University of Pretoria - Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
BSc (Engineering and Environmental Geology)Pretoria, South Africa
DURATION
3 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
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TUITION FEES
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STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
Introduction
BSc (Engineering and Environmental Geology)
The degree offers further specialisation in engineering geology and hydrogeology. Engineering geology is the study of the behaviour of ground (soil and rock) and how likely it is to affect engineering works. It comprises geotechnical studies and relates to construction (eg founding or excavation) on and with geological materials (eg construction materials), and to the influences of geological, geomorphological and hydrological processes on construction and development. Hydrogeology refers to the occurrence, distribution and movement of water below the Earth’s surface. The study of groundwater is generally both quantitative (eg water supply, safe abstraction and the influences of pumping) and qualitative (eg contamination, remediation and drinking water).
Very few universities offer professional qualifications in engineering geology and hydrogeology. UP offers both, which places it in a strong position on the interface between infrastructure development and subsurface water. The qualification complies with the requirements for professional registration.
The program requires a strong understanding of mathematics and mechanics. Genuine concern for Planet Earth, a desire to work outdoors and an interest in geology or geomorphology will be an advantage. Depending on your personality, you can choose how you would like to divide your time between doing fieldwork and working on a computer.
Engineering geologists work closely with civil engineers, mining engineers, town planners and environmental scientists. Your work will require you to identify geological hazards, source building materials and supply foundation solutions.
As a hydrogeologist you will be involved in the supply of water for urban, agricultural and industrial use. Nowadays many graduates work in contaminant transport and remediation, which involves identifying sources of pollution and finding suitable remediation solutions.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please visit the university website for more information.
Curriculum
Curriculum: Year 1
Fundamental modules
- Academic information management 111
- Academic information management 121
- Language and study skills 110
- Academic orientation 102
Core modules
- General chemistry 117
- General chemistry 127
- Introduction to geology 155
- Earth history 163
- First course in physics 114
- Statics 122
- Calculus 114
- Mathematics 124
Curriculum: Year 2
Core modules
- Geographic information systems introduction 221
- Introductory soil science 250
- Sedimentology 253
- Fundamental and applied mineralogy 255
- Igneous and metamorphic petrology 263
- Geological field mapping 266
- Strength of materials 210
Curriculum: Final year
Core modules
- Soil chemistry 320
- Soil classification and surveying 350
- Structural geology 365
- Groundwater 366
- Advanced Geological field mapping 368
- Engineering geology and rock mechanics 369
- Soil mechanics 311
Program Outcome
Total credits: 420