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Course Descriptions – GEOS7004 Earth Science and Environmental Management GEOS7004/ENVM8010 Earth Science and Environmental Management (3 credits)
Offering Department Earth Sciences
Course Coordinator and
teacher Dr. Yi-Liang Li, Department of Earth Sciences [email protected]
Course Aim
The earth environment is made of atmosphere, ocean and continent. The most dynamic
geological process operates along the coast, a narrow zone between the terrestrial
environment and the vast ocean. Nearly half of the world population lives 150 km within
the coast zone, which raises numerous environmental issues. In this course we firstly focus
on the dynamic geology and ecological structure of the coastal zone; then we analyze how
human activity changes the dynamics of geological process and imbalances the fragile
coastal ecosystem. Based on the above-mentioned facts we discuss the critical management
issues and management frameworks at different levels in the view of sustainable
development. This course is characterized by lots of comparative analyses on the physical
geology and human impacts on the coastal zones of California and Hong Kong.
Course Contents
This course will examine major issues of the geological dynamics of the coastal zones and
human activity raised environmental issues and management. Many case studies are based
on the current natural and human impacts of California and Hong Kong.
The course will cover the following topics:
The dynamic geology of coastal zone
The ecological structure of coastal zone
The population of coastal zone and the thus exerted environmental pressures
Geological and environments hazards of the coastal zone
Sustainable development of the coastal zone
Environmental managements of the coastal zone
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course the students should be able to:
Understand how the dynamic geology develops coastal environments;
Have a clear picture of the coastal geology of Hong Kong area;
Have a clear picture of the human activities on the geo- and ecological
environments of the coastal zone of Hong Kong;
Demonstrate the general knowledge of environmental managements on coastal
zones.
Pre-requisites Nil
Teaching and learning methods 18 hours of lectures, 20 hours of course project and several home essay assignments.
Assessment Methods Written 2-hour examination (70%) and coursework assessment (30%).
Grade Descriptors
Grade A Is good, very good, or excellent in using basic principles and essential skills
in practice. Requires very limited supervision. Is creative, work is virtually
error free and writes well. Can apply learning in unfamiliar situations.
Grade B Is generally competent in using the basic principles and the essential skills in
practice but requires some supervision.
Grade C Is able to state most of the basic principles but is poor at using them, and the
essential skills, in practice without direction.
Grade D Marginal Pass and any Pass in a supplementary examination.
Fail Does not know most of the basic principles and has not mastered the
essential skills used in practice.
Textbook Coastal system and human impacts. Online course material by Bruce Perry of California
State University – Long Beach.
References
Lung Sang Chan. Geological Heritage of Hong Kong. Aristo Educational Press Ltd. 2014,
188 pages of main text. Available in the University of Hong Kong bookstore.
Timothy Beatley, David J. Brower, Anna K. Schwab. An introduction to coastal zone
management. 2nd
edition, Island Press: Washington, 2002, 329 pages.
LYL/AWM 8.12.2014
THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN APPLIED GEOSCIENCES
GEOS 7010 Geology: Principles and Practice
Objective
Provides an opportunity for students with a background outside the earth sciences to learn
fundamental geological concepts and principles
Class schedule (3 hour classes)
Earth’s structure and plate tectonics GCZ
Minerals (1) MFZ
Minerals (2) MFZ
Plutonic rocks MFZ
Volcanic rocks MFZ
Sedimentary rocks MFZ
Earth Resources MFZ
Metamorphic rocks GCZ
Rock examination test + Folds and faults GCZ
Earthquakes GCZ
The early Earth GCZ
Supercontinents in Earth’s history GCZ
Teaching and Learning Methods
The course is taught through class lectures and laboratory classes. Learning is reinforced by
regular home assignments and a rock recognition test.
Assessment Methods
Achievement will be assessed by examination (70%) and coursework (30%). A 3-hour written
examination will be held at the end of the semester. During the course there will be a number of
homework assignments.
Grade Descriptors
Grade A Is good, very good, or excellent in using basic principles and essential skills in
practice. Requires very limited supervision. Is creative, work is virtually error free
and writes well. Can apply learning in unfamiliar situations.
Grade B Is generally competent in using the basic principles and the essential skills in
practice but requires some supervision.
Grade C Is able to state most of the basic principles but is poor at using them, and the
essential skills, in practice without direction.
Grade D Marginal Pass and any Pass in a supplementary examination.
Fail Does not know most of the basic principles and has not mastered the essential skills
used in practice.
GEOS7010
Course Text
The Good Earth: Introduction to Earth Science by David McConnell et al., Published by
McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 1st edition, 2008.
Learning Outcomes
1. Know Earth’s structures and composition and understand the principles of plate tectonics.
3. Have a general knowledge of mineralogy and petrology, and common methods to identify
rock-forming minerals and major igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks on hand-
specimens.
4. Have general knowledge about Earth resources and major geological processes that led to their
formation.
5. Know major features of folds and faults, including their classification and geological
significance.
6. Understand major geohazards and their environmental effects (e.g. earthquakes and tsunami).
7. Demonstrate an understanding of early Earth and supercontinents in the Earth’s history.
Course Coordinator: Prof. Guochun Zhao ([email protected])
Teachers: Prof Guochun Zhao (JL409); Prof. Mei-Fu Zhou (JL303),
AWM/GCZ 15.9.14
Master of Science in the field of Applied Geosciences
Faculty of Science Department of Earth Sciences University of Hong Kong
Course GEOS7011 Advanced Geology of Hong Kong
Objective Provide geologists with the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of the geology of Hong Kong.
Course schedule
Lectures/classroom sessions (3 hours)
Geology of Hong Kong - Geological Background and Units (JRA)
Igneous rocks of Hong Kong – plutonic suites and volcanic stratigraphy of Hong Kong, recognition and
classification of volcanic rocks and formations (RJS)
Metamorphic rocks of Hong Kong – history of metamorphism, metamorphic structures and mineralogy,
major metamorphic rocks of Hong Kong (RJS)
Hong Kong’s young and surficial geology (JRA)
Hong Kong’s key structural geology features (JRA)
Unresolved problems/new insights into the geology of Hong Kong (RJS)
Revision/consultation class (JRA)
Fieldtrips (each ~8 hours)
Magmatic rocks on southern Hong Kong Island (RJS with JRA)
NW New Territories (RJS with JRA)
Tolo Channel/western Mirs Bay (JRA)
Practicals and discussion
1. Petrographic study of Hong Kong’s igneous and metamorphic rocks (two sessions linked to the
relevant classroom sessions).
2. Examination of the Hong Kong geological map in the class on HK structures.
Teaching and learning methods The course uses a combined lecture-directed study approach. The students will also write two field reports
related to two of the field sessions plus a ~2500-word essay on a topic related to the geology of the New
Territories.
Assessment Methods
Field report related to trip #1. (12.5% of the course mark.)
Field report related to trip #2. (12.5% of the course mark.)
Essay on either a specific element of broader view of the geology of the New Territories (25% of the course
mark.) The third fieldtrip is linked to this.
The 3-hour final examination accounts for 50% of the course mark.
Grade Descriptors
Grade A Is good, very good, or excellent in using basic principles and essential skills in practice.
Requires very limited supervision. Is creative, work is virtually error free and writes well. Can
apply learning in unfamiliar situations.
Grade B Is generally competent in using the basic principles and the essential skills in practice but
requires some supervision.
Grade C Is able to state most of the basic principles but is poor at using them, and the essential skills, in
practice without direction.
Grade D Marginal Pass and any Pass in a supplementary examination.
Fail Does not know most of the basic principles and has not mastered the essential skills used in
practice.
GEOS7011
Course Text
The main recommended references are Hong Kong Geological Survey memoirs ‘The Quaternary Geology
of Hong’ and ‘The Pre-Quaternary Geology of Hong Kong’, both published by Geotechnical Engineering
Office, Civil Engineering & Development Department.
Learning objectives
1 Acquire a thorough understanding of the main components of the geology of Hong Kong,
and its regional setting, including the distribution and interpretation of the main rock types,
age relationships, and superficial deposits, and the locations and orientations of the main
regional and local structures.
2 Able to identify and describe the main rock types (volcanic, intrusive, sedimentary and
metamorphic) that occur in Hong Kong, and to understand the principles of their formation
classification, and interpretation.
3 Able to explain the important geological structures in Hong Kong and the adjacent parts of
southern China and how they might have been generated.
4 Able to describe the origin, environment of deposition, description, and classification of the
superficial deposits in Hong Kong.
5 Able to explain some of the problematic areas in our understanding of Hong Kong’s geology as
well as the areas where major revisions are being made to the knowledge base.
Pre-requisites
At least a BSc major/full degree in Earth Sciences/Geology or a closely allied subject.
Teachers: GEO; Dr Jason R. Ali, DES, HKU, [email protected] Dr Rod J Sewell, Geological Survey of HK,
Coordinator: Dr Jason R. Ali
JRA/AWM 28.11.14
Master of Science in the field of Applied Geosciences
Department of Earth Sciences
University of Hong Kong
Course on Site Investigation & Engineering Geological Techniques GEOS7012
Objective
To explain the role of the engineering geologist in the civil engineering industry and
facilitate the learning of the concepts and skills used in best practice by the engineering
geologist.
