88372 - Applied and Environmental Geology

Learning outcomes

The course provides students with the basic concepts for the knowledge of geological bodies, highlights the dynamics of dispersion of contaminants in soils and the contamination of aquifers according to their vulnerability, highlights the techniques of defense against pollution and their reclamation. Students are able to define the characteristics and the environmental and territorial risks related to the exploitation of geological resources and deposits for CO2 storage, to define strategies for the use and recovery of degraded and polluted sites and the conservation of environmental assets.

Course contents

This course focuses on the fundamentals of geology (rock and deposit types, geomorphological processes, groundwater etc.). We will explore natural processes and anthropogenic effects on those processes in the context of natural hazards, natural resources, and sustainability.

The course is divided into five units:

Unit 1: Basic concepts in geology and Earth sciences (internal structure of the Earth, rock cycle, minerals, rocks, soils)

Unit 2: Introduction to natural hazards (earthquakes and volcanic hazard, floods and river erosion, landslides and slope stability, geohazards in the context of climate change)

Unit 3: Groundwater resources and protection (flow in saturated media, permeability, pollution, protection and mitigation)

Unit 4: Principles of mining and restoration (critical elements for green transition and their distribution, mining and extraction techniques, environmental issues)

Unit 5: Students’ presentations and discussion of selected case studies

The student should have a basic knowledge of Earth sciences. The aim of the course is to increase the awareness and understanding of a broad spectrum of human interactions with the geological environment.

Readings/Bibliography

Understanding Earth: Seventh Edition. John Grotzinger, Thomas H. Jordan, 2017

Environmental Geology, 2nd Edition. Reichard, J., 2013

Instructor will provide additional reading material as needed.

Teaching methods

Lessons, exercises, guest seminars, and at least one field trips will be part of the course.

The students will be required to prepare an oral presentation and a written report about a specific subject chosen by the student and approved by the teacher.

Assessment methods

The evaluation will be based on performance in the assignments and a final written examination. The weight of the single activities on the final mark will be highlighted in the syllabus that will be provided and discusses at the beginning of the course.

Higher grades will be awarded to students who demonstrate the organic understanding of the subject, the capability of critical analysis, and a clear and concise presentation of the contents of their homework.

To obtain a passing grade, students are required to at least demonstrate a knowledge of the key concepts of the subject, some ability of critical analysis, and a comprehensible use of technical language.

A failing grade will be awarded if the student shows knowledge gaps in key-concepts of the subject, inappropriate use of language, and/or logic failures in the analysis of the subject.

Teaching tools

Interactive and group activities, as well as videos, and other contents from the web will complement the teaching material. Some practical activities will be carried out with specific software. Mandatory and supplementary readings will be specified in a syllabus provided to the students at the beginning of the course. Notes and slides will be provided by the instructor.

Office hours

See the website of Davide Donati