Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
GEOTECHNICS, SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENT
Description
Field Work
2
Instructors
Helder I. Chaminé
Contents
0. Science, Technology, Society, and Environment: multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary approaches
1. The construction of theoretical knowledge vs theoretical-practical knowledge (how-to-do) and its relationship to Society and the Sustainable Environment
2. Geotechnics: a common ground in engineering geology, soil mechanics, and rock mechanics. Georesources and geoenvironmental issues. Geoengineering and Geoechnologies: New Paradigms
3. The boundaries with other engineering branches (geological, mining, civil, etc.)
4. The geotechnical engineering profession and practice. Geoethics and deontology issues
5. Geoengineering, Geotechnology, Geomaterials, Ground Engineering, Underground Space Management and Hazards: new frontiers in Geotechnics?
6. Importance of Geotechnics to the citizenship
7. Practical examples of the role of Geotechnics, Geoethics, and Society: seminars and field trips (with the collaboration of geo-professionals from industry-academy
Learning Outcomes
Students should be able to:
i) Understand the importance of multi- and inter-disciplinary approaches in Geosciences and Geotechnics
ii) Understand the relationships between Science, Technology, Society and the Environment
iii) Geotechnical Engineer Career in Portugal and overseas
iv) The new paradigms: geoengineering and geotechnology
v) Show a scientific, geological and geotechnical culture
We tend to focus on concepts that promote critical thinking skills rather than rote memorisation of numerous facts and definitions. Memorisation of facts and definitions is not a primary expectation in this class.