PART I The Earth and its formation; plate tectonics; physical and chemical processes; erosion and deposition; Quaternary geology; Rock types; igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic; geological maps and terminology; role of geology in civil engineering. PART II Setting the context using the soil mechanics triangle; soil composition and chemistry ¿ clay bonding and double layer; classification and identification; phase relationships; soil compaction and improvement techniques; effective stress concept and flow of water in soils; permeability and flow nets; drained and undrained shear strength; site investigation.