Master of Geotechnical and Geological Engineering Program: Course Design and Market Survey Analysis

Abstract

The failure of soil has been a great challenge to geotechnical and geological engineers especially in Malaysia. The landslide and slope failure incidents in Malaysia normally occurred due to the climate and unfavaourable nature of weathered materials. Hence, the importance of geological-geotechnical studies as a basis for civil engineering projects is acknowledged. Engineering Faculty in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) has decided to offer a master program in order to produce professionals equipped with expertise and suitable skills in geotechnical and geological engineering. The need of this program in civil engineering fi elds is a major concern as only few expertises exist in Malaysia. A survey has been carried out on 40 respondents to determine the prospect of conducting the program and its future graduates. 100% of the respondents agreed that the program will produce graduates for labour market. However, there are several modifi cations of the course design have been made based on the respondents’ comments and opinions.