1997-98 UAF Catalog

Degrees and Programs


Course Description Index


Geological Engineering

School of Mineral Engineering
Department of Mining and Geological Engineering

Degrees: B.S., M.S.

Minimum Requirements for Degree: B.S. -- 128 credits plus 6 credits field course; M.S. -- 30-33 additional credits.

Geological engineering is a branch of engineering dealing with the application of geology. Geological engineers work with the environment in the true sense of the word. Properties of earth materials exploration activities, geophysical and geochemical prospecting, site investigations and engineering geology are all phases of geological engineering.

Candidates for the bachelor of science degree in geological engineering will be required to take a comprehensive exam in heir general field (completion of the State of Alaska examination will satisfy the requirement). The State of Alaska Fundamentals of Engineering examination is a first step toward registration as professional engineers.

Graduates of the program are employed by industry, consulting companies, and government agencies.

Students may initiate their geological engineering program in Anchorage and transfer to Fairbanks upon completion of the freshman and sophomore years. Such students should be in communication with a faculty member of the Department of Mining and Geological Engineering, UAF.

Undergraduate Degree Requirements

Geological Engineering -- B.S. Degree

  1. Complete the general university requirements.
  2. Complete the following degree and program (major) requirements:

    First Year
    Fall Semester 15 Credits
    GE 101 -- Introduction to Geological Engineering (1 credit)
    ENGL 111X -- Methods of Written Communications (3 credits)
    MATH 200X -- Calculus (4 credits)
    CHEM 105X -- General Chemistry (4 credits)
    Perspectives on the Human Condition (3 credits)
    Spring Semester 15 Credits
    COMM 131X or 141X (3 credits)
    MATH 201X -- Calculus (4 credits)
    GE 261 -- General Geology for Engineers (3 credits)
    CHEM 106X -- General Chemistry (4 credits)
    LS 101X -- Library Information and Research (1 credit)
    Second Year
    Fall Semester 18 Credits
    MATH 202X -- Calculus (4 credits)
    GEOS 213 -- Mineralogy (4 credits)
    PHYS 211X -- General Physics (4 credits)
    ENGL 211X or 213X -- Intermediate Exposition (3 credits)
    MIN 202 -- Mine Surveying (3 credits)
    Spring Semester 18 Credits
    ES 201 -- Computer Techniques (3 credits)
    ES 208 -- Mechanics (4 credits)
    GEOS 214 -- Petrology and Petrography (4 credits)
    PHYS 212X -- General Physics (4 credits)
    Perspectives on the Human Condition (3 credits)
    Third Year
    Fall Semester 15 Credits
    ES 331 -- Mechanics of Materials (3 credits)
    GE 365 -- Geological Materials Engineering (3 credits)
    GE 375 -- Princ of Engr Geol and Terrain Analysis (3 credits)
    GEOS 321 -- Sedimentology (3 credits)
    STAT 200 -- Elementary Probability & Statistics (3 credits)
    Spring Semester 16 Credits
    ES 341 -- Fluid Mechanics (4 credits)
    GEOS 332 -- Ore Deposits and Structure (3 credits)
    MATH 302 -- Differential Equations (3 credits)
    MIN 370 -- Rock Mechanics (3 credits)
    Perspectives on the Human Condition (3 credits)
    Summer 6 Credits
    GE 381 -- Field Methods and Applied Design I (2 credits)
    GE 382 -- Field Methods and Applied Design II (4 credits)
    Fourth Year
    Fall Semester 16 Credits
    GE 405 -- Exploration Geophysics (4 credits)
    GE 471 -- Remote Sensing for Engineering (3 credits)
    Technical Electives (3 credits)
    Perspectives on the Human Condition (6 credits)
    Spring Semester 15 Credits
    GE 420 -- Subsurface Hydrology (3 credits)
    GE 480 -- Senior Design (3 credits)
    MIN 408 -- Mineral Valuation and Economics (3 credits)
    Technical Electives (3 credits)
    Perspectives on the Human Condition (3 credits)

* Technical elective credits must contain engineering design and be selected by the student in conference with his or her advisor and approved by the department. Technical electives are selected from a list of approved technical electives from the Geological Engineering program.

Graduate Degree Requirements

Geological Engineering -- M.S. Degree

The graduate program allows for awarding the master of science degree in geological engineering. The degree consists of a core program and electives in either geotechnical engineering or exploration engineering. University policy pertaining to graduate study leading to a master's degree apply as approved by the student's advisor and the Department of Mining and Geological Engineering faculty.

Degree Requirements

  1. Complete UAF degree requirements.
  2. Course Requirements (30-33 credits):
    Complete the following program requirements, as approved by the graduate advisory committee; at least 24 credits must be at the 600 level.

    Thesis Option (30 credits)
    Geological Engineering courses and technical electives (19-22 credits)
    GE 692 -- Graduate Seminar (2 credits)
    GE 699 -- Thesis (6-9 credits)

    Non-thesis Option (33 credits)
    Geological Engineering courses and technical electives (25-28 credits)
    GE 692 -- Graduate Seminar (2 credits)
    GE 698 -- Research/Project (3-6 credits)