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UNIVERSITY OF CANTERBURY
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
CUAP Proposal-New Qualification/Subject/Endorsement 2014
Section A
Proposal Description
Purpose of the proposal
The purposes of this proposal are:
1. To introduce a 180-point Professional Master of Engineering Geology degree (PMEG).
2. To discontinue the Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering Geology and the subject of Engineering Geology in the BSc
(Hons) degree.
3. To amend the Master of Science Regulations to allow the MSc in Engineering Geology to be completed by thesis only.
Justification
These proposals are intended to: (i) match the requirements for professional accreditation of graduate Engineering
Geologists; (ii) increase the basic level of attainment of graduating Engineering Geologists, while relaxing the disciplinary
constraints on the dissertation component of the Master’s degree; (iii) increase the attraction of the programme to both
domestic and international students and employers; (iv) follow the current trend for Master’s programmes in NZ
Universities; and (v) make specialised coursework material available to practising Engineering Geologists and external
students as short courses.
This proposal for revising the framework of the Engineering Geology programmes is a response to the recent
introduction of professional accreditation for graduate Engineering Geologists by the Institution of Professional
Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ); this has specific requirements that are not easily met by the existing MSc (Engineering
Geology), in particular the requirement in the latter for a Master’s thesis in science as preparation for professional
practice in an applied discipline. In addition, recent in-depth discussions with Australasian leaders in industry have
emphasised the need to: a) future-proof the UC programme in terms of both content and delivery style; b) provide inservice professionals and external students with the opportunity to study on a combined distance (online) and blockcourse (in-house) format as part of CPD (continuing professional development) requirements; and c) increase the
capability of the basic level of graduating Engineering Geologists by including a substantial practice-focussed personal
project in order to improve planning and reporting skills. Government funding for tertiary students is now limited to
four years of study, and this also increases the attractiveness of a one-year master’s programme to students. Retention
of the MSc (Engineering Geology) as a thesis-based master’s maintains the long-standing research-based reputation of
that qualification and provides an avenue for more research-oriented graduates.
As generally taught, Engineering Geology has been based on largely qualitative/descriptive delivery of material intended
to familiarise geology graduates with engineering requirements, practices and case histories. The newly acquired
professional status of the discipline requires a more quantitative, integrated and risk-focussed approach. A important
skill of the professional Engineering Geologist is the ability to communicate the properties and behaviours of the
environment in which engineering projects are carried out, in particular geological ground and geomorphological hazard
conditions. The new programme is will deliver a systematic basis for quantitatively assessing and communicating these
conditions and will focus on basic principles of geo-materials, geomorphology, risk and communication as applied to
real-life case studies. Development of the science underpinning Engineering Geology is still supported by the thesisbased MSc (Engineering Geology) and the PhD programme in Engineering Geology.
The components of Challenge, Concentrate and Connect in the Statement of Strategic Intent are incorporated in this
proposal as follows:
Challenge: The course material will challenge thinking, convention and procedures in engineering geology as well as
leading students to competence in conventional methods of investigation and analysis.
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Concentrate: The programme will focus closely on up-to-date concepts applied in a professional context.
Connect: Leading practitioners and researchers worldwide will be linked in developing and testing course material and
research concepts, and will pioneer the utilisation of these concepts in practice in engineering geology situations
worldwide.
The proposal will provide opportunity to improve student recruitment through a focused professional programme that
both follows IPENZ guidelines and has sufficient flexibility to allow working professionals to enrol. It will also be
attractive to overseas students. Recruitment exceeding the current limitation of entry will require increased staff and
technical resources, and a change in the entry limitation.
The proposal will comprise both online and block learning as part of this flexibility, accommodating a societal need for
distance learning.
The structure of the proposal will require the students to both learn and prepare independently and well as increase the
amount of experiential learning that is necessary to effectively teach in a block format.
The proposal is a one-year master’s programme as desired both by industry, as necessitated by decreased financial
support for postgraduate education, and as emphasised in the University of Canterbury Strategic Plan 2011-2013
(“initiating professional and/or one-year taught masters programmes”).
The proposal will require industry involvement and support for developing curriculum, demonstrating techniques in
professional practise, and sponsoring projects and internships during the dissertation.