Course schedule
Andrew Malone The design of site investigations and the work of the 6 hours
Engineering Geologist
Andrew Malone The Desk Study and Walkover Survey 3 hours
Kevin Styles Air Photo Interpretation: hands-on training 6 hours
David Clayton Subsurface Exploration: Boring, Drilling, Probing 9 hours
& Trial Pitting: Sampling Techniques: Reporting
+ half-day site visit
Philip Chung Laboratory Testing 9 hours
+ half-day Laboratory Practical
Andrew Malone The description and classification of soil and rock 6 hours
for engineering purposes. Engineering Geological plans.
+ half-day field class Po Shan landsliding basin
Andrew Malone Uncertainty in Geotechnics and the Site Investigation 3 hours
Teaching and Learning Methods
The course is taught mainly through class lectures. About half of the classes comprise
class lectures and use problem-based learning with students in small work groups. Air
photo interpretation is taught through class lectures and stereoscope practical work. The
sessions on sub-surface exploration, engineering geological plans and laboratory testing
are taught in class lectures supplemented by field and laboratory visits. Learning is
reinforced by regular assignments.
Assessment Methods
Achievement will be assessed by examination (70%) and coursework (30%). A 3-hour
written examination will be held at the end of the semester. There will be a choice of five
questions out of six. During the course there will be four homework assignments. These
will be set on or about 23 Jan, 20 Feb, 20 March and 3 April.
GEOS7012
Grade Descriptors
Grade A Is good, very good, or excellent in using basic principles and essential skills
in practice. Requires very limited supervision. Is creative, work is virtually
error free and writes well. Can apply learning in unfamiliar situations.
Grade B Is generally competent in using the basic principles and the essential skills
in practice but requires some supervision.
Grade C Is able to state most of the basic principles but is poor at using them, and the
essential skills, in practice without direction.
Grade D Marginal Pass and any Pass in a supplementary examination.
Fail Does not know most of the basic principles and has not mastered the
essential skills used in practice.
Course Text
The course textbook is: ‘Site Investigation’, Clayton, Matthews & Simons, published by
Blackwell, 1995. Available on the web: www.geotechnique.info
Course Learning Outcomes
1. Know how civil engineering projects are accomplished, and how civil engineering
design is carried out. Class 1
2. Understand when and how geological knowledge is best applied in the interests of
safety, economy and the environment. All classes.
3. Demonstrate the ability to formulate appropriate questions for geotechnical site
investigation. Class 2
4. Can create simple engineering geological models; can carry out basic soil & rock
description and characterisation and simple air photo interpretation tasks. Classes 3-5, 10
5. Can critically evaluate the quality of ground investigation operations and the reliability
of the associated data Classes 6-9. Classes 8 and 9 also contribute to the ability to use soil
mechanics in geotechnical design.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the significance of uncertainty in geotechnical
prediction and for site investigation. Class 11
Course Lecturers
Andrew Malone DES t 2559 2555 f 2517 6912 [email protected]
Kevin Styles Fugro t [email protected]
David Clayton Dragages t 3476 0715 [email protected]
Philip Chung GEO t 2760 5712 f 2762 2389 [email protected]
Pre-requisites
Pass in GEOS7010 Geology: Principles and Practice, GEOS7015 Rock Mechanics,
GEOS7016 Soil Mechanics.
Co-ordinator: Andrew Malone
AWM 19.8.14
THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN APPLIED GEOSCIENCES
GEOS7015 Rock Mechanics
Objective:
To introduce the engineering geologist to the basic concepts of rock mechanics as used in
geotechnical practice.
Course schedule:
Classes 1, 2 and 3 Introduction to basic concepts of mechanics, Dr Wing Sun (GEO) following
the first four chapters of Ryder's Strength of Materials, with a recap on trigonometry
Classes 4, 5 and 6 Introductory rock mechanics, Mark Wallace (Arup) in three 3-hr classes
Kinematic analysis of rock slope stability
Index properties, strength and deformability of intact rock
Strength and deformation characteristics of rock masses
Teaching:
Six 3-hr classes over 6 weeks
Dr Sun’s classes will comprise a lecture followed by a problem solving tutorial. Students will
need to bring their scientific calculators to class.
Students who are unfamiliar with Spherical Projection methods are advised to prepare for Mr
Wallace’s class on 17 September by studying Appendix 5 in the recommended textbook
Assessment:
There will be one 2-hour unseen written examination (70%) and coursework (30%), including 3
home assignments.
Grade Descriptors
Grade A Is good, very good, or excellent in using basic principles and essential skills in
practice. Requires very limited supervision. Is creative, work is virtually error free
and writes well. Can apply learning in unfamiliar situations.
GEOS7015
Grade B Is generally competent in using the basic principles and the essential skills in
practice but requires some supervision.
Grade C Is able to state most of the basic principles but is poor at using them, and the
essential skills, in practice without direction.
Grade D Marginal Pass and any Pass in a supplementary examination.
Fail Does not know most of the basic principles and has not mastered the essential
skills used in practice.
Textbooks:
Goodman RE 1989 Introduction to rock mechanics 2nd
ed New York: Wiley
Ryder GH 1969 Strength of Materials 3rd
ed London: Macmillan
Learning outcomes
1. To be able to describe and explain the distribution of internal forces under the actions of
external loads and its effects on the behaviour of engineering materials, including rock.
2. To be able to perform calculations on stress and strain as used in rock mechanics, including
those related to the axial compression and tension tests and those using the Mohr’s circle
stress diagram.
3. To be able to use index tests for engineering mass and material classification.
4. To be able to analyse laboratory compression and tension test results and derive intact rock
deformability and strength parameters.
5. To be able to carry out and critically assess kinematic analysis of rock slope stability (wedge,
block, topple) using joint orientation data plotted on spherical projection.
6. To be able to characterize the strength of rock joints for slope stability analysis using the
Barton/Bandis and Hencher/Richards approaches.
7. To be able to apply and critique the methods used to characterize and model the strength and
deformability of rock masses, including the Q-system, the RMI method, the Hoek-Brown
approach and the Geological Strength Index (GSI).
Course coordinator:
Prof AW Malone Tel: 2559 2555 [email protected]
Course teachers:
Dr Wing Sun GEO [email protected]
Mark Wallace Arup [email protected]
AWM 5.2.2014
THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN APPLIED GEOSCIENCES
GEOS7016 Soil Mechanics
Course objective
To give engineering geologists with no prior learning in Soil Mechanics an understanding of the
basic theories and how they are used in geotechnical engineering.
Schedule of classes
Analysis of plane stress (and strain) 3 hrs
Elasticity in geomechanics 3 hrs
Phase relationships; compaction; effective stresses 3 hrs
Consolidation; shear strength 3 hrs
Lateral earth pressure 3 hrs
Bearing capacity and settlement 3 hrs
Teaching and learning methods
The course is mainly taught by class lectures. Learning is monitored by short Q-A sessions and
home assignments.
Assessment methods
One 2-hr written examination (70%) and coursework (30%) consisting of 3 home assignments.
Grade Descriptors
Grade A Is good, very good, or excellent in using basic principles and essential skills
in practice. Requires very limited supervision. Is creative, work is virtually
error free and writes well. Can apply learning in unfamiliar situations.
Grade B Is generally competent in using the basic principles and the essential skills in
practice but requires some supervision.
Grade C Is able to state most of the basic principles but is poor at using them, and the
essential skills, in practice without direction.
Grade D Marginal Pass and any Pass in a supplementary examination.
Fail Does not know most of the basic principles and has not mastered the
essential skills used in practice.
Course Text
Atkinson, J. 1993. An introduction to the mechanics of soils and foundations through critical
state soil mechanics. McGraw-Hill, London. 2nd edition Spon 2008.
Learning outcomes
1. Can carry out simple calculations on the state of a soil sample.
2. Can use Darcy’s Law and flow nets to calculate pore pressures in the ground.
3. Can determine the theoretical earth pressure acting on a soil retaining wall using
Rankine’s and Coulomb’s Methods.
GEOS7016
4. Can use Terzaghi’s 1D consolidation theory to evaluate the time-dependant settlement
of the ground.
5. Can use the Mohr Circle construction to determine stresses acting on planes within the soil
and the Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion to evaluate the frictional and apparent cohesion
components of shear strength from the results of direct shear and triaxial tests.
Lecturer: Philip Chung Tel: 2762 5300 [email protected]
Coordinator: Andrew Malone Tel: 2559 2555 [email protected]
AWM 5.2.2014
THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN APPLIED GEOSCIENCES
Course Outline GEOS7020 Project I (3 credits)
Objective
To facilitate the learning of the skills needed to carry out a project involving scientific study, and of the
scientific principles relevant to the topic of the study.
Course Summary
The first phase of a self-directed study of a problem in applied geosciences, involving literature review, data
acquisition and data analysis. Students are required to write an inception report and give an oral
presentation. In the case of part-time students, work is required on the project during the summer following
the second semester.
Topic
The topic should be one agreed by the prospective adviser.
Adviser
The adviser shall be a member of the academic staff of the Department of Earth Sciences. The adviser
will review and comment on written submissions from the student and provide advice when asked. The
adviser will not direct and monitor the student’s work.
