ACADEMIC ENGINEERING GEOLOGY NEEDS FOR GEOTECHNICAL CONSULTING PRACTICE

Engineering geology students preparing for geotechnical consulting practice must be founded in the fundamentals of basic science and applied geology. The applied geology must be process-oriented, and the students must be able to collect meaningful, quantitative observations in the field. The students should be able to identify sources of variability and uncertainty, and plan a defendable sampling program. The students must understand that geologic mapping usually is an exercise in site characterization that will provide the basis for engineering analyses or design. Consequently, mapping must be done to convey physical and/or chemical properties to non-geologists. Engineering geology students must understand that the product of consulting practice is a report supported by maps, figures, and tables. Therefore, organization and writing skills are essential. Differentiating among facts, inferences, conclusions, opinions, and recommendations is vital. Engineering geology commonly is one element in a multidisciplinary approach to helping a client solve a problem. Therefore, the successful engineering geologist must be able to work on a team and communicate well with non-geologists. Students must have some knowledge of the analytical tools that are widely available, but also be aware of input data requirements. Acceptance of computer output must be tempered by an understanding of the range of reasonable results. Engineering geology students entering consulting practice must appreciate the aspects of business well enough to know that PROFIT is not a four-letter word, but LOSS is.