Fall 2007 Course Descriptions

All courses below are approved to be taught in Fall 2007; however, some (or all) may not be offered this term.  The course numbers that are offered this term link to the Schedule of Classes.  Class with alternative delivery modes (Web based, cable TV, correspondence, etc) are noted in the Schedule at the section level.  The complete list below is a good indicator of what may be offered over the next few years (contact department about offerings).  For explanations of course elements see the Key to Course Descriptions.

Geological Engineering (G EN)  Department Info

G EN 199 -- Independent Study  (1-6 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

G EN 200 -- Introduction to Earth Engineering  (3 units)
Description:  Course provides an overview of the skills, applications, and careers in mining and geological engineering. Skills introduced include mapping, air photo interpretation, geophysics, rock mechanics testing, scan line surveying, spreadsheet calculations, and mine planning. Applications introduced include mineral, energy, and water resource exploration and development, underground and surface construction, underground and surface mine development, operations, and environmental management. Course emphasizes development of teamwork, communication, and creative problem solving skills.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Course includes 1 or more field trips.
Identical to:  MN E 200; MN E is home department.
Usually offered:  Fall.

G EN 210 -- Mineralogy and Petrology for Engineers  (2 units)
Description:  A foundation in mineralogy and petrology in an engineering context. The engineering context means that we will place a heavy emphasis on understanding how minerals form, how they are indentified, where economically important minerals are found, their uses, how to identify major rock types and understand their basic engineering behavior.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Course includes 1 or more field trips.
Prerequisite(s):  CHEM 103A, CHEM 103B, CHEM 104A, CHEM 104B.
Identical to:  MN E 210; MN E is home department.
Usually offered:  Spring.

G EN 295A -- Introduction to Geological Engineering  (1 unit)
Description:  This second-year colloquium introduces students to various aspects of Geological Engineering. The colloquium covers current research topics, problems of interest to Geological Engineering, and a discussion of requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Geological Engineering. Guest speakers include faculty members from within the department as well as representatives from industry. Student presentations on topics in Geological Engineering are required during the latter portion of the course. Student grades are based on the presentations. This is a Second-Year Colloquium Course.
Grading:  Regular or alternative grades can be awarded for this course: A B C D E or S P C D E.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

G EN 299 -- Independent Study  (1-5 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

G EN 299H -- Honors Independent Study  (1-3 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

G EN 330 -- Introduction to Remote Sensing  (3 units)
Description:  Introduction to remote sensing principles, techniques, and applications, designed principally for those with no background in the field.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Special course fee required:  $21.
Identical to:  GEOG 330; GEOG is home department.
Usually offered:  Fall.

G EN 391 -- Preceptorship  (1-4 units)
Description:  Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of instruction and practice in actual service in a department, program, or discipline. Teaching formats may include seminars, in-depth studies, laboratory work and patient study.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

G EN 391H -- Honors Preceptorship  (1-3 units)
Description:  Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of instruction and practice in actual service in a department, program, or discipline. Teaching formats may include seminars, in-depth studies, laboratory work and patient study.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

G EN 392 -- Directed Research in Geological Engineering  (1-6 units)
Description:  Individual or small group research under the guidance of faculty
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
May be repeated:  for a total of 6 units of credit.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

G EN 397A -- Teaching Educational Materials  (1-3 units)
Description:  The practical application of theoretical learning within a group setting and involving an exchange of ideas and practical methods, skills, and principles.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
May be repeated:  for a total of 9 units of credit.
Identical to:  MN E 397A; MN E is home department.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

G EN 397B -- Workshop  (1-3 units)
Description:  The practical application of theoretical learning within a group setting and involving an exchange of ideas and practical methods, skills, and principles.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Identical to:  MSE 397B; MSE is home department.
Usually offered:  Fall.

G EN 399 -- Independent Study  (1-5 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

G EN 399H -- Honors Independent Study  (1-3 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

G EN 402 -- Probability and Statistical Concepts in Geologic Media  (3-4 units)
Description:  Univariate probabilistic and statistical methods: data reduction, basic probability concepts, discrete and continuous probability distributions, sampling distributions, confidence intervals, goodness-of-fit-tests; applications in geologic media. Introduction to a few statistical packages.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  MATH 223.
Credit for:  3 units engineering science, 1 unit engineering design.
Typical structure:  3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory.
Identical to:  MN E 402.
May be convened with:  G EN 502.
Usually offered:  Fall.

