ProgrammeSpecificationfortheMScGeotechnics

PLEASENOTE.Thisspecificationprovidesaconcisesummaryofthemainfeatures oftheprogrammeandthelearningoutcomesthat a typicalstudentmightreasonablybeexpectedtoachieveanddemonstrateifhe/shetakesfulladvantageofthelearningopportunitiesthat areprovided.Thisspecificationprovidesasourceofinformationforstudentsandprospectivestudentsseekinganunderstandingofthe natureoftheprogrammeandmaybeusedbytheCollegeforreviewpurposesandsenttoexternalexaminers.Moredetailedinformation onthelearningoutcomes,contentandteaching,learningandassessmentmethodsofeachmodulecanbefoundinthecoursehandbook or online at: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/geotechnics/courses/postgraduatemsc. The accuracy of the information contained in this documentisreviewedbytheCollegeandmaybecheckedbytheQualityAssuranceAgency.

1.AwardingInstitution: 2.TeachingInstitution: 3.ExternalAccreditationbyProfessional/StatutoryBody: 4.NameofFinalAward(BEng/BSc/MEngetc):

ImperialCollegeLondon ImperialCollegeLondon IStructE/ICE/IHIE/IHT

MScandDIC(Equatesto90ECTSCredits)

5.ProgrammeTitle: SoilMechanics SoilMechanics&BusinessManagement SoilMechanics&SustainableDevelopment SoilMechanics&EngineeringSeismology SoilMechanics&EnvironmentalGeotechnics 6.NameofDepartment/Division: Civil&EnvironmentalEngineering 7.NameofFaculty: Engineering Notapplicable 8.UCASCode(orothercodingsystemifrelevant): 9.RelevantQAASubjectBenchmarkingGroup(s)and/orotherexternal/internalreferencepoints Engineering 10.Level(s)ofprogrammewithintheFrameworkforHigherEducationQualifications(FHEQ): Masters(MSc,MRes) Level7 11.ModeofStudyFullTime/PartTime 12.LanguageofStudy:English 13.Dateofproduction/revisionofthisprogrammespecificationOctober2009:
MScSoilMechanicsH2U3 MScSoilMechanicsandBusinessManagementH2A4 MScSoilMechanicsandSustainableDevelopmentH2A5 MScSoilMechanicsandEngineeringSeismologyH2U4 MScSoilMechanicsandEnvironmentalGeotechnicsH2UN

 14.Educationalaims/objectivesoftheprogramme: TheAimsofallMScprogrammesprovidedbytheDepartmentare: Toprovidestudentswithasolidtechnicalbasisinthekeyareasoftheengineering professionthroughdeliveryofacoherent,coordinatedandbalanceddegreeprogramme, integratingcoreengineeringsciencewithpracticalapplication. Toenablestudentstoacquireamatureappreciationofthecontextinwhichengineering projectsaredevelopedwithintheindustry. Todevelopinourstudentsexcellenceinoral,writtenandgraphicalcommunication. Toprovidestudentswithsufficientmaterialtoexplorethesubject,tocarryoutself organisedstudy,andtothinkabouttheissuesandchallengesofthematerial,inpreparation for,oradvancementin,professionalpractice. TheGeotechnicsprogrammesaimto: Producegraduatesequippedtopursuecareersingeotechnicalengineering,inindustry,the publicsectorandnongovernmentalorganisations; Providethebasisfordescribingandpredictingtheengineeringbehaviourofthegroundin responsetotheforcesofnatureandthosegeneratedbyman; Understandhowthisknowledgemaybeappliedinpracticeinaneconomicaland environmentallyfriendlywaysoastoreducetheriskofunwantedoutcomes; Fostertheacquisitionandimplementationofthedesignandanalyticalskillsrequiredforthe practiceofSoilMechanicsanditsfurtheradvanceinresearch; Attracthighlymotivatedstudentsirrespectiveorrace,gender,backgroundandphysical disability,fromtheUKandoverseas; Developnewareasofteachinginresponsetotheadvanceofscholarshipandtheneedsofthe communityincludingvocationaltraining Distinctive features of this programme include Strong links with Industry, emphasis on fieldwork, laboratorytestingusingstateoftheartfacilitiesandnumericalanalysisusinginhousestateofthe art software, integration of teaching with sister course in Engineering Geology, and teaching by leadingexpertsinthefieldofSoilMechanics 15.ProgrammeLearningOutcomes 1. KnowledgeandUnderstanding Teaching/learningmethodsandstrategies A. Knowledgeandunderstandingof: AcquisitionofA1toA4isobtainedbya 1. aselectionofthemajortopicsinthe combinationoflectures,seminars,tutorials, subject,theirrecognitionandunderlying laboratorywork,computerbasedwork, fundamentalprinciples; projectsandfieldwork.A4isalsosupportedby coursesspecificallydesignedtodevelopthese 2. researchtechniqueswhichmightinclude skills,e.g.bygroupworkandthepresentation informationretrieval,experimentaldesign ofcourseworkintheformofcolloquia.A4is andstatistics,modellingandsafety; alsosupportedbyattendanceatanumberof skillsworkshopsofferedbyvoluntaryGSEPS. 3. theessentialfacts,concepts,principlesand
MScSoilMechanicsH2U3 MScSoilMechanicsandBusinessManagementH2A4 MScSoilMechanicsandSustainableDevelopmentH2A5 MScSoilMechanicsandEngineeringSeismologyH2U4 MScSoilMechanicsandEnvironmentalGeotechnicsH2UN

