SVY 1101 Geology and Surveying

STAFFING:

RATIONALE:

This course provides a basic introduction to geology and surveying for the students in the Bachelor of Engineering (Civil, Agricultural and Environmental programs).

SYNOPSIS:

Many engineering projects are based on the location of a planned structure (or structures) on a part of the earths surface. Investigation and location of such projects requires knowledge and skill in both geology and surveying. Geological information affects engineering decisions in the design and planning stages because all large scale engineering works have their foundation in rock or soil. Many projects, such as dam walls and pavements are also built from these materials. A working knowledge of geologically applied design limitations is therefore required by all engineers involved in foundation, construction, hydrology, catchment management and soil science works. Surveying is an essential fundamental component in engineering planning, design, construction and monitoring processes. The construction of an engineering structure requires accurate surveying skills to guarantee the establishment, alignment and fitting of sectional components, and to ensure that all elements are positioned as designed. A knowledge of the range of skills, knowledge and roles of surveyors, together with surveying principles, some skill in performing surveys, and basic interpretation of graphical data, is therefore required by engineers.

OBJECTIVES:

On completion of this course, students should be able to:

1. examine and categorise a limited group of minerals and outline key identification features;
2. examine and categorise hand specimens of rocks commonly used as construction material, assess the major physical properties, and state their material limitations in specific applications;
3. distinguish structural properties of rocks, particularly faults folds, and joints, and interpret their significance for engineering;
4. explain weathering processes and soil formation processes;
5. interpret geological maps and cross sections to a limited extent and relate such information to engineering;
6. use geophysical principles and engineering properties of rocks to appraise/survey geological materials;
7. outline activities that are undertaken by a surveyor, and recall and use fundamental surveying principles and mathematical techniques;
8. describe the legal concept of "land" and explain the legal requirements with respect to property boundary surveys;
9. calculate and check 3-D coordinates of points from field information;
10. calculate areas and volumes of plane figures to required accuracy;
11. calculate volumes to required accuracy;
12. describe the fundamental elements of GPS and evaluate the accuracy attainable from different GPS techniques;
13. compare various sources of spatial information and methods of data presentation.

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

NOTES:

1.

Exam Part A (Geology) is equivalent to Exam Paper 1. Exam Part B (Surveying) is equivalent to Exam Paper 2. Student Administration will advise students of the dates of their examinations during the semester.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as lectures, tutorials, laboratories and practical work) scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To complete each of the assessment items satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available (or at least a grade of C-) for each assessment item.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval then a penalty of 20% of the total marks available for the assignment will apply for each working day late.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must achieve at least 45% in each of the summative assessments and at least 50% of the available weighted marks for the summative assessment items.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks (or grades) obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   In an Open Examination, candidates may have access to any material during the examination except the following: electronic communication devices, bulky materials, devices requiring mains power and material likely to disturb other students. In a Restricted Examination, candidates are allowed access to specific materials during the examination. The only materials that candidates may use in the restricted examination for this course are: writing materials (non-electronic and free from material which could give the student an unfair advantage in the examination); calculators which cannot hold textual information (students must indicate on their examination paper the make and model of any calculator(s) they use during the examination).
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Any Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course will be held during the examination period at the end of the semester of the next offering of this course.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES