Hydrogeology

Module Description

The module introduces the learner to the hydrological cycle, water budget, groundwater monitoring, EU Directives on drinking water, Darcy’s equation, flow paths, and well hydraulics. The learner will become familiar with the principles of physical hydrogeology (aquifer hydraulic properties, groundwater hydraulics, aquifer investigations, recharge) and will be able to demonstrate their application to groundwater resources management through consideration of aquifer water balances and an introduction to groundwater flow modelling. 

The aquifers of the Maltese Islands will be used as a background to understand aquifer parameters (hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity, and storativity) in steady-state and non-equilibrium conditions, confined and unconfined aquifer. Data from pumping tests will be analysed and the concept of hydraulic gradient will be introduced along with calculations of groundwater flow and aquifer contamination with seawater.

Target Audience

This program caters to individuals interested in enhancing their academic and professional understanding of Geology and Earth Sciences.

Persons seeking to or working in:

• advance their academic and professional knowledge of Geology and Earth Sciences;
• advance their academic and professional knowledge of rocks, namely, classification, testing, and use in industry;
• the construction and quarrying industry;
• pursue a career in Geology and Earth Sciences;
• geotechnical laboratories seeking to advance their knowledge and position.

Career Paths

The potential positions for which this programme aims to prepare could be and are not limited to:

• Professional Geologist
• Geological technician
• Manager of geotechnical laboratory
• Consultancy
• Court Expert
• Environmental auditor and Environmental Impact Assessment expert

How you’ll be assessed

The programme comprises a total of 8 modules. The method of assessment is assignment-based.

The course comprises:

•  Lectures per module depending on the number of ECTS (twice a week);
• 3-hour lectures;
• 12 hours of guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos;
• Assessment may consist of field work carried out in specific location/s in the Maltese Island;
• Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.

Assessment

The programme includes different forms of assessment which allow for and promote students’ critical engagement. The formative and summative assessment tasks may include an in-class assignment and/or a home-based written assignment using diverse assessment tools which may take the form of online and in-class discussions, examinations, case studies, reports, proposals, essays, and presentations, etc., as applicable to the diverse modules.