Data
The data may be that obtained from the student’s own observations, or provided by the adviser, or
acquired from publications or obtained from an archive.
The Project Plan Presentation Students are required to present their Project Plan, with a 500 word handout, to an invited audience.
Presentations will be assessed using the MSc Oral Presentation Scorecard.
The 10-minutes oral presentation, and the 500-word handout, will cover the following topics:
(i) the question(s) to be answered; max 40 words, each sentence ending in a question mark
(ii) the data need and how it will be acquired
(iii) what will be done with the data
(v) possible roadblocks
(vi) bar-chart programme
Maximum number of PowerPoint slides permitted: 10.
Max number of words per slide permitted: 60.
Minimum font permitted: 20-pt.
At least half of the slides should have illustrations.
A Q & A session follows. A class-mate should be appointed to record the questions and answers. The Q
& A record must be sent to the adviser and Programme Director within 7 days of the presentation.
GEOS7020
Assessment
Students will be assessed on the quality of their scientific work and their command of the skills referred to
in the Learning Outcomes.
Grade Descriptors
Grade A Is good, very good, or excellent in using basic principles and essential skills in practice.
Requires very limited supervision. Is creative, work is virtually error free and writes well.
Can apply what has been learnt to new situations.
Grade B Is generally competent in using the basic principles and the essential skills in practice but
requires some supervision.
Grade C Is able to state most of the basic principles but is poor at using them, and the essential skills,
in practice without direction.
Grade D Marginal Pass and any Pass in a supplementary examination.
Fail Does not know most of the basic principles and has not mastered the essential skills used in
practice.
Learning Outcomes
LO1 can use the scientific principles relevant to the topic.
LO2 can exercise the skills needed to carry out the project. These include how to: plan, programme and
complete a project on time; ask the right questions, obtain and organize data, formulate test and abandon
hypotheses, graphically display results, recognise patterns in data, use IT skills; make an oral presentation,
write a technical report, exercise scientific rigour; specific scientific skills, such as those involved in the
making of a geological map or the execution of a laboratory experiment.
Course Coordinator
Prof YC Chan Tel: ; email: [email protected]
AWM 8.8.14
Master of Science in the field of Applied Geosciences
Faculty of Science Department of Earth Sciences University of Hong Kong
Geological Fieldwork I GEOS7021 3 credits
Objectives
To introduce non-geologists to the procedures used for making geological observations in
the field. Geologists will learn the methods employed by the Hong Kong Geological
Survey.
Course schedule
Lung Sang CHAN Seminar: Geology of Hong Kong 3 hrs
Tammy Pui Yuk TAM Workshop: Interpreting geological maps 3 hrs
Tammy Pui Yuk TAM Workshop:
Hands-on Practise on interpretation of geological maps 3 hrs
Lung Sang CHAN Day trip: Igneous rocks and volcanic history 8 hrs
Tammy Pui Yuk TAM Day trip: Sedimentary fm and Cenozoic geology 9 hrs
Tammy Pui Yuk TAM Day trip: Structures & geological history 9 hrs
Reading material
Hong Kong Geological Survey memoirs ‘The Quaternary Geology of Hong’ and ‘The
Pre-Quaternary Geology of Hong Kong’, published by Geotechnical Engineering Office,
Civil Engineering & Development Department.
Teaching and learning methods The course involves 3 lectures (each of 3 hours) and 3
guided field trips (each of 8-9 hours). Students have to self-directed study in the field
leading to the production of field sheets, narrative accounts and other geological records
for assessment. The fieldwork should comprise no less than three full days in the field
and may be undertaken in association with the excursions of the Department of Earth
Sciences, the local learned societies or independently. For each day in the field, students
will need to spend at least 3 hours in completing geological records. They have to
summarize the field features, account for the observation and interpret the unsolved
problems in a field report. Learning is monitored by the course coordinators each
Semester.
Assessment Methods
Achievement will be assessed by coursework (100%), marked on a Pass/Fail basis.
GEOS7021
Grade Descriptors Pass Can apply the basic principles and essential skills in practice, with or without
supervision.
Fail Does not know most of the basic principles and has not mastered the essential
skills used in practice.
Learning Outcomes Non-geologists are expected:
1. To learn how to plan a route for efficient acquisition of geological information
and to navigate and position fix.
2. To learn the skills of documentation of geological information in the field.
3. To learn how to interpret a geological map and make a cross-section.
4. To learn the field safety code.
Geologists are expected:
1. To learn the methods of documentation and map-making similar to those
employed by the Hong Kong Geological Survey.
2. To learn the status of current thinking about unresolved geological problems in
Hong Kong.
Teachers
Tammy Pui Yuk TAM 28578577 [email protected]
Lung Sang CHAN 28598022 [email protected]
Coordinator
Tammy Pui Yuk TAM
THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN APPLIED GEOSCIENCES
Course on Management GEOS7024
Course objective
To provide engineering geologists with an understanding of the organisation and methods of
working of the construction industry.
Schedule of classes
Dr CK Lau Overview of the Course. 6 hours
Engineer's and contractor's site organisation,
common forms of contract, specifications,
methods of measurement, quantities &
cost estimation, variations and claims,
dispute resolution.
Ambrose Kwong Project framework, procurement of investigation, 6 hours
design & construction services, project programming
Ambrose Kwong Construction site safety, health & 3 hours
environmental aspects: Relevant regulations,
environmental impacts of works &
mitigation strategies.
Ambrose Kwong Quality control and quality assurance. 3 hours
Teaching and Learning Methods
The course is taught mainly through class lectures each of 3 hours duration.
Assessment Methods
Achievement will be assessed by a 2 hour written examination (70%) and coursework (30%)
consisting of three homework assignments.
Grade Descriptors
Grade A Is good, very good, or excellent in using basic principles and essential skills
in practice. Requires very limited supervision. Is creative, work is virtually
error free and writes well. Can apply learning in unfamiliar situations.
Grade B Is generally competent in using the basic principles and the essential skills
in practice but requires some supervision.
GEOS7024
Grade C Is able to state most of the basic principles but is poor at using them, and the
essential skills, in practice without direction.
Grade D Marginal Pass and any Pass in a supplementary examination.
Fail Does not know most of the basic principles and has not mastered the
essential skills used in practice.
Course Text and recommended reading
Civil Engineering Project Management by A.C. Twort & J.G. Rees, Butterworth-Heinemann
(2003)
Civil Engineering Procedure, Institution of Civil Engineers 6th edition (2009)
Modern Construction Project Management (2nd Ed) by S L Tang, S W Poon, Syed M Ahmed,
Francis K W Wong
Learning outcomes
1. Can explain the main elements in conventional forms of construction contracts and the advantages and disadvantages in employing each of these types of contract.
2. Can describe the main methods of dispute resolution employed in the construction
industry.
3. Can explain briefly how contractors manage civil engineering projects in the
planning, programming and control of construction works.
4. Can prepare a programme for a construction project using Precedence Network
Analysis. 5. Can analyse the case history of a construction accident to identify the factors which
contributed to the cause of failure.
6. Can explain the administrative and statutory regulatory systems employed in Hong Kong
to reduce construction safety and environmental risk.
7. Can explain the processes of quality control and quality assurance and the operation of
the ISO 9000 series Standards for Quality Assurance.
Course coordinator
Prof Andrew Malone Tel: 2559 2555 [email protected]
Course Lecturers
Ir Ambrose Kwong (Univic Construction) Tel: 2898 8510 E-mail: [email protected]
Dr C K Lau (Fong On) Tel: 2891 8359 Email: [email protected]
AWM
6.2.2014
Master of Science in the field of Applied Geosciences
Faculty of Science Department of Earth Sciences University of Hong Kong
GEOS7033 Geology of Hong Kong
Objective
The course gives an introduction to the geology of Hong Kong for non-geologists who have passed the
prerequisite course GEOS7010.
Course Schedule
Lecture/classroom sessions (3 hours each)
Course overview and summary of the geology of Hong Kong and museum visit
Igneous rocks
Sedimentary rocks
Metamorphic rocks
Geological structures
Quaternary geology and surficial processes
Hong Kong Geopark
Field classes (8 hours each):
Field trip to observe igneous rocks in the southern part of Hong Kong
Field trip to look at igneous rocks, sea erosion and geological structure in Sai Kung
Field trip to see major faults, folds and sedimentary rocks at Tolo Channel
Practicals and discussion:
Hand specimen study of Hong Kong’s igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, linked to the relevant
classroom sessions
Examination of maps, readings and discussion to study Hong Kong’s geological history
Teaching and learning methods
The course uses lectures, field classes and practical sessions to study Hong Kong geology in the classroom
and the field. The students are required to write two reports related to two of the field trips plus an essay
(about 2500 words) on a theme related to Hong Kong geological history.
Assessment
Field report related to trip #1 (12.5% of the course mark)
Field report related to trip #2 (12.5% of the course mark)
Essay on Hong Kong geological history, with some content from trip #3 (25% of the course mark)
The 3-hour final examination (50% of the course mark)
Grade Descriptors
Grade A Is good, very good, or excellent in using basic principles and essential skills in practice.
Requires very limited supervision. Is creative, work is virtually error free and writes well.
Can apply learning in unfamiliar situations.
Grade B Is generally competent in using the basic principles and the essential skills in practice but
requires some supervision.