The proposed changes in programme framework and content have been fully discussed with the Engineering Geology
Advisory Committee over the last two years. It is agreed that the new programme will substantially better fit graduates
for careers in this field, and better meet the requirements of employers. The educational objectives of the programme
will be designed to meet the IPENZ Guidelines for Engineering Geologists and modified as needed. The ongoing
suitability of the programme will be monitored by the Advisory Committee.
The availability of the thesis-only MSc (Engineering Geology) and PhD continue the research capability of the
Engineering Geology programmes. Formal linkages with industry will ensure that research is focussed on industry needs.
In addition, the new programme will require increased cooperation with industry who traditionally have a large amount
of data but limited ability to study problems that are academic-in-nature, rather than applied or chargeable to an
existing project. Thus, new opportunities for collaborative research projects will arise for students both within and
outside the proposed PMEG programme.
The proposal fits the teaching and research specifications of available staff including the pending appointment of
additional staff in 2014.
Qualification
This qualification meets the CUAP definition of a Master’s degree. 60 points (.500EFTS) will be at level 9. A minimum
level of attainment is required for entry to the programme.
Acceptability of the programme and consultation
This proposal has been developed over the past two years in consultation with the Engineering Geology Advisory
Committee, which comprises representatives from industry and universities in Australasia. The revised programmes will
be partly funded by industry contributions; this clearly demonstrates the acceptability of the proposal. Consultation is
presently under way with a range of industry bodies and academics in New Zealand and Australia. The Liaison Librarian
is in the course of being consulted.
Treaty of Waitangi
Engineering Geology projects may be relevant to Maori cultures, and in these instances, can incorporate cultural
content. Ongoing consultation is being undertaken with the AVC (Maori) with a view to exploring further incorporation
of Maori themes.
Goals of the programme
1. To provide students with the opportunity to acquire a thorough understanding of the geological and
geomorphological bases of civil and natural resources engineering, and the requirement for engineering
geological input to engineering procedures
2. To provide students with the opportunity to gain experience in analysing the requirement for engineering
geological information in engineering project concepts, design and construction
3. To provide students with the opportunity to analyse and critique strategies and techniques of engineering
geology, and to carry out research to improve these
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4. To provide students with the opportunity to apply these learnings to specific engineering-geology-related
situations.
Outcome statement
Graduates from the programme will be knowledgeable and skilled in providing knowledge and advice to engineers in
the context of engineering projects. They will have the appropriate attitudes, skills and knowledge to be employed
professionally in any organisation involved in engineering geology; the most important skills acquired will be the ability
to learn independently and to communicate effectively.
University graduate characteristics and Qualification graduate profile
A graduate from this programme will:
1. Comprehend, and apply knowledge of, accepted principles underpinning widely applied good practice for
professional engineering geology.
2. Be acquainted with research philosophy and methodology
3. Have an attitude of critical enquiry when acting in a professional capacity.
4. Be knowledgeable and forthright about the dependence of engineering on geology and geomorphology.
5. Be introduced to legal requirements, regulatory issues, and special engineering geological requirements that
may exist for a particular jurisdiction.
6. Be able to construct an appropriate engineering geological model, taking into account available data and the
engineering requirements.
7. Understand the concepts of engineering geological uncertainty and geotechnical risk.
8. Be experienced in applying this knowledge to analysis of actual engineering situations
9. Be able to draw on a wide range of concepts, knowledge and ideas in providing engineering geological input to
engineering projects
10. Understand the requirements for appropriate, accurate and comprehensive communication, and for ethical
responsibility, on the part of engineering geology professionals.
11. Recognise the reasonably foreseeable social, cultural and environmental effects of professional engineering
geological activities generally.
12. Be practised, sensitive, and effective in communicating knowledge and concepts about engineering geology
with a wide range of audiences.
13. Be aware and respectful of the world-views of different types of professionals, citizens and communities, and of
the requirements and constraints of government, at all levels of society.
14. Be experienced in acquiring new skills and knowledge, in using them in a professional capacity, and understand
the importance of continuing training, education, and learning.
Programme overview
The programme comprises eight compulsory courses taught over two semesters, plus a 4-month dissertation. The
dissertation will comprise either a) an individual investigation in the field of engineering geology carried out by the
student under the supervision of a staff member or b) a cooperative industry-university project where the student
works alongside and with working professionals and carries out an individual investigation based on a research question
of interest, but for which there may not be sufficient funding for the company to perform in-house. The coherence of
the whole programme for each individual student is assessed by the Director of Studies prior to confirmation.
