Overview

• The Department of Geology and Geological Engineering offers studies in the following undergraduate and graduate level degrees:

  • Bachelor of Science in Geology

  • Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering

  • Master of Science in Engineering Science with emphasis in Geology

  • Master of Science in Engineering Science with emphasis in Geological Engineering

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Science with emphasis in Geology

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Science with emphasis in Geological Engineering

  The Department also supports graduate degrees in Hydrology:

  • Master of Science in Engineering Science with emphasis in Hydrology

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Science with emphasis in Hydrology

Geological Engineering Undergraduate Program

• Goals and Objectives

  • The goals of the Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering program are an outgrowth of and consistent with The University of Mississippi Mission. While recognizing that the primary goal is to educate students whose careers will serve the state of Mississippi, it is our goal to train students whose professional careers will also serve the needs of the nation and the world in geological engineering and related fields. Past graduates of the program have found professional positions in a range of industries including (1) geotechnical, (2) geoenvironmental, (3) geospatial information science and technology, (4) graduate education, and (5) earth resources extraction. Future graduates are expected to serve the same range of industries. The objectives of the Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering program are to prepare graduates:

    1. Capable of conducting productive careers as professional geological engineers engaged in continuous professional growth along their chosen career path;

    2. Knowledgeable of fundamental mathematics, chemistry, and physics, in preparation for advanced instruction and professional practice in geological engineering;

    3. With demonstrated knowledge of the engineering sciences, geological sciences, and geological engineering design fundamentals that are the core of the geological engineering profession;

    4. Well versed in the liberal arts and capable of effective written and oral communication;

    5. Familiar with modern technology and modern scientific and engineering practice, and prepared to engage in lifelong learning to remain vital in the profession;

    6. With demonstrated ability to design and communicate creative solutions to practical problems that are effective, ethical, environmentally sound, cognizant of public safety requirements, and economically feasible.

• Program Accreditation

  • The Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012 - telephone: (410) 347 - 7700.

• Admissions

  • Criteria and procedures for admitting students within the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering follow the general requirements for admission to the University of Mississippi. A portion of these requirements are shown below. The entire list of requirements is published in the Undergraduate Catalog. It is recommend that all prospective students consult with the current catalog or contact the Department should you have any further questions.

    Admission requirements to the School of Engineering, which encompass and exceed the general university requirements, are given below:

    • Admission of Freshmen

      • An applicant to the freshman class in the School of Engineering must submit the following:

        The applicant’s academic record from an approved secondary school which includes at least the following units:

        Subject	Minimum Units
        English	4
        Mathematics	4
        Natural science	3
        Social science	3
        Advanced electives, including Foreign language (one language)	2
        Computer applications	0.5
        Total (secondary school units)	16.5

    • Admission of Transfer Students

      • An overall “C” average in course work taken at other approved colleges is required for transfer into the School of Engineering. In unusual cases, the rule may be waived with the approval of the appropriate department chair and the dean.

    • Admission of International Students

      • International undergraduate applicants must have received a high school diploma with a “B” average or better and have completed a minimum of 12 years of primary and secondary education. Those prospective students whose native language is not English must submit evidence of competence in English by a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper) or 213 (computer-based). International students transferring from other colleges and universities must have an overall “B” average or better on all courses taken.

• Degree Requirements

  • The following is the Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering degree requirements by topic for students entering the program AFTER August 1, 2003. For students who have entered prior to August 1, 2003, see your academic advisor for curriculum transition requirements.

    Use the graduation application when scheduling classes.

