Effective teaching methods for engaging engineering students in geology course

Knowledge of geology is essential for engineering students studying in a postgraduate programme on the management of natural resources and later aspiring to work in a related sector. This paper discusses the diverse teaching methods effectively used for engineering students in a geology course learning about the formation, distribution and preservation of a range of natural resources including hydrocarbons, ore deposits and building stones. The diverse teaching methods include case-based studies, laboratory investigation of hand specimen of rocks and minerals, 3D modelling using an industrial software and field trips that enable students in 3D visualisation of geological structures. Integrating their learnings from the lectures to practical observations and 3D models help in their understanding on the complexity of natural systems. The different teaching methods complement the lectures that are introductory in nature. The assessment methods are also diverse, testing on the identification and description of hand specimen, application of an industrial software for 3D modelling, and recording observations in a field trip to constrain the formation and preservation of economic resources. The end of term assessment is in a multiple-choice questions format to test the application, integration and analysis of taught concepts. The engineering students found group working opportunities with geology students a very positive learning experience. They also indicated preference for multiple assessments as implemented in this module. Their performance in the assessments demonstrate that teaching and assessment approaches implementing diverse methods work well for engineering students, helping them to develop in-depth geological concepts pertaining to natural resources