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Bachelor of Science in Geosystems Engineering and Hydrogeology

Geosystems engineers and hydrogeologists are concerned with the development and use of engineering approaches in the management of natural resources from the earth's surface and subsurface, environmental restoration of subsurface sites, and other processes related to the earth sciences. This degree program, offered jointly by the College of Engineering and the College of Natural Sciences, is designed to teach students the geological and engineering principles needed to solve subsurface resource development and environmental problems. The curriculum includes a fundamental sequence of engineering and geological sciences courses in such areas as multiphase fluid flow, physical and chemical hydrology, heat and mass transfer, field methods, and engineering design. This interdisciplinary systems approach, combining engineering and geological sciences, is increasingly required to address complex real-world problems such as characterization and remediation of aquifers. The degree program is designed to prepare graduates for employment with environmental, water resource management, and energy companies in addition to many government agencies. Better graduates of the program may pursue graduate study in subsurface environmental engineering, petroleum engineering, geology, and other related fields.

Graduates of this program are expected to be able to apply knowledge of mathematics, geological sciences, and engineering; design and conduct experiments and engineering tests, as well as analyze and interpret geologic data; design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs; function on multidisciplinary teams; identify, formulate, and solve engineering and geological problems; understand professional and ethical responsibilities in the practice of engineering and hydrogeology; communicate effectively using oral, written, and graphical expressions, including technical reports; appreciate the impact of engineering and geological solutions in a global and societal context; recognize the need for and have the ability to engage in independent study and lifelong learning; understand contemporary issues and the ways they affect the practice of engineering and hydrogeology; use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering and geological tools, including computers, that are appropriate for good engineering and geologic practice.

Containing the following elements, the technical curriculum provides both breadth and depth in a range of topics.

• A combination of college-level mathematics and basic sciences (some with experimental work) that includes mathematics through differential equations, probability and statistics, physics, chemistry, and geology.
• Basic engineering and geologic topics that develop a working knowledge of fluid mechanics, strength of materials, transport phenomena, material properties, phase behavior, and thermodynamics.
• Engineering and geosciences topics that develop competence in characterization and evaluation of subsurface geological formations and their resources using geoscientific and engineering methods, including field methods; design and analysis of systems for producing, injecting, and handling fluids; application of hydrogeologic and reservoir engineering principles and practices for water and energy resource development and management; contamination evaluation and remediation methods for hydrologic resources; and use of project economics and resource valuation methods for design and decision making under conditions of risk and uncertainty.
• A major capstone design experience that prepares students for engineering and hydrogeologic practice, based on the knowledge and skills acquired in earlier coursework and incorporating engineering and geological standards and realistic constraints.
• A general education component that complements the technical content of the curriculum.

Curriculum

Course requirements are divided into three categories: basic sequence courses, major sequence courses, and other required courses. Enrollment in major sequence courses is restricted to students who have received credit for all of the basic sequence courses and have been admitted to the major sequence by the College of Engineering Admissions Committee. (Requirements for admission to a major sequence are given in chapter 6.) Enrollment in other required courses is not restricted by completion of the basic sequence.

Courses used to fulfill technical and nontechnical elective requirements must be approved by the petroleum and geosystems engineering faculty and the geological sciences faculty before the student enrolls in them. Courses that fulfill the social science and fine arts/humanities requirements are listed in chapter 6.

Students must fulfill the foreign language requirement in chapter 6. They must also remove any admission deficiencies in mathematics as described in General Information.

Suggested Arrangement of Courses

First Year -- Fall Semester

First Year -- Spring Semester

Second Year -- Fall Semester

Second Year -- Spring Semester

Third Year -- Fall Semester

Third Year -- Spring Semester

Third Year -- Summer Session

Fourth Year -- Fall Semester

Fourth Year -- Spring Semester

Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Sciences

This degree program is designed to provide both a knowledge base and practical experience in working with children and families in a variety of settings. The curriculum allows the student to gain knowledge of developmental theory and research and of strategies for designing programs for children and families.