Grade C Is able to state most of the basic principles but is poor at using them, and the essential skills,
in practice without direction.
Grade D Marginal Pass and any Pass in a supplementary examination.
Fail Does not know most of the basic principles and has not mastered the essential skills used in
practice.
GEOS7033
Course Texts
‘The Quaternary Geology of Hong Kong’ and ‘The Pre-Quaternary Geology of Hong Kong’, published by
the Geotechnical Engineering Office, Civil Engineering & Development Department.
Learning outcomes:
1. Can explain the principal components of the geology of Hong Kong in their historical and regional
context, including the distribution of the main rock types and the nature of the main regional and local
geological structures.
2. Has a basic understanding of the main rock types that occur in Hong Kong and how they formed.
3. Has a basic understanding of the superficial deposits in Hong Kong and the development of the
present landform.
4. Has a basic understanding of the Hong Kong's various-scale geological maps and can use the
embedded cross-sections to help in their interpretation.
5. Has a basic understanding of the geological features/phenomena that may pose problems for
construction/development, such as karstification, weathering, shear zones and jointing, and post-glacial
marine deposits.
Pre-requisites
Course GEOS7010 Geology Principles and Practice
Teacher and Coordinator: Dr. Tammy PY Tam [email protected]
TT/AWM 7.1.15
Master of Science in the field of Applied Geosciences
Faculty of Science
Department of Earth Sciences
University of Hong Kong
Hydrogeology GEOS8001
Objective
To study the role of sub-surface water in engineering and environmental applications
Course schedule:
1.Introduction to Hydrogeology/Aquifer Properties/Water In Unsaturated Zone, 3 hours
2.Hydraulic Head And Flow Net/Water Level In Slopes, 3 hours
3.Basic Equations Of Groundwater Flow/Groundwater Flow To Wells, 3 hours
4.Aquifer Tests, 3 hours
5.Groundwater Contamination & Tracer test, 3 hours
6.Introduction To Groundwater Flow Modelling, 3 hours
7.Field aquifer testing (slug test, Guelph test, Double ring test), Half day (Saturday
morning)
Classes are held in three-hour sessions in the evenings. Field testing is carried out on one
of the Saturday mornings.
Teaching and Learning Methods
The course is taught mainly through class lectures. Learning is monitored by three home
assignments and one field report. .
Assessment Methods
Achievement will be assessed by examination (70%) and coursework (30%). A 3-hour
written examination is held. There will be a choice of four questions out of five.
Grade Descriptors
Grade A Is good, very good, or excellent in using basic principles and essential skills in
practice. Requires very limited supervision. Is creative, work is virtually error free
and writes well. Can apply learning in unfamiliar situations.
Grade B Is generally competent in using the basic principles and the essential skills in
practice but requires some supervision.
Grade C Is able to state most of the basic principles but is poor at using them, and the
essential skills, in practice without direction.
Grade D Marginal Pass and any Pass in a supplementary examination.
Fail Does not know most of the basic principles and has not mastered the essential skills
used in practice.
Course Text
The course textbook is: ‘Applied Hydrogeology’, Fetter, 2001
GEOS8001
Learning Outcomes
1) Understands the importance of hydrogeology in geotechnical and environmental
engineering and the main hydrogeological problems in Hong Kong
2) Understands that groundwater flow usually occurs in a regional flow system and that
there is a close relationship between such a system and topography and geology. Be
able to think hydrogeologically.
3) Knows the basic principles of groundwater flow and the main aquifer properties
4) Knows how to use basic field aquifer tests to estimate some important aquifer
parameters.
5) Knows the important steps in setting up a numerical groundwater model
Lecturer: Prof JJ Jiao Tel: 2857 8246 email: [email protected]
AWM 26.6.14
Master of Science in the field of Applied Geosciences
Faculty of Science Department of Earth Sciences University of Hong Kong
Professional Practice in Applied Geosciences GEO8002
Objective
To provide tools and information to help practitioners deal with some of the non-technical
problems they will face in their careers, including legal hazards, ethical dilemmas and project
shortcomings or failure.
Schedule of classes (each 3 hours)
Andrew Malone (HKU):
Analysing the Kwun Lung Lau disaster; Regulation of professional practice; Assignment no. 1
Barry Hoy (Robertsons):
Sources of law in Hong Kong
Law of Tort: negligence; Assignment no. 2
Introduction to contracts
Andrew Malone
The risk management process and examples of its use; Assignment no. 3
Role of trade associations, learned societies, professional qualifying bodies and professional
licensing systems
Teaching and Learning Methods:
The course is taught by class lectures and problem-based learning sessions with students in small
work groups. Learning is reinforced and monitored by home assignments.
Assessment:
Academic performance is assessed by coursework (30%) and examination (70%). There will be a
2-hour written examination at the end of the semester. Three home assignments will be set.
Grade Descriptors:
Grade A Is good, very good, or excellent in using basic principles and essential skills in
practice. Requires very limited supervision. Is creative, work is virtually error free
and writes well. Can apply learning to unfamiliar situations.
Grade B Is generally competent in using the basic principles and the essential skills in
practice but requires some supervision.
Grade C Is able to state most of the basic principles but is poor at using them, and the
essential skills, in practice without direction.
Grade D Marginal Pass and any Pass in a supplementary examination.
Fail Does not know most of the basic principles and has not mastered the essential skills
used in practice.
Learning Outcomes
1. Capable of analysing accounts of failures fairly and dispassionately and recognising the
organisational and human factors which contribute to the cause of shortcoming or failure.
Can use the James Reason model. Insists on knowing the facts before making a judgement;
exhibits judicial habits of mind (the ability to find an impartial solution, form an opinion for
oneself, identify and question assumptions).
GEOS8002
2. Understands the constitution of the Hong Kong SAR, the sources of law in Hong Kong and,
at an introductory level, the Law of Tort with respect to professional negligence. Can
formulate an elementary defence to a professional negligence claim.
3. Understands the function of a contract and the formation of a valid contract. Capable of
recognising the elements of a contract and understands the significance of the arrangements
for the allocation of risk between the parties in the various forms of civil engineering contract.
4. Capable of using the risk management process in professional work.
5. Understands the purpose of trade associations, learned societies, professional qualifying
bodies and professional licensing systems.
6. Is aware of the legal, professional and market frameworks for the control of professional
conduct.
Textbook Peter Wesley-Smith, An Introduction to the Hong Kong Legal System, Oxford University Press, 1998
Pre-requisites
No pre-requisite courses are prescribed but students unfamiliar with Law should prepare
themselves for the course by reading the recommended textbook.
Course coordinator
Andrew Malone tel 2559 2555 fax 2517 6912 [email protected]
Teachers
Andrew Malone and Barry Hoy tel 2861 8315 fax 2868 5820 [email protected]
Robertsons
AWM 9.9.14
Master of Science in the field of Applied Geosciences
Department of Earth Sciences University of Hong Kong
Course outline GEOS8003
Seminars on unforeseen ground conditions, geotechnical and environmental failures
Objective:
To be able to analyse failures/accidents and draw lessons relating to technical, human and organisational
factors.
Course schedule:
Andrew Malone, HKU The Abbeystead Tunnel Explosion UK on 23 May 1984
Matthew Lam, Clyde & Co The Lamma Ferry Disaster on 1 October 2012
Andrew Malone The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill USA on 20 April 2010
Ken Ho, Geotechnical Engineering Office The Ching Cheung Road landslide of 3 August 1997
Jimmy Jiao, HKU A Civil Action – Woburn, Mass, USA
Andrew Malone Settlement due to tunnelling at Tsuen Kwan O in 1999
This is a course of student-led seminars - read the following instructions very carefully.
Start by reading the course Learning Outcomes.
The reading material for each seminar is listed below. Having studied this material, teams of students will
make presentations to the class. Each person will speak for a maximum of 15 minutes and then answer
questions from the class. Presenters should each use no more than 15 PowerPoint slides, at least half of
which should have illustrations. Each presenter should appoint a team-mate to record the Q&A for their
presentation.
In presentation 1, state briefly the salient facts relating to the circumstances of the failure/accident. For all
cases (except the Lamma Ferry Disaster) include relevant facts about site history, physical works carried
out, geology and groundwater.
In presentation 2, analyse the acts of the main parties involved in the failure/accident using the James
Reason model. Identify the technical, human and organisational factors which contributed to the cause of
the failure/accident.
In presentation 3, describe in detail the acts and/or omissions which contributed to the cause of the
failure/accident. Give an opinion on whether the failure/accident was reasonably foreseeable by the parties
whose act(s) and/or omission(s) contributed to the cause of the failure/accident.
Teams of 3 presenters must collaborate by exchanging PowerPoint files 7 days before the seminar, and
agreeing each other’s presentations. They must ensure there are no errors or omissions in the factual
content presented by team-mates or disagreements on the opinions expressed. PowerPoint presentation files
must be sent to the instructor (copied to [email protected]) at least 3 days before the seminar.
Student 4 will read the reading material for the seminar and make a written record of presentations (300
words) and discussion (200 words) and send the written record to [email protected] within 7 days of the
seminar. These records will be issued to the class.
