Valid for: 2026/27
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering LTH
Decided by: PLED V
Date of Decision: 2026-03-25
Depth of study relative to the degree requirements: Second cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Elective for: V5-at, W5-ms
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English
The primary objective of the course is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the significance and scope of site investigations in the context of infrastructure development, environmental remediation, and climate adaptation. Emphasis is placed on reconnaissance and mapping methodologies, applications of geological and hydrogeological modeling, and relevant measurement techniques.
The course also covers:
· Verification drilling and sampling technologies
· Classification and interpretation of subsurface data
· Integration of investigative stages and techniques
· Practical exercises in data interpretation and visualization
· Communication of findings through oral and written presentations
A significant portion of the course is dedicated to a realistic site investigation project. Students will develop a professional-level investigation program tailored to a real-world case, addressing challenges in geology, foundation engineering, hydrogeology, groundwater management, and contaminated soils.
This course aims to bridge the gap between the related but distinct professional roles of geoscientists and engineers by fostering collaboration in an integrated learning environment. It combines theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and real-world project work to prepare students for interdisciplinary professional roles.
The course is part of a two-part series offered in parallel by the Faculties of Engineering and Science.
Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must
Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must
Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must
The course objectives are achieved through a combination of theoretical studies of the underlying principles behind measurement methods, practical planning and execution of an initial field investigation, reporting in the form of a technical report, and oral presentation of the results at a seminar. The course is centered around a compulsory project based on a real and realistic problem case. The project is carried out in groups consisting of students from LTH and geology students from the Faculty of Science, and is jointly offered by the department of Geology at the Faculty of Scuence (GEOC10).
The project begins with the creation of a conceptual model, followed by pre-modeling to design an investigation strategy. This is followed by (geophysical) field investigations, data processing and inversion, interpretation, and both written and oral reporting. Fieldwork includes reconnaissance and measurements using various geophysical methods in smaller groups.
During the interpretation and reporting phase of the project, students have access to extensive supervision. The project is presented as a written technical report, in which a detailed investigation program is outlined. The results are presented orally and discussed during the final course seminar. Each project group receives detailed feedback on their results.
Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5) - (Fail, Three, Four, Five)
Assessment: Written examination and also written and oral presentation of a field investigation project. The written examination and the project assignment have equal weight when the final grade of the course is determined.
The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.
Modules
Code: 0111. Name: Written Examination.
Credits: 4.0. Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5).
Assessment: To pass the written examination at least 50% of the given points must be obtained.
The module includes: Basic theory, application and interpretation of field investigation methodology, applied geophysics and techniques for geotechnical verification.
Code: 0211. Name: Project Task.
Credits: 3.5. Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5).
Assessment: To obtain a pass mark on the project task, the minimum requirements on content and presentation must be met. This includes form and presentation as well as geological and geophysical content and also processing, interpretation and assessment of geophysical information and other data from field investigations and also other sources.
The module includes: Application of field investigation methodology and geophysical investigation methods. Analysis and synthesis of geological, geophysical and other data from field investigations related to civil engineering and environmental engineering.
Admission requirements:
Course coordinator: Matteo Rossi,
matteo.rossi@tg.lth.se
Course coordinator: Peter Jonsson,
peter.jonsson@tg.lth.se
Course homepage: https://www.tg.lth.se/grundutbildning/kurser
The course is a part of the specialisation Civil Engineering within the MSc Programme in Civil Engineering and also the specialisation Environmental Systems within the MSc Programme in Environmental Engineering. It is also very suitable within the specialisations in Water Resources within the MSc Programmes in Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering. It is also suitable for students, who are interested in field investigations of the subsurface, for example in connection with estimations of environmental consequences at large infrastructural projects. The course is also suitable for Exchange students with adequate prerequisites. From academic year 2026/27 a continuation course exists, where further knowledge and skills can be acquired.