Master Diploma Seminar - engineering geology

Master's seminars

The student should have basic knowledge in geological mapping, geological-engineering and hydrogeological mapping, methodology of geological-engineering laboratory and field research.

The seminar acquaints the students with the problems of conducting research and implementation of MSc thesis in the specialty engineering geology, as well as assists in the preparation and execution of subsequent stages of thesis implementation.

Elaboration in form of a multimedia presentation (1-2 per semester) is directly related to the thesis. Following field research in the thesis area, in the winter semester the student presents a report of the observations made in the field and confronts the existing geological data (e.g. maps) with the observed facts.

The seminar aims at acquainting the students with the problems commonly approached during the implementation of the MSc thesis in the specialty of engineering geology. In the winter semester, the students have already chosen the topic of their thesis and are after a brief reconnaissance in the thesis area. The first presentation shows their preliminary observations and comments on the conformity of the existing data with facts. The main tasks of the thesis preparation, on which the student will focus his attention, are determined. The presentation covers essential information on the geology and hydrogeology of the study area. In the spring semester, the student evaluates the engineering-geological conditions of study area and selects appropriate methods to solve the problems posed in the thesis. This applies to, in particular, the scope of field research and methods of mapping and soil sampling.

The following stages of thesis implementation are discussed:

- methodological fundamentals of the research activities,

- methodological fundamentals of implementing the thesis,

- results of preliminary field studies,

- preliminary contents – plan of MSc thesis,

- archival research – review of references related to the study area,

- field research – designing methods of field research, number and type of samples needed to perform the planned laboratory tests,

- laboratory tests – determination of their scope and methodology.

On completion of the course, the student:

- knows the methodological fundamentals of thesis implementation,

- has the ability to prepare a preliminary table of contents and a work plan, which includes the main part of the thesis,

- is able to select and examine archival materials,

- has general knowledge of the methods of engineering-geological field and laboratory research,

- knows the basic methods of field and laboratory research and specialized testing methods,

- can specify a range of field and laboratory tests needed to complete the tasks of the thesis,

- has knowledge and skills for engineering-geological and hydrogeological mapping,

- is able to use methods of engineering-geological field research,

- is able to interpret the results of engineering-geological research,

- assesses the criteria for the complexity of engineering-geological conditions,

- is able to produce maps of engineering-geological regionalization.

The assessment is based on the presentations (1-2 per semester) and materials prepared for the presentations.

Requirements that are considered in the assessment:

- professional level of presentation and prepared materials,

- visual form of presentation and its attractiveness,

- communication skills,

- participation in discussion.