 Throughoutthestudentsareencouragedto undertakeindependentreadingbothto 4. managementandcommunicationskills, supplementandconsolidatewhatisbeing includingproblemdefinition,projectdesign, taughtandtobroadentheirindividual decisionprocesses,teamwork,writtenand knowledgeandunderstandingofthesubject. oralreports,scientificpublications(B). Assessmentofcompetenceisthrougha combinationofunseenwrittenexaminations (A14),assessedcoursework(A14)aswellasan individualdissertationdesignedtodevelopthe studentsabilitytorecogniseproblems,designa strategyforstudyingandsolvingthem,and recordingthatworkwithlogic,clarityand brevity(A14). BusinessManagement:A1A4areincorporatedandevaluatedthoughtindividualonline(VLE) courseworksubmissions,groupandindividualreports,groupprojectsandpresentationsinProject Management,seen*andunseenwrittenexaminationpapers. ThesubmoduleinProjectManagementisevaluatedbygroupworkandonequestiononthe examinationpaperdesignedtoevaluatethelearningexperienceoftheProjectManagement module.Thisisanessaytypequestionthatwillbeinformedtothestudentbeforehand. SustainableDevelopment:A1A4areincorporatedandevaluatedthoughtautumntermindividual courseworksubmissions(unweighted,butinformingthemajorDesignGuide(20%oftotal)),spring termindividualcourseworksbasedonlecturematerialincorporatingthecorecivilengineering disciplinesandtheirrelationshipstosustainabledevelopment(20%)anda3hourunseenwritten examinationpaper(60%). 2.Skillsandotherattributes BIntellectual(thinking)skillsincludetheability Teaching/learningmethodsandstrategies to: Intellectualskillsaredevelopedthroughthe 1.identify,analyseandsolveproblemsusinga teachingandlearningmethodsoutlined multidisciplinaryapproach,applying aboveandinsection13 professionaljudgementstobalance costs,benefits,safetyandsocialand Assessmentisthroughcoursework,unseen environmentalimpact; writtenexaminations,projectreports, 2.integrateandcriticallyevaluateinformation(B); presentationsandafinaldissertation 3.formulateandapplyappropriatesolutions(B); 4. plan, conduct and writeup a programme of originalresearch(B). CPracticalskillsincludetheabilityto: Practicalskills 1. planandexecutesafelyaseriesof Practicalskillsaredevelopedthroughthe experimentsorcomputations(B); teachingandlearningprogrammeoutlined 2. uselaboratorymethodsorfieldmethodsor aboveandthroughoutthisspecification. computerbasedtoolstogeneratedata(B); Practicalexperimentalorcomputationalskills 3. analyseresults,determinetheirstrengthand (C1toC3)aredevelopedthroughprojectwork, validity,andmakerecommendations(B);
MScSoilMechanicsH2U3 MScSoilMechanicsandBusinessManagementH2A4 MScSoilMechanicsandSustainableDevelopmentH2A5 MScSoilMechanicsandEngineeringSeismologyH2U4 MScSoilMechanicsandEnvironmentalGeotechnicsH2UN

theoriesrelevanttothestudentschosen areaofresearch(B);

4. preparetechnicalreports(B); 5. givetechnicalpresentations(B); 6. usethescientificliteratureeffectively(B);

DTransferableskillsincludetheabilityto: 1. communicateeffectivelythroughoral presentations,computerprocessingand presentations,andwrittenreports(B); 2. applyknowledgeandmodellingskills; 3. managementskills:decisionprocesses, objectivecriteria,problemdefinition,project designandevaluationneeds(B); 4. integrateandevaluateinformationfroma varietyofsources(B); 5. transfertechniquesandsolutionsfromone disciplinetoanother; 6. useInformationandCommunications Technology(B); 7. manageresourcesandtime(B); 8. learnindependentlywithopenmindedness andcriticalenquiry(B); 9. learneffectivelyforthepurposeofcontinuing professionaldevelopment(B).

laboratorywork,andfieldworkallspecifically designedtoachievetheseaimsusingboth independentandgroupwork,togetherwith projectsupervisor(s). SkillsC4andC5aretaughtanddeveloped throughworkshopsfeedbackonwrittenreports andpresentations. SkillC6isdevelopedthroughoutthecourse, particularlyduringtheindividualresearch project. Practicalskillsareassessedthroughcoursework, projectreportsandpresentations,andby formalexaminationofindividualcompetences. TransferableSkills Theentirecourseisdesignedtodevelop transferableskills;itisavocationalcourse,in thiscasefocussedtoSoilMechanicsbut applicabletotheapplicationofscienceand engineeringinotherfieldsasoutlinedaboveand laterinsection13. SkillD1istaughtthroughworkshopsand feedbackonreportsandoralpresentations. SkillD2istaughtthroughlectures,practical workandduringindividualresearchprojects. SkillsD3toD6aredevelopedthroughoutthe coursebyitsvariousprojectworkexercises. SkillD7isdevelopedthroughoutthecourse withinaframeworkofstagedcoursework deadlines;itisthekeytosuccessonthecourse andmustbelearntatanearlystage. SkillsD8andD9areencouragedanddeveloped throughoutthecourse,whichisstructuredand deliveredinsuchawayastopromotethem whilstnotexplicitlyteachingthem. SkillD1isassessedthroughwritten examinations,courseworkandoral presentations. SkillsD2toD5areassessedthroughcoursework ofallkinds,writtenexaminationsanda dissertation. SkillsD6toD9arenotassessedformallybut informallythroughtutorialsastheirabsence wouldresultinthestudentfailing.

