CSMM137 | 2025 | University of Exeter

MODULE TITLE	Hydrogeology	CREDIT VALUE	15
MODULE CODE	CSMM137	MODULE CONVENER	Dr Rich Crane (Coordinator)

DURATION: TERM	1	2	3
DURATION: WEEKS	0	11	0

Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated)	30

DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

In this module you will learn about the fundamentals of subsurface flow, highlighting the role of groundwater in the hydrologic cycle. The module includes knowledge of laboratory and field based analytical techniques and industry software demonstrations to determine the key aspects of local and regional hydrogeology, and to generate ground water models. Engineering applications include evaluating and dealing with groundwater contamination and dewatering at industrial sites.

Pre-requisite Module: CSM1027, or equivalent

AIMS - intentions of the module

This applied geology module describes the analysis of groundwater flow, both regional flow and radial flow to wells, with an emphasis on comparing and evaluating different methods of analysis, and aims to encourage the student to critically examine the underlying assumptions. The course provides a comprehensive introduction to hydrogeology focussing on the characterisation of key aquifer properties such as permeability, transmissivity and storage.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

1 Understand the basic principles and concepts applied in hydrogeology;

2 Apply hydrogeological assessment techniques;

3 Use analytical and numerical models for hydrogeological quantification and problem solving;

4 Design, plan, conduct and interpret hydrogeological investigations;

5 Show awareness of the implications of actions on the water environment and foresee, avoid and remedy engineering problems associated with adverse groundwater conditions;

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

6 Analyse engineering and environmental problems and situations;

7 Solve mathematical problems concerned with groundwater flow;

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:

8 Demonstrate learning, problem solving, data-handling, applied mathematics and reporting skills.

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

- The hydrological cycle and its interactions;

- Understanding types of aquifers and their properties;

- Site investigation design: boreholes, piezometers & wells;

- Permeability testing;

- Pumping testing;

- Developing groundwater conceptual models;

- Groundwater control in mines and excavations;

- Groundwater chemistry;

- Quality and protection of groundwater;

- Contaminant transport in porous media;

- Introduction to numerical modelling and methods.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities	26	Guided Independent Study	124	Placement / Study Abroad	0

DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	26	Lectures
Guided Independent Study	124	Private Study

ASSESSMENT

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade

Form of Assessment	Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length)	ILOs Assessed	Feedback Method
Not Applicable

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)

Coursework	40	Written Exams	60	Practical Exams	0

DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Form of Assessment	% of Credit	Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length)	ILOs Assessed	Feedback Method
Examination	60	1.5 hours	1-8	Verbal
Report (Case Study)	40	3,000 words	1-3, 6-8	Written

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)

Original Form of Assessment	Form of Re-assessment	ILOs Re-assessed	Time Scale for Re-assessment
Summative Assessment	Additional Assessment	As Above	Ref/Def Period
Examination	Additional Examination	As Above	Ref/Def Period

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

As above, one piece of Coursework (40%), and/or one Exam (60%).

RESOURCES

INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Reading list for this module:

Type	Author	Title	Edition	Publisher	Year
Set	Freeze, R.A. and Cherry, J.A.	Groundwater		Prentice Hall	1979
Set	Brassington, R.	Field Hydrogeology	3rd	John Wiley	2007
Set	Fetter, C.W.	Applied Hydrogeology	4th	Pearson Education	2001
Set	Hiscock, K.M.	Hydrogeology - Principles and Practice		Blackwell Publishing	2005

CREDIT VALUE	15	ECTS VALUE	7.5

PRE-REQUISITE MODULES	CSM1027
CO-REQUISITE MODULES

NQF LEVEL (FHEQ)	7	AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING	No
ORIGIN DATE	Thursday 6th July 2017	LAST REVISION DATE	Monday 16th June 2025

KEY WORDS SEARCH	Hydrogeology; Groundwater; Water Resources

Hydrogeology - 2025 entry