    TOTAL SEMESTER HOURS: 137
    FIRST YEAR: 32 Semester Hours
    Courses	Semester Hours
    	1st	2nd
    ENGL 101, 102–English Composition	3	3
    CHEM 105, 106, 115, 116–General Chemistry; Laboratory	4	4
    MATH 261, 262–Unified Calculus and Analytic Geometry	3	3
    GEOL 103–Earth Dynamics	5	-
    GEOL 221–Mineralogy	-	4
    Soc. Sci./Humanities/Fine Arts elective	-	3

    SECOND YEAR: 34 Semester Hours
    Courses	Semester Hours
    	1st	2nd
    MATH 263, 264–Unified Calculus and Analytic Geometry	3	3
    PHYS 211, 212, 221, 222–Physics; Laboratory	4	4
    CSCI 251–Programming for Engineering and Sciences	3	-
    GEOL 222–Elementary Petrology	4	-
    GEOL 314–Sedimentology and Stratigraphy	-	4
    ENGR 309–Introductory Mechanics	-	3
    ENGR 340–Engineering Geology	-	3
    Soc. Sci./Humanities/Fine Arts elective	3	-

    THIRD YEAR: 32 Semester Hours
    Courses	Semester Hours
    	1st	2nd
    ENGR 207–Graphics I	-	1
    ENGR 323–Fluid Mechanics	3	-
    Soc. Sci./Humanities/Fine Arts elective	-	3
    GE Technical Elective**	-	3
    MATH 353–Differential Equations	3	-
    ENGR 312–Mechanics of Materials	-	3
    GEOL 303–Structural and Tectonic Geology	-	3
    GEOL 305–Geomorphology	3	-
    GE 234–Intro. to Geological Engineering Field Methods	1	-
    GE 440–Rock Mechanics	3	-
    GE 470–Intro. to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)	3	-
    Engineering Science Elective	-	3

    THIRD YEAR: 6 Semester Hours

    GE 437–South Dakota School of Mines Field Camp (or acceptable substitute field camp)

    FOURTH YEAR: 33 Semester Hours
    Courses	Semester Hours
    	1st	2nd
    CE 431–Soil Mechanics I	-	3
    GE 420–Subsurface Site Characterization	4	-
    GE 421–Geological Engineering Design	-	4
    GE 450–Hydrology	4	-
    GE Technical Electives**	3	-
    Engineering Science Elective*	-	3
    ECON 310–Engineering Enconomy	-	3
    ENGR 453–Prob. and Stat. Analysis in Engineering Design	3	-
    Soc. Sci./Humanities/Fine Arts elective	3	3

    *Engineering Science Electives(pick two):ENGR 360 or ENGR 362, ENGR 321, CE 472

    **GE Technical Electives (pick two): GE 405, GE 415, GE 490, GE 503, GE 507, GE 510, GE 511, GE 513, CE 471 or one of the following addtional engineering science courses: CE 325, ENGR 310, ENGR 313

Geology Undergraduate Program

• Goals and Objectives

  • The goals of the Bachelor of Science in Geology program are an outgrowth of and consistent with The University of Mississippi’s Mission and Goals. It is our goal to educate students whose professional careers will serve the needs of the nation and the world in geology and related fields. Past graduates of the program have found professional positions in a range of industries including environmental, geospatial information science, natural hazard mitigation,earth resources extraction, hydrology, and graduate education. Future graduates are expected to serve the same range of industries. The objectives of the Bachelor of Science in Geology program are to prepare graduates:

    • Capable of conducting productive careers as professional geologists engaged in continuous professional growth along their chosen career path;

    • Knowledgeable of fundamental mathematics, chemistry, and physics, in preparation for advanced instruction and professional practice in geology;

    • With demonstrated knowledge of the engineering sciences, geological sciences, and geological engineering design fundamentals that are the core of the geological engineering profession;

    • Well versed in the liberal arts and capable of effective written and oral communication;

    • Familiar with modern technology and modern scientific practice, and prepared to engage in lifelong learning to remain vital in the profession.

• Program Accreditation

  • The Bachelor of Science program in Geology is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

• Admissions

  • Criteria and procedures for admitting students within the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering follow the general requirements for admission to the University of Mississippi. A portion of these requirements are shown below. The entire list of requirements is published in the Undergraduate Catalog. It is recommend that all prospective students consult with the current catalog or contact the Department should you have any further questions.