MScSoilMechanicsH2U3 MScSoilMechanicsandBusinessManagementH2A4 MScSoilMechanicsandSustainableDevelopmentH2A5 MScSoilMechanicsandEngineeringSeismologyH2U4 MScSoilMechanicsandEnvironmentalGeotechnicsH2UN

BusinessManagement:themajorityofourstudentsarenewtothisareaandrequirealltheskills listedabovetocoverthematerialtoMasterslevelwithinthetimepermitted.Theyarerequiredto learnnewmaterialsandskills,thinkoutsideoftheirnormalareas,workwithingroupswithstudents fromdifferentMScdisciplineswithintheDepartment,applytheirlearningtotheircoresubjectareas. Particularskillsinvokedarethoseofcombiningthismodulewiththecorecourse,workingwithin virtuallearningenvironments(VLEs)forMicroeconomics;onlineresearchforgroupproject submissionsinFinancialAnalysis;workingwithfellowstudents,PhDstudentsandvisitorsfrom industryintheProjectManagementmodule;andinclassevaluationsandopendiscussionsintheLaw andHumanBehaviourmodule. SustainableDevelopment:virtuallyallofourstudentsarenewtothisareaandrequirealltheskills listedabovetocoverthematerialtoMastersLevelwithinthetimepermitted.Theyarerequiredto learnnewmaterialsandskills,thinkoutsideoftheirnormalareas,workwithingroupswithstudents fromdifferentMScdisciplineswithintheDepartment,applytheirlearningtotheircoresubjectareas. Particularskillsinvokedarethoseofcombiningthismodulewiththecorecourse,submittingweekly coursework,concurrentlyworkingontheDesignGuide(involvinginternetresearch,information retrieval,reportwritingandpresentation).Learningabouttheothercivilengineeringdisciplines withintheDepartmentviathespringtermlectureseriesandbeingevaluatedonthisviacoursework submissions. 16.Thefollowingreferencepointswereusedincreatingthisprogrammespecification SubjectbenchmarkinginformationforCivilandEnvironmentalEngineering StudentHandbookforCourseapprovedbySenateofImperialCollege MarkingSchemeforAdvancedCoursesapprovedbySenateofImperialCollege RequirementsoftherelevantProfessionalBodies AccreditationPanelRecommendations ImperialCollegesQAProcedures 17.Programmestructureandfeatures,curriculumunits(modules),ECTSassignmentandaward requirements The Soil Mechanics courses explore the properties of soils and weak rocks in relation to Civil Engineering,coveringboththetheoryofgeomechanicsandpracticalgeotechnicalengineering.They requireaquantitativeunderstandingofthebehaviourofsoilsandweakrocks,bothasmaterialsand en masse. To pass the MSc, students are required to achieve marks of 50% in their coursework, dissertationandexaminations,althoughatthediscretionoftheBoardofExaminers,theremaybe limited scope for compensating poorer coursework marks by higher examination marks and vice versa.Thisisinlinewiththepolicyonassessmentofadvancedpostgraduatecoursesprovidedby ImperialCollegeLondon. The course is careerorientated and intended to provide appropriate training for professional Geotechnical Engineers who typically have graduated as Civil Engineers and have specialised. Applicants with degrees in other branches of Engineering, Natural or Earth Sciences who possess appropriate experience will also be considered. Applications are also invited from undergraduates completingtheirfirstdegreewhohavegainedsomeindustrialexperienceduring their degreeand who have the motivation for further study, either now or at a future date. Applicants will find
MScSoilMechanicsH2U3 MScSoilMechanicsandBusinessManagementH2A4 MScSoilMechanicsandSustainableDevelopmentH2A5 MScSoilMechanicsandEngineeringSeismologyH2U4 MScSoilMechanicsandEnvironmentalGeotechnicsH2UN

industrial experience gained prior to starting these courses of benefit to their studies. The course maybetakeneitherasafulltime,inoneyear,orparttimeovertwoyears.Allarerecognisedfor theawardoftheDICandtheMScdegrees. The course is integrated with the MSc courses in Engineering Geology; it includes lectures, tutorials,laboratorypracticals,coursework,fieldcoursesandthepreparationofadissertation.Visits to civil engineering works, other sites and appropriate institutions are arranged as appropriate; there is a oneweek field tripr after d the Easter vacation and two weekend field trips during the Autumnterm. The syllabus of lectures covers the full range of topics within the scope of soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering, and, depending on the degree taken, may include the related fields of engineeringgeology,rockmechanics,environmentalgeotechnicsandengineeringseismology.Those followingthecoursewithSustainableDevelopmentorBusinessManagementtakecoremodulesin SoilMechanicsthatcorrespondtoabout75%ofthetaughtcoursefollowedbythosestudyingSoil Mechanics.Forallofthecoursesthereisanintensivesupportingprogrammeoftutorials,laboratory practicalsandcoursework. Thefollowingtableslistthemodulestobeundertakenbystudentsonthefiveprogrammestowhich thisSpecificationrefersforcompletionoftherequirementsofthedegrees: ModulesUndertaken:
H2U3 H2U3 H2U3 H2U3 H2U3 H2U3 H2U3 H2U3 H2U3 H2U3 H2U3 H2U3 H2U3 H2U3 H2U3 H2U3 H2A4 H2A4 H2A4 H2A4 H2A4 H2A4 H2A4 H2A4 H2A4 H2A4 H2A4 H2A4 H2A4 H2A4 H2A5 H2A5 H2A5 H2A5 H2A5 H2A5 H2A5 H2A5 H2A5 H2A5 H2A5 H2A5 H2A5 H2A5 H2U4 H2U4 H2U4 H2U4 H2U4 H2U4 H2U4 H2U4 H2U4 H2U4 H2U4 H2U4 H2U4 H2U4 H2UN H2UN H2UN H2UN H2UN H2UN H2UN H2UN H2UN H2UN H2UN H2UN H2UN H2UN H2UN ModuleTitle ConsolidationandSeepage StrengthandDeformation Embankments&Earthworks StabilityofSoilSlopes Foundations EarthPressures AnalysisandConstitutiveModelling LaboratoryandFieldTechniques GroundInvestigation RockMechanics EngineeringGeomorphology PartiallySaturatedSoilBehaviour AdvancedSoilBehaviour AdvancedConstitutiveModelling PartiallySaturatedSoilBehaviour EnvironmentalGeotechnics HydrogeologyofContaminatedLand GeotechnicalProcesses EngineeringSeismology GeotechnicalEarthquakeEngineering Dynamics BusinessManagementI BusinessManagementII SustainableDevelopmentI SustainableDevelopmentII

