HMINE114: FUNDAMENTALS OF GEOLOGY

MODULE SYNOPSIS

The module provides a general introduction to the field of geology to

surveying and geomatics students. It provides an overview of the
geological concepts and equips students with the relevant fundamental
concepts of the course.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

After completing Geology, students should be able to have:

1. Understanding of basic geological and geophysical concepts and

terminology.
2. Explain the theory of plate tectonics.
3. Identify basic minerals, rock types and the properties of these rocks that
an engineer may be concerned with.
4. Understand surface geological processes and how they affect
engineering studies.
6. Understand internal geological processes (e.g. faults, earthquakes,
volcanoes) and how they affect engineering studies.
7. Know how geophysics is used in engineering site investigation.

GENERAL INFORMATION
This module presents a comprehensive overview of the basic principles
and practice of geology. From lectures, assignments and reading
materials, you will learn the language of geology and be introduced to
current theories of the origin, composition and structure of Planet Earth,
and the nature of internal and external planetary processes. The module
will dwell on mineralogy, the major rock groups, plate tectonics and the
major geological processes, structural geology, the fundamentals of
stratigraphy and the geology of Zimbabwe. The geology of energy deposits
(coal, oil shale, petroleum, hot dry rock) and environmental matters
associated with mining will also be dealt with. In laboratory and field
classes, you will develop practical skills in the interpretation of geological
data and in the identification of common rocks and minerals.There will be
laboratory-based practicals introducing identification of minerals and rocks,
and practicals based on case studies.

MODULE CONTENT

Week Lecture Topic Practical Topic

1 Introduction
2 The history of planet Earth No practical
3 Introduction to plate tectonics No practical
4 Earthquakes and volcanoes Earthquakes and volcanoes
5 Mineralogy Minerals
6 Igneous rocks Igneous rocks
7 Sedimentary rocks Sedimentary rocks
8 Metamorphic rocks Metamorphic rocks
9 Structural Geology Structural Geology
10 Stratigraphy Stratigraphy

ASSESSMENT

Assessment for taught modules is based on the following five principles:

1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.

2. Assessment must measure achievement of the stated learning
objectives.
3. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student
performance.
 4. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give
them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
5. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

Assessment Summary

Percentage of
Type of total assessment
Assessment Task
Assessment for grading
purposes
Final Exam Summative 60
Formative/
Tests (at least one) 20
Summative
Assignments and presentations Formative/
20
(at least two) Summative

Assessment Related Requirements

Attendance at lectures and practicals is compulsory

Lecturer: Mr L.T. Senderayi 0773584521