    • Admission of Freshmen

      • An applicant to the freshman class at the University of Mississippi must submit the following:

        The applicant’s academic record from an approved secondary school which includes at least the following units:

        Subject	Minimum Units
        English	4
        Mathematics	3
        Natural science	3
        Social science	3
        Advanced electives, including Foreign language (one language)	2
        Computer applications	0.5
        Total (secondary school units)	15.5

    • Admission of Transfer Students

      • An overall “C” average in course work taken at other approved colleges is required for transfer into the University of Mississippi. In unusual cases, the rule may be waived with the approval of the appropriate department chair and the dean.

    • Admission of International Students

      • International undergraduate applicants must have received a high school diploma with a “B” average or better and have completed a minimum of 12 years of primary and secondary education. Those prospective students whose native language is not English must submit evidence of competence in English by a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper) or 213 (computer-based). International students transferring from other colleges and universities must have an overall “B” average or better on all courses taken.

• Degree Requirements

  • The following is the Bachelor of Science in Geology degree requirements by topic for students entering the program AFTER August 1, 2003. For students who have entered prior to August 1, 2003, see your academic advisor for curriculum transition requirements.

    TOTAL SEMESTER HOURS: 124
    FIRST YEAR: 29 Semester Hours
    Courses	Semester Hours
    	1st	2nd
    Geology 103–Earth Dynamics	5	-
    CHEM 105, 106, 115, 116–General Chemistry; Laboratory	4	4
    Geology 221–Mineralogy	-	4
    English 101, 102–English Composition	3	3
    Chemistry 105, 106, 115, 116–General Chemistry; Laboratory	4	4
    Mathematics 261, 262–Unified Calculus and Analytic Geometry	3	3

    SECOND YEAR: 31 Semester Hours
    Courses	Semester Hours
    	1st	2nd
    Geology 222–Elementary Petrology	4	-
    Geology 314–Sedimentology and Stratigraphy	-	4
    English 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, or 226	3	3
    Physics 213, 214, 223, 224–Physics; Laboratory	4	4
    Foreign Language 201, 202	3	3
    Social Science Elective	-	3

    THIRD YEAR: 28 Semester Hours
    Courses	Semester Hours
    	1st	2nd
    Geology 305-Geomorphology	3	-
    GE 413–Probability and Statistical Analyses in Engineering Design	3	-
    GE 234–Intro. to Geological Engineering Field Methods	1	-
    Geology 303-Structural and Tectonic Geology	-	3
    Social Science Electives	3	3
    SPCH 102 or 105-Speech	-	3
    CSCI 111–Computer Science I	-	3
    General Elective	3	3

    THIRD YEAR: 6 Semester Hours

    GE 437–South Dakota School of Mines Field Camp (or acceptable substitute field camp)

    FOURTH YEAR: 30 Semester Hours
    Courses	Semester Hours
    	1st	2nd
    Geology 505-Hydrogeology or Geology 550-Oceanography & Marine Geology	4/3	-
    GE 503–Environmental Geochemistry or GE 577- Geophysics I	-	3
    Geology 309, 420, 500 or 513	4/3	-
    Geology/GE Elective 400-level or above	4/3	4/3
    Social Science Elective	3	-
    General Electives	-	6 or 9*

    * 6 hrs if 4-hr classes are taken for electives within the major; 9 hrs if 3-hr classes are taken for electives within the major

Graduate Programs

• Degree Requirements

  • The requirements for a M.S. or Ph.D. degree are nearly the same for degrees in Geology and in Geological Engineering, though the specific courses taken in fulfillment of each degree may vary. The primary difference is in the pre-requisite courses that must be taken either before entering the degree program, or during the first few semesters of enrollment in the program.

    Detailed information on the general requirements for an advanced degree at the University of Mississippi may be found in the Graduate School Catalog.

