The field of hydrogeology is concerned with the influences of hydrology, geology, and
humans on the occurrence, movement and quality of groundwater. A well-trained hydrogeologist
has a good grasp of the near-surface geologic environment, as well as a broad background in
math and natural science, especially chemistry. An understanding of microbiology has also
proven useful in the interpretation of contaminant fate and transport. Although still a
field-based discipline, hydrogeology increasingly relies on numerical modeling and the use
of geographic information systems.
Hydrogeologists are employed in both the private and public sectors, enjoying careers with
consulting firms, regulatory agencies, and other governmental entities, such as state or
federal geologic surveys. Although graduates with bachelor’s degrees can find employment
opportunities, master’s degrees are often required to advance within the field. For this
reason, students are encouraged to take the math and science courses that prepare them for
graduate school.
Required Courses
In addition to the Core Courses, listed to the left, the Hydrogeology Option
consists of the following courses.
All of the following Courses:
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- Geography 279 Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems
Definition and components of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for resource management. Principles and structure of spatial data and cartographic modeling. Spatial data acquisition, manipulation, translation, aggregation, analysis, and presentation.
- Geography 476 Geographic Information Systems I
Develop, use and maintain a geographic-based spatial information system (GIS) for resource management. Acquire and assess spatial data. Compare raster and vector data models. Computer-based geographic data handling, analysis, interpretation, and display. Cartographic and spatial modeling.
- Geography 479 Geographic Information Systems II
Intermediate and advanced geographic information systems (GIS) techniques; integrate medium and large scale digital databases, use rectified aerial and satellite geographic base data. Principles and development of complex environmental and cultural spatial modeling, GIS programming concepts and applications.
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- Chemistry 105 Fundamental Chemistry
Fundamental principles and theories of chemistry, including stoichiometry, atomic and molecular structure and bonding, nuclear chemistry, thermodynamics, descriptive chemistry of nonmetals and transition metals, chemical kinetics and equilibria, introduction to organic chemistry.
- Chemistry 106 Fundamental Chemistry
Continuation of 105.
- Chemistry 115 General and Inorganic Chemistry
Laws and principles of chemistry including atomic and molecular structure, review of stoichiometry, descriptive inorganic chemistry of the representative and transition elements, chemical equilibria, electrochemistry, thermodynamics, and chemical kinetics.
- Chemistry 116 General and Inorganic Chemistry
Continuation of 115.
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- Physics 201Applied Principles of Physics I
Topics in mechanics, heat, and sound.
- Physics 202Applied Principles of Physics II
Topics in electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics.
- Physics 203College Physics I
Mechanics, heat, and sound. For students in general education, biology, premedical and related fields.
- Physics 204College Physics II
Light, electricity and magnetism, and topics in modern physics. For students in general education, biology, premedical and related fields.
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- Mathematics 111 Applied Calculus
Calculus applied to business, economics, biology, natural resources, and social science.
- Mathematics 118 Precalculus Algebra
Topics include concepts, graphs, and properties of functions, inverse and algebraic functions, techniques of graphing, conic sections, linear and nonlinear systems, arithmetic and geometric series, mathematical induction and the binomial theorem.
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