Geology and Engineering Geology | 工程地质学 from edX

The earth is our home. The development of human civilization as we know it goes hand in hand with how we have used and continue to reshape the planet. This course will introduce the basic knowledge of geology and methods of engineering geology to help people protect and utilize our earth more effectively.

This geology course consists of two sections: basic geology and engineering geology. The basic geology section includes: formation and evolution of the earth, common rocks and minerals, internal and external dynamic geological process, geological ages, geological structures, geological maps and other basic knowledge of the earth’s geology. The engineering geology section includes engineering geological natures of groundwater, rock and soil, stability analysis of slope, surrounding rock of underground cavern and rock foundation, geological analysis of reservoir project and some field investigation methods and techniques etc.

Geology and Geological Engineering are two of the most important basic subjects that underpin engineering specialties, such as hydraulic engineering, geotechnical engineering and geological engineering. Engineering professionals will find this course particularly interesting and useful, but anyone with an interest in learning how to protect and continue to reshape our planet is welcome to enroll!

Geology and engineering geology is an important professional basic course for engineering majors such as hydraulic engineering, geotechnical engineering, and geological engineering. The main contents of Tsinghua University's "Geology and Engineering Geology" include: basics of geology and engineering geology. Among them: the basic part of geology includes the formation and evolution of the earth, common rocks and minerals, internal and external dynamic geological processes, geological time, geological maps, geological structures, etc., which provides students with solid basic geological knowledge and can also serve as a guide for geological enthusiasts. Provides basic knowledge of geology; the engineering geology part includes the engineering geological properties of groundwater, rock and soil, and some specialized engineering geological problem analysis principles and methods, etc., providing students with a solid engineering geological foundation and rich applications.

We are confident: you can understand the charm of geology!

What's inside

Learning objectives

How the development of human civilization and geology are inextricable linked
How to protect the earth, and also effectively utilize natural resources
The formation and evolution of the earth

An understanding of geology engineering, including natures of groundwater
Basic knowledge of the earth’s geology
Geological field investigation methods and techniques

How the development of human civilization and geology are inextricable linked
How to protect the earth, and also effectively utilize natural resources
The formation and evolution of the earth
An understanding of geology engineering, including natures of groundwater
Basic knowledge of the earth’s geology
Geological field investigation methods and techniques

Good to know

Know what's good

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, and possible dealbreakers

Develops basic geological knowledge, crucial for students in hydraulic engineering, geotechnical engineering, and geological engineering

Provides understanding of Engineering Geology, covering water, rock, soil, and specialized engineering applications

Covers geological field investigation methods and techniques

Explores the relationship between human civilization's development and geology

Taught by instructors from Tsinghua University with strong expertise in geology and geological engineering

Requires additional prerequisite knowledge in geology; students may need to complete other courses first

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Geology and Engineering Geology | 工程地质学 with these activities:

Review Basic Geology Concepts

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Brush up on foundational geology knowledge to strengthen your understanding of more advanced concepts.

Browse courses on Earth Science

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Revisit principles of plate tectonics and rock cycle
Review common rock-forming minerals and their properties
Familiarize yourself with geological time scale

Discover the Earth's Origins

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Gain insights into the dynamic processes that have shaped our planet by reading a comprehensive text.

View Earth on Amazon

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Read chapters on Earth's origin and early history
Summarize key concepts of plate tectonics and continental drift
Create a timeline of major geological events

Solve Geological Problems

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Sharpen your analytical skills and deepen your understanding by practicing solving geological problems.

Browse courses on Problem-Solving

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Identify practice problems and exercises
Apply geological principles and concepts
Check your solutions and learn from mistakes

Four other activities

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Explore Engineering Geology Applications

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Deepen your understanding of real-world applications of engineering geology through guided tutorials.

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Follow online tutorials on groundwater properties and their impact on construction
Explore case studies of slope stability analysis
Simulate geological conditions using software

Engage in Collaborative Problem-Solving

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Enhance your problem-solving skills and broaden your perspectives by working with peers on geological challenges.

Browse courses on Collaborative Learning

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Join or form a study group
Identify challenging geological concepts
Discuss and brainstorm solutions together
Present your findings to the group

Attend a Geology Conference

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Expand your network, gain insights from experts, and stay abreast of the latest advancements in geology.

Browse courses on Networking

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Identify relevant conferences and symposia
Register and attend presentations
Network with professionals and researchers

Develop a Virtual Geological Model

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Showcase your understanding and creativity by building a digital representation of a geological structure.

