Until year 1959 were scientific disciplines, which nowadays constitute basic content of Department of geotechnics, part of Department of hydrotechnics. In September 1959 from this department detached group of 4 teachers and 2 technicians, who together with 3 teachers from Faculty of natural sciences UK established Department of foundation of structures, geology and dams (first head of department became Prof. P. Peter). In the year 1965, after movement of three employees from Department of transportation engineering originated Department of geotechnics.
Pedagogical activity of department is concentrated on subjects of natural sciences nature (geology, engineering geology, hydrogeology), theoretical nature (soil mechanics, rock mechanics) a technological nature (foundation of structures, dams and reservoirs, and underground structures), which are lecturing on all programmes in different proportion.
In the field of research members of department focus on investigation of engineering-geological conditions of all kinds of structures, engineering geology, soil and rock mechanics. To the stock of the work also belong solving of theoretical and practical tasks of foundation of industrial, transportation and underground structures, and also designing, construction and operation of dams, reservoirs and water management systems.
Between personalities who significantly influence development of department belong prof. P. Peter, Assoc. Prof. A. Nemčok, Prof. J. Mencl and Prof. J. Jesenák.