GEOS8003
Student groups will analyse each presentation and question the presenters. Group 1 will formulate and
present the defence case for one of the parties involved in the failure/accident. Group 2 will attempt to
negotiate an agreement between Group 1 and the presenters.
The instructor will facilitate the proceedings by correcting errors and omissions in the presentations,
assigning the groups, selecting the party to be represented by Group 1 and giving guidance to help
attainment of the learning outcomes.
Assessment 1. Academic achievement will be assessed against the Learning Outcomes stated below. Oral presentation
(30%, using the MSc Oral Presentation scorecard) or written record (30%, student 4); first assignment
paper (30%); second assignment paper (40%).
2. After making their presentations, the presenters and the recorder (student 4, if any) are required to
prepare individually an essay of around 800 words analysing and summarising the technical, human and
organisational factors which contributed to the cause of the failure/accident. The assignment submission
must be emailed to the class, the instructor and [email protected] within 7 days of the presentation. Do
not use bullet points or tables.
3. The second assignment must integrate material from all cases studied. Write a newspaper-style opinion
article of about 800 words under the headline: Failure has multiple recurring causes. To be submitted to
[email protected] before 3 May.
4. Attendance at all Seminars is compulsory and examination attendance rules will apply to any absentees.
Latecomers will be required to submit an additional assignment paper.
Grade Descriptors
Grade A Is good, very good, or excellent in using basic principles and essential skills in practice.
Requires very limited supervision. Is creative, work is virtually error free and writes well.
Can apply learning in unfamiliar situations.
Grade B Is generally competent in using the basic principles and the essential skills in practice but
requires some supervision.
Grade C Is able to state most of the basic principles but is poor at using them, and the essential skills,
in practice without direction.
Grade D Marginal Pass and any Pass in a supplementary examination.
Fail Does not know most of the basic principles and has not mastered the essential skills used in
practice.
Learning Outcomes 1. Can analyse case histories of engineering failures using the James Reason model to examine the
multiple factors, technical, human and organisational, which contributed to the cause of the failure.
2. Can generalise the findings from a series of failure case analyses and draw conclusions.
3. Insists on knowing the facts before making a judgement and thinks fairly and dispassionately
about controversial matters, such as engineering failures.
4. Effective in oral, written and graphical communication.
5. Works well in a team; collaborates well in completing tasks and negotiates with others in coming
to a decision.
Seminar Instructors
Jimmy Jiao, HKU DES t2857 8246 f2517 6912 [email protected]
Andrew Malone, HKU DES t2559 2555 f2517 6912 [email protected] course coordinator
Ken Ho, Deputy Head (LPM), GEO t2760 5711 f2624 4135 [email protected]
Matthew Lam, Partner Clyde & Co. t2878 8600 f 2522 5907 [email protected]
GEOS8003
Reading Material
General Blockley DL 2011, Engineering safety Proceedings ICE Forensic Engineering v164 FE1 7-13
Abbeystead
Eckersley v Binnie 1988 18 Construction Law Reports 1.
Health & Safety Executive 1985. The Abbeystead explosion. London: HMSO.
Knill JL 2003 Core values: the first Hans-Cloos lecture Bulletin Eng Geol & the Environment v 62, no.1 1-
34
Orr, W.E. et al 1991. The Abbeystead outfall works: background to repairs and modifications and the
lessons learned. J Inst Water Environmental Management, v5, 7-20.
The Lamma Ferry Disaster
Lunn M.V. & Tang B.K.B. 2013 Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Collision of Vessels near
Lamma Island on 1 October 2012 (The Redacted Version)
Tsuen Kwan O
Kwong, A. K. L. 2005. Drawdown and Settlement Measured at 1.5 km away from the SSDS Stage I
Tunnel C (A Perspective from the Hydro-geological Modelling). K. Y. Lo Symposium, London, Ontario.
Maunsell Consultants Asia Ltd 2000. Unusual settlement in Tsuen Kwan O Town Centre, Final Report to
Territory Development Department, Hong Kong Government.
Troughton et al, 1991. Prediction and control of groundwater, vibration and noise for construction of
Hongkong Bank seawater tunnel. Proc 6th
Int. Symp. Tunnelling. (Tunnelling ’91). London. 411-423.
Ching Cheung Road
Halcrow Asia Partnership Ltd, 1998. Report on the Ching Cheung Road landslide of 3 August 1997.
Geotechnical Engineering Office.
Halcrow Asia Partnership Ltd, 1999. Addendum report on the Geology and Hydrogeology of Slope No.
11NW-A/C55, Ching Cheung Road. Landslide Study Report 12/99 Geotechnical Engineering Office.
Geotechnical Control Office, 1989. Cut slopes 11NW-A/C55 & C56, Ching Cheung Road. Geotechnical
Control Office, Hong Kong, Stage 3 Study Report No. S3R 11/89 (unpublished).
Geotechnical Control Office, 1989. Engineering Geology Study of slopes 11NW-A/C55 & C56, Ching
Cheung Road. Geotechnical Control Office, Hong Kong, Advisory Report no. 1/89. (Unpublished).
Maunsell Consultants Asia 1973. Report on landslides on Ching Cheung Road. Report to Public Works
Department, Hong Kong Government (unpublished).
Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
(Study the pre-spill only; do not cover the post-spill problems)
National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling 2011 Deepwater: the
Gulf Oil Disaster and the Future of Offshore Drilling Report to the President p87-127, 215-247 & 249-254
http://www.oilspillcommission.gov/sites/default/files/documents/DEEPWATER_ReporttothePresident_FI
NAL.pdf
Woburn Massachusetts water supply
E. Scott Bair, Maura A. Metheny. 2008. Lessons Learned from the Landmark "A Civil Action" Trial.
Ground Water. October 2008
E. Scott Bair, Warren W. Wood 1999. A Civil Action-What Will Be the Legacy of Wells G and H?
Ground Water Volume 37, Issue 2, Date: March 1999, Pages: 161-162
Harr J & Asher M 1998 A Civil Action Vintage Books
http://ce547.groups.et.byu.net/woburn/index.php
More information is available by Internet search.
AWM 1.5.15
Master of Science in the field of Applied Geosciences
Department of Earth Sciences
University of Hong Kong
GEOS8005 / EASC6003 Field Testing and Instrumentation in Engineering Geology /
Geophysical Techniques
Objective
To introduce the engineering geologist to the use of in-situ testing techniques and geophysical
methods in civil engineering
Lecture Schedule
Course introduction and Ground Penetrating Radar Prof P Wu (HKU)
Geotechnical instrumentation Ir Ian Solomon (FGS)
Geotechnical In-situ testing Ir Ian Solomon (FGS)
Electrical and electromagnetic methods Prof P Wu (HKU)
Seismic methods Prof P Wu (HKU)
Marine geophysics methods Dr Margie Chen (EGS)
Teaching and Learning Methods
The course is taught mainly through 3-hour class lectures and a field demonstration given by
experts practising in Hong Kong. Emphasis is given to recent case histories in Hong Kong.
Learning is reinforced by regular assignments.
Assessment Methods
Achievement will be assessed by a 2-hour written examination (70%) and coursework (30%).
During the course there will be three homework assignments.
Grade Descriptors
Grade A Is good, very good, or excellent in using basic principles and essential skills in
practice. Requires very limited supervision. Is creative, work is virtually error free
and writes well. Can apply learning in unfamiliar situations.
Grade B Is generally competent in using the basic principles and the essential skills in
practice but requires some supervision.
Grade C Is able to state most of the basic principles but is poor at using them, and the
essential skills, in practice without direction.
Grade D Marginal Pass and any Pass in a supplementary examination.
Fail Does not know most of the basic principles and has not mastered the essential
skills used in practice.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to
1. Describe the various basic methods used in the field in geotechnical testing
2. Describe the function and limitation of the methods used in field testing
3. Make recommendations on the viability of using specific methods in geotechnical site
investigation.
GEOS8005
Course texts Kearey, P. and Brooks, M., An Introduction to Geophysical Exploration, 2nd ed, 1991, Blackwell.
Milson, J., Field Geophysics, 2nd
ed., 1996, J. Wiley & Sons.
Dunnicliff, J., Geotechnical Instrumentation for Monitoring Field Performance, 1993, J. Wiley &
Sons.
Pre-requisites
Pass in GEOS7010 Geology: Principles and Practice, GEOS7015 Rock Mechanics, GEOS7016
Soil Mechanics.
Coordinator: Prof P Wu, Earth Sciences, HKU ([email protected])
Guest Instructors: Ir Ian Solomon, Director, Fugro Geotechnical Services;
Dr Margie Chen, Senior Geophysicist, Electronic & Geophysical Services
Dr Wallace Lai, Hong Kong Polytechnic University
AWM 19.8.14
THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN APPLIED GEOSCIENCES
Course Outline GEOS8020 Project II (9 credits)
Objective
To facilitate the learning of the skills needed to carry out a project involving scientific study and of the
scientific principles relevant to the topic of the study.
Course Summary
The second phase of a self-directed study of a problem in applied geosciences involving literature review,
data acquisition and analysis, interpretation, presentation of findings and reporting. The work carried out
will be written up in an 8000 word report presented in HKU thesis format. Students will be required to
make an oral presentation of their preliminary results.
Adviser
The adviser will review and comment on written submissions from the student and provide advice when
asked. The adviser will not direct and monitor the student’s work.