Entry to the programme is limited to 30 students per year; this total includes both PMEG and MSc(Engineering Geology)
students.
Proposed teaching/delivery methods
Four courses will be taught during each semester. Each course will incorporate a concentrated (two-week) taught
component including field work, preceded by on-line provision of introductory material for individual student
familiarity, and followed by on-line provision of exercise and assessment material for individual student completion. The
concentrated two-week sessions of different courses will not overlap. The preliminary online work can begin prior to the
start of the teaching semester, and, because there are no final examinations, the later online work can extend to the
end of the semester. The online components will include tutorial sessions and availability of staff for interaction with
students.
Prescriptions for courses
ENGE 691 Dissertation 0.5000 EFTS
P: Subject to the approval of the Programme Director, Department of Geological Sciences
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ENGE 691-15CY(C) 1 November 2015-1March 2016
Assessment and moderation procedures
Assessment of the courses will be by way of assignment reports staged through the semester, quizzes and assessments
to ensure that students are completing and understanding material that they are working on from afar, and a final
examination may be required for some of the courses.
Resources
Delivery of the revised programme will require no additional resources beyond those available in 2014; however an
increase in electronic and web-based resources, such as video feeds, conference calls, or new technologies as they
become available, will be critical to success of the distance (online) portion of the programme.
Plans for monitoring programme quality
The programme will be monitored by:

Graduating Year Review

Engineering Geology Advisory Committee (Chris Massey/GNS, Peter Forrest/Aurecon, Cedric Lambert/CNRE,
Warwick Prebble/Auckland, Mark Eggers/PSM).

IPENZ accreditation (which will be implemented shortly).

Student surveys

Geological Sciences Teaching and Learning Committee
Review of the programme
The new degree will be added to the University Programme Reviews Schedule.
Statement re Section B
Section B has been completed and is available on request.
Proposed new regulations and prescriptions (use the Calendar Form at the end of Section A)
For New Qualifications – TEC/NZQA/UNZ Requirements
EFTS value of qualification: 1.5
NZSCED code: 12 1299
NZQA exit level of qualification to go on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework: Level 9
Statement regarding funding: The qualification meets the criteria to be fully funded.
Memorandum of understanding: N/a
Duration of the Qualification-NZQF requirement
Minimum number of points to complete the qualification: 180
Vacation/recess weeks
Work experience/placement hours per week
Tuition/teaching (full-time equivalent) weeks (including exam and study weeks): 46
Teaching hours per week: 20
Self-directed learning hours per week: 30
Calendar Form
New Qualification Regulations
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UC Calendar 2014 Page
2014 Calendar p9 Postgraduate Diplomas: remove Engineering Geology
P 24 Add Professional Master of Engineering Geology
*combined total with MSc - Engineering Geology
10 January
30*
P 24 Remove PGDipEngGeol BSc(Hons) – Engineering Geology
P.70 Remove 437 Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering Geology (PGDipEngGeol)
P 70 Add The degree of Professional Master of Engineering Geology
P 370 Geology 100-level: Remove Engineering Geology: 15 points of 100-level Mathematics and a further 30 points from
100-level Astronomy, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geography, Physics or Statistics.
P 370 Geology 300-level: Remove Engineering Geology, PGDipEngGeol,
P 406 1. Subjects in which the Degree may be Awarded Remove Engineering Geology
P 409 Engineering Geology: Remove whole section
p 418 7. Requirements for Part I
ii: Remove “ or the Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering Geology or whichever is appropriate”;
iv. Remove “ or the Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering Geology or whichever is appropriate”.
P 421 18.Transfer from MSc to PGDipSc or PGDipEngGeol: Remove PGDipEngGeol in title and text
P 422 19. Award of PGDipSc or PGDipEngGeol instead of Credit towards MSc: Remove PGDipEngGeol in title and text
P. 423 Engineering Geology: Delete whole section except title
Insert The programme of study consists of MSc Part II only consisting of a thesis totalling 1.0 EFTS
P. 428: Delete Engineering Geology
P 429 before The Degree of Master of Speech and Language Pathology (MSLP)
Add:
The Degree of Professional Master of Engineering Geology (PMEG)
See also General Course and Examination Regulations.