MScSoilMechanicsH2U3 MScSoilMechanicsandBusinessManagementH2A4 MScSoilMechanicsandSustainableDevelopmentH2A5 MScSoilMechanicsandEngineeringSeismologyH2U4 MScSoilMechanicsandEnvironmentalGeotechnicsH2UN

The modules are assessed by means of unseen* (with the exception of the Project Management element of the Business Management option) examination papers, courseworks, laboratory practicalsand reports, field work and fieldreportsand a major dissertation. ECTS are allocated to theassessment,nottheindividualmodulesasfollows: Note: With the exception of Sustainable Development, all examination papers combine several modules. H2U3 CourseElement ExamPapers15 Laboratory Fieldwork&FieldTrips Coursework Dissertationwork H2A4 CourseElement ExamPapers14
BusinessManagement MicroeconomicTheory FinancialAnalysis ProjectManagement BusinessEnvironmentsand ConstructionLaw

MScinSoilMechanics Explanationofelementcomponents 5x3hourexaminationpaperscoveringtaught material Laboratorypracticalsessions&reporting Fieldworkmodule&2xassociatedcompulsory fieldtripsreports Conductedoversummerterm

ECTS 45ECTS

15ECTS 30ECTS

MScinSoilMechanics&BusinessManagement Explanationofelementcomponents ECTS 4x3hourexaminationpaperscoveringtaught 30ECTS corecoursematerial

2x2hourExaminations/Coursework

15ECTS

Fieldwork&FieldTrips Coursework Laboratory Dissertationwork

Fieldworkmodule&2xassociatedcompulsory fieldtripsreports Laboratorypracticalsessions&reporting Conductedoversummerterm

15ECTS 30ECTS

MScSoilMechanicsH2U3 MScSoilMechanicsandBusinessManagementH2A4 MScSoilMechanicsandSustainableDevelopmentH2A5 MScSoilMechanicsandEngineeringSeismologyH2U4 MScSoilMechanicsandEnvironmentalGeotechnicsH2UN

 H2A5 CourseElement ExamPapers14

MScinSoilMechanics&SustainableDevelopment Explanationofelementcomponents ECTS 4x3hourexaminationpaperscoveringtaught 30ECTS corecoursematerial

CoreModules:Sustainable 1x3hourExaminations2xFieldTrips1x DevelopmentConceptofsustainable DesignGuideMultiplecourseworksubmissions DevelopmentSustainableDevelopment andEngineeringInnovationApplying thePrinciplesofSustainable Development

15ECTS

Laboratory Fieldwork&FieldTrips Coursework Dissertationwork H2U4 CourseElement ExamPapers15 Laboratory Fieldwork&FieldTrips Coursework Dissertationwork H2UN CourseElement ExamPapers15 Laboratory Fieldwork&FieldTrips Coursework Dissertationwork

Laboratorypracticalsessions&reporting Fieldworkmodule&2xassociatedcompulsory fieldtripsreports Conductedoversummerterm

15ECTS 30ECTS

MScinSoilMechanics&EnvironmentalSeismology Explanationofelementcomponents ECTS 5x3hourexaminationpaperscoveringtaught 45ECTS material Laboratorypracticalsessions&reporting Fieldworkmodule&3xassociatedcompulsory fieldtripsreports Conductedoversummerterm 15ECTS 30ECTS

MScinSoilMechanics&EnvironmentalGeotechnics Explanationofelementcomponents ECTS 5x3hourexaminationpaperscoveringtaught 45ECTS material Laboratorypracticalsessions&reporting Fieldworkmodule&3xassociatedcompulsory fieldtripsreports Conductedoversummerterm 15ECTS 30ECTS

Theprogrammesarealsoofferedonaparttimebasis.Theacademicrequirementsassociatedwith theparttimemodesarethesameasthoseforfulltimestudy,butattendanceatCollegeisspread overtwoyearsonatermreleasebasis.Intermreleasemode,thestudentattendsCollegefulltime foratermineachofthreeyears.Throughouttheirperiodofparttimestudy,studentsaresupported throughcontactwiththeirPersonalTutorsandothermembersofstaff.