Data
The data may be that obtained from the student’s own observations, or provided by the adviser, or
acquired from publications or obtained from an archive.
Presentation of the preliminary results Students are required to present their preliminary results, with a 500 word handout, to an invited audience.
Presentations will be assessed using the MSc Oral Presentation Scorecard.
Duration: 10 minutes
Materials: maximum 6 PowerPoint slides
Content: the presentation should cover the following:
1. Objective: what did you set out to achieve? Slide no.1
2. Methodology; what did you do? Slide nos. 2-5
3. Results: what did you achieve? Slide no.6
All slides should contain illustrations. Use plain background, without picture or texture. No slide may
have more than 60 words.
A Q & A session follows. Appoint a class-mate to record the questions and answers. The Q & A record
must be sent to the adviser and Programme Director within 7 days of the presentation.
Deadlines for the final stage of the project
First week in June: students will make an oral presentation of preliminary project results.
30 June: submit draft dissertation in standard format to adviser
Adviser comments to student specifying the further work, amendments and additions needed
31 July: submit final dissertation to adviser
20 August Adviser reports 9-credit Grade for GEOS8020 to Chief Examiner
GEOS8020
31 August: submit to DES Office two bound volumes, CD and HKU Library consent form.
Assessment
Students will be assessed on the quality of their scientific work and their command of the skills referred to
in the Learning Outcomes.
Grade Descriptors
Grade A Is good, very good, or excellent in using basic principles and essential skills in practice.
Requires very limited supervision. Is creative, work is virtually error free and writes well.
Can apply what has been learnt to new situations.
Grade B Is generally competent in using the basic principles and the essential skills in practice but
requires some supervision.
Grade C Is able to state most of the basic principles but is poor at using them, and the essential skills,
in practice without direction.
Grade D Marginal Pass and any Pass in a supplementary examination.
Fail Does not know most of the basic principles and has not mastered the essential skills used in
practice.
The Required Standards for the Report A model report format will be provided. The Main Library and the DES General Office hold a collection
of past MSc dissertations which should be consulted for guidance on the standards required for the report.
Dissertations of a high standard include those by Law Shing Cheong 2013, Mok Ka Man 2012, Tsui Sau
Ngan 2011 and Wong Koon Yui 2010.
The binding specification is that applying to HKU higher degrees and may be viewed at Graduate School
website.
Learning Outcomes
LO1 can use the scientific principles relevant to the topic
LO2 can exercise the skills needed to carry out the project. These include how to: plan, programme and
complete a project on time; ask the right questions; obtain, organize and analyse data; formulate, test and
abandon hypotheses; use IT skills; make an oral presentation; write a technical report; exercise scientific
rigour; specific scientific skills, such as those involved the making of a geological map or the execution of
a laboratory experiment.
Course Coordinator
Prof YC Chan Tel: ; email: [email protected]
AWM 8.8.14
Master of Science in the field of Applied Geosciences
Faculty of Science Department of Earth Sciences University of Hong Kong
Geological Fieldwork II GEOS8021 3 credits
Objectives This course aims to further the field geology skills of graduate geologists by
experiential learning over 3 x 1 day practical field excursions.
Schedule
The instructor-led fieldtrips will take place in Southern Lamma Island, with mapping
and synthesis projects based in adjacent areas.
Field trip 1 MoTatWan - Tung O
Field trip 2 Tung O – Sham Wan
Field trip 3 LoSoShing coastline south (Introduction to report field areas)
Teaching and learning methods Experiential learning in the field under the guidance of an instructor.
Assessment Methods
Achievement will be assessed by coursework (100%), marked on a Pass/Fail basis.
Materials required for assessment 1 x final Field map
Field sheets
Notebook
Synthesis report
(Marked on pass/fail basis.)
Learning Outcomes
1. Can produce a geological map and fieldsheets of an area ~2km2
2. Can systematically record lithological and structural data and produce a brief
geological synthesis of the mapped area.
Grade Descriptors Pass Can apply the basic principles and essential skills in practice, with or without
supervision.
Fail Does not know most of the basic principles and has not mastered the essential
skills used in practice.
Instructor and Coordinator Dr. Jess King ([email protected])
JK/AWM 13.1.15
Master of Science in the field of Applied Geosciences
Faculty of Science Department of Earth Sciences University of Hong Kong
Course on Engineering Geology and Geotechnical Design GEOS8101 2014-15
Objective
To strengthen understanding of soil mechanics theory and gain an appreciation of how
theory is applied in geotechnical design. To recognize the role of empiricism in
geotechnical design and the shortcomings of theory.
Course schedule
Philip Chung GEO Stability of Geotechnical Structures (bound methods 6 hrs
and limit equilibrium method)
Stability of Slopes 6 hrs
Andrew Malone Practice in calculating stresses in the ground 3 hrs
Ken Ho GEO Earth Pressures and the Stability of Retaining Walls 4.5 hrs
Bearing Capacity and the Settlement of Shallow Foundations 4.5 hrs
Design of Piled Foundations 6 hrs
Practice in calculating forces acting on retaining walls 3 hrs
and the bearing capacity of foundations
Andrew Malone Burland’s Triangle; Role of the Engineering Geologist 3 hrs
Teaching and learning methods
The course is taught by class lectures and practice sessions. Some classes use problem-
based learning with students in small groups. Learning is reinforced and monitored by
home assignments and practice in calculations.
Assessment Methods
Achievement will be assessed by examination (70%) and coursework (30%). A 3-hr
written examination will be held at the end of the semester. There will be a choice of five
questions out of six. The coursework includes about five homework assignments.
Grade Descriptors
Grade A Is good, very good, or excellent in using basic principles and essential skills
in practice. Requires very limited supervision. Is creative, work is virtually
error free and writes well. Can apply learning in unfamiliar situations.
Grade B Is generally competent in using the basic principles and the essential skills
in practice but requires some supervision.
GEOS8101
Grade C Is able to state most of the basic principles but is poor at using them, and the
essential skills, in practice without direction.
Grade D Marginal Pass and any Pass in a supplementary examination.
Fail Does not know most of the basic principles and has not mastered the
essential skills used in practice.
Course Text
The required textbook is ‘An introduction to the mechanics of soils and foundations’, by
John Atkinson, published by McGraw-Hill, 1993. Chapters 18 to 23. Or the second
edition 2006 published by Routledge. Chapters 19 to 23.
Learning Outcomes
1 Understands the fundamentals of applied mechanics at an introductory level
(Atkinson 1993/2006 Chapter One).
2 Knows basic soil mechanics theory and how it is applied in geotechnical design.
This includes the Principle of Effective Stress, Consolidation Theory, Mohr-
Coulomb failure criterion, Bound Methods, Limit Equilibrium Method, Earth
Pressure theories, Bearing Capacity theories. Understands the limitations of and
approximations in the theory.
3 Is able to calculate theoretical soil stresses in the ground quickly and accurately
under various seepage conditions. To be able to evaluate changes in soil stresses
near retaining walls and in foundations.
4 Knows how the geotechnical engineer designs piles, retaining walls, shallow
foundations, landfills, marine reclamations and slopes.
5 Understands the place of soil mechanics theory, observation, geological models
and experience in geotechnical design, as expressed in Burland’s soil mechanics
triangle.
Pre-requisites
Course GEOS7016 Soil Mechanics
Teachers
Philip Chung 2762 5300 [email protected]
Ken Ho 2762 5051 [email protected]
Andrew Malone 2559 2555 [email protected]
Coordinator
Andrew Malone
AWM 14.9.14
Master of Science in the field of Applied Geosciences
Department of Earth Sciences
University of Hong Kong
GEOS8202 Development & Management of Mineral Resources (3 units)
Objective
To introduce students with background outside the earth sciences to mineral exploration
techniques, techniques in resource/reserve estimation and 3D modelling, mineral project risk
assessment, technical due diligence, economic evaluation and valuation of mining projects.
Schedule
3-hour lecture classes with discussion sessions
Introduction to mineral resources and mining procedures (MZ)
Exploration methodologies in mineral projects (JC, MZ)
Resource and reserve estimation, 3D modelling (JC)
Mineral processing technology (JC)
Mining and the environment (PF)
Risk assessment, economic evaluation and valuation of mineral projects (PF)
Assessment
2-hour unseen written examination (70%) and two written homework assignments (30%).
Grade Descriptors
Grade A Is good, very good, or excellent in using basic principles and essential skills in
practice. Requires very limited supervision. Is creative, work is virtually error free
and writes well. Can apply learning in unfamiliar situations.
Grade B Is generally competent in using the basic principles and the essential skills in
practice but requires some supervision.
Grade C Is able to state most of the basic principles but is poor at using them, and the
essential skills, in practice without direction.
Grade D Marginal Pass and any Pass in a supplementary examination.
Fail Does not know most of the basic principles and has not mastered the essential skills
used in practice.
Learning Outcomes
1. Gain an understanding of mineral exploration techniques, techniques in resource/reserve
estimation and 3D modelling,
2. Appreciate the basics of mineral project risk assessment, technical due diligence,
economic evaluation and valuation of mining projects.
GEOS8202
References:
Charles Moon, Michael Whateley, Anthony M. Evans, 2006. Introduction to Mineral
Exploration. Malden, MA; Oxford: Blackwell Pub. 481 p.
