Geological Risks
Geologiska risker

VTGN20, 7.5 credits, A (Second Cycle)

Valid for: 2026/27
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering LTH
Decided by: PLED V
Date of Decision: 2026-03-25

General Information

Main field: Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation Depth of study relative to the degree requirements: Second cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Elective for: BR4-oh, R4-sr
Language of instruction: The course will be given in Swedish

Aim

The purpose is to provide foundational knowledge about the human external environment with respect to geological and geotechnical conditions, and thereby an understanding that both natural processes and human activities constitute risk factors in society. Special focus is placed on conditions in Sweden, covering subject areas such as flooding, groundwater protection, as well as landslides and slope failures.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• Know the basics of Sweden's geology with respect to soil, bedrock, groundwater, surface water, and topography
• Be able to relate contamination of soil and groundwater to various pollution sources and structural geological conditions
• Be able to understand the fundamentals of soil mechanics and particularly slope stability for assessing the risk of landslides and slope failures
• Be familiar with how geological risks are managed in Sweden

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• Be able to interpret a geological map and create a geological cross-section with layer sequences - a type stratigraphy - and thereby describe a soil/rock mass in three dimensions
• Be able to analyse a, for a given area, typical stratigraphy and assess groundwater protection needs and slope stability
• Be able to identify the most common geological soil materials
• Be able to assess transport patterns and calculate transport times of contaminants in soil and groundwater
• Be able to summarize and evaluate geological risks and consequences

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• To pass the course, the student shall have an understanding of the importance of considering geotechnological and geoscientific conditions in urban planning and risk assessment.

Contents

Geological materials. Formation, properties, and distribution of soil types in Sweden with a particular focus on glacial geology and water-deposited sediments. The role and utilization of geological environments in society.

Surface water, precipitation, and flooding. Groundwater, aquifers, flow, quality, and vulnerability. Transport of contaminants in soil and groundwater. Groundwater protection and preventive measures.

Fundamental soil mechanics concepts. Soil strength and bearing capacity. Stability of natural slopes in friction soil and cohesive soil, as well as the risk of landslides and slope failures. Methods for monitoring slopes with low stability. Soil and rock-fill dams. Soil mechanical effects of floods.

Basic analysis of geological risks and consequences related to landslides, floods, and contaminated surface water and groundwater.

Engineering geology field trip in southwestern Skåne.

Examination details

Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5) - (Fail, Three, Four, Five)
Assessment:

Written exam, project assignment with written and oral presentation, as well as compulsory excursion.

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: 0125. Name: Written Exam.
Credits: 5.5. Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5). Assessment: Approved written exam
Code: 0225. Name: Project Work and Excursion.
Credits: 2.0. Grading scale: UG - (U, G). Assessment: Approved Geological Risks project and mandatory participation in excursion The module includes: Geological Risks project where risks and consequences within a selected geographical area are analyzed. The task includes both written and oral presentation. A mandatory full day excursion is also included in this part of the course.

Admission

Admission requirements:

• VBRF55 Consequence Analysis of Large Incidents and VBRF50 Risk Assessment or VRSA01 Introduction to Risk Assessment and Risk Management and VBRA20 Consequence Analysis - Focusing on the Environmental and Human Impact of Large Incidents

Reading list

Contact

Course coordinator: Nils Rydén, nils.ryden@tg.lth.se
Teacher: Joakim Robygd, joakim.robygd@tg.lth.se