Browse courses on Geospatial Analysis

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Choose a geological feature or area of interest
Collect and prepare geological data
Use software to visualize and interpret the data
Present your model and findings

Career center

Learners who complete Geology and Engineering Geology | 工程地质学 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Geotechnical Engineer

A Geotechnical Engineer designs foundations for structures, such as buildings, bridges, and roads. They also design retaining walls, dams, and other structures that interact with the ground. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic principles of geology and engineering geology, which are essential for understanding the behavior of soils and rocks in the ground. This knowledge is essential for the success of a Geotechnical Engineer.

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Geologist

A Geologist studies the Earth's composition, structure, and history. They also study the processes that have shaped the Earth over time. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the basic principles of geology, including the formation and evolution of the Earth, common rocks and minerals, and internal and external dynamic geological processes. This knowledge is essential for the success of a Geologist.

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Mining Engineer

A Mining Engineer designs and manages mines, which are used to extract minerals from the Earth. They also develop and implement plans to safely and efficiently extract minerals from the ground. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic principles of geology and engineering geology, which are essential for understanding the behavior of soils and rocks in the ground. This knowledge is essential for the success of a Mining Engineer.

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Petroleum Engineer

A Petroleum Engineer designs and manages oil and gas fields. They also develop and implement plans to safely and efficiently extract oil and gas from the ground. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic principles of geology and engineering geology, which are essential for understanding the behavior of soils and rocks in the ground. This knowledge is essential for the success of a Petroleum Engineer.

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Civil Engineer

A Civil Engineer designs and manages the construction of infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. They also design and manage the construction of water and wastewater treatment plants, and other public works projects. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic principles of geology and engineering geology, which are essential for understanding the behavior of soils and rocks in the ground. This knowledge is essential for the success of a Civil Engineer.

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Environmental Engineer

An Environmental Engineer designs and manages systems to protect the environment from pollution. They also develop and implement plans to clean up polluted sites. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic principles of geology and engineering geology, which are essential for understanding the behavior of soils and rocks in the ground. This knowledge is essential for the success of an Environmental Engineer.

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Hydrologist

A Hydrologist studies the movement and distribution of water on the Earth's surface and in the ground. They also develop and implement plans to manage water resources. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic principles of geology and engineering geology, which are essential for understanding the behavior of groundwater. This knowledge is essential for the success of a Hydrologist.

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Geophysicist

A Geophysicist studies the physical properties of the Earth. They also develop and implement methods to explore for oil and gas, and to study the Earth's interior. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic principles of geology and engineering geology, which are essential for understanding the behavior of soils and rocks in the ground. This knowledge is essential for the success of a Geophysicist.

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Oceanographer

An Oceanographer studies the oceans. They also develop and implement plans to manage ocean resources. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic principles of geology and engineering geology, which are essential for understanding the behavior of soils and rocks in the ground. This knowledge is essential for the success of an Oceanographer.

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Meteorologist

A Meteorologist studies the atmosphere. They also develop and implement plans to forecast the weather. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic principles of geology and engineering geology, which are essential for understanding the behavior of soils and rocks in the ground. This knowledge is essential for the success of a Meteorologist.

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Climatologist

A Climatologist studies the climate. They also develop and implement plans to mitigate the effects of climate change. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic principles of geology and engineering geology, which are essential for understanding the behavior of soils and rocks in the ground. This knowledge is essential for the success of a Climatologist.

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Glaciologist

A Glaciologist studies glaciers. They also develop and implement plans to mitigate the effects of climate change. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic principles of geology and engineering geology, which are essential for understanding the behavior of soils and rocks in the ground. This knowledge is essential for the success of a Glaciologist.

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Speleologist

A Speleologist studies caves. They also develop and implement plans to manage cave resources. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic principles of geology and engineering geology, which are essential for understanding the behavior of soils and rocks in the ground. This knowledge is essential for the success of a Speleologist.

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Paleontologist

A Paleontologist studies fossils. They also develop and implement plans to manage fossil resources. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic principles of geology and engineering geology, which are essential for understanding the behavior of soils and rocks in the ground. This knowledge is essential for the success of a Paleontologist.

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Archaeologist

An Archaeologist studies human history. They also develop and implement plans to manage archaeological resources. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic principles of geology and engineering geology, which are essential for understanding the behavior of soils and rocks in the ground. This knowledge is essential for the success of an Archaeologist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Archaeologist