    • Course requirements for a M.S. degree in Geology or Geological Engineering

      • 30 hours including 6 hours of thesis credit

      • At least 18 hours must be formal classroom courses

      • At least 12 hours must be at the 600 level or higher

      • Additional courses may be required by an individual’s committee

    • Course requirements for a Ph.D. degree in Geology or Geological Engineering

      • 54 hours beyond the bachelor’s degree, including 18 hours of dissertation credit

      • At least 30 hours, not including dissertation hours, must be completed at the University of Mississippi, and two consecutive semesters must be completed at the Oxford campus

      • At least 18 hours must be at the 600 level or higher

      • Additional courses may be required by an individual’s committee

      • There is no foreign language requirement

• Graduation Milestones

  • Selection of committee and major advisor

    • All students must have a major advisor that will be the primary supervisor for the student’s research. The major advisor must be a member of the Geology and Geological Engineering faculty. Each student must also have a committee made up of additional faculty members that will provide additional guidance and approval of the final thesis or dissertation. Requirements for M.S. and Ph.D. degrees differ as follows:

      • M.S. committee: 3 members of the Geology and Geological Engineering faculty.

      • Ph.D. committee: 3 members of the Geology and Geological Engineering faculty, and 1 from another discipline. Committee selections must be approved by the Chair of the department.

  • Prospectus

    • The Prospectus is a written and oral summary of the research planned and results of any preliminary work performed. The summary must include background information, a description of the field site (if applicable), methods to be employed, preliminary results, and a tentative timeline for completion. The title, date, and abstract for the prospectus must be posted at least 5 days prior to the presentation. There must be one intervening semester between the defense of the thesis or dissertation prospectus and the defense of the thesis or dissertation. Requires submission of an official form to the Graduate School (Ph.D. only).

  • Completion of course work

    • Subject to the guidelines of the Graduate School and approval by the student’s committee.

  • Comprehensive exams (Ph.D. only)

    • Comprehensive exams are given near or after the completion of course work. Comprehensive exams consist of a written exam administered by the members of the student’s committee, and an oral exam that may include questioning open to the general university community, and questioning limited to the student’s committee. Deficiencies found in a comprehensive exam could lead to additional course work or assignments being required by the student’s committee. Requires submission of an official form to the Graduate School.

  • Application to graduate

    • Contact the Graduate School for current deadlines and application forms.

  • Defense of thesis or dissertation

    • The final defense requires that a nearly completed final draft of the thesis or dissertation has been approved by the major advisor and submitted to the committee. The title, date and abstract must be posted at least 5 days before the defense. The format of the defense is determined by the major advisor and committee. Requires submission of an official form to the Graduate School.

  • Submission of signed thesis or dissertation to the Graduate School

    • Requires submission of an official form to the Graduate School.

Course Listing

• Geology and Geological Engineering Courses

  • GEOL 103 - EARTH DYNAMICS

    • An integrated study of the process-response relationships between plate tectonics and geological processes through time. Required of geology and geological engineering majors. Prerequisite:none. (3 lecture, 2 lab hours) (5 credit hours).

  • GEOL 221 - MINERALOGY

    • Crystallography, crystal chemistry, and minerals; determination by physical and chemical properties. Prerequisite: GEOL 103. Corequisite: CHEM 105. (3 lecture, 2 lab hours) (4 credit hours).

  • GEOL 222 - ELEMENTARY PETROLOGY

    • Petrographic and hand-specimen identification of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks, lithologic classification, and the role of plate tectonics in petrogenesis. Prerequisite or corequisite: GEOL 221. (3 lecture, 2 lab hours). (4 credit hours).

  • GEOL 303 - STRUCTURAL AND TECTONIC GEOLOGY

    • Geometric and genetic classification of both macro- and micro-structural types and their interrelations with crustal tectonics. Prerequisite: GEOL 222. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours). (3 credit hours).

  • GEOL 305 - GEOMORPHOLOGY

    • Introduction to concepts of landform genesis. Prerequisite or corequisite: GEOL 103. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours) (3 credit hours)

  • GEOL 309 - INVERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY

    • The classification, morphology, and paleoecology of invertebrate fossils. Prerequisite: GEOL 103. (3 lecture, 2 lab hours). (4 credit hours).

