Geotechnical Engineering MSc (Eng)
The following modules are available in 2023/24 for Geotechnical Engineering MSc (Eng) and are examples of the modules you are likely to study. All Modules are subject to change. You will study 180 credits in total.
Compulsory modules
MSc Dissertation - 60 credits
The project brings together the knowledge you have gained from the modules to allow you to undertake an individual major investigation into an aspect of geotechnical engineeirng. This can be a scientific study into soil behaviour, sensitivity study of a geotechnical structure, forensic analysis of a failure, numerical analysis or design of a geotechnical structure.
Geotechnical Investigation and Characterisation - 30 credits
The key to geotechnical design is to create the ground model. Most of the risk in geotechnical design is linked to the ground model which depends on a study of the topographical, hydrogeological, geological, historical and geotechnical characteristics of a site. You will be introduced to these through case studies and practical work.
Groundwater Pollution and Contaminated Land - 15 credits
Any geotechnical engineering project has the ability to contaminate the ground; urban geotechnical projects will have to deal with contaminated ground. Understanding ground contamination, how it can affect the soil behaviour and how it can be dealt with are a core component of any geotechnical design in urban areas.
Geotechnical Engineering (MSc) - 15 credits
Geotechnical engineering is about ground processes and geotechnical structures including tunnels, pipes, retaining walls, embankments and roads. It covers design and construction using case studies to highlight the issues of dealing with uncertainty.
Foundation Engineering (MSc) - 15 credits
All structure are built on, in or with ground. Geotechnical engineering focuses on structures that are built with the ground or support the ground. Foundation engineering, a core subject for all civil engineering, deals with foundations of buildings. It focuses on the design and construction of shallow and deep foundations.
Energy Geotechnics - 15 credits
The ground is probably the greatest source of energy that is readily accessible. This can take the form of high grade energy such as geothermal energy or low grade energy created by solar energy in the upper layers. Innovative techniques to extract and store heat are covered.
Constitutive Models and Numerical Analysis - 15 credits
The spatial variation of soils and the uncertainty of dealing with these complex materials means that, increasingly, numerical methods are sued to undertake sensitivity studies. Predicting ground behaviour using numerical methods requires an understanding of the constitutive models and the limitations of the methods of analysis; the basis of the module.
Transport Infrastructure Strategy - 15 credits
This module provides a holistic and systematic approach to the design of transport infrastructure focusing on the alignment and resulting geotechnical structures. It is assessed as an integrated project using team work to produce a viable, sustainable and resilient solution.
The full list of module information can be read in the course catalogue.