Physical Environment II (Geology)

Physical Environment II (Geology) course aims to provide the basics of geology as applied to Architectural Practice. Tt covers contents such as the structure of different rocks, the earth crust, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanism, stability of earth and rock materials, weathering of rocks, groundwater and soil development, as a special reference to the tropics and Rwanda at large. It also introduces geology as a part of the environmental science related to other earth sciences. This course will help students to acquire a strong background in understanding materials (rocks, earth, water, and soil) in order to better design both architectural structures and landscapes. The selection of construction material will be based on the understanding of the geology, leading to a sustainable design.