Subject Datasheet
Completion requirements
Subject Datasheet
Download PDFI. Subject Specification
1. Basic Data
1.1 Title
Geodynamics
1.2 Code
BMEEOGMMSFST08-00
1.3 Type
Module with associated contact hours
1.4 Contact hours
| Type | Hours/week / (days) |
| Lecture | 2 |
1.5 Evaluation
Midterm grade
1.6 Credits
3
1.7 Coordinator
| name | Dr. Török Ákos |
| academic rank | Professor |
| torok.akos@emk.bme.hu |
1.8 Department
Department of Engineering Geology and Geotechnics
1.9 Website
1.10 Language of instruction
hungarian
1.11 Curriculum requirements
Recommended elective in the Specialization in Geotechnics and Geology, Strcutural Engineering (MSc) programme
1.12 Prerequisites
1.13 Effective date
1 September 2025
2. Objectives and learning outcomes
2.1 Objectives
The subject focuses on the understanding of dynamic effects that are transferred from the geo-logical environment to the engineering structures. The students are getting familiar with geo-physics, rock stress and its interpretation and graphic representation, local and world-scale (Word Stress Map). The deformations caused by seismic waves in igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks also form part of the subject, as well as deformations caused by historic earthquakes. A main topic is the understanding of the Earth’s structural geology and seismicity with special emphasis on the Carpathian basin. The lectures will help in learning the detection methods of seismic waves and acquire the information content of the seismograms. By complet-ing the course the students will able to determine the parameters that are necessary for appro-priate seismic design. Engineering seismological approach will help the students to place the structures in the geological environment allowing the minimal risk and reducing the cost by proper seismic design.
2.2 Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject, the student:
A. Knowledge
A. Knowledge
1. knows the fundamentals of geophysics, Earth’s magnetic and gravitational fields
2. knows the principles of rock stress
3. knows the faulted and folded structures and related rock deformations,
4. aware of the mechanisms of earthquake generation,
5. knows the detection and registration methods of earthquakes and the information content of seismograms
6. knows the seismic behaviour of rock types
7. aware of the historic seismic events and the role of engineering seismic
8. knows the seismicity of the Carpathian-Pannonian system, and the Earth in general
9. understand and recognize the seismic sensitivity of engineering structures,
10. knows the geodynamic risks and the parameters that are necessary for safe seismic design
B. Skills
1. able to describe the seismic properties of rocks,
2. able to draw and graphically interpret the geological structures related to seismicity,
3. able to classify seismic waves and interpret their seismic effect,
4. able to understand the rock stress and can use it in the engineering design,
5. able to choose specific sites for waste disposal,
6. can prepare a list of the most important geological-geophysical parameters needed for seismic design
7. able to present an engineering geologically feasible seismic design
8. can read and interpret international references and written reports
9. able to express her/his thoughts orderly in written and oral.
C. Attitudes
a) improve her/his knowledge with continuous learning,
b) open to use the information technology tools,
c) pursue to know and use of the toolkit which need for the environmental geological problem solution,
d) pursue to the exact and errorless task solution.
D. Autonomy and Responsibility
1. thinks through and solve independently the geodynamics related tasks and problems accord-ing to given sources,
2. consider logical steps and solutions in geodynamics
3. open to accept the critical comments,
4. use the systematic approaches in her/his mind.
2.3 Methods
Lectures, communication in written and oral form, use of IT tools and techniques, task solved independently and in groups as well, work organization techniques.