Ian Runge, 1998, Mining economics and strategies. Society of Mining, Metallurgy and
Exploration, Inc. 117 p.
Kesler, S. E., 1994, Mineral Resources, Economics, and the Environment: Macmillan, 391 p.
Coordinator: Mei-Fu Zhou ([email protected], JL303)
Teachers: Jacky Chan (Dragon Mining Consulting Ltd, [email protected])
Paul Fowler (Rockhound Ltd, [email protected]
THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
Master of Science in Applied Geosciences
Course GEOS8204 Basic Structural Mechanics and Behaviour (3 credits)
Objective
To introduce engineering geologists to the concepts and vocabulary of structural mechanics and
behaviour as applied in civil engineering design.
Course Schedule
Approximate number of hours
(1) Behaviour of structural members 4
(2) Statically determinate and indeterminate structures 2
(3) Load transfer mechanism 2
(4) Design of reinforced concrete and steel members 4
(5) Design of foundations and retaining walls 4
(6) Tutorial 2
Teaching and learning methods
The course is mainly taught by class lectures and a tutorial session. Learning is monitored by short Q-A
sessions and home assignments.
Assessment methods
Achievement will be assessed by coursework (30%) and a 2-hour written examination (70%). The
coursework will comprise a set of exercises, questions involving solutions to structural mechanics
problems.
Grade Descriptors
Grade A Is good, very good, or excellent in using basic principles and essential skills in practice.
Requires very limited supervision. Is creative, work is virtually error free and writes well.
Can apply learning in unfamiliar situations.
Grade B Is generally competent in using the basic principles and the essential skills in practice but
requires some supervision.
Grade C Is able to state most of the basic principles but is poor at using them, and the essential skills,
in practice without direction.
Grade D Marginal Pass and any Pass in a supplementary examination.
Fail Does not know most of the basic principles and has not mastered the essential skills used in
practice.
Learning Outcomes
LO1 has a basic understanding of the general behaviour of structural systems especially in respect of
foundation and shoring designs.
LO2 can determine forces in pin-jointed axial force frames and the shearing forces, bending moments and
support reactions in simply supported beams.
LO3 can determine the deflections of simply supported beams.
LO4 can calculate the factor of safety against overturning and sliding of a gravity retaining wall and the
associated ground bearing pressures.
GEOS8204
LO5 can calculate the ultimate compression load capacity of steel sections.
LO6 can decide suitable main reinforcement for concrete slabs, by the method given in the Hong Kong
Code of Practice for Structural Use of Concrete 2013.
LO7 can determine the suitable size of and design the steel reinforcement for a reinforced concrete pad
footing for a column by the method given in the Hong Kong Code of Practice for Structural Use of
Concrete 2004 and check the adequacy of the pad foundation in shear.
Course Lecturer
Prof H K Ng email: [email protected]
Course Coordinator
Prof A W Malone Tel: 2559 2555; email: [email protected]
AWM/HKN 3.12.2014
THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN APPLIED GEOSCIENCES
GEOS8205 Mathematics I
Course objective
To provide earth sciences graduates with instruction in mathematics to meet the
academic requirements of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers for membership in
the Geotechnical Discipline.
Course Contents (provisional)
1. Calculus
a) Functions
b) Differential calculus
i. Limit of a function / continuous functions
ii. First derivative of a function / rules of differentiation
iii. Higher-order derivatives / Taylor's theorem
iv. Applications: Approximations / finding maxima & minima/ l'Hopital's Rule
c) Integral calculus
i. Indefinite integral / anti-derivatives
ii. Definite integral / area
iii. Fundamental theorem of calculus
iv. Integration techniques: change of variables / integration by parts / substitution
v. Applications: Finding arc-lengths, areas, volumes, moments & centre of mass
d) Infinite sequences and series
i. Convergence tests
ii. Power & Taylor series
iii. Applications: Newton's method / improper integrals / numerical integration
2. Multivariable Calculus
a) Vectors and spatial geometry
i. Rectangular, polar, cylindrical & spherical coordinate systems
ii. Dot & cross product
iii. Lines, planes & surfaces
iv. Vector-valued functions
b) Differentiation
i. Partial derivatives & chain rule
ii. Directional derivatives & gradient vectors
iii. Tangent planes & differentials
GEOS8205
iv. Applications: maxima, minima, saddle points, approximation, Taylor's
theorem
c) Integrations
i. Double, triple & iterated integrals
ii. Change-of-variables in polar, cylindrical & spherical coordinates
iii. Line & surface integrals
iv. Green's, Stokes' & divergence theorems
v. Applications: work, conservative fields & potential functions
3. Basic Linear Algebra
a) Systems of linear equations
b) Row operations & Gaussian elimination
c) Matrices, matrix operations & determinants
d) Inverses of matrices
e) Eigenvalues & eigenvectors / diagonalization
f) Linear independence, bases & dimension
Teaching and learning methods
The course is mainly taught by class lectures. Learning is monitored by short Q-A
sessions and home assignments.
Assessment Methods
Achievement will be assessed by examination (70%) and coursework (30%). A 3-hour
written examination will be held at the end of the semester in December 2014. During
the course there will be several homework assignments.
Grade Descriptors
Grade A Is good, very good, or excellent in using basic principles and essential
skills in practice. Requires very limited supervision. Is creative, work is
virtually error free and writes well. Can apply learning in unfamiliar
situations.
Grade B Is generally competent in using the basic principles and the essential
skills in practice but requires some supervision.
Grade C Is able to state most of the basic principles but is poor at using them, and
the essential skills, in practice without direction.
Grade D Marginal Pass and any Pass in a supplementary examination.
Fail Does not know most of the basic principles and has not mastered the
essential skills used in practice.
GEOS8205
Course Textbook
E. Kreyszig, Advanced Engineering Mathematics, latest edition, Wiley
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
LO1 Work with set operations;
LO2 Solve systems of linear equations using row operations on the corresponding
augmented matrix;
LO3 Compute determinants, inverses, eigenvalues / eigenvectors of square matrices;
LO4 Diagonalize symmetric matrices;
LO5 Identify positive / negative / in- definiteness of a matrix;
(For 1-variable Calculus)
LO6 Understand functions and their inverses, different operations between functions;
identify periodic, odd, and even functions;
LO7 Discuss the intuitive meaning of limit, continuity, and differentiability of a
function;
LO8 Compute limits using Limit Laws, techniques in factorization and rationalization,
sandwich theorem;
LO9 Compute derivatives using definition and rules of differentiation;
LO10 Apply Chain Rule for finding the derivatives of composited functions;
LO11 Explore the behaviour (e.g., increasing or decreasing properties, extreme points)
of a function using derivative tests and limits;
LO12 Discover the absolute Max/Min points of a function;
LO13 Apply the Taylor's theorem to find polynomial approximations to general
functions;
LO14 Work with Exp and log functions (e.g., differentiation and integration) and
sketch the two functions on the same x-y plane;
LO15 Understand indefinite integration as anti-derivatives, and definite integration as
area of graph of a function;
LO16 Compute areas / anti-derivatives using standard integration techniques (e.g.,
method of substitutions, integration by parts, sinusoidal formulas);
LO17 Calculate arc-length of a function, and volume of revolution;
(For Multivariate Calculus)
LO18 Compute partial derivatives for f(x,y) in the x- and y- directions, and then
generalize these concepts to functions of n variables;
LO19 Understand the meaning of partial derivatives;
LO20 Calculate the gradient and Hessian of f(x,y) at a point (a,b), then use these to
form the Taylor's approximation using Second Taylor Polynomial;
LO21 Discover critical points of a function f(x,y), then using the Hessian to identify
GEOS8205
local extremum / saddle points;
LO22 Convert between Cartesian system, Polar coordinate system, and Spherical
coordinate system;
LO23 Calculate partial derivatives using the chain rule for functions of several
variables;
LO24 Evaluate double / triple integrals using Fubini's theorem or using different
(Polar, Spherical) coordinate systems;
LO25 Calculate the area / volume of two / three dimensional objects.
Lecturer: Dr FL Tsang HKU Dept of Mathematics, Tel: 2859 2451, [email protected]
Coordinator: Prof Andrew Malone Tel: 2559 2555 [email protected]
AWM/FLT 15.11.14
Master of Science in the field of Applied Geosciences
Department of Earth Sciences
University of Hong Kong
GEOS8206 Mathematics II
Course objective
To provide earth sciences graduates with instruction in mathematics to meet the academic
requirements of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers for membership in the Geotechnical
Discipline.
Course Contents (provisional)
1. Ordinary Differential Equations
a) Separable & exact equations / integrating factor
b) First- & second order linear equations
c) Characteristic equations & Wronskian
d) Method of undetermined coefficients / variation of parameters
e) Laplace transform & numerical methods
2. Partial Differential Equations
a) Separation of variables / Fourier series
b) Laplace: heat & wave equations
3. Probability and Statistics
a) Random variables & probability distribution
b) Sampling, estimation & hypothesis testing
c) Regression analysis
Teaching and learning methods
The course is mainly taught by class lectures. Learning is monitored by short Q-A sessions and home
assignments.