  • GEOL 314 - SEDIMENTOLOGY AND STRATIGRAPHY

    • Study of the principles of sediment and sedimentary rock formation, transport, classification, and depositional environments, as well as the development of stratigraphic sequences and modern and traditional methods of stratigraphic correlation. Prerequisite: GEOL 222. (3 lecture, 2 lab hours) (4 credit hours).

  • GEOL 420 - OPTICAL MINEROLOGY

    • Use of the petrographic microscope to study the optical properties of rock-forming minerals. Prerequisite: GEOL 222 (2 lecture, 2 lab). (3 credit hours).

  • GEOL 500 - GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS

    • Geographic Information Systems are combinations of computer software, hardware, and database (maps). These systems are used to analyze and display geographical information necessary for government and industrial planning. Prerequisite: GEOL 305, or consent of instructor. (4 credit hours).

  • GEOL 505 - HYDROGEOLOGY

    • Groundwater hydrology for geologists. Prerequisite: GEOL 221, 222, 303, 313, or consent of instructor. (4 credit hours).

  • GEOL 530 - GEOLOGY FIELD STUDIES

    • Field projects for graduate students. Prerequisite: GEOL 221, 222, 303, 313, or consent of instructor. (3 credit hours).

  • GEOL 550 - OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE GEOLOGY

    • Advanced study of the principles of ocean basin tectonics, seawater composition, waves, tides, currents, and marine and coastal marine sedimentation. Prerequisite: GEOL 314 or consent of instructor. (3 credit hours).

  • GEOL 591 - SPECIAL TOPICS

    • Lecture or lecture-lab courses on specific topics and on a one-time basis. (1-3 credit hours).

  • GE 234 - INTRODUCTION TO GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING FIELD METHODS

    • Instruction in the use of geological field instruments and geological engineering field technique. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (1 credit hour).

  • GE 305 - GEOMECHANICS

    • Properties and behavior of earth materials and their geological engineering applications to problems and design in geotechnics, mining, and petroleum. Prerequisite: ENGR 420. Corequisite: GE 420. (3 credit hours).

  • GE 402 - PROFESSIONALISM IN GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING

    • Overview of professionalism in Geological Engineering, including such topics as ethics, communication, legal aspects and public interface. Prerequisite: Senior standing. (1 credit hour).

  • GE 405 - ENGINEERING GEOPHYSICS

    • The application of geophysical methods and techniques to subsurface engineering investigations. (3 credit hours).

  • GE 413 - PROBABILITY AND STATISTICAL ANALYSES IN ENGINEERING DESIGN

    • Introduction to probability, statistics, uncertainty, and reliability. Application of common continuous and discrete probability distributions. Design under uncertainty and elementary decision analysis. Simulation of random variables. Applications in natural and man-made materials, hydrologic and geological conditions and other natural processes, and engineering design. (Same as ENGR 453). Prerequisite: MATH 262. (3 credit hours).

  • GE 420 - SUBSURFACE SITE CHARACTERIZATION

    • Coring, logging, introduction and application of geophysical methods, sampling, and penetrometer testing. Applications require preparation of quality assurance and control procedures, maps, cross sections, and oral and written reports. Prerequisites: GE 305, 450. (4 credit hours).

  • GE 421 - GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DESIGN

    • Geological engineering design by the application of rock mechanics, soil mechanics, geology, geophysics, remote sensing and hydrology to geological and engineering problems. Prerequisite: senior standing. The taking of the national Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination is a requirement of this course. Prerequisites: GE 420. (4 credit hours).

  • GE 430 - GEOLOGICAL FIELD STUDIES

    • Application of geological engineering and geology to special study field problems. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor. (4 credit hours).

  • GE 437 - GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DESIGN FIELD CAMP

    • Geological engineering design problems at the South Dakota Consortium’s Black Hills Field Station. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (3-6 credit hours).

