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An Introduction to Landslides and Mass Wasting
American Institute of Professional Geologists
Course Number
AIPG008-
Classes Start
Estimated Effort
10 hours-
Classes End
About This Course
This course is designed to be an introduction to the subject of landslides or mass wasting. Landslides or mass wasting occur in both solid bedrock and in poorly-consolidated sediments. Concerning the latter, loose sands, clays and soft shales can prove to be quite problematic. These type of strata are highlighted in our discussions. We will start with a basic review of soil mechanics and strength of materials, as a precursor to our coverage of the topic of landslides. We will discuss the causes of landslides, their form and classification, as well as methods of analysis, prediction and prevention. It is our hope that the material covered in this course will provide you with a firm background and motivate you to explore this important subject in greater depth.
Obtaining Continuing Education Units
If your course grade is at least 70%, you may apply for 1.0 CEU credit. There is an administrative fee for the issuance of the CEU, and you can view the fee structure here. You can check your final grade by clicking on the Progress menu item in the course navigation menu at the top of the page.
Requirements
This is an advanced geoscience course. It is intended for professional geoscientists or advanced students who are interested in learning about landslides and mass wasting.
Course Staff
Robert Font, PhD
Font is a Certified Professional and Petroleum Geologist and a Licensed Geologist in multiple states. He also holds the titles of "European Geologist" as awarded by the European Federation of Geologists and "Chartered Geologist" in the United Kingdom. Font earned his Ph.D., specializing in engineering geology and geomechanics, from Texas A and M University. He has 48 years of professional experience in both academia and industry. He is a former tenured Associate Professor at Baylor University, Project Supervisor and Area Geologist for Conoco, Inc., Executive Vice President at Strategic Petroleum Corporation and President of Geoscience Data Management, Inc.
Font is a Past National President and National Vice President of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG), Past President of the Texas Section of AIPG and Past President of the Dallas Geological Society. Font is the author of more than 100 professional papers and multiple courses and the author of the "Test your Knowledge" column in AIPG's "The Professional Geologist" magazine.
Font is an active member of various professional organizations and a Fellow of the Geological Society of America and the Geological Society of London. He is the recipient of various awards including Conoco's "Professor of the Year in Geophysics", AIPG's "Martin Van Couvering Memorial Award", and AIPG's "Ben H. Parker Memorial Medal." Font is a proud US citizen born in Havana Cuba. His roots are from France, Spain and Great Britain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take this course all at one time to pass it?
No, in fact that's the advantage of offering asynchronous online courses. You can go through the course at your own pace, pause when you wish, save your progress, and resume the course when it’s convenient for you to do so.
Do I have to pay a registration fee for the course?
There is no registration fee for the course. You may view the entire course, and complete all the assessments, assignments, and exams at no cost.
Are Continuing Education Units available for this course?
If you would like to receive credit for the course and obtain CEUs, you will need to pass the course with a minimum of a 70%, fill out a form to register for the CEUs, and pay an administrative fee. The administrative fee for CEUs varies for each course. Please see details in the “How to Obtain CEUs” section at the end of each course.