to
engineering projects. The course consists of a mix of theory, practical and site visits, and prepares
students for industry through the use of real-world examples and exercises.
Learning Outcomes:
 Evaluate the aspects of geology that are important to civil and mining engineering projects;
 Environmental investigations; and water resource investigations.
 Appraise soil and rock properties for engineering purposes.
 Justify the importance of geological hazard identification and prediction for the planning of
engineering infrastructure.
 Discuss the terminology, concepts and principles of engineering geology
 Collect data in both a field and laboratory setting.
 Investigate engineering geology problems using a range of tools, applying a risk management
approach.
 Collect and analyse engineering geological data using relevant tools.
 Evaluate engineering projects using a risk management approach by applying engineering
geological principles and tools.
 Produce a comprehensive written report on the results of an investigation into an engineering
project.
 Appreciate the importance of the application of geology to engineering projects.
 Understand the legal and moral responsibility of providing quantitative geological data to
geotechnical and engineering projects.

3. Negros Oriental State University Applied Engineering Geology 2015 Page 2
Course Outline:
1. Development of Engineering Geology
1.1 Development of Engineering Geology
1.2 Aims of Engineering Geology
1.3 Materials, Mass, and Mass Fabric
1.4 Environmental Factors
1.5 Essential Definitions
1.6 Further Reading
2. Investigating the Ground
2.1 Important Characteristics of Geological Materials
2.2 Description of Materials
2.3 Properties and their Measurement
2.4 Density and Unit Weight
2.5 Porosity and Permeability
2.6 Strength
2.7 Deformation
2.8 Abrasiveness
2.9 Index Tests
3. Geological Masses
3.1 Mass Fabric
3.2 Weathering
3.3 Ground Mass Description
4. Maps
4.1 Structural Map Making
4.2 Geologic Map Making
4.3 Understanding Geological Maps
4.4 Hazards
4.5 Rock Slopes and Major Outcrops
4.6 Tunnels
4.7 Mines
4.8 Natural Cavities
4.9 Rock Mass Classification
5. Recovery of Samples
5.1 Purpose and Principles
5.2 Drilling and Sampling in Rock
5.3 Drilling Tools
5.4 Drilling Process

4. Negros Oriental State University Applied Engineering Geology 2015 Page 3
6. Field Tests and Measurements
6.1 Tests in Boreholes
6.2 Test in Boreholes, Tunnels
6.3 Measurements in Boreholes
6.4 Engineering Geophysics
7. Engineering and Natural Processes
7.1 Natural Processes
7.2 Recognizing Problems
7.3 Groundwater
7.4 Further Reading: Case Studies
8. Slope Stability Analysis
8.1 Slope Movements
8.2 Simple Slope Failure
8.3 Stability of Slopes in Soil
8.4 Design of Slopes
8.5 Existing Landslides
8.6 Remedial Works for Slope Stability
Graduate Attributes:
Attribute Brief Description Focus
Continuous
Learning
This course provides students with the opportunity to expand their understanding of
the application of geology by focusing of the use of geological principles in the
investigation of engineering project. As such the course highlights the interdisciplinary
nature of many projects in modern society and provides students with the impetus to
develop interests in related fields, and thus foster a desire to further their knowledge
High
Self-Reliance Early in this course students are guided through examples and scenarios relating to
engineering geological applications in engineering projects. As the course progresses
students are expected to show self-reliance and independently collect data and report
results using risk management principles. Students develop self-reliance through
managing their workload and scheduling their workload so as to be able to submit
assessment tasks to tight deadlines.
High
Engaged
Citizenship
Students are given the opportunity to appreciate the importance of geological
understanding to engineering projects, and be able to advocate for, and explain the
important role played by applying engineering geology principles to engineering
problems. The course aims to produce graduates who are able to engage in debates
regarding risk management in society, and specifically, its application to engineering
projects.
Medium
Social
Responsibility
This course provides students with an insight into the role of engineering geology in
major engineering projects, and as such, it also highlights the importance of such
projects to society. Students will also examine the role of a risk management
approach to engineering projects and appreciate their legal and ethical responsibility
in providing advise of such projects.
Medium