The development of a nation involves the construction of infrastructure such as dams, highways, industrial complexes, ports and airports. Such construction involves the interaction between earth materials and masses with the constructed structures. Characterization of earth materials and masses plays an important role in influencing the usage, safety and economic effectiveness of these constructions. In Malaysia’s efforts to attain developed nation status by 2020, such construction activities are expected to increase considerably. At the same time, sites and areas that are less suitable also need to be developed. One important input for conducting safe construction is engineering geological input.

The Master of Science (Engineering Geology) programme aims to further train
engineering geologists to recognize and overcome issues that can arise during construction and propose solutions that are safe and economical. This programme will enhance the knowledge of engineering geologists in conducting such investigations and studies at and below the earth’s surface.

Course Work & Full Time

Minimum 2 semesters (1 year)

Maximum 4 semesters (2 years)

Intake – 2 times a year (March & October)

*subjected to UKM academic calendar

English Language

STPD6024 Research Methodology

This course provides guidance in planning, implementing and succeed in scientific research. Students are introduced to the philosophy of science and ethics necessary to be adopted by researchers. Students are given exposure to determine and manage risks in scientific research. Apart from that, issues and rules related to research such as intellectual property, copyright, plagiarism etc. will be discussed.  Subsequently, students are guided to plan their research and prepare a research proposal. For this, students are trained with techniques in information search both manually and on-line, identifying issues and research objectives, planning research and experimental design within their period of study. Students are required to prepare their research proposal according to the format and free from plagiarism. Students are given the opportunity to present and defend their proposal in a seminar. Students will be evaluated based on written and oral presentation of the research proposal, and final examination

STAG6083 Hydrogeology
Definition and scope of hydrogeology. Relationship with fields of science and engineering. Groundwater: occurrence and types. Hydrologic cycle. Concept of porosity and permeability. Water containing layers and their characterization. Darcy’s law. Determination of permeability in the laboratory and field. Hydrogeochemistry. Water as a universal solvent. Types of solutions in water. Chemical classification of water. Exploration of groundwater and use as a water source.

STAG6213 Engineering Geology
This course commences with a discussion of the introduction, definition, background and development of engineering geology. Classification system for soils and rocks. Engineering geological mapping. Types of engineering geological maps. Map scale and types of construction. Engineering geological mapping in tropical terrains. Planning of engineering geological investigations. Drilling and its logging. Sampling. Test pits and its logging. Soundings and penetration testing. Standard penetration test. Cone penetration test. Interpretation of testing. Reporting of engineering geological investigations.

STAG6224 Soil Engineering
Flow of ground water, flow nets and their application. Darcy’s Law. Consolidation of soils. Shear strength of soils, stress-strain behaviour. Elasticity of soils. Mohr-Coulomb theory. Earth pressure. Retaining walls. Rankine theory. Bearing capacity of soils, foundation of buildings. Site investigation and field testing of soils. Physio-chemistry and mineralogy of soils. Physical and chemical stabilization of soils. Case studies e.g. highways, earth dams, foundations of buildings.

STAG6234 Rock Engineering
Introduction, background and development of rock mechanics and geomechanics. Geology based rock mechanics. Rock mass classification systems: RMR and Q systems. Inhomogeniety and anisotropy. Role of discontinuities in the mechanical behaviour of rock materials and rock masses. Discontinuity characterization. Rock mechanics inputs for subsurface construction (tunnels, caverns), dams and industrial plants. Practical classes will involve the determination of the physical and mechanical properties of rock materials and rock masses in the laboratory and field, together with problem solving exercises related to rock stability in construction.

STAG6243 Geohazard Investigation
This course discusses natural and geological processes that affect the human environment in a catastrophic way. Geohazards are normally magnified by human activities. Classification of geohazards. Concept of hazard and risk. Landslides: definition, identification and classification. Landslide hazard and risk management. Case studies. Subsidence and sinkholes. Earthquakes: classification, magnitude and intensity. Detection and measurement. Earthquake hazard and mitigation. Tsunami: background and characterization. Impact, damage, monitoring, early warning and mitigation. Malaysia’s policy and planning response for earthquake and tsunami hazards. Floods. Erosion. Hazard and risk management.

STAG6314 Engineering Geophysics
This course discusses basic principles of geophysical methods that are used in site investigation to obtain subsurface engineering information. Emphasis will be given to latest geophysical techniques (surface and subsurface) used in the industry. Relationship between geophysical parameters and engineering geological properties of rock and soil will be discussed together with some case studies.

• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field with minimum CGPA 2.50 or equivalent, from any institutions of higher learning  recognized by the UKM Senate; or
• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field with minimum CGPA 2.00 – 2.49 or equivalent, with minimum of 5 years working experience or research project in relevant field. Proof of the working experience of a foreign candidate should be acknowledge by the embassy of the respective country; or
• Fulfill Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL A) for local candidates only:
  • should be more than 30 years of age in the year of application; and
  • possess at least STPM or diploma in relevant field or other equivalent qualification recognized by the Government of Malaysia and approved by the UKM Senate; and
  • possess a certificate of MQA APEL with MQF Level 7
• An international student shall obtain minimum results of TOEFL iBT score 46 / IELTS band 5.5 / CEFR band B2 / MUET band 3 (An international student who comes from a country where English is the official language, or who has obtained academic qualifications from any institution of higher learning that uses English as the medium of instruction may be exempted from the requirement for TOEFL / IELTS / MUET); and
• Fulfill other requirements prescribed by the UKM Senate from time to time.

1. Engineering geologist
2. Geotechnical engineer
3. Mineral & Geoscience officer
4. Geology consultant 
5. Offshore geotechnical/geophysicist

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Programme Coordinator Dr. Nor Shahidah Mohd Nazer Email : shahidahnazer@ukm.edu.my Phone : 03-8921 5391