Soil Mechanics and Environmental Geotechnics

This course explores the properties of soils and soft rocks in relation to civil engineering, the theory of geomechanics and practical geotechnical engineering.

All our MSc courses are career-oriented and cover both theoretical background and practical design considerations. Lectures are given mainly by full-time staff but important contributions are made by visiting professors and guest lecturers who are eminent industrialists.

Many of our students continue their studies to undertake research towards a PhD.

All of our MSc courses last one calendar year, comprising two terms of taught examinable material followed by a research dissertation.

The courses share a core of topics covering fundamental and applied soil mechanics. Four compulsory field courses are also organised, in Kent, the Bristol area, and Southern Europe.

MODULES

• Advanced constitutive modelling
• Advanced soil properties
• Analysis and constitutive models
• Applied engineering geology coursework
• Consolidation and seepage
• Earth pressures
• Embankments and earthworks
• Engineering geology of soils and rocks
• Foundations
• Geotechnical processes
• Ground profiles and ground investigation
• Laboratory and field techniques
• Laboratory practical classes
• Partly saturated soil behaviour
• Rock strength and failure
• Stability of slopes
• Strength and deformation
• Fieldwork
• Dissertation

The MSc in Soil Mechanics and Environmental Geotechnics meets the growing need for advanced specialist geo-environmental education, including a grounding in the relevant topics in chemistry and biology. Course-specific modules are as follows:

• Contaminated land and groundwater
• Landfill engineering

Applications are invited from undergraduates completing their first degree, as well as those with relevant industrial and professional experience.

Applications may be considered from those with degrees in other branches of engineering, natural sciences, earth sciences and other numerate disciplines.

The minimum entry requirement for consideration is a good degree from a UK university at Upper Second Class (2:1) or above, or an overseas equivalent.

Special cases, based on relevant experience, may be made in some circumstances.