Field Investigation Methodology - Site and Ground Investigations
Fältundersökningsmetodik - Plats- och markundersökningar

VTGN25, 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

Depth of study relative to the degree requirements: Second cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Elective for: V5-at, W5
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English

Aim

During the course, theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and project work are combined in a real-world context to prepare students for future professional roles. The course, which builds on a previous module (VTGN01), primarily aims to develop a deeper understanding of the significance and scope of site investigations in relation to infrastructure development, environmental work, and climate adaptation. Particular emphasis is placed on reconnaissance and mapping methodology, applications of geological and hydrogeological modeling, as well as relevant measurement and verification techniques.

The course covers, among other topics:

• Verification drilling and sampling techniques
• Classification and interpretation of subsurface data
• Optimized integration of methods across different investigation stages
• Practical exercises in data interpretation and visualization
• Communication of results through oral and written presentations

A significant portion of the course is dedicated to a realistic site investigation project planned in Part 1 (VTGN01). Students carry out an investigation program at a professional level, tailored to a real-world case, addressing challenges in geology, foundation engineering, hydrogeology, groundwater management, and contaminated soils.

The course also aims to bridge the gap between the closely related yet distinct professional roles of geoscientists and engineers by creating opportunities for practical collaboration in an integrated learning environment.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• Be able to describe in depth how subsurface information is used, as well as collected, interpreted, and presented. Be able to apply the methods to real-world problems.
• Be able to Understand and describe the principles and underlying theory of the investigation methods covered, including limitations.
• Be able to critically assess and evaluate the capabilities and limitations of various field investigation methods and be able to suggest useful combinations of methods to solve various problems

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• Be able to execute and take active part in a site investigation program, including physical sampling, well testing, and additional investigations, guided by the specific problem.
• Integrate and further develop site models using data from the new investigations into an existing geomodel.
• Identify gaps in a geological model and propose activities for improvement, given a particular problem.
• Handle measurement data using modern information technology, including automated data processing and numerical modeling, preferably using Python.
• Demonstrate effective and professional collaboration with geologists (students from the Faculty of Science).
• Present the final results of the investigation program in a format adhering to industry standards, aimed at engineers, decision-makers, and the public.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• Be able to apply results from site investigations within the context of civil and environmental engineering problems.
• Demonstrate a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates professional, ecological, economic, and legal considerations.
• Demonstrate the ability to work in interdisciplinary collaboration and effectively bridge disciplinary boundaries, and in this context be able to present and discuss results and be able to identify the need for additional information or further development.
• Demonstrate insight into issues related to site investigations concerning professional ethics, occupational health and safety considerations, and societal aspects.

Contents

The course, which builds upon VTGN01, combines advanced theoretical studies with practical field investigations, data processing, and technical reporting. A central component is a mandatory group project in which engineering and geology students collaborate to address complex geotechnical and geological challenges. The course is jointly offered by the department of Geology at the Faculty of Scuence (GEOC11). Throughout the course, students receive continuous supervision and have access to detailed feedback from instructors and experts.

Project activities include the development and refinement of an existing GIS-based geological model created during the first part (VTGN01). The course covers geological and numerical modeling based on collected measurement data, as well as data processing and visualization. Fieldwork involves physical sampling, probing, and well testing, while laboratory work focuses on soil and, when necessary, rock analysis.

Students apply methods for testing, physical sampling, and probing in the field, as well as material classification and other laboratory tasks. The project aims to evaluate and integrate all available information into a final geological model tailored to the specific problem at hand, based on results from conceptual models, geotechnical, geophysical, and hydrogeological investigation methods.

Digital tools play a key role in the course, with GIS applications used for data visualization, Python for data processing and automation, specialized software for data analysis and interpretation, and databases for structured information management.

Examination details

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

Written and oral presentation of a large field investigation project.

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: 0126. Name: Field Investigation Methodolog - Site Investigations.
Credits: 7.5. Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5). Assessment: To successfully complete the module, the minimum requirements must be fulfilled for both the written report and the oral presentation. These requirements encompass the report’s format and stylistic conventions, as well as its content, including data processing, interpretation, synthesis, and the formulation of conclusions. The module includes: The module includes: integration of field investigation methodology and information from site investigation methods by deepened analysis and synthesis into a geomodel adapted to a given problem as well as reporting relevant to the given problem.

Admission

Assumed prior knowledge: VTGN01 Field Investigation Methodology (should be taken same semester)
The number of participants is limited to: No

Reading list

• Course material in the form of articles and text extracts, national and i nternational standards etc. Distributed during the course.

Contact

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