MScSoilMechanicsH2U3 MScSoilMechanicsandBusinessManagementH2A4 MScSoilMechanicsandSustainableDevelopmentH2A5 MScSoilMechanicsandEngineeringSeismologyH2U4 MScSoilMechanicsandEnvironmentalGeotechnicsH2UN

 Term1(autumn) During the initial phase of the course all students attend an introduction to the Department, the administration of their course and Safety and meet their Course Director. Each student is also allocated a Personal Tutor. Students may change their options in the first two weeks of term. In addition, Students are required to notify formally the Postgraduate Office of their options for examinationbyDecember.ThosestudentshavingdifficultieswithEnglishlanguageareencouraged, atthisstage,toseekremedialsupportfromtheEnglishLanguageSupportUnit.Thecoremodules taught this Term are; Consolidation & Seepage, Laboratory & Field Techniques, Ground Investigation, Analysis & Constitutive Modelling, Strength & Deformation and Laboratory Classes. Theoptionalmodulestakendependonthedegreetaken.ForSoilMechanicstheseare;Engineering Geomorphology and Rock Mechanics. For Soil Mechanics & Engineering Seismology they are; Dynamics andEngineering Seismology. For Soil Mechanics & Environmental Geotechnicsthey are; Engineering Geomorphology and Landfill Engineering. For Soil Mechanics & Sustainable Development they are; Engineering Geomorphology and Sustainable Development 1. For Soil Mechanics & Business Management they are; Engineering Geomorphology and Business Management 1. There are two weekend field trips and a mock test for all students at the end of term. Term2(Spring) Students are advised of available dissertation topics and are required to select their dissertation topicbyApril.Theyareencouragedtobegintoputinplacethosearrangementsthataredeemed appropriate for their dissertation from March.The core modulestaught thisTerm areStability of Soil Slopes, Embankments & Earthworks , Foundations, Earth pressures, Laboratory Classes and a series of professional lectures. The optional modules taken for Soil Mechanics are; AdvancedSoil Behaviour,UnsaturatedSoils,RemoteSensing,GeotechnicalProcessesandAdvancedConstitutive Modelling.ForSoilMechanics&EngineeringSeismologytheyare;AdvancedSoilBehaviour,Remote Sensing, and Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering. For Soil Mechanics & Environmental Geotechnics they are; Unsaturated Soils, Geotechnical Processes, Remote Sensing and Contaminated Land & Groundwater. For Soil Mechanics & Sustainable Development they are; Geotechnical Processes and Sustainable Development 2. For Soil Mechanics & Business Management they are; Geotechnical Processes and Business Management 2. Students taking the BusinessManagementoptionhaveatwohourformalunseenexamination nearthestartofterm coveringthe AutumnTermmodules.SustainableDevelopmentstudentssubmittheirDesignGuides (thisisaresearchbasedprojectcarrying20%oftheoverallassessmentinthemodule). Term3(summer) TherearenoModulestaughtduringthisTermandtheexamscommenceatthestartofterm.There are 15 hours of formal unseen examinations for all students. The second Business Management examination and that for Sustainable Development are also taken at this time. After the Exams students from all the Geotechnical MScs (Soil Mechanics & Engineering Geology) complete a combined field course of visits to engineering sites overseas. On return they then dedicate themselvesfulltimetotheirinvestigativedesignorresearchorientedprojecti.e.theirdissertation. TheprojectsaregenerallyconductedatImperialCollege,butbyagreementwiththeCourseDirector can carried out in the students company providing adequate arrangements can be made for supervisionandcommunicationwithstaffatthecollege.Theassessmentisbasedprimarilyupona writtendissertation.Thedissertationisassessedbythesupervisorandoneothermemberofstaff. FurtherscrutinyisprovidedbytheExternalExaminersandtheBoardofExaminers.
MScSoilMechanicsH2U3 MScSoilMechanicsandBusinessManagementH2A4 MScSoilMechanicsandSustainableDevelopmentH2A5 MScSoilMechanicsandEngineeringSeismologyH2U4 MScSoilMechanicsandEnvironmentalGeotechnicsH2UN

 18.Supportforstudentsandtheirlearning: Oneweekinductionprogrammefororientation,introductiontolibraryandinformation technology,referencingandavoidingplagiarism,andtheDepartment. MScStudentHandbook,whichincludesinformationonthecampus,advisoryservices, coursestructureanddescriptionsofeachmodule,examinationprocedures,project dissertationsandHealth&Safety. Staff:studentratioforteachingof1:3 Alargecommunityofpostgraduateresearchstudentsandpostdoctoralresearchworkers whoworkinthegeneralareasofGeotechnicsandEngineeringGeology.Theresearch programmesinthedepartmentprovidegeneralaswellasspecificsupport. Dedicatedspecialisedstateoftheartlaboratories. LearningresourcesandfacilitiesincludingaccesstotheFacultyLearningTechnologist. Dedicatedcomputingfacilities. ExcellentinhouseLibraryfacilities. AssesstotheInstitutionofCivilEngineersLibrary. Manyvisitingspeakersandinternationalvisitors. AccesstostudentcounsellorsontheSouthKensingtonsite. AccesstoTeachingandLearningSupportServices,whichprovideassistanceand guidance,e.g.oncareers. AccesstoallGSEPScourses,notificationofwhichisprovidedbyemailfromthe PostgraduateOffice. UseoftheEnglishLanguageSupportProgrammeforwriting,reportingetc. MathsworkshopsofferedwithintheDepartment,coordinatedbythePostgraduate Tutor,andrunbytrainedGTAs,tosupportandassiststudentswithweakermathematical backgroundsandthosereturningtoeducationfromuniversity. AnMScstudentrepresentativeontheStaff/StudentLiaisonCommittee,whichmeetsat leasttwiceperyear Studentsareexposedtoprospectiveemployersandtoindustrypracticesbyvisiting lecturersfromindustry,achoiceofprojectsbasedwhollyorpartlyinindustry,anda seriesofseminarsandrecruitmentpresentationsbyindustryrepresentatives. AccesstoaDepartmentalDisabilityOfficer,personaltutors,postgraduatetutor,safetyofficerand theMScManagementGroup 19.Criteriaforadmission: TheminimumqualificationforadmissionisnormallyanUpperSecondClassHonoursdegreeinCivil Engineering from a UK University or the equivalent qualification from overseas; alternatively an UpperSecondClassHonoursdegree(oroverseasequivalent)inanotherengineering,sciencebased discipline or geological science with relevant experience in geotechnics. Where an applicant has a lesser degree qualification but has at least 3 years relevant postgraduate work experience the CourseDirectormaymakeaspecialcaseforadmissionifthatisappropriate;fewsuchapplications aremade,andaresubjecttoapprovalbytheGraduateSchool.
MScSoilMechanicsH2U3 MScSoilMechanicsandBusinessManagementH2A4 MScSoilMechanicsandSustainableDevelopmentH2A5 MScSoilMechanicsandEngineeringSeismologyH2U4 MScSoilMechanicsandEnvironmentalGeotechnicsH2UN

