Geological Engineering (GEOE)

University Directory
University Courses

GEOE 399 ENVIRONMENTAL FIELD METHODS
(3-0) 3 credits. Prerequisites: Junior standing in a science or engineering degree program in the geosciences, environment, or a related field, or permission of instructor. A three-week field course for geology, geological engineering, environmental engineering and mining engineering majors. Basic field applications of environmental problems such as ground water contamination, acid rock drainage, spills, and related problems. Sampling methods and procedures for analysis will be conducted using ICP/MS, SEM-TEM, and XRD facilities, and will include data interpretation.

GEOE 211/211L EARTH SYSTEMS ENGINEERING ANALYSIS
(1-1) 2 credits. Application of computational analysis using spreadsheets to geological engineering problems in the earth system. Typical problems will include those found in energy systems, ground water and environmental systems, and economic evaluations having a significant geologic aspect. Examples and problems from the Black Hills region will be emphasized.

GEOE 221/221L GEOLOGY FOR ENGINEERS
(2-1) 3 credits. Basic concepts in the study of the earth, with emphasis on geological processes acting on the earth’s surface. Topics include rock forming processes and identification, mass wasting, ground water, streams, glaciers, coastal erosion, and earthquakes. Emphasis is given to engineering significance of processes and their resulting deposits.

GEOE 322/322L STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY
(2-1) 3 credits. Prerequisites GEOL 201 and GEOL 201L, or GEOE 221; and GEOL 341. A study of the character and genesis of large-scale and small-scale deformational structures and their patterns in the earth’s crust. Laboratory work includes various trigonometric, geometric, and stereographic methods applicable to structural analysis and presents open-ended problems in geologic, structure contour, and isopach map interpretation, as well as engineering design problems including drilling exploration projects. This course is cross-listed with ENVE 322/322L.

GEOE 324/324L ENGINEERING GEOPHYSICS I
(2-1) 3 credits. Prerequisites MATH 125 and PHYS 213. Application of the more commonly used methods of geophysical prospecting in mineral exploration, petroleum exploration, and engineering construction. Includes field design and interpretation of surveys using the engineering seismograph, gravity meter, electrical resistivity equipment, scintillometers, and magnetometers. Extensive use of computers is made in the laboratory work. This course is cross-listed with ENVE 324/324L.

GEOE 410 ENGINEERING FIELD GEOLOGY
5 to 6 credits. Prerequisite: Completion of junioryear studies. Instruction, practice, and independent work involving field techniques for geological engineering. Includes use of aerial photography and field mapping for completing large-scale and intermediate-scale geologic maps, structural sections, and structural contour maps of designated areas in the Black Hills region. Written reports will accompany the maps and sections. Three weeks of the five-week course are devoted to engineering problems including surface-water and ground-water hydrology, geotechnics, and minerals. Conducted for five (5) weeks during the summer in the northern Black Hills. Arrangements for transportation, room, and board are made through the Black Hills Natural Sciences Field Station.

GEOE 425/425L/525/525L ENGINEERING GEOPHYSICS II
(2-1) 3 credits. Prerequisites: MATH 125, GEOE 324, and GEOE 211. The course concentrates on geophysical techniques applicable to petroleum exploration and production, including the acquisition of seismic data, its preparation, interpretation, and use in engineering design. Use of computer packages and individual program design is emphasized. Students enrolled in GEOE 525 will be held to a higher standard than those enrolled in GEOE 425.

GEOE 431/531 PRINCIPLES OF WELL LOGGING
(3-0) 3 credits. Fundamentals of borehole measurements. Petrophysical considerations. Wellbore environment. Qualitative log evaluation methods. Interpretation and analysis of formation properties. Students enrolled in GEOE 531 will be held to a higher standard than those enrolled in GEOE 431.

GEOE 451/451L ECONOMIC GEOLOGY
(2-1) 3 credits. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing. Corequisite: GEOE 322 Study of the economics and distribution of mineral resources, geologic characteristics and origins of metallic ore deposits, and the application of genetic models, geochemical techniques, and geophysical methods to the design of mineral exploration programs. Laboratory work includes ore mineralogy and textures, sample suites from ore deposits, calculation of ore reserves (manual and computer), and design and implementation of exploration programs (computer exercises). A term paper is required on the design of exploration programs. Field trips are arranged to nearby ore deposits.

GEOE 452/452L/552/552L GEOCHEMICAL EXPLORATION
(2-1) 3 credits. Prerequisites: GEOE 451 or permission of instructor. An integrated application of geochemical principles, traceelement analytical techniques, basic statistical methods, and computer techniques to the design and implementation of geochemical exploration programs for the detection of mineral deposits. An area of the Black Hills will be selected for the design and implementation of a geochemical exploration program. A term paper will result from this study. Students enrolled in GEOE 552 will be held to a higher standard than those enrolled in GEOE 452.

GEOE 461 PETROLEUM PRODUCTION
(3-0) 3 credits. Characteristics of hydrocarbon reservoirs and geological considerations in well completion design. Well in-flow performance. Tubing string and packer completion design. Design and analysis of artificial lift systems. Acidizing and stimulation operations Computeraided design. Single-phase and multi-phase flow measurements, physical modeling of oil production, and permeability tests. Global oil production and use, and societal implications.