2.4 Course outline
week: Topics of lectures and/or exercise classes
1. Earth’s physics and geophysics.
2. Rock stress (definition, measurements).
3. Rock deformation, faulted and folded structures.
4. Seismology, principles, mechanisms of earthquake generation, earthquakes and deformation.
5. Registration and evaluation of seismic waves, intensity, basin structure and Vs30 values
6. Word Stress Map and local rock stresses in Hungary.
7. Gravitational, magnetic and geothermal anomalies and their relationship with structures and seismicity.
8. Structural geology and seismicity of the Earth and the Carpathian basin.
9. Seismograms and their interpretation, most important parameters and surface acceleration.
10. Seismic behaviour of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks, wave propagation in these rocks.
11. Detection methods of seismic waves under laboratory conditions, longitudinal and transversal waves.
12. Engineering seismology, detection of previous earthquakes, input geological parameters of seismic design
13. Structures in geological environment, evaluation of seismic hazards.
14. Reducing seismic risks and steps of seismic safe design in the frame of geodynamics.
The above programme is tentative and subject to changes due to calendar variations and other reasons specific to the actual semester. Consult the effective detailed course schedule of the course on the subject website.
The above programme is tentative and subject to changes due to calendar variations and other reasons specific to the actual semester. Consult the effective detailed course schedule of the course on the subject website.
2.5 Study materials
a) Textbooks
1. Pollard, D.D., Martel S.J. (2020) Structural Geology, Cambridge Univ. Press
2. Ansal, A. (eds) (2004-2016): Geotechnical, Geological and Earthquake Engineering. könyvsorozat, Springer
3. Fossen, H. (2016) Structural Geology (2nd ed.), Cambridge Univ. Press
4. Price, D.G.(2009): Engineering Geology, Principles and Practice. SpringerAmadei, B, Stephansson, B.O. (1997) Rock Stress and Its Measurement. Springer
5. Ansal, A. (eds) (2004-2016): Geotechnical, Geological and Earthquake Engineering. könyvsorozat, Springer
6. Bath, M. (1979): Introduction to Seismology. Birkhauser
7. Rogers, N. (ed) (2007): An Introduction to Our Dynamic Planets. Cambridge Univ. Press
b) Online materials
1. Lecture notes
2.6 Other information
1) The topics lectures provide information on seismic behaviour of major plates, bringing case studies related to geodynamics.
2.7 Consultation
The instructors are available for consultation during their office hours, as advertised on the de-partment website. Special appointments can be requested via e-mail: torok.akos@emk.bme.hu
This Subject Datasheet is valid for:
2025/2026 semester II
II. Subject requirements
Assessment and evaluation of the learning outcomes
3.1 General rules
The learning outcomes specified in Section 2.2 are assessed based on a midterm test, a homework assignment, and its presentation.
3.2 Assessment methods
| Assessment Name (Type) | Code | Assessed Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Midterm test | MT1 | A.1-A.5; B.1; B.2; B.6; C.2; C.4; D.3 |
| Homework | HW | A.6-A.10; B.5-B.8; C.2; C.4; D.3 |
| Presentation | P | A.1-A.10; B.1-B.8; C.1-C.4; D.1-D.4 |
The dates of deadlines of assignments/homework can be found in the detailed course schedule on the subject’s website.
3.3 Evaluation system
| Code | Weight |
|---|---|
| MT1 | 40% |
| HW | 30% |
| P | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
3.4 Requirements and validity of signature
There is no signature for this subject.
3.5 Grading system
| Grade | Score (P) |
|---|---|
| excellent (5) | 80≤P |
| good (4) | 70≤P<80% |
| satisfactory (3) | 60≤P<70% |
| pass (2) | 50≤P<60% |
| fail (1) | P<50% |
3.6 Retake and repeat
1. The homework assignment may be submitted late—subject to the payment of a fee as defined in the regulations—by 16:00 on the last day of the retake period, or electronically by 23:59 on the same day.
2. Submitted and accepted homework assignments may be corrected free of charge by the deadline and in the manner specified in point 2.
3. The summative academic performance assessment and the presentation may be retaken or improved once during the retake period free of charge. In case of improvement, the better of the two results (original or new) will be taken into account.
3.7 Estimated workload
| Activity | Hours/Semester |
|---|---|
| Participation in contact classes | 14×2=28 |
| Preparation for the presentation | 4×1=4 |
| Preparation for assessments | 2x18=36 |
| Completion of the homework assignment | 22 |
3.8 Effective date
1 September 2025
This Subject Datasheet is valid for:
2025/2026 semester II