  • GE 440 - ROCK MECHANICS

    • The physical and engineering properties of rocks and rock-like materials; classification, strength, deformation, hydraulic aspects, geostresses, effects of discontinuities and geologic structures. Geological engineering application to geotechnics, petroleum and mining problems and design. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours) (3 credit hours).

  • GE 450 - HYDROGEOLOGY

    • The theory and geology of the flow of ground water. Engineering principles and the design of wells for the production or injection of fluids from or into subsurface aquifers. Prerequisite: GE 420 or consent of instructor. (3 lecture, 2 lab hours) (4 credit hours).

  • GE 460 - FUNDAMENTALS OF WASTE MANAGEMENT

    • The fundamentals of managing and disposing of waste materials. Emphasis on the geological and geotechnical aspects of disposal by burying in the subsurface, and on elements of geophysics. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (3 credit hours).

  • GE 470 - INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS)

    • Geographic information systems (GIS) are computer systems of holding and using information describing places on the Earth. These systems used are for industry and government to manage and analyze environmental, engineering, and natural resource information. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (3 lecture, 2 lab hours) (3 credit hours).

  • GE 490 - DIRECTED STUDIES AND PROJECTS

    • Individual studies and/or projects for undergraduates on specific topics. (1-3 credit hours).

  • GE 503 - ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY

    • Chemical interaction between water and aquifer minerals, organic minerals, and contaminants. Prerequisite: CHEM 106. (3 credit hours).

  • GE 506 - GEOMECHANICS FOR GEOLOGISTS

    • Application of geomechanics to geological problems. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (3 credit hours).

  • GE 507 - REGIONAL GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING

    • Geological engineering problems associated with each area of the United States . (3 credit hours).

  • GE 510 - REMOTE SENSING

    • Theory and principles of remote sensing technology; mission design and analysis of remotely sensed data, given cost and technological constraints, for geologic applications. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (1 lecture, 4 lab hours) (3 credit hours).

  • GE 511 - SPATIAL ANALYSIS

    • GIS analysis of the relationships of mapped features. Course will include application and integration of GIS, image processing, and mathematical modes. (3 credit hours).

  • GE 513 - ECONOMIC GEOLOGY

    • Study of the formation and classification of ore deposits; exploration techniques; evaluation of reserves; and extraction techniques. Prerequisite: GEOL 303. (3 credit hours).

  • GE 518 - QUANTITATIVE METHODS IN GEOLOGY AND GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING

    • Quantitative methods in geolgogy and geological engineering. (3 credit hours).

  • GE 520 - GEOLOGY AND GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

    • The use of computer programs for earth science applications. Prerequisites: GEOL 221, 222, 313, 315, or consent of instructor. (3 credit hours).

  • GE 535 - ADVANCED ROCK MECHANICS

    • The application of mechanics to solving problems in rock engineering for both surface and underground conditions. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (3 credit hours).

  • GE 561 - DESIGN OF WASTE REPOSITORIES

    • Assessment of factors that govern site selection, site evaluation, and landfill design. Prerequisite: GE 460 or GE 560.

  • GE 577 - GEOPHYSICS I

    • Gravity and magnetic theory and methods. (3 credit hours)

  • GE 591 - SPECIAL TOPICS

    • Lecture or lecture/lab courses on specific topics and on a one-time basis. (1-3 credit hours).

  The courses listed are those recently offered. A complete list of courses may be found in the Undergraduate Catalog.

• Geology and Geological Engineering Graduate Courses

  • GEOL 500 - GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS

    • Geographic Information Systems are combinations of computer software, hardware, and database (maps). These systems are used to analyze and display geographical information necessary for government and industrial planning. Prerequisite: GEOL 305, or consent of instructor. (4 credit hours).

  • GEOL 505 - HYDROGEOLOGY

    • Groundwater hydrology for geologists. Prerequisite: GEOL 221, 222, 303, 313, or consent of instructor. (4 credit hours).

  • GEOL 506 - ADVANCED PETROLOGY

    • The genesis of each of the three major rock groups by use of general collections and detailed suites of rocks and by classroom lecture. Prerequisites: GEOL 221, 222. (4 credit hours).

