Time Schedule:
Juliet G Crider
ESS 490
Seattle Campus
Class description
co-taught with Tom Badger, Washington Department of Transportation.
Engineering Geology is the discipline of applying geologic data, techniques, and principles to the study of: a) naturally occurring rock and soil materials, and surface and subsurface fluids, and b) the interaction of introduced materials and processes with the geologic environment. The work of engineering geology is to ensure that geologic factors affecting the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of engineered structures are adequately recognized, interpreted, and presented for use in engineering and related practice. The practice has grown beyond its original close connection to civil engineering to include work with land-use planners, environmental specialists, architects, public policy-makers, and property owners. Engineering geology exists because people want to modify the geologic environment for our use and convenience, want to live in harmony with it, and often manage to come into conflict with it.
Although this course has an applied focus, the same tools and understanding are required to evaluate the role of bedrock and sediments in basic research questions of landscape evolution.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
This class is hybrid seminar/lecture and will require active participation of all students in reading, discussion, and critically evaluation of course materials.
Recommended preparation
Suggested prerequisites:
ESS 211 or ESS 210 and one of ESS 311, ESS 411, ESS 463, or CEE 220
ESS 326 (geomorphology) or ESS 456 (depositional environments) recommended but not required.
Class assignments and grading
Grades will be based on class participation, in class exercises, problem sets/written assignments and two exams.