G EN 415 -- Rock Excavation  (3 units)
Description:  Methods of excavation of rock in surface and underground mines and construction, ranging from the empiricism of conventional blasting practice to the application of the fundamental mechanics of rock fracture.  This is a Writing Emphasis Course.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Course includes 1 or more field trips.
Prerequisite(s):  satisfaction of the Mid-Career Writing Assessment (MCWA) or the former upper-division writing proficiency requirement (UDWPE); C E 215, MN E 427.
Identical to:  MN E 415; MN E is home department.
May be convened with:  G EN 515.
Usually offered:  Spring.

G EN 416 -- Field Studies in Geophysics  (3 units)
Description:  Seismic, magnetic, electrical, and gravity exploration techniques.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Course includes 1 or more field trips.
Prerequisite(s):  G EN 448 or G EN 548.
Credit for:  3 units engineering design.
Identical to:  GEOS 416.
May be convened with:  G EN 516.
Usually offered:  Spring.

G EN 424 -- Fundamentals of Geotechnics  (3 units)
Description:  Principles of hemispherical projections and rock joint surveys; application of stereographic projection in mechanics of discontinuous rock; shear strength of discontinuities; introduction of Block theory application of Block theory to surficial excavations; engineering solutions to problems of soil and rock slope stability.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Course includes 1 or more field trips.
Prerequisite(s):  C E 343.
Credit for:  2 units engineering science, 1 unit engineering design.
May be convened with:  G EN 524.
Usually offered:  Spring.

G EN 426 -- Health and Safety in Mining  (1 unit)
Description:  Fundamental concepts in the recognition, evaluation and control of health and safety hazards encountered in mining operations; includes a review of engineering management responsibilities to control accidents, a review of federal regulations and standards affecting the industrial workplace, and instruction regarding the interaction of industrial hygiene, safety, fire protection and workers' compensation to control losses resulting from industrial accidents.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Identical to:  MN E 426; MN E is home department.
May be convened with:  G EN 526.
Usually offered:  Fall.

G EN 427 -- Geomechanics  (3-4 units)
Description:  Mechanical behavior of rock and rock masses; response to load changes: deformations, failure, discontinuity slip; in situ stress state; rock testing; geomechanical classifications; engineering applications: slopes, pillars, tunnels, dam foundations; reinforcement design.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Course includes 1 or more field trips.
Prerequisite(s):  C E 215 or consent of instructor.
Identical to:  MN E 427; MN E is home department.
May be convened with:  G EN 527.
Usually offered:  Fall.

G EN 446 -- Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering  (3 units)
Description:  Review of plate tectonics and seismology, analysis of earthquake ground motions, travel path and distance effects, and site response effects. Soil liquefaction susceptibility, identification, and mitigation. Introduction to seismic slope stability.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  C E 343.
Identical to:  C E 446; C E is home department.
May be convened with:  G EN 546.
Usually offered:  Fall.

G EN 448 -- Geophysical Exploration and Engineering  (3 units)
Description:  Principles of gravity, magnetic, seismic and electrical exploration; acquisition and interpretation of data to define geologic structure and evaluate resources.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Prerequisite(s):  PHYS 141, PHYS 241, MATH 223.
Credit for:  1 unit engineering design, 2 units engineering science.
Identical to:  GEOS 448.
May be convened with:  G EN 548.
Usually offered:  Fall.

G EN 490 -- Remote Sensing for the Study of Planet Earth  (3 units)
Description:  A multidisciplinary course delineating the physical basis of electromagnetic remote sensing, the concepts of information extraction, and applications pertinent to earth systems science.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Identical to:  REM 490; REM is home department.
Usually offered:  Spring.