 20.Processesusedtoselectstudents: Selection is primarily based on the information supplied in the application and supporting documentation, with particular weight being given to the reference letters, work experience and academic history. All applications arereviewed bythe Course Director. Historicalknowledge and familiarity with qualifications presented inform judgements. A number of candidates are interviewedineachcycle.Wherepossible,candidatesareinterviewed. 21. Methodsforevaluatingandimprovingthequalityandstandardsofteachingandlearning. a) Methods for review and evaluation of teaching, learning, assessment, the curriculum and outcomestandards: The external examiner system and Boards of Examiners are central to the process by which the College monitors the reliability and validity of its assessment procedures and academic standards. Boards of Examiners comment on the assessment procedures within the Collegeand may suggest improvementsforactionbyrelevantdepartmentalteachingCommittees. TheFacultyStudiesCommitteesandtheGraduateSchoolsPostgraduateQualityCommitteesreview and consider the reports of external examiners and accrediting bodies and conduct periodic (normally quinquennial) and internal reviews of teaching provision. Regular reviews ensure that there is opportunity to highlight examples of good practice and ensure that recommendations for improvementcanbemade. Atprogrammelevel,theHeadofDepartmenthasoverallresponsibilityforacademicstandardsand thequalityoftheeducationalexperiencedeliveredwithinthedepartment. TheDepartmentsMSccoursesareaccreditedbytherelevantprofessionalengineeringandscience InstitutionsviathequinquennialJointBoardofModerators(JBM)review.Accreditationprovidesthe Collegewithadditionalassurancethatitsprogrammesareofanappropriatestandardandrelevant to the requirement of industry and the professions. This accreditation recognised our MSc programmesasPeriodsofFurtherLearningtowardsChartership. Additionally,atlocallevel: Modulereviews,basedonfeedbackquestionnairescompletedbythestudents. ExternalExaminerreportsandinformalfeedbackfromourIndustrialBursaryCommittee. MScStaffStudentCommittee,heldeachtermwithreporttotheMScTeaching Committee. AnnualcoursereviewpreparedbytheCourseDirectorandconsideredbytheCourse CommitteeandtheDepartmentalMScTeachingCommittee. BiennialreviewofthecoursebyanImperialCollegeacademicstaffmemberfromoutside thedepartmentwithareportandgradingtotheGraduateSchoolofEngineering& PhysicalSciencesManagement(orExecutive)Committee. Biennialstaffappraisal. AnnualPeerObservationofTeachingexercise.

MScSoilMechanicsH2U3 MScSoilMechanicsandBusinessManagementH2A4 MScSoilMechanicsandSustainableDevelopmentH2A5 MScSoilMechanicsandEngineeringSeismologyH2U4 MScSoilMechanicsandEnvironmentalGeotechnicsH2UN

Periodicreviewofdepartmentalteachingbyanexternalpanelwithmembersdrawnfrom anotheruniversity,aresearchinstituteandindustry. EmployerneedsandopinionsfeedintotheMScthroughscheduledguestlecturersfrom industry,industrybasedprojects,theIndustrialBursaryCommitteeandcollaboration betweenacademicstaffandindustryinresearchandconsultancy.

b) Committeeswithresponsibilityformonitoringandevaluatingqualityandstandards: The Senate oversees thequality assurance and regulation of degrees offered by the College. It is chargedwithpromotingtheacademicworkoftheCollege,bothinteachingandresearch,andwith regulating and supervising the education and discipline of the students of the College. It has responsibility for approval of changes to the Academic Regulations, major changes to degree programmesandapprovalofnewprogrammes. The Quality Assurance Advisory Committee (QAAC) is the main forum for discussion of QA policy andtheregulationofdegreeprogrammesatCollegelevel.QAACdevelopsandadvisestheSenateon theimplementationofcodesofpracticeandproceduresrelatingtoqualityassuranceandauditof qualityandarrangementsnecessarytoensurecompliancewithnationalandinternationalstandards. QAACalsoconsidersamendmentstotheAcademicRegulationsbeforemakingrecommendationsfor change to the Senate. It also maintains an overview of the statistics on completion rates, withdrawals, examination irregularities (including cases of plagiarism), student appeals and disciplinaries. The Faculty Studies Committees and Graduate School Postgraduate Quality Committees are the majorvehicleforthequalityassuranceofundergraduate/postgraduatecoursesrespectively.Their remit includes: setting the standards and framework, and overseeing the processes of quality assurance, for the areas within their remit; monitoring the provision and quality of elearning; undertaking reviews of new and existing courses; noting minor changes in existing programme curricula approved by Departments; approving new modules, changes in module titles, major changes in examination structure and programme specifications for existing programmes; and reviewing proposals for new programmes, and the discontinuation of existing programmes, and makingrecommendationstoSenateasappropriate. The Faculty Teaching Committees maintain and develop teaching strategies and promote inter departmental and interfaculty teaching activities to enhance the efficiency of teaching within Faculties.Theyalsoidentifyanddisseminateexamplesofgoodpracticeinteaching. DepartmentalTeachingCommitteeshaveresponsibilityfortheapprovalofminorchangestocourse curriculaandexaminationstructuresandapprovearrangementsforcoursework.Theyalsoconsider thedetailsofentrancerequirementsanddeterminedepartmentalpostgraduatestudentnumbers. TheFacultyStudiesCommitteesandtheGraduateSchoolPostgraduateQualityCommitteesreceive regularreportsfromtheDepartmentalTeachingCommittees. Additionally,atlocallevel: PostgraduateStaffStudentLiaisonCommittee. MeetingsbetweenCourseDirectorandMScstudentrepresentatives. BoardofExaminersmeetsinSeptembertoconsiderawards. DepartmentalMScTeachingCommitteeandMScManagementGroup
MScSoilMechanicsH2U3 MScSoilMechanicsandBusinessManagementH2A4 MScSoilMechanicsandSustainableDevelopmentH2A5 MScSoilMechanicsandEngineeringSeismologyH2U4 MScSoilMechanicsandEnvironmentalGeotechnicsH2UN