GEOE 462 DRILLING ENGINEERING
(3-0) 3 credits. Prerequisites: EM 321 or permission of instructor. Introduction to oil and gas field terminology. Design and analysis of an oil or gas well drilling operation including equipment, tubulars, completion, casing and cementing. Computer-aided design of well control and rig hydraulics. Rheological properties of drilling fluids will be studied in the laboratory. A comprehensive design project is required. Field trips to a local drilling operation as available.

GEOE 464 GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DESIGN PROJECT I
(3-0) 3 credits. Prerequisite: Completion of junior-year studies. Independent engineering design work by students on a comprehensive geological engineering project that integrates 1) ground-water resources and contaminant remediation, or 2) exploration for and development of fuels or minerals. Economic and legal constraints, environmental concerns, safety, and aesthetic considerations will be included. Engineering reports (oral and written) with analysis, specifications, and results are required.

GEOE 465 GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DESIGN PROJECT II
(3-0) 3 credits. Prerequisite: Completion of junior-year studies. Independent engineering design work by students on a comprehensive geological engineering project that integrates 1) environmental site planning and natural hazards, or 2) geomechanics and geotechnics. Economic and legal constraints, environmental concerns, safety, and aesthetic considerations will be included. Engineering reports (oral and written) with analysis, specifications, and results are required.

GEOE 466/466L/566/566L ENGINEERING AND ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY
(2-1) 3 credits. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. The application of geology to engineering, including topics such as landslides, earthquakes, fluvial processes, land subsidence, and their global context. Field trips and laboratory exercises illustrate the influence of geology on the environment. Computer applications are required for problem assignments and a final comprehensive report (oral and written) involving the design of engineering works in complex geological terrain. Students enrolled in GEOE 566 will be held to a higher standard than those enrolled in GEOE 466. This course is cross-listed with ENVE 466/466L/566/566L.

GEOE 475/475L GROUND WATER
(2-1) 3 credits. Prerequisites: GEOL 201 or GEOE 221, and MATH 225, or permission of instructor. Note: Engineering majors must complete the equivalent of Calculus III before registration. Geohydrologic principles, applications, and design considerations concerning ground-water occurrence, flow, and quality. Ground-water and surface-water relations; theory of aquifer tests; flow nets; head distribution by graphical, analytical, and digital models; ground-water contamination. Laboratories include water budgets, chemistry of ground water, design of exploration programs and aquifer tests, computer solutions, and field trips to areas of geohydrologic interest. A design project with written and oral presentations is required. This course is cross-listed with ENVE 475/475L.

GEOE 482/482L APPLIED GEOMORPHOLOGY
(2-1) 3 credits. Prerequisites: GEOL 201 and GEOL 201L, or GEOE 221; GEOE 322. A systematic analysis of landform evolution with emphasis on process and terrain analysis. Topics include process-response in geomorphic systems and quantitative techniques used in engineering design applications. Laboratory consists of aerial photos, topographic map interpretation and the application of geomorphology as an engineering tool. Field trips taken to regional areas of interest. Computer solutions in engineering analysis and a design project are required.

GEOE 491 INDEPENDENT STUDY
1 to 3 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Includes directed study, problems, readings, directed readings, special problems, and special projects. Students complete individualized plans of study which include significant one-on-one student-teacher involvement. The faculty member and students negotiate the details of the study plans. Enrollments are usually 10 or fewer students. Meeting depending upon the requirements of the topic. May be repeated to a total of three (3) credit hours. Research findings are required.

GEOE 492 TOPICS
1 to 3 credits. Includes current topics, advanced topics and special topics. A course devoted to a particular issue in a specified field. Course content is not wholly included in the regular curriculum. Guest artists or experts may serve as instructors. Enrollments are usually 10 or fewer students with significant one-on-one student/teacher involvement. A description of the work to be performed must be filed in the Department of Geology/Geological Engineering.

GEOE 615 ADVANCED FIELD METHODS IN GROUND WATER
(0-3) 3 credits. Prerequisites: GEOE 475 or equivalent. Advanced instruction and independent work involving field techniques such as aquifer mapping, water quality sampling and interpretation, piezometer tests, and the design, conduct, and analysis of aquifer tests.

GEOE 626/626L ENVIRONMENTAL GEOPHYSICS
(2-1) 3 credits. The most frequently used geophysical techniques for the investigation of environmental problems are covered. These include electrical resistivity, electromagnetic surveys, shallow seismic refraction and reflection surveys, and ground-probing radar. The design and performance of field surveys is emphasized.

GEOE 641 GEOCHEMISTRY
(3-0) 3 credits. Geochemical principles, applications, and design considerations, including thermodynamics, kinetics, and transport phenomena. Applications in low-temperature aqueous systems, carbonate equilibria, geothermal and hydrothermal systems, petroleum generation, metamorphism, and igneous processes. Computer solutions to geochemical problems will be used. An engineering design project is required. This course is cross-listed with CHEM 641.