1) Qualifications Required to Enrol
Every candidate for the Professional Master of Engineering Geology (PMEG), before enrolling in the degree, shall
have
(a) either:
(i) qualified for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Science majoring in Geology or Earth
Sciences; or
(ii) qualified for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Engineering, majoring in Civil,
Environmental or Natural Resources Engineering (see Notes below); or
(iii) Been admitted ad eundem statum with graduate status with suitable preliminary qualification
to the University of Canterbury (see Notes below); or
(iv) recognition of prior learning/ experience as assessed by the Programme Director; and
(b) have been approved as a candidate by the Dean of Science; and
(c) 15 points of MATH 100-level courses and 15 points from STAT 100-level courses (Note: This
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requirement may be waived by the Head of Department if the student can demonstrate an existing
suitably high level of ability in Mathematics and/or Statistics.)
Notes:
1. Relevance of undergraduate studies to Engineering Geology and standard of achievement are the main criteria
for approval. Canterbury students entering under Regulation 1(a)I will normally be required to have passed GEOL
351 and GEOL 352, and 60 other points in GEOL 300-level courses with a grade average that meets the approval of
the Head of Department (the normal requirement is at least a B-grade average for these courses).
2. Candidates seeking admission may be required to pass a qualifying programme prior to commencing the
Professional Master of Engineering Geology.
3. A relevant tertiary qualification plus work experience may be deemed appropriate to meet the prerequisite
training. Candidates may be required to complete preparatory courses prior to entry.
4. Students with a B+ grade average and fulfilling all prerequisites will be enrolled first with Programme Director
approval, up to a total of 30 students across PMEG and MSc Part I. If fewer than 30 students meeting these criteria
enroll as of 3 weeks before the start of the semester, students with a B- to B grade average and fulfilling all
prerequisites given in Note 1 will be enrolled with Programme Director approval in the remaining spaces on a merit
basis.
2) Programme of Study
The programme of study, which will ensure students meet the IPENZ competence standards for professional
engineering geologists, shall consist of:
(a) eight required courses: ENGE 410, ENGE 411, ENGE 412, ENGE 413, ENGE 414, ENGE 415, ENGE 416, HAZM 410;
or
(b) substitution of required 400-level courses if the candidate has a demonstrated redundancy-in-training;
and
(c) a dissertation (ENGE 691).
Notes:
1. The time limit for a candidate studying full-time shall normally be 12 months. The time limit for a candidate studying
part-time shall normally be two years, but in exceptional circumstances the time limit may be a maximum of five years,
with approval from the Programme Director.
2. Practical and field work may be required as part of any ENGE course.
3) Requirements for the Dissertation (ENGE 691, 0.500 EFTS)
(a) The dissertation shall embody the results of an investigation in a subject area approved by the Programme
Director. The requirements of the General Course and Examination Regulations, Part L, shall be met.
(b) The dissertation will normally be completed in 4 months, not including writing the proposal, or 8 months if
studying part-time.
(c) If the consensus at the examiners' final examination is that the dissertation be awarded a failing grade, the
degree of Professional Master of Engineering Geology shall not be awarded.
4) Repeating of Courses
(a) A candidate who fails any of the courses, or who otherwise does not attain a standard satisfactory to the Dean
of Science, shall not be permitted to repeat any of those courses, or offer any other course in their place. In
exceptional circumstances, and with the approval of the Dean of Science, a candidate who fails one course may
be permitted to re-sit that course, or take an alternative course equivalent in content and standard.
(b) A candidate who fails a course will be awarded a Certificate of Proficiency for each course passed.
5) Award of Professional Master with Distinction or Merit
The Professional Master of Engineering Geology may be awarded with Distinction or Merit.
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Note: The award of Distinction indicates a grade point average of 7.0 or greater; the award of merit indicates a grade
point average of 6.0-6.9.
6) Transfer from PMEG to MSc (Engineering Geology)
If the courses passed for the programme have been passed with an average grade of at least B+, then, subject to the
Admission Regulations and with the approval of the Dean of Science, a candidate may elect to enter for the Degree of
Master of Science in Engineering Geology.
P 437 Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering Geology (PGDipEngGeol): Remove whole section
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