ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING GEOLOGY

Knowledge and Understanding

The course aims to provide students with the appropriate knowledge and understanding of the following technical and applied topics:

- Environmental hydrogeology, with a focus on groundwater vulnerability assessment;

- Soil, subsoil, and groundwater contamination processes, as well as risk mitigation and remediation measures;

- Urban geology, with particular emphasis on landfills and coastal retreat processes;

- Engineering geology, with a focus on the preparation of geological reports and mechanical properties of soils and rocks.

Applying Knowledge and Understanding

By the end of the course, students will have the skills required to critically identify the main geo-environmental issues and to independently develop a technical and applied study approach. They will be able to integrate geological data of different types in order to build conceptual interpretative models of geological and hydrogeological settings, also supporting risk management and spatial planning.

The course contents have been selected also in relation to current labour market demands. Mastery of the topics covered will therefore represent a valuable knowledge base for early-career geology graduates entering the profession, including in the context of public sector or industry examinations.

Making Judgements

Students will be able to independently interpret information derived from thematic maps and geo-environmental monitoring data. They will also be able to design a geo-engineering study aimed at producing a geological report.

They will further develop the ability to select appropriate methodologies for specialist studies and to plan and manage investigations and interventions, including those aimed at assessing natural hazards.

Communication Skills

Students will acquire the ability to produce technical documentation (geological reports, bills of quantities, hydrogeological maps) and to communicate concepts using appropriate technical language to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

The oral examination will help students further refine their technical language and communication skills.

Learning Skills

Students will be able to independently broaden their knowledge of the topics covered and integrate it into practical contexts through the study of recommended texts and scientific literature, as well as through any additional educational activities offered within the course.

The course is delivered through classroom-based lectures supported by multimedia teaching materials, including presentation slides and, where appropriate, supplementary handouts. The instructor may also demonstrate selected instruments and equipment commonly used in the professional activities discussed during the course. Practical exercises are included and may focus on the preparation of a geological report, allowing students to gain familiarity with one of the core professional activities of a geologist, and/or on the construction and interpretation of potentiometric contour maps (isopiezometric maps). Digital tools and/or spreadsheet applications may also be used.

If the course is delivered in blended or remote mode, appropriate adjustments may be made to the above, in order to ensure consistency with the syllabus

Attendance is mandatory, in accordance with the Academic Regulations of the degree programme.

1) Environmental Hydrogeology

- Review of the concepts of groundwater, aquifers, wells, and piezometers, including the main hydrodynamic parameters of aquifers;

- Preparation and interpretation of potentiometric surface maps (isopiestic contour maps);

- Groundwater vulnerability assessment.

2) Environmental Pollution

- Types of contaminants and pollutant transport mechanisms;

- Italian Environmental Code (Testo Unico Ambientale), Contamination Threshold Concentrations (CSC) and Site-Specific Risk Threshold Concentrations (CSR), safety measures, and Sites of National Interest (SIN);

- Soil, subsoil, and groundwater sampling and monitoring;

- Main remediation technologies and techniques.

3) Urban Geology

- Landfills and associated environmental contamination issues;

- Overview of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA);

- Coastal retreat processes and mitigation measures.

4) Engineering Geology

- Italian Technical Standards for Construction (NTC), with particular reference to soil liquefaction, subsoil categories, and basic seismic hazard assessment;

- Preparation of geological reports.

Assessment is conducted through an oral examination consisting of questions covering the course syllabus. Candidates may be required to submit a written assignment to the instructor by email several days before the scheduled examination date. The content and structure of the assignment, which will be discussed by the student with the examination committee during the oral exam, constitute important elements of the overall assessment. A negative evaluation of the written assignment, if required, does not preclude the student from taking the examination. The final grade will reflect a balanced evaluation of the candidate’s knowledge, analytical and synthesis skills, clarity of presentation, and ability to establish connections among the topics covered during the examination. Consideration will also be given to the student’s commitment, consistency, and level of engagement demonstrated throughout the course lectures. During the examination, students may additionally be asked to write down relevant formulas and/or to sketch by hand applied geological concepts (e.g., drawing a plan-view representation of an aquifer cross-section).

Information for Students with Disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD): in order to ensure equal opportunities and compliance with current legislation, students with disabilities and/or specific learning disorders (SLD) may request an individual meeting with the instructor to discuss and arrange any necessary compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, taking into account the learning objectives of the course and the student's specific needs. Students may also contact the Department’s CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata - Servizi per le Disabilità e/o i DSA, https://www.cinap.unict.it/) representative, Gabriele Lanzafame.