  • GEOL 515 - DIRECTED STUDIES

    • Individual investigation of an original problem either as a senior research problem or a graduate research problem for nonthesis credit. May be repeated for credit. (1-3 credit hours).

  • GEOL 530 - GEOLOGY FIELD STUDIES

    • Field projects for graduate students. Prerequisite: GEOL 221, 222, 313, 303, or consent of instructor. (3 credit hours).

  • GEOL 550 - OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE GEOLOGY

    • Advanced study of the principles of ocean basin tectonics, seawater composition, waves, tides, currents, and marine and coastal marine sedimentation. Prerequisite: GEOL 314 or consent of instructor. (3 credit hours).

  • GEOL 591 - SPECIAL TOPICS

    • Lecture or lecture-lab courses on specific topics and on a one-time basis. (1-3 credit hours).

  • GEOL 614 - GEOMETRICS

    • Map analysis of spatial geological data as applied to petroleum, coal, ore and geotechnical exploration and evaluation. (Same as ENGR 614) Prerequisite: GE 413. (3 credit hours).

  • GEOL 615 - GEOSTATISTICS

    • Operational aspects and interpretation of geological data using statistics and data analysis. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (3 credit hours).

  • GEOL 643 - ADVANCED GEOMORPHOLOGY

    • Surface processes associated with specific physiographic districts. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (3 credit hours).

  • GEOL 647 - SEDIMENTARY PETROLOGY

    • Advanced treatment of the principals and recent advances in sedimentary petrology with particular emphasis on textural and geochemical aspects of diagnosis. Prerequisite: GEOL 314 or consent of instructor. (4 credit hours).

  • GEOL 690 - SCIENTIFIC WRITING SEMINAR

    • Exercises in scientific writing format and style, with particular emphasis on writing abstracts and manuscripts for publication in refereed archival journals. May be repeated once for credit. (1 credit hour).

  • GEOL 697 - THESIS

    • (1-12 credit hours).

  • GE 503 - ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY

    • Chemical interaction between water and aquifer minerals, organic minerals, and contaminants. Prerequisite: CHEM 106. (3 credit hours).

  • GE 506 - GEOMECHANICS FOR GEOLOGISTS

    • Application of geomechanics to geological problems. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (3 credit hours).

  • GE 507 - REGIONAL GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING

    • Geological engineering problems associated with each area of the United States . (3 credit hours).

  • GE 510 - REMOTE SENSING

    • Theory and principles of remote sensing technology; mission design and analysis of remotely sensed data, given cost and technological constraints, for geologic applications. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (1 lecture, 4 lab hours) (3 credit hours).

  • GE 511 - SPATIAL ANALYSIS

    • GIS analysis of the relationships of mapped features. Course will include application and integration of GIS, image processing, and mathematical modes. (3 credit hours).

  • GE 513 - ECONOMIC GEOLOGY

    • Study of the formation and classification of ore deposits; exploration techniques; evaluation of reserves; and extraction techniques. Prerequisite: GEOL 303. (3 credit hours).

  • GE 518 - QUANTITATIVE METHODS IN GEOLOGY AND GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING

    • Quantitative methods in geolgogy and geological engineering. (3 credit hours).

  • GE 520 - GEOLOGY AND GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

    • The use of computer programs for earth science applications. Prerequisites: GEOL 221, 222, 313, 315, or consent of instructor. (3 credit hours).

  • GE 535 - ADVANCED ROCK MECHANICS

    • The application of mechanics to solving problems in rock engineering for both surface and underground conditions. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (3 credit hours).

  • GE 561 - DESIGN OF WASTE REPOSITORIES

    • Assessment of factors that govern site selection, site evaluation, and landfill design. Prerequisite: GE 460 or GE 560.

  • GE 577 - GEOPHYSICS I

    • Gravity and magnetic theory and methods. (3 credit hours).

