During laboratory periods students learn how to identify minerals and rocks, interpret topographic and geologic maps, study stereo photos and utilize geophysical data to determine soil profiles. The behavior of a particular drainage basin during a particular rainfall event is also often covered. A local field trip is used to demonstrate principles previously studied. Examinations and laboratory exercises are used for student evaluation. Examinations include hands on rock and mineral identification, questions based on topographic and geologic maps, structural geology questions based on block diagrams, and identification of geologic features from slides shown in the examination room.
Appropriate questions dealing with the field trips are in the last examination.
Students often write term papers dealing with some geologic feature or problem relevant to their hometown. This is an introductory course presented at a level presuming previous knowledge of the mechanics of deformable bodies, thus it is usually taken by Civil Engineering students in their junior year. The course describes properties and behavior of soils and teaches students how to apply them to solutions of vertical and horizontal load support problems. The mechanics of flow of water through soil is also described. Although this course emphasizes fundamental theory, the bridge from theory to practice is discussed.