WELCOME TO ENGINEERING GEOLOGY (CVEN 3698)

Instructor:          Bernard Amadei, Professor (ECOT 546), Tel: 303-492-7734
                                Email: amadei@colorado.edu

Click here to download the class syllabus (PDF)

Definition

"Engineering geology is an interdisciplinary field in which pertinent studies in geology and other geosciences areas are applied toward the solution of problems involved in engineering works and resources uses" (Sitar et al, 1983; Goals for basic research in engineering geology: Report of NSF Workshop, St. Helena, CA).

The Association of Engineering Geologists (AEG) defines engineering geology as "[The] application of geologic data, techniques, and principles to the study of naturally occurring rock and soil materials or subsurface fluids. The purpose is to assure that geologic factors affecting the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of engineering structures and the development of groundwater resources are recognized, adequately interpreted, and presented for use in engineering practice".

Course Objective

The main objective of CVEN 3698 is to teach engineering students how to appreciate and identify geologic features that could have short and long-term consequences to the overall performance of various engineering structures and projects that they might encounter in their engineering careers. In order to do that, engineering students have to learn some fundamentals of geology. However, it is not the intent to make geologists out of engineers (this could not be done in one semester).

Important Policies - Please Read

"If you qualify for accommodations because of a disability, please submit to me a letter from Disability Services in a timely manner so that your needs may be addressed.  Disability Services determines accommodations based on documented disabilities.  Contact: 303-492-8671, Willard 322, and  http://www.Colorado.EDU/disabilityservices"

"Campus policy regarding religious observances requires that faculty make every effort to reasonably and fairly deal with all students who, because of religious obligations, have conflicts with scheduled exams, assignments or required attendance.  See full details at http://www.colorado.edu/policies/fac_relig.html"

"Students and faculty each have responsibility for maintaining an appropriate learning environment. Those who fail to adhere to such behavioral standards may be subject to discipline. Professional courtesy and sensitivity are especially important with respect to individuals and topics dealing with differences of race, culture, religion, politics, sexual orientation, gender, gender variance, and nationalities.  Class rosters are provided to the instructor with the student's legal name. I will gladly honor your request to address you by an alternate name or gender pronoun. Please advise me of this preference early in the semester so that I may make appropriate changes to my records.  See polices at http://www.colorado.edu/policies/classbehavior.html, and http://www.colorado.edu/studentaffairs/judicialaffairs/code.html#student_code "

"The University of Colorado at Boulder policy on Discrimination and Harassment, the University of Colorado policy on Sexual Harassment and the University of Colorado policy on Amorous Relationships apply to all students, staff and faculty.  Any student, staff or faculty member who believes s/he has been the subject of discrimination or harassment based upon race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status should contact the Office of Discrimination and Harassment (ODH) at 303-492-2127 or the Office of Judicial Affairs at 303-492-5550.  Information about the ODH, the above referenced policies and the campus resources available to assist individuals regarding discrimination or harassment can be obtained at http://www.colorado.edu/odh "

"All students of the University of Colorado at Boulder are responsible for knowing and adhering to the academic integrity policy of this institution. Violations of this policy may include: cheating, plagiarism, aid of academic dishonesty, fabrication, lying, bribery, and threatening behavior.  All incidents of academic misconduct shall be reported to the Honor Code Council (honor@colorado.edu; 303-725-2273). Students who are found to be in violation of the academic integrity policy will be subject to both academic sanctions from the faculty member and non-academic sanctions (including but not limited to university probation, suspension, or expulsion). Other information on the Honor Code can be found at http://www.colorado.edu/policies/honor.html and at http://www.colorado.edu/academics/honorcode/ "

CU Web Sites of Interest

CU Schedule (fall 2008 - summer 2011)
Spring 2009 Final Exams Schedule
Final Exam Policy
Office of the Registrar

Online Writing Lab (OWL)

Engineering undergraduates can submit technical reports and papers for free editing and revision suggestions 24 hours a day. OWL editors return most documents with 24 hours. Check out: http://engineering.colorado.edu/HOMER/owl.htm.