Academy for the Environment

Program Details - Geological Science & Engineering

 

Contact name: Robert Watters

Phone number: 775-784-6050

Fax Number: 775-784-1833

Email address: watters@mines.unr.edu

Website: http://www.mines.unr.edu/geology/

 

Program description: Four degrees are offered at the BS, MS and PhD level, geophysics, geological engineering, and hydrogeology. The curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Science in Geology prepares students for professional careers in the Earth Sciences. By selecting specific options, students may focus their study in General Geology, Economic Geology, or Environmental Geology. All three options provide a strong background that will allow students to continue in graduate studies. Students are required to meet with their advisors for program approval and for review of academic progress at least twice each semester. The curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering develops students' professional abilities in both engineering and the geological sciences.

 

The program provides instruction in both geology and engineering, and allows students to specialize during the senior year. Technical electives, which must be approved by an advisor, provide students with flexibility. Seniors are required to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (formerly Engineers-in-Training) examination.

 

The UNR Geophysics Program is the collective, cooperative effort of ten geophysicist faculty, ten graduate students and twenty closely linked geoscience faculty. Faculty are associated with the Arthur Brant Laboratory for Exploration (ABLE) Geophysics, in the Department of Geological Sciences (GSD), the Nevada Seismological Laboratory (NSL), the Desert Research Institute (DRI), the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology (NBMG), and the USGS Reno field office. B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Geophysics are offered through the Department of Geological Sciences.

 

The curriculum leading to the bachelors degree in hydrogeology serves three objectives:

  1. to provide a sound foundation of physical, chemical, geological, and quantitative sciences as a basis for understanding the hydrologic cycle and managing water resources;
  2. to prepare students for entry-level professional employment in firms and agencies involved in hydrologic, hydrogeologic, and environmental concerns and issues;
  3. to prepare students for graduate study in fields related to hydrologic sciences.

 

Students must have basic skills in math, chemistry, and physics, as well as in geology and geological engineering. Optional courses are offered for students who plan to continue into graduate studies.

 

The graduate program is highly respected and nationally ranked in the top 10.