Unit name | Hydrogeology and Contaminant Transport |
---|---|
Unit code | EASC30046 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | H/6 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
Unit director | Professor. Whitaker |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
The material on this course ranges from descriptive to theoretical. To cope with the theory you need to be at ease with algebraic manipulations of equations and with basic calculus (i.e. Can you differentiate a polynomial and do you understand the meaning of the function you thereby obtain?). Anything that goes beyond this level will be introduced carefully during the course before being applied to fluid flow. |
Co-requisites |
n/a |
School/department | School of Earth Sciences |
Faculty | Faculty of Science |
This unit covers the principles of fluid, mass and energy transport operating at the land surface and within geologic formations, and applications of these principles to water resource issues, including water supply and contamination of surface and ground waters. Adopting a quantitative approach, the unit provides a thorough treatment of both the theoretical background of the science as well as practical approaches to investigation of surface and subsurface hydrology and contamination. The unit adopts a problem-based approach to learning, including a field investigation into methodologies of stream flow gauging and aquifer characterisation and computer modelling of contaminant transport using the industry standard code MODFLOW.
The unit includes a compulsory fieldwork element. Failure to attend the field trip, unless valid documentation is presented, will result in loss of credit points for the unit and may lead to a requirement to withdraw from the degree programme.
On successful completion of the unit, you will be able to:
This unit draws upon the skills and knowledge gained in Year 1 on water resources and from Year 2 units in Sedimentology.
Lectures and practicals
This 20 credit point unit is assessed by closed examination (50%, 3 hours) in January, and coursework (50%). Coursework will comprise a MODFLOW project (80% of coursework mark) and a field-based project (20%).