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 in partnership by the Cockrell School of Engineering and the Jackson School, 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-qualified graduates of the program may pursue graduate study in subsurface environmental engineering, petroleum engineering, geology, and related fields.
The objective of the degree program is to prepare graduates for successful careers in subsurface environmental engineering (including carbon dioxide sequestration), oil and gas production and services, and similar fields. Graduates are expected to understand the fundamental principles of science and engineering behind the technology of geosystems engineering and hydrogeology, so that their education will not become outdated and so that they will be capable of self-instruction after graduation. They should also be prepared to serve society by applying the ideals of ethical behavior, professionalism, and environmentally responsible stewardship of natural resources.
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, 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. In addition, each student must complete the University’s core curriculum . In some cases, a course required as part of the basic sequence may also be counted toward the core curriculum; these courses are identified below. To ensure that courses used to fulfill the social and behavioral sciences and visual and performing arts requirements of the core curriculum also meet ABET criteria, students should follow the guidance given in ABET Criteria .
In the process of fulfilling the following degree requirements, students must also complete a course that carries an independent inquiry flag, a course that carries a quantitative reasoning flag, and two courses that carry a writing flag. The independent inquiry flag, the quantitative reasoning flag, and one writing flag are provided by courses specifically required for the degree; these courses are identified below. Students are advised to fulfill the second writing flag requirement with a course that meets another requirement of the core curriculum, such as the first-year signature course. Courses that may be used to fulfill flag requirements are identified in the Course Schedule, registrar.utexas.edu/schedules/ . More information about flags is given at Skills and Experiences Flags .
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. Requirements for admission to a major sequence are given in Admission to a Major Sequence . Enrollment in other required courses is not restricted by completion of the basic sequence.
Courses used to fulfill nontechnical elective requirements must be approved by the petroleum and geosystems engineering faculty and the geological sciences faculty before the student registers for them.
Students must fulfill the Foreign Language Requirement . They must also remove any admission deficiencies in mathematics as described in General Information . A suggested arrangement of courses by semester is given in Suggested Arrangement of Courses .
| Courses | Sem Hrs |
| Basic Sequence Courses | |
|
6 |
| 6 | |
| 11 | |
|
12 |
|
12 |
|
8 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
| Total 61 | |
| Major Sequence Courses | |
| 22 | |
| 25 | |
| 3 | |
| Total 50 | |
| Remaining Core Curriculum Courses | |
|
3 |
|
6 |
|
6 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
| Total 21 | |
| Minimum required 132 | |