Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech

Geology and Edaphology (2500209) – Course 2025/26 PDF

Syllabus

Learning Objectives

Environmental engineering problems are very often located in a geological framework and in contact with the fluid layers of the Earth, where edaphic soils are formed. The products of geological activity (geological materials -minerals, rocks and soils-, geological structures and landforms) and the most important geological processes (magmatism, tectonics, erosion-sedimentation) are studied, including those that are potentially dangerous for the society. The objective of soil science is the edaphic soils, which form the skin of the earth's crust and which are essential for life. This module studies the different characteristics of soils (mineralogy, chemistry, texture and structure, physical properties, biology and ecology), the typology of soils, their formation and evolution processes, and degradation problems. The targets are: 1. Identify the different types of materials and geological structures, as well as infer some basic mechanical or hydraulic properties. 2. Interpret geological maps and make simple geological cuts from cartographic information. 3. Characterize active geological environments and identify the processes that occur in them, particularly dangerous ones. 4. Recognize and characterize the edaphic soils on the ground. 5. Ability to characterize physical, chemical and geological properties of edaphic soils.

Competencies

Especific

Solve mathematical problems that may arise in engineering by applying knowledge about: linear algebra, geometry, differential geometry, differential and integral calculus, optimization, ordinary differential equations.

Obtain basic knowledge about the use and programming of computers, operating systems, databases and basic numerical calculation and applied to engineering.

Manage the basic concepts about the general laws of mechanics and thermodynamics, concept of field and heat transfer, and apply them to solve engineering problems.

Apply the basic principles of general chemistry, organic and inorganic chemistry and their applications in engineering.

Describe the global functioning of the planet: atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, biosphere, anthroposphere, biogeochemical cycles (C, N, P, S), soil morphology and apply it to problems related to geology, geotechnics, edaphology and climatology.

Generic

Identify, formulate and solve problems related to environmental engineering.

Apply the functions of consulting, analysis, design, calculation, project, construction, maintenance, conservation and exploitation of any action in the territory in the field of environmental engineering.

Apply business management techniques and labor legislation.

Total hours of student work

Hours Percentage
Supervised Learning Large group 40h 66.70 %
Laboratory classes 20h 33.30 %
Self Study 90h

Teaching Methodology

The subject consists of the following activities in classroom: 1) Sessions in large groups that include theory lessons and theory quizz discussion workshops (30 h). 2) Intermediate group sessions on practices and problems in geology and pedology (24 hours). 3) Evaluation activities (exams) (6 h). Specific optional sessions are held to resolve and discuss the exams. The subject calendar and detailed support material are provided on the ATENEA virtual campus.

Grading Rules

The evaluation calendar and grading rules will be approved before the start of the course.

The subject consists of two parts. The geology part forms 60% of the qualification and the soil science part the 40%. Each part includes a midterm exam and practical assignments. Midterm exams are worth 95% and practical assignments are worth 5%. Grading criteria for "no show": a) In an exam a grade of "no show" will be obtained if the exam is submitted within 20% of the scheduled duration for the exam. b) In the course: the submission of any deliverable is mandatory. Failure to submit an exam or two or more deliverables within the deadline will result in the student receiving a grade of "no show." - Grading criteria and eligibility for re-assessment: Students who fail the regular assessment and who regularly take the failed assessment tests will have the option of taking a re-assessment test during the period specified in the academic calendar. Students who have already passed the re-assessment test or those with a "no show" grade will not be able to take the re-assessment test. The maximum grade for the re-assessment test will be five (5.0). Failure to attend the re-assessment test on the date scheduled will mean that they will not be able to take the test at a later date. Extraordinary assessments will be conducted for students who, due to proven reasons of force majeure, have been unable to take any of the regular assessment tests. These extraordinary assessments must be authorized by the head of studies, at the request of the professor responsible for the subject, and will be conducted during the school term.

Test Rules

Practice sessions are held in medium or small groups. Each week the schedule of the practice group alternates so that the same group does not always have the last hour of the afternoon. This schedule is indicated in the subject calendar that is published at the beginning of the semester in Atenea. It is mandatory to respect the schedule of the practice group. Access to the classroom will not be allowed outside the hours of the assigned practice group. If you do not show up for a practice at the assigned time, it will be classified as "no show".

Office Hours

José Moya: Monday from 12 to 14 h. Josep Salvador Blanch: to be agreed with the professor

Bibliography

Basic