Career opportunities are varied, depending on selection of electives and supplemental experiences, and include teaching in a private preschool program and positions in local, state, and federal agencies, demonstration programs concerned with children and families, and hospitals with a children's unit. The curriculum also provides a foundation for graduate study in such fields as human development, family studies, psychology, social work, sociology, special education, pediatrics, and early childhood education. Such advanced work offers preparation for college teaching, research, and work in public and private agencies serving children and families.

Students must choose either the human development or the family sciences option.

Prescribed Work Common to Both Options

1. Rhetoric and Composition 306 and English 316K. In addition, in taking courses to fulfill other degree requirements, the student must complete two courses certified as having a substantial writing component; one of these courses must be upper-division. If the writing requirement is not fulfilled by courses specified for the degree, the student must fulfill it either with electives or with coursework taken in addition to the number of hours required for the degree. Courses with a substantial writing component are identified in the Course Schedule.
2. Students who enter the University with fewer than two high school units in a single foreign language must take the first two semesters in a language without degree credit to remove their language deficiency.
3. Six semester hours of American government, including Texas government; six semester hours of American history; and six semester hours, at least three of which must be upper-division, chosen from courses in economics, social or cultural anthropology, and psychology.
4. Educational Psychology 371 and three semester hours of mathematics other than Mathematics 301, 302, 316K, and 316L. Algebra courses at the level of Mathematics 301 or the equivalent may not be counted toward the total number of hours required for the degree. Students who enter the University with fewer than three units of high school mathematics at the level of Algebra I or higher must take Mathematics 301 without degree credit to remove their deficiency.
5. Six semester hours of coursework in biology or chemistry; and six additional hours chosen from the following fields: astronomy, biology, chemistry, computer sciences, geological sciences, mathematics, nutrition, and physics. Courses designed for nonscience majors may not be counted toward this requirement; students should consult the Department of Human Ecology for a complete list of these courses.
6. Three semester hours in architecture, art (including art history, design, studio art, visual art studies), classics (including classical civilization, Greek, Latin), fine arts, music (including music, instruments, ensemble), philosophy (excluding courses in logic), or theatre and dance.
7. Students planning to work with infants and young children in a classroom-like setting must choose nine semester hours from courses in applied learning and development. Other students are expected to choose nine semester hours from an approved list of supporting courses available from the Department of Human Ecology. Students should confer with their advisers about courses appropriate to their career goals.
8. No fewer than thirty-nine but no more than forth-eight semester hours in the Department of Human Ecology, including Human Development and Family Sciences 304, 312, 313, 113L, 322, 333L, 652F or two sections of 355, 260, and Nutrition 311.
9. At least thirty-six semester hours of upper-division coursework.
10. Eighteen semester hours in the Department of Human Ecology must be completed in residence at the University.
11. Enough additional coursework to make a total of 126 semester hours.

Additional Prescribed Work for Each Option

Option I: Human Development

12. Human Development and Family Sciences 316, 348 (Topic 1: Art and Science), 348 (Topic 2: Music and Literature), 378L, and either 347 or a topic of 378K.

Option II: Family Sciences

12. Two of the following courses: Human Development and Family Sciences 337, 347, 372K; and nine hours of coursework chosen from Human Development and Family Sciences 316, 322, 354, 378L, and topics of 378K.

Special Requirements

The student must fulfill the University-wide graduation requirements given in chapter 1 and the college requirements given in this chapter. He or she must also make a grade of at least C in each course used to fulfill requirements 8 and 12 of the prescribed work above (with the exception of Human Development and Family Sciences 652F, which is offered only on the pass/fail basis).

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Undergraduate catalog

Contents
Chapter 1 - The University
Chapter 2 - School of Architecture
Chapter 3 - Red McCombs School of Business
Chapter 4 - College of Communication
Chapter 5 - College of Education
Chapter 6 - College of Engineering
Chapter 7 - College of Fine Arts
Chapter 8 - College of Liberal Arts
Chapter 9 - College of Natural Sciences
Chapter 10 - School of Nursing
Chapter 11 - College of Pharmacy
Chapter 12 - School of Social Work
Chapter 13 - The Faculty
Texas Common Course Numbering System (Appendix A)
Appendix B

Related information

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