Program Overview

Environmental Soil Science and Geostatistics Module

Introduction

The Environmental Soil Science and Geostatistics module is a 5 ECTS project module offered at Aalborg University. This module focuses on fundamental soil physics, soil texture and structure, and the application of geostatistical methods to measured data in soil and groundwater zones.

Learning Objectives

Knowledge

• Fundamental soil physics
• Soil texture and structure, physical and chemical phase distribution, pore-size distribution, water retention, hydraulic conductivity, soil-water sorptivity, unsaturated zone water transport, gas diffusion, and chemical transport
• Basic principles of 1D analytical and numerical water and contaminant transport modeling
• Evaluating the uncertainty of measured data and model results

Skills

• Measuring soil hydraulic properties in the laboratory
• Applying parameter models for water retention, hydraulic conductivity, gas diffusion, and chemical dispersion to measured data or as predictive tools
• Programming and applying analytical and simple numerical water and solute transport models to measured data or in risk assessment
• Applying relevant geostatistical methods to measured data in the soil and groundwater zones

Competences

• Performing preliminary risk assessment and evaluating the conditions for on-site or in-situ clean-up methods for contaminated soil sites
• Structuring and producing technical documentation of complex problems, methods, and results
• Communicating problems, findings, and solutions graphically as well as orally to the relevant target audience

Type of Instruction

The module includes lectures supplemented with project work, workshops, presentation seminars, and lab tests.

Extent and Expected Workload

As a 5 ECTS project module, the expected workload for the student is 150 hours.

Exam

Exam Details

• Name of Exam: Environmental Soil Science and Geostatistics
• Type of Exam: Written or oral exam, individual oral or written exam
• ECTS: 5
• Assessment: Passed/Not Passed
• Type of Grading: Internal examination
• Criteria of Assessment: Stated in the Examination Policies and Procedures

Facts About the Module

• Danish Title: Jordfysik og geostatistik
• Module Code: B-VM-K1-3
• Module Type: Course
• Duration: 1 semester
• Semester: Autumn
• ECTS: 5
• Language of Instruction: English
• Empty-Place Scheme: Yes
• Location of Lecture: Campus Aalborg
• Responsible for the Module: Per Møldrup

Organisation

• Study Board: Study Board of the Build Environment
• Department: Department of the Built Environment
• Faculty: Faculty of Engineering and Science

Related Information

This module is used in the curriculum for The Master's Programme in Water and Environmental Engineering and the Master of Science (MSc) in Technology (Environmental Science).