G EN 492 -- Directed Research in Geological Engineering  (1-6 units)
Description:  Individual or small group research under the guidance of faculty
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
May be repeated:  for a total of 6 units of credit.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

G EN 498 -- Senior Capstone  (1-3 units)
Description:  A culminating experience for majors involving a substantive project that demonstrates a synthesis of learning accumulated in the major, including broadly comprehensive knowledge of the discipline and its methodologies. Senior standing required.
Grading:  Regular or alternative grades can be awarded for this course: A B C D E or S P C D E.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

G EN 498H -- Honors Thesis  (3 units)
Description:  An honors thesis is required of all the students graduating with honors. Students ordinarily sign up for this course as a two-semester sequence. The first semester the student performs research under the supervision of a faculty member; the second semester the student writes an honors thesis.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
May be repeated:  for a total of 9 units of credit.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

G EN 499 -- Independent Study  (1-4 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

G EN 499H -- Honors Independent Study  (1-3 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

G EN 502 -- Probability and Statistical Concepts in Geologic Media  (3-4 units)
Description:  Univariate probabilistic and statistical methods: data reduction, basic probability concepts, discrete and continuous probability distributions, sampling distributions, confidence intervals, goodness-of-fit-tests; applications in geologic media. Introduction to a few statistical packages. Graduate-level requirements include an in-depth term paper on an application.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Credit for:  3 units engineering science.
Identical to:  MN E 502.
May be convened with:  G EN 402.
Usually offered:  Fall.

G EN 510 -- Fractal Theory and Applications in Geo-Engineering  (3 units)
Description:  Theory and applications of the following topics to geo-engineering: (a) self-similarity and self-similar fractals, (b) divider method, (c) box method, (d) perimeter area method, (e) self-affinity and self-affine fractals, (f) roughness length method, (g) variogram method, (h) spectral method and (i) line scaling method.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Usually offered:  Spring.

G EN 515 -- Rock Excavation  (3 units)
Description:  Methods of excavation of rock in surface and underground mines and construction, ranging from the empiricism of conventional blasting practice to the application of the fundamental mechanics of rock fracture. Graduate-level requirements include a research project.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Special course fee required:  Special fee may apply for web delivered sections. See the M.Eng Website (http://www.oneflexibledegree.com) for details.
Course includes 1 or more field trips.
Prerequisite(s):  Knowledge of rock mechanics or consent of instructor.
Identical to:  MN E 515; MN E is home department.
May be convened with:  G EN 415.
Usually offered:  Spring.

G EN 516 -- Field Studies in Geophysics  (3 units)
Description:  Seismic, magnetic, electrical, and gravity exploration techniques. Graduate-level requirements include additional project work requiring a more in-depth analysis.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Course includes 1 or more field trips.
Credit for:  3 units engineering design.
Identical to:  GEOS 516.
May be convened with:  G EN 416.
Usually offered:  Spring.

G EN 524 -- Fundamentals of Geotechnics  (3 units)
Description:  Principles of hemispherical projections and rock joint surveys; application of stereographic projection in mechanics of discontinuous rock; shear strength of discontinuities; introduction of Block theory application of Block theory to surficial excavations; engineering solutions to problems of soil and rock slope stability. Graduate-level requirements include an in-depth research paper on an assigned topic.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Credit for:  2 units engineering science, 1 unit engineering design.
May be convened with:  G EN 424.
Usually offered:  Spring.

G EN 526 -- Health and Safety in Mining  (1 unit)
Description:  Fundamental concepts in the recognition, evaluation and control of health and safety hazards encountered in mining operations; includes a review of engineering management responsibilities to control accidents, a review of federal regulations and standards affecting the industrial workplace, and instruction regarding the interaction of industrial hygiene, safety, fire protection and workers' compensation to control losses resulting from industrial accidents. Graduate-level requirements include a term paper.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Special course fee required:  Special fee may apply for web delivered sections. See the M.Eng Website (http://www.oneflexibledegree.com) for details.
Identical to:  MN E 526; MN E is home department.
May be convened with:  G EN 426.
Usually offered:  Fall.

