Engineering Geology

CVL 3315

Course Outline
Dr. Sari Abusharar
University of Palestine
Faculty of Applied Engineering and Urban Planning
Civil Engineering Department
2nd Semester 2014-2015

Course Outline
Course Description
This course introduces the student to the various aspects of geology,
including rocks and minerals, crustal deformation, the interior of the
earth, and surface processes. Students will learn critical thinking skills
through using the scientific method to solve various geologic problems,
including discussion of competing geologic theories. Students will also
learn how geology applies to natural resources and the understanding
of natural hazards.

Total Credits
3 credit hour

Classes Schedule
#101: Saturday/Monday/ Wednesday @ 8:00-10:00 (BK203)
#102: Saturday/Monday/ Wednesday @ 10:00-11:00 (BK203)

Course Outline
Instructor
Dr. Sari Abusharar

Office Hours
#101: Saturday @ 11:00-12:00
#102: Wednesday @ 11:00-12:00
@Department of Civil Engineering

Email
s.abusharar@up.edu.ps

Telephone
NA
3

Course Outline
Text book
Essentials of Geology by Lutgens,
Tarbuck, and Tasa, 11th edition,
2012.

References

Introduction to Physical Geology
by Thompson and Turk, 1997.

Engineering Geology by Bell F. G.,
2nd edition, 2007.
4

Course Outline
Course Goals and Objectives
1. Learn various aspects of geology.
2. learn critical thinking skills through using the scientific method to
solve various geologic problems.
3. learn how geology applies to natural resources and the
understanding of natural hazards.

Teaching Methodology

Lectures
Group discussion
Assignment
Quizzes
Term research
5

Course Outline
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
Upon completion of the course the student is expected to:
a. Know essential facts about the nature of the solid earth and its
processes.
b. Know why a rock formed and will be introduced to past and
present ideas and to the scientific method as it has been applied to
the problem.
c. Know how geology intersects with their personal lives, with the
metals and energy they use, and with the complex social
implications of 'good' and 'bad' geologic interpretation in civil
engineering.

Course Outline
Assessment:

Quizzes: 5 points

Attendence: 5 points

Term research: 10 points

Mid-term Exam: 20 points

Final Exam: 60 points

Policies:

Students arriving more than 5 minutes late are not allowed to enter
the class.

Assignments will not be accepted after deadline.

Cheating is not allowed.
7

Course Outline
Class Schedule
Week

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14

Topics

Date

Chapter 1: An Introduction to Geology

Chapter 2: Matter and Minerals
Chapter 3: Igneous Rocks and Intrusive Activity
Chapter 4: Volcanoes and Volcanic Hazards
Chapter 5: Weathering and Soils
Midterm Exam
Chapter 6: Sedimentary Rocks
Chapter 7: Metamorphism and Metamorphic Rocks
Chapter 8: Mass Wasting
Chapter 9: Running Water
Chapter 10: Groundwater
Chapter 12: Deserts and Wind
Chapter 17: Crustal Deformation and Mounting Building
Final Exam
8