The purpose of this course is to introduce students to elements of the physical environment, which is modified by the construction process. It comprises of three units, namely geology, ecology and climatology. Introduction to geology; position, origin and structure of the earth, geological time scale, importance of geology in land evaluation of building structures and environmental planning.Minerals and rocks.Weathering and erosion; their effects on man-made structures and agricultural land.Natural hazards and earth stability.Geological aspects of foundation soils and sub-structures.The geology of Uganda and formation of the Rift Valley.Sources of construction and ornamental stones of Uganda.Basic concepts in ecology; biogeochemical cycles, ecosystems, biotic communities, population succession – primary, secondary and climax. Measurement of productivity, energy transfer, biomass, numbers. The physical environment; climatic and edaphic factors, limiting factors (i.e. rainfall, temperature, soil deficiencies). An appreciation of problems related to maintaining acceptable environmental standards. Solar and terrestrial radiation, elements of climate, introduction to global, regional and local climatology, climate and natural scene, effects of climate on forms of construction.