GEOE 661 PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
(3-0) 3 credits. Prerequisites: GEOE 322 and GEOL 331. Part 1. Worldwide occurrence, current and future demand, OPEC cartel and prices, and ethics of exploitation. Part 2. Petroleum source rocks and generation, migration, and entrapment. Geology of major oil-producing regions of world. Petroleum exploration methods.

GEOE 662 ANALYTICAL METHODS IN GROUND WATER
(3-0) 3 credits. Prerequisite: GEOE 475 or equivalent. Quantitative methods used to evaluate ground-water resources, including pumping tests as well as physical and computer methods.

GEOE 663/663L GROUND-WATER GEOCHEMISTRY
(2-1) 3 credits. Prerequisite: GEOE 475 or equivalent. A study of the natural chemistry of ground water and the effects of man’s activities on ground-water quality. Laboratories include dispersion experiments and several field trips to areas of interest relating to ground-water geochemistry.

GEOE 664/664L ADVANCED GROUND WATER
(2-1) 3 credits. Prerequisites: GEOL 201 or GEOE 221 or equivalent. Basic hydrologic principles with emphasis on hydrologic and geologic interrelationships. Design problems of location, development, and conservation of ground water. Use of quantitative techniques for aquifer evaluation. Studies of ground-water contamination. Laboratories, field trips, and problem assignments require use of analytical methods.

GEOE 665 BIOREMEDIATION OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(3-0) 3 credits. Main thrust of the course is to introduce various techniques (both in-situ and exsitu) of bioremediation to the cleanup of hazardous wastes, such as petroleum, heavy metals, cyanide, nitrates, nuclear materials, etc. Fundamentals of bacterial metabolic behavior will be covered. The physiology of bacteria will be emphasized in terms of their physicochemical requirements, pH, etc. Mathematical models for bacterial growth versus material degradation and seeping will be presented. Focus will be on practical application of bioremediation in the field by means of biological and engineering approaches.

GEOE 667 FLUID FLOW IN POROUS MEDIA
(3-0) 3 credits. Prerequisites: MATH 321, EM 321, EM 327, CEE 346, or equivalents. Introduction to flow of fluids through porous media. Formulation of basic flow equations for incompressible, slightly compressible, and compressible fluid flow. One-dimensional steady state flow. Two-dimensional steady state flow with single well or multi wells. Unsteady state flow problems.

GEOE 668 ENGINEERING GEOLOGY OF SURFICIAL DEPOSITS
(3-0) 3 credits. Review of weathering, soils, and Quaternary deposits. Emphasis on engineering design problems such as those found in highway construction, landfills, water supply, waste disposal, landslides, and land subsidence. Engineering geology of surficial deposits including alluvium, loess, clay, and glacial and periglacial deposits. Two field trips are required.

GEOE 682/682L FLUVIAL PROCESSES
(2-1) 3 credits. A systematic study of the evolution of drainage basins and stream systems. Emphasis is placed on basin morphometry, stream channel ‘equilibrium’, fluvial mechanics and resulting fluvial landforms. Laboratory consists of basin analysis, stream flow, sediment transport and at least two field trips to surrounding areas of interest.

GEOE 691 INDEPENDENT STUDY
1 to 3 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Directed independent study of a topic or field of special interest. This may involve readings, research, laboratory of fieldwork, and preparation of papers, as agreed to in advance, by student and instructor. A description of the work to be performed must be filed in the Department of Geology/Geological Engineering.

GEOE 692 TOPICS
1 to 3 credits. Lecture course or seminar on a topic or field of special interest, as determined by the instructor. A description of the work to be performed must be filed in the Department of Geology/Geological Engineering.

GEOE 766/766L DIGITAL MODELING OF GROUND-WATER FLOW SYSTEMS
(2-1) 3 credits. Prerequisite: GEOE 475 or CEE 634, or equivalent. Practical applications of digital models as tools in the study of groundwater flow systems. Methods of simulating aquifer systems and solute transport will be used. Specific emphasis will be placed on the development, application, and limitations of finite-difference and finite-element computer models.

GEOE 790 SEMINAR
(1-0) 1 credit. May not be repeated for degree credit. Preparation, oral and/or written presentation, and group discussion of a research problem. The student is expected to present orally the results of his/her own research. This presentation normally will directly precede the final oral defense of the thesis.

GEOE 798 MASTER'S THESIS
Credit to be arranged; not to exceed 6 credits toward fulfillment of M.S. degree requirements. Open only to students pursuing the M.S. thesis option. Supervised original or expository research culminating in an acceptable thesis. Oral defense of thesis and research findings are required.

GEOE 898 DISSERTATION
Credit to be arranged; not to exceed 30 credits toward fulfillment of Ph.D. degree requirements. Open only to doctoral candidates. Supervised original research investigation of a selected problem, with emphasis on independent work, culminating in an acceptable dissertation. Oral defense of dissertation and research findings are required.

Contact: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
http://sdmines.sdsmt.edu/sdsmt/directory/courses/geoe