Employerneedsandopinionsfeedintotheprogrammethroughfrequentguestlecturers fromindustry,industrybasedprojects,andcollaborationbetweenacademicstaffand industryinresearchandconsultancy.Inaddition,formalfeedbackisprovidedannually viatheIndustrialAdvisoryPanel.

c) Mechanismsforprovidingpromptfeedbacktostudentsontheirperformanceincoursework andexaminationsandprocessesformonitoringthatthesenamedprocessesareeffective: a) GTAS,specificallytrainedinthemarkingofcourseworkandminorprojectelementsare usedtoensurereturnofmarkedworkwithinthe4weekspecification. a)b)FeedbackonthemocktestperformanceisprovidedinthebeginningoftheSpringterm. a)c) MarkedandannotatedCourseworkisreturnedtostudents. a)d)Some academic staff provide verbal feedback in class, others distribute written overviews. a)e) Provisionalfeedbackonexaminationperformanceisprovidedtothestudentsfollowing inJulybyPersonalTutors. d) Mechanisms for gaining student feedback on the quality of teaching and their learning experience and how students are provided with feedback as to actions taken as a result of theircomments: StudentFeedbackQuestionnairesreportsaresenttoindividualstaff.TheCourseDirector isresponsibleforactiononpointsraisedwiththerelevantmemberofstaffwherenecessary. SSLCminutes(includingactionableitems)arepostedtotheDepartmentIntranet MeetingswithPersonalTutors. EndofYearMeetingswiththeExternalExaminer. MeetingswithMSccourserepresentatives e) Mechanismsformonitoringtheeffectivenessofthepersonaltutoringsystem: DepartmentalStaffstudentLiaisoncommitteemeetings StudentFeedbackquestionnaires ClustermeetingswiththeMSccourserepresentatives f) Mechanismsforrecognisingandrewardingexcellenceinteachingandinpastoralcare: Staffareencouragedtoreflectontheirteaching,inordertointroduceenhancementsanddevelop innovative teaching methods. Each year College awards are presented to academic staff for outstanding contributions to teaching, pastoral care or research supervision. A special award for TeachingInnovation,availableeachyear,ispresentedtoamemberofstaffwhohasdemonstrated anoriginalandinnovativeapproachtoteaching.Nominationsfortheseawardscomefromacross theCollegeandstudentsareinvitedbothtonominatestaffandtositonthedecidingpanels. g) Staffdevelopmentprioritiesforthisprogrammeinclude: AllnewlecturingstaffarerequiredtoundertakeCASLATandWorkshopsappropriatetoteaching. Eachprobationarylecturerisallocatedamentor,oneoftherequirementsofthementoristoaudit
MScSoilMechanicsH2U3 MScSoilMechanicsandBusinessManagementH2A4 MScSoilMechanicsandSustainableDevelopmentH2A5 MScSoilMechanicsandEngineeringSeismologyH2U4 MScSoilMechanicsandEnvironmentalGeotechnicsH2UN

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teaching. Furtherstaffdevelopmentoccursthrough: ActiveresearchprogrammesinEnvironmentalandWaterResourcesEngineering; Thestaffappraisalschemeandinstitutionalstaffdevelopmentcourses; TheCollegeTeachingDevelopmentGrantSchemethatfundsthedevelopmentofnew teachingandappraisalmethods. 22.RegulationofAssessment a) AssessmentRulesandDegreeClassification: TheMScdegreeisawardedtoanystudentwhoachievesallofthefollowing: (1) Anaggregatemarkofnotlessthan50%inallexaminations*,AND Anaggregatemarkofnotlessthan50%forallcourseworkanddissertation*Inlinewiththepolicy on assessment of advanced postgraduate courses provided by Imperial College, no compensation will be given in assessments in which a candidate has achieved less than 40% in one of the examinationpapers. Providedthatalloftheabovecriteriaaresatisfied,theMScdegreewillbeawardedinoneofthe followingclassifications: (a) Pass(seeabove),or Pass with Merit would normally be awarded if the aggregate mark of all (a)(b) examinations is not less than 60% AND the aggregate mark for coursework and dissertationisnotlessthan60%ANDANDtheMSciscompletedin12months(or thenormalregistrationperiod),or PasswithDistinctionwouldnormallybeawardediftheaggregatemarkfor (a)(c) theexaminationsisnotlessthan70%ANDtheaggregatemarkforcourseworkand dissertation is not less than 70% AND the MSc is completed in 12 months (or the normalregistrationperiod). Summaryofgrades,marksandtheirinterpretationforMScdegreeclassification
GRADEMARKSINTERPRETATION A70%100%Marksrepresentadistinction(trulyexceptionalorexcellent)performance B/C60%69.9%Marksrepresentapasswithmerit D50%59.9%MarksrepresentanacceptableperformanceatMSclevel E0%49.9%Marksrepresentafailperformance

