Applied Hydrogeology

The course includes 7,5 credits at master's level. The course is offered as an elective course subject to availability.

The course can be part of the following programme:

Master's Programme in Earth Sciences (N2GVS)

Admission to the course requires 120 credits in the main field of Earth Sciences, and at least a passing grade in the course GV2002 Hydrology and hydrogeology, or the equivalent.

Applicants with equivalent education may be admitted to the course after assessment.

The aim of the course is to provide students with the fundamental knowledge required to plan and carry out hydrogeological investigations.

This course builds on the introduction to general hydrogeology provided in the course GVG2002 Hydrology and hydrogeology (or the equivalent). Some of the topics covered in the introductory course will be discussed in depth and at a more advanced level, and new topics will be introduced. A main focus will be placed on hydrogeological field investigations and their evaluation, including computer-based calculations and modelling.

The course consists of three modules:

1. Theory

The following topics are covered:

• Overview of the key concepts in general hydrology and hydrogeology.
• In-depth introduction to the theory of groundwater flow, particularly with regard to groundwater flow towards wells and in connection with numerical modelling of groundwater flow.
•  Introduction to transport processes in groundwater and an introduction to the use of tracer methods in hydrogeology.
• Introduction to flow and transport processes in the unsaturated zone, with a focus on methods for determining groundwater recharge.
• Introduction to the interaction between groundwater and surface water (relevance, quantification methods).
• Introduction to modelling groundwater flow and transport
• Hydrogeology in typical hydrogeological environments (hydrogeological systems).
• Case studies: Typical problems and applications in hydrogeology, e.g. delineation of water protection areas, including an introduction to the planning of hydrogeological investigations and the practical management of water resources.

2. Exercises

Computer-based group exercises using GIS and Excel to demonstrate how the methods presented in the theory module are applied.

3. Group Projects

The group project is based on laboratory measurements, compulsory study visits to sites or activities of hydrogeological interest, fieldwork comprising hydraulic tests, hydrogeochemistry, tracer analyses, catchment measurements and measurements in the unsaturated zone . The results are presented in a written report.

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• understand the fundamental principles of flow and transport process in the saturated and unsaturated zones.
• understand the main methods; field-, laboratory-, and computer-based methods, used in applied hydrogeology.
• identify the data and tools required to apply these methods
• determine which methods are appropriate and necessary for solving a particular type of hydrogeological problem.
• design a basic plan for a hydrogeological investigation. 

Competence and skills

• carry out calculations in quantitative hydrogeology and determine which methods are appropriate for a given hydrogeological problem.
• develop a simple groundwater model
• plan and carry out field investigations and determine which methods are appropriate for a given hydrogeological problem. 

Judgement and approach

• understand the significance and consequences of a hydrogeological problem, and how to address such a problem within the framework of comprehensive planning.

The teaching consists of lectures, compulsory exercises and field work.

Language of instruction: English

The course is examined through:

1. Theory, written exam, 4 credits: Fail (U), Pass (G), Pass with Distinction ( VG)

2. Exercises, 1,5 credits: Fail (U), Pass (G)

3. Group project, 2 credits: Fail (U), Pass (G)

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the university of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course's intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resoirces would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entiteld to decide on adaption of examination if this is done in accordance with the Local Rules Regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U).

For the grade Pass (G) on the entire course, all course modules must be passed. To receive the grade Pass with Distinction (VG) on the entire course, Pass with Distinction (VG) is required for Module 1 Theory.

Students are given the opportunity to make a written, anonymou evaluation of the course.

Students admitted to N2GVS Master's Programme in Earth Sciences, are given priority for the course.

Excursions may incur additional costs for students.