  • GE 591 - SPECIAL TOPICS

    • Lecture or lecture/lab courses on specific topics and on a one-time basis. (1-3 credit hours).

  • ENGR 597 - SPECIAL PROJECTS

    • Approved investigation of original problems under direction of a staff member. (May be repeated for credit). (1-3 credit hours).

  • ENGR 614 - GEOMETRICS

    • Map analysis of spatial geological data as applied to petroleum, coal, ore, and geotechnical exploration and evaluation. (Same as GEOL 614) Prerequisite: GE 413. (3 credit hours).

  • ENGR 616 - ISOTOPE HYDROGEOLOGY

    • Applications of stable and radioactive isotopes forsolving environmental and low-temperature geologic problems. Problems that will beaddressed include measurement techniques and limitations, tracing the origin of water and contaminants in natural systems, applications for global climate change and paleoclimates, quantifying infiltration and groundwater travel rates, and age dating of water. Prerequisites: CHEM 105 and 106. (3 credit hours).

  • ENGR 620 - ADVANCED REMOTE SENSING

    • Lecture and laboratory study of advanced topics in remote sensing, including classification and georeferencing. Prerequisite: GE 510. (3 credit hours).

  • ENGR 636 - GROUNDWATER MECHANICS

    • This course focuses on the physics of subsurface flow and transport including: mass and momentum conservation, storage, compressibility, capillarity and Darcy’s Law in porous media. Governing equations, critical assumptions and boundary and initial conditions for models of single and multiphase flow and transport in porous and fractured media are explored. Prerequisite: GE 450 or equivalent, or consent of instructor. (3 credit hours).

  • ENGR 637 - GROUNDWATER MODELING

    • Analysis and synthesis of hydrology problems. Conceptual modeling process, parameter estimation, model validation, and model prediction. Mathematical models for steady and transient flow and transport. Applications to well hydraulics, water supply, regional flow, recharge and infiltration, subsidence, sea water intrusion, surface water/groundwater interaction, groundwater pollution, and geotechnical problems. Case studies. Prerequisite: ENGR 636. (3 credit hours).

  • ENGR 643 - ADVANCED GEOMORPHOLOGY

    • Surface processes associated with specificphysiographic districts. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (3 credit hours).

  • ENGR 645 - CONTAMINANT TRANSPORT

    • Conceptual and mathematical models for the transport of contaminants in natural systems. Primary attention given to contaminant transport in aquifers, with secondary attention given to transport in the unsaturated zone, in the atmosphere, and at the water atmosphere boundary. Prerequisite: GE 450 or CE 442. (3 credit hours).

  • ENGR 648 - NUMERICAL MODELING IN GEOSCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

    • Numerical methods in geomechanics, including processes in groundwater, soil and rock mechanics. Solutions of ordinary and partial differential equations will be approximated, emphasizing finite-difference methods. Introduction to finite element methods and boundary element methods. Prerequisite: Math 353, GE 450 or CE 463, or equivalent. (3 credit hours).

  • ENGR 691 - SPECIAL TOPICS IN ENGINEERING SCIENCE

    • (May be repeated for credit). (1-3 credit hours).

  • ENGR 693 - RESEARCH TOPICS IN ENGINEERING SCIENCE

    • Individual research in selected areas of interest. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (May be repeated for credit). (1-3 credit hours).

  • ENGR 695 - SEMINAR

    • Presentation of papers by faculty, visiting lecturers, and graduate students. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (May be repeated for credit). (1 credit hour).

  • ENGR 697 - THESIS

    • (1-12 credit hours).

  • ENGR 699 - SPECIAL PROJECTS IN ENGINEERING SCIENCE

    • Individual design or research projects in selected areas of interest. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (May be repeated for credit). (1-6 credit hours).

  • ENGR 749 - SPECIAL TOPICS IN SOIL SCIENCE

    • (May be repeated for credit). (1-3 credit hours).

  • ENGR 797 - DISSERTATION

    • (1-18 credit hours).

  The courses listed are those recently offered. A complete list of courses may be found in the Graduate Catalog.