The course is intended to introduce geology, especially the structural, physical and mechanical properties of rocks and soils, and its application in civil and construction engineering. In examining the geological origins and subsequent geological processes soils and rocks undergo the course provides a basis for the better understanding of the mechanical behaviour of these materials. It aims to foster a curiosity and an aptitude towards independent discovery in the geological environment by highlighting the variety of geological processes and hazards that occur and the need for engineers therefore to develop their own geological and ground model of the local environment.

Students in order to submit the “Group project on the geology of Hong Kong”, they need to attend the lab session. Lab attendance is compulsory; students must attend the lab session they have been assigned by the course Leader. To pass a course, a student must obtain minimum marks of 30% in both coursework and examination components, and an overall mark of at least 40%