G EN 527 -- Geomechanics  (3-4 units)
Description:  Mechanical behavior of rock and rock masses; response to load changes: deformations, failure, discontinuity slip; in situ stress state; rock testing; geomechanical classifications; engineering applications: slopes, pillars, tunnels, dam foundations; reinforcement design. Graduate-level requirements include either a research project or a research paper at the discretion of the instructor.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Special course fee required:  Special fee may apply for web delivered sections. See the M.Eng Website (http://www.oneflexibledegree.com) for details.
Course includes 1 or more field trips.
Prerequisite(s):  Knowledge of mechanics of materials or consent of instructor.
Identical to:  MN E 527; MN E is home department.
May be convened with:  G EN 427.
Usually offered:  Fall.

G EN 529 -- Rock Slope Analyses and Design  (3 units)
Description:  Geologic and engineering considerations in design of optimum rock slope angles; constitutive models for intact rock and joints; theoretical stability analysis, monitoring and control of existing slopes.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Course includes 1 or more field trips.
Identical to:  MN E 529; MN E is home department.
Usually offered:  Fall.

G EN 546 -- Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering  (3 units)
Description:  Review of plate tectonics and seismology, analysis of earthquake ground motions, travel path and distance effects, and site response effects. Soil liquefaction susceptibility, identification, and mitigation. Introduction to seismic slope stability. Graduate level requirements include a research paper and/or a comprehensive design project.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Identical to:  C E 546; C E is home department.
May be convened with:  G EN 446.
Usually offered:  Fall.

G EN 548 -- Geophysical Exploration and Engineering  (3 units)
Description:  Principles of gravity, magnetic, seismic and electrical exploration; acquisition and interpretation of data to define geologic structure and evaluate resources. Graduate-level requirements include a special research project collecting and interpreting geophysical field data.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Identical to:  GEOS 548.
May be convened with:  G EN 448.
Usually offered:  Fall.

G EN 580 -- The Mechanics of Fracture in Rock and Other Brittle Materials  (3 units)
Description:  Fracture mechanics theory applied to the deformation and failure of rock; numerical techniques; micromechanical damage models; flow through fractures; the mechanics of faulting and earthquake rupture.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Course includes 1 or more field trips.
Identical to:  MN E 580; MN E is home department.
Usually offered:  Spring.

G EN 587 -- Applied Neural Network Computing  (3 units)
Description:  Theoretical development and applications of artificial neural networks for classification, parameter estimation, prediction, filtering, and association. Emphasis is placed on applications in science and engineering.
Grading:  Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D E.
Special course fee required:  Special fee may apply for web delivered sections. See the M.Eng Website (http://www.oneflexibledegree.com) for details.
Prerequisite(s):  Knowledge of a computer programming language.
Identical to:  MN E 587; MN E is home department.
Usually offered:  Fall.

G EN 599 -- Independent Study  (1-6 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Spring.

G EN 696A -- Research Seminar  (1-3 units)
Description:  The development and exchange of scholarly information, usually in a small group setting. The scope of work shall consist of research by course registrants, with the exchange of the results of such research through discussion, reports, and/or papers.
Grading:  Regular or alternative grades can be awarded for this course: A B C D E or S P C D E.
May be repeated:  for a total of 6 units of credit.
Identical to:  MN E 696A; MN E is home department.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring.

G EN 699 -- Independent Study  (1-5 units)
Description:  Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work. Graduate students doing independent work which cannot be classified as actual research will register for credit under course number 599, 699, or 799.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

G EN 900 -- Research  (1-4 units)
Description:  Individual research, not related to thesis or dissertation preparation, by graduate students.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P C D E K.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

G EN 910 -- Thesis  (1-6 units)
Description:  Research for the master's thesis (whether library research, laboratory or field observation or research, artistic creation, or thesis writing). Maximum total credit permitted varies with the major department.
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P E K.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

G EN 920 -- Dissertation  (1-9 units)
Description:  Research for the doctoral dissertation (whether library research, laboratory or field observation or research, artistic creation, or dissertation writing).
Grading:  Alternative grades are awarded for this course: S P E K.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.

G EN 930 -- Supplementary Registration  (1-9 units)
Description:  For students who have completed all course requirements for their advanced degree programs. May be used concurrently with other enrollments to bring to total number of units to the required minimum.
Grading:  a Grade of K is awarded for this course except for the final term.
May be repeated:  an unlimited number of times, consult your department for details and possible restrictions.
Usually offered:  Fall, Spring, Summer.