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b) MarkingSchemesforpostgraduatetaughtprogrammes: Seea)AssessmentRulesandDegreeClassification
MScSoilMechanicsH2U3 MScSoilMechanicsandBusinessManagementH2A4 MScSoilMechanicsandSustainableDevelopmentH2A5 MScSoilMechanicsandEngineeringSeismologyH2U4 MScSoilMechanicsandEnvironmentalGeotechnicsH2UN

c) Processesfordealingwithmitigatingcircumstances: Forpostgraduatetaughtprogrammes:AcandidateforaMastersdegreewhoispreventedowingto illnessorthedeathofanearrelativeorothercausejudgedsufficientbytheGraduateSchoolsfrom completing at the normal time the examination or Part of the examination for which he/she has enteredmay,atthediscretionoftheExaminers, (a)Enter theexamination inthose elementsinwhich he/she wasnotableto be examined on the nextoccasionwhentheexaminationisheldinordertocompletetheexamination, or (b) be set a special examination in those elements of the examination missed as soon as possible and/orbepermittedtosubmitanyworkprescribed(e.g.report)atadatespecifiedbytheBoardof Examinersconcerned.Thespecialexaminationshallbeinthesameformatasspecifiedinthecourse regulationsfortheelement(s)missed. Applications,whichmustbeaccompaniedbyamedicalcertificateorotherstatementofthegrounds on which the application is made, shall be submitted to the Academic Registrar who will submit themtotheBoardofExaminers. d) Processesfordeterminingdegreeclassificationforborderlinecandidates: Forpostgraduatetaughtprogrammes:Candidatesshouldonlybeconsideredforpromotiontopass, meritordistinctioniftheiraggregatemarkiswithin2.5%oftherelevantborderline.Nevertheless, candidates whom the Board deems to have exceptional circumstances may be considered for promotion even if their aggregate mark is more than 2.5% from the borderline. In such cases the necessary extra marks should be credited to bring the candidates aggregate mark into the higher range. e) Roleofexternalexaminers: The primary duty of external examiners is to ensure that the degrees awarded by the College are consistentwiththatofthenationaluniversitysystem.Externalexaminersarealsoresponsiblefor approval of draft question papers, assessment of examination scripts, projects and coursework (where appropriate) and in some cases will attend viva voce and clinical examinations. Although external examiners do not have power of veto their views carry considerable weight and will be treated accordingly. External examiners are required to attend each meeting of the Board of Examiners where recommendations on the results of individual examinations are considered. ExternalexaminersarerequiredtowriteanannualreporttotheRectorof ImperialCollegewhich may include observations on teaching, course structure and course content as well as the examinationprocessasawhole.TheCollegeprovidesfeedbacktoexternalexaminersinresponse torecommendationsmadewithintheirreports. Inadditiontothis,theExternalExaminerisinvitedtocommentonthecontent,relevance,delivery andassessmentoftheprogrammes.
MScSoilMechanicsH2U3 MScSoilMechanicsandBusinessManagementH2A4 MScSoilMechanicsandSustainableDevelopmentH2A5 MScSoilMechanicsandEngineeringSeismologyH2U4 MScSoilMechanicsandEnvironmentalGeotechnicsH2UN

23.IndicatorsofQualityandStandards EmployabilityandfavourablecommentsbyExternalExaminers. Favourablecommentsbyalumniinindustry; Applicantsapplyingtothecoursebyvirtueofitsreputation; ResearchtraininginSoilMechanicsandrelatedareas. IndependentreviewofthequalityoftheeducationalprovisionoftheCivil& EnvironmentalEngineeringDepartmentbytheQualityAssuranceAgencysubjectreview process. AccreditationbytheInstitutionofCivilEngineers,theInstitutionofStructuralEngineers theInstitutionofHighwaysandTransportation. Passrates

24.Keysourcesofinformationabouttheprogrammecanbefoundin:

Pleasenote.Thisspecificationprovidesaconcisesummaryofthemainfeaturesoftheprogramme andlearningoutcomesthatatypicalstudentmightreasonablybeexpectedtoachieveand demonstrateifshe/hetakesfulladvantageofthelearningopportunitiesthatareprovided.More detailedinformationonthelearningoutcomes,contentandteaching,learningandassessment methodsofeachmodulecanbefoundintheCoursehandbook.Theaccuracyoftheinformation containedinthisdocumentisreviewedbytheCollegeandmaybecheckedbytheQualityAssurance AgencyforHigherEducation(QAA). PostgraduateProspectus,ImperialCollegeLondon(availableonline http://www.imperial.ac.uk) PostgraduateTraininginGeotechnicalEngineeringatImperialCollege(availableonline http://www.cv.imperial.ac.uk/courses/msc/pg_index.asp),and http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/geotechnics/courses/postgraduatemsc MScCourseHandbook(availableonrequesttocvenquiries@imperial.ac.uk

MScSoilMechanicsH2U3 MScSoilMechanicsandBusinessManagementH2A4 MScSoilMechanicsandSustainableDevelopmentH2A5 MScSoilMechanicsandEngineeringSeismologyH2U4 MScSoilMechanicsandEnvironmentalGeotechnicsH2UN