Assessment Methods
Achievement will be assessed by examination (70%) and coursework (30%). A 3-hour written
examination will be held at the end of the semester in May 2015. During the course there will be
several homework assignments.
Grade Descriptors
Grade A Is good, very good, or excellent in using basic principles and essential skills in practice.
Requires very limited supervision. Is creative, work is virtually error free and writes
well. Can apply learning in unfamiliar situations.
GEOS8206
Grade B Is generally competent in using the basic principles and the essential skills in practice
but requires some supervision.
Grade C Is able to state most of the basic principles but is poor at using them, and the essential
skills, in practice without direction.
Grade D Marginal Pass and any Pass in a supplementary examination.
Fail Does not know most of the basic principles and has not mastered the essential skills
used in practice.
Course Textbooks
William E. Boyce, Richard C. DiPrima. Elementary differential equations and boundary value
problems, 8th ed. Hoboken: Wiley, 2005.
J. Crawshaw, J. Chambers. A concise course in advanced level statistics : with worked examples.
Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes, 2001.
Robert V. Hogg, Joseph W. McKean, Allen T. Craig. Introduction to mathematical statistics, 6th ed..
Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson Education, 2005.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
LO1. Identify ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and their orders.
LO2. Verify whether a given function is a solution to a given ODE.
LO3. Classify ODEs into linear and nonlinear types.
LO4. Solve first order linear differential equations using integrating factor method.
LO5. Analyze and solve first order nonlinear ODEs using exact equation.
LO6. Solve second or higher order homogeneous ODEs with constant coefficients using characteristic
equations.
LO7. Solve second order nonhomogeneous ODEs using the method of undetermined coefficients and
the method of variation of parameters.
LO8. Compute the Laplace transform of a function.
LO9. Compute the solution of second order ODEs with constant coefficients using Laplace transform.
LO10. Use the method of separation of variables to reduce some partial differential equations to
ODEs.
LO11. Calculate the Fourier series of periodic functions.
LO12. Find the Fourier sine and cosine series for functions defined on an interval.
LO13. Solve heat equation, wave equation, and the Laplace equation, subject to certain boundary
conditions using Fourier series.
LO14. Explain the concepts of sample space, probability (density) function, and random variable.
LO15. Identify different types of distributions, e.g., Binomial, Poisson, Normal.
LO16. Apply Central Limit Theorem to obtain the confident interval for population mean from
collected sample data.
Prerequisite
A pass in course GEOS8205 Mathematics I.
Lecturer: Dr FL Tsang HKU Department of Mathematics Tel: 2859 2451 [email protected]
Coordinator: Prof Andrew Malone Tel: 2559 2555 [email protected]
AWM/FLT 1.6.15
THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN APPLIED GEOSCIENCES
GEOS 8207 Global Climate
Coordinator: Dr Zhonghui Liu ([email protected])
Teacher: Dr Zhonghui Liu
Objective: This course provides some fundamental concepts and principles in
Climatology and some case studies in Climate Change. The course is designed for
students with background outside the earth sciences.
Schedule of classes (3 hours each):
Basics: Introduction to climatology and the atmosphere
The climate system: controls on climate
Energy balance
Moisture and hydrological cycle
General circulation and secondary circulations (I)
General circulation and secondary circulations (II)
Climates across space
Ocean-atmosphere interactions: NAO and PDO(?)
Ocean-atmosphere interactions: ENSO
Monsoons
Climate change: An overview
Review
Learning outcomes:
1. Understand aspects of global climatic systems,
2. Understand fundamental concepts and principles in climatology,
3. Explain the factors and physical processes controlling climate system,
4. Understand the driving forces of Earth’s climate change,
5. Recognize the history of Earth’s climate change.
Assessment
Home assignments (30%) and final 3-hour written examination (70%).
Grade Descriptors
Grade A Is good, very good, or excellent in using basic principles and essential skills
in practice. Requires very limited supervision. Is creative, work is virtually
error free and writes well. Can apply learning in unfamiliar situations.
Grade B Is generally competent in using the basic principles and the essential skills
in practice but requires some supervision.
GEOS8207
Grade C Is able to state most of the basic principles but is poor at using them, and the
essential skills, in practice without direction.
Grade D Marginal Pass and any Pass in a supplementary examination.
Fail Does not know most of the basic principles and has not mastered the
essential skills used in practice.
Recommended Texts:
Robert V. Rohli and Anthony J. Vega, Climatology (Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 2008).
Website: http://physicalscience.jbpub.com/book/climatology.
William F. Ruddiman: Earth's Climate: Past and Future, 2nd
edition.
AWM/ZHL 25.1.14
THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN APPLIED GEOSCIENCES
Course outline GEOS8208 Climate change and the environment
Objective
To provide an understanding of the dynamic changes in climate, geological and biological
environments at the Earth’s surface during the last 2.6 million years (Quaternary Period). Course schedule Three-hour lectures and a laboratory session by Dr S H Li on the topics:
Introduction to the Ice Ages
Climate change in different time scales
Driving forces for climate changes
Climate change in arid regions
Quaternary geochronology
Luminescence dating and applications (laboratory)
Climate changes and human evolution, development
A field class with Dr S H Li and Dr Michael Pittman
Three-hour lectures and a laboratory session by Dr Michael Pittman on the topics:
Quantitative climate reconstruction and methods of environmental reconstruction
- Ice deposits
- Sea-level and coastal change
- Pollen analysis
- Pollen analysis (laboratory)
Regional studies of climatic and environmental change
- Climate change in Europe
- Climate change in Asia
A Seminar with group project presentations with Dr S H Li and Dr Michael Pittman
A lecture on the topic Future climate changes; with Dr S H Li and Dr Michael Pittman
Teaching and learning methods
The course is taught by class lectures, laboratory sessions, group projects and a field
class.
Assessment methods
1. 3-hour examination (50%)
2. Coursework assessment
i) Group projects and discussions (25%)
ii) Individual laboratory and fieldwork reports (25%).
GEOS8208
Grade Descriptors
Grade A Is good, very good, or excellent in using basic principles and essential skills in
practice. Requires very limited supervision. Is creative, work is virtually error
free and writes well. Can apply learning in unfamiliar situations.
Grade B Is generally competent in using basic principles and essential skills in practice,
but requires some supervision.
Grade C Is able to state most of the basic principles, but is poor at using them and the
essential skills in practice, without direction.
Grade D Marginal Pass and any Pass in a supplementary examination.
Fail Does not know most of the basic principles and has not mastered the essential
skills used in practice.
Learning Outcomes
1. Can explain the Earth’s climate changes during the last 2.6 million years.
2. Can apply methods of palaeo-environmental reconstruction.
3. Can explain and critically assess the impacts of past climate changes on the
geological and biological environments on the Earth’s surface.
Course Text
Anderson DE Goudie AS & Parker AG 2007 Global environments through the Quaternary
Oxford
Pre-requisites
Pass in course GEOS7010 Geology: Principles and Practice
Teachers
Dr S H Li t 2241 5486 [email protected]
Dr Michael Pittman t 3917 7840 [email protected]
Course coordinator
Dr S H Li
AWM/ SHL 8.1.15
THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN APPLIED GEOSCIENCES
GEOS 8209 Climate Change and Society
Objective
To help students learn how to explain and critically assess the science related to climate
change. In this course we will mainly read the IPCC AR4 WG1: The Physical Science
Basis report. A comprehensive view of the current great debate on anthropogenic global
warming is presented. The course is designed for students with a background outside the
earth sciences.
Course schedule Basics: Introduction to the Global Warming Theory
Changes in human and natural drivers of climate
Global carbon cycle: present and past
Other natural and anthropogenic gases: sources and sinks
Observations of changes in climate: temperature
Observations of changes in climate: other variables
Understanding and attributing climate change
Projections of future changes in climate/ robust findings/key uncertainties
Opposite view
Opposite view (continued)
The impacts of climate change
Climate change and society: Chinese history as an example
Teaching and Learning Methods
The course is taught mainly through 3-hour class lectures. Some of the classes use
problem-based learning. Learning is reinforced by regular assignments.
Assessment Methods
Achievement will be assessed by home assignments and practical (30%) and a 3-hour
written examination (70%).
Grade Descriptors
Grade A Is good, very good, or excellent in using basic principles and essential skills
in practice. Requires very limited supervision. Is creative, work is virtually
error free and writes well. Can apply learning in unfamiliar situations.
Grade B Is generally competent in using the basic principles and the essential skills
in practice but requires some supervision.
Grade C Is able to state most of the basic principles but is poor at using them, and the
essential skills, in practice without direction.
Grade D Marginal Pass and any Pass in a supplementary examination.
Fail Does not know most of the basic principles and has not mastered the
essential skills used in practice.
GEOS8209
Course Text:
Textbook: John Houghton, Global Warming, The Complete Briefing, Third Edition
(Cambridge University Press, 2004).
Website:http://www.ipcc.ch/publications_and_data/publications_ipcc_fourth_assessment_repor
t_wg1_report_the_physical_science_basis.htm.
Learning outcomes
1. Know human and natural drivers of climate change,
2. Recognize the history of Earth’s climate change over the past millennia
3. Understand the controversy in the study of global warming
4. Form evidence-based arguments on global warming.
Coordinator and teacher: Dr Zhonghui Liu ([email protected])
AWM/ZHL 26.6.14