On December 16, 2023, 219 students enrolled in Semester 01 of the Bachelor of Civil Engineering program at the College of Engineering, UiTM Shah Alam, participated in a site visit and field work to the rock slope outcrop at UiTM Puncak Alam. The event was a dynamic experiential learning initiative that aimed to provide students with firsthand experience in investigating the geological structure and understanding the behaviour of rock slopes. The students were accompanied by a dedicated team of lecturers led by Noraida Mohd Saim, Ir. Ts. Noorfaizah Hamzah, Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Ismacahyadi Bagus Mohamed Jais, Dr. Nurul Ainain Mohd Salim, and Ir. Amminudin Ab Latif. The lecturers brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the event, helping students understand the complexities of geological structures and the behaviour of rock slopes. Moreover, with the presence of a distinguished guest speaker, Ts. Mohd Mustaqim Mohd Nordin from the Society for Engineering Geology and Rock Mechanics Malaysia (SEGRM), the students were able to learn from his vast knowledge and expertise in the field. Students were also exposed to the use of mobile online applications to determine the dip angle and direction.
The site visit was part of the Engineering Geology course, which teaches students about the role of geology in civil engineering. As part of the course, students learn about how knowledge of Engineering Geology is crucial in evaluating the suitability of a proposed site for development before the commencement of construction work and in identifying appropriate slope remediation methods. The primary objective of this immersive activity was to equip students with the ability to conduct field assessments, identify geological structures, analyse rock engineering properties, interpret findings, and evaluate their implications for engineering practices, public safety, and the environment. Through the site visit and fieldwork conducted, students were able to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations, gaining valuable practical skills that will serve them well in their future careers.
The learning outcomes were designed to support sustainable urbanisation that aligns with SDG 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. By conducting a comprehensive geological analysis of rock slopes, students are able to contribute to the broader goal of designing and building resilient infrastructure, which is essential for sustainable urbanisation.
The activity also fulfilled the element of ADAB (Code Element B8), giving students a valuable platform to connect with new knowledge, the environment, the community, and the Creator. By establishing meaningful connections with the real-world applications of Engineering Geology, students could foster a deeper understanding of its significance in both academic and practical contexts.
Overall, the event was a success and reflected UiTM’s commitment to providing holistic and experiential learning opportunities. The combination of academic rigour, practical skills, and a commitment to sustainable development positions UiTM students as future leaders in civil engineering and related disciplines.