Graduate Certificate in Geoenvironmental Engineering

About: This certificate program is designed to provide formalized education in the area of geoenvironmental engineering.

Term: 1 to 3 years to graduate

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  • Requirements
  • Course Information

Requirements

Graduate Certificate Requirements:

  • Certificate programs require the completion of twelve credit hours (four designated courses) of 3000-, 4000-, 5000-, and 6000-level lecture courses (1000/2000-level courses cannot be included).

Course Information

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Minimum of Two

Description

Geotechnical principles are applied to the design of geosynthetic systems for foundation support, earth retention, drainage, and disposal of hazardous conventional wastes. Geosynthetic testing and identification. Emphasis is on the design of geosynthetic earth reinforcement, roadway stabilization, filters, and waste containment systems. 

Learning Objective

  1. Equip students with the knowledge and skills to apply geotechnical principles in the design of geosynthetic systems for various applications, including foundation support, earth retention, drainage, and waste containment.
  2. Familiarize students with geosynthetic testing methods and identification techniques to assess material properties and performance.
  3. Emphasize the practical aspects of designing geosynthetic earth reinforcement, roadway stabilization, filters, and waste containment systems in civil engineering projects.

Course Content

  • Overview of geosynthetic materials and their role in geotechnical engineering.
  • Significance of geosynthetics in various civil engineering applications.
  • Geosynthetic material properties and testing methods.
  • Identification of geosynthetic materials and quality control.
  • Application of geosynthetics for enhancing foundation support and soil stabilization.
  • Design principles and methods for geosynthetic-reinforced foundations.
  • Design and analysis of geosynthetic earth retention systems (e.g., retaining walls).
  • Factors influencing the stability of earth retention structures.
  • Use of geosynthetics in drainage systems to control groundwater and surface water.
  • Design considerations for geosynthetic drainage systems.
  • Design of geosynthetic liners and barriers for waste containment facilities.
  • Environmental considerations and regulations for hazardous waste disposal.
  • Application of geosynthetics in roadway stabilization and reinforcement.
  • Design approaches for improving road performance and longevity.
  • Role of geosynthetic filters in erosion control and sediment retention.
  • Filter design principles and applications.
  • Geosynthetic solutions for slope stabilization and erosion control.
  • Design and analysis of geosynthetic-reinforced slopes and embankments.
  • Application of geosynthetic design principles to real-world civil engineering projects.
  • Analysis of case studies involving geosynthetic systems.

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • HWs
  • Midterm Exam
  • Final Exam

Description

General principles of soil mechanics and their applications, including mineralogy, soil structure, flow through porous media, shear strength, slope stability and consolidation.

Learning Objective

  1. Provide students with a solid foundation in soil mechanics, covering essential principles and concepts.
  2. Equip students with the knowledge and skills to apply soil mechanics principles to real-world civil engineering problems.
  3. Focus on specific topics such as shear strength, slope stability, and consolidation to address critical geotechnical challenges.

Course Content

  • Overview of soil mechanics as a branch of geotechnical engineering.
  • Significance of soil properties in civil engineering.
  • Study of soil mineral constituents and their influence on soil properties.
  • Identification and classification of soils based on mineral content.
  • Examination of soil structure, including particle arrangement and void ratio.
  • Effects of soil fabric on permeability and compressibility.
  • Principles of fluid flow in soils.
  • Darcy's law and hydraulic conductivity.
  • Measurement of shear strength parameters.
  • Factors affecting soil shear strength and its applications in foundation design.
  • Analysis of factors contributing to slope instability.
  • Methods for assessing and mitigating slope failure risks.
  • Understanding consolidation theory and settlement analysis.
  • Predicting settlement in foundations and structures.
  • Concepts of effective stress and total stress.
  • Calculation of pore water pressures and their significance in soil behavior.
  • Practical soil testing methods and laboratory procedures.
  • Hands-on exercises in soil sample preparation and testing.
  • Application of soil mechanics principles to real-world civil engineering projects.
  • Case studies illustrating the role of soil mechanics in geotechnical design and construction.

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • HWs
  • Midterm Exam
  • Final Exam

Description

Classical earth pressure theories. Analysis of shallow and deep foundations to include bearing capacity and settlement of footings, rafts, piles, and drilled piers. Analysis of stability and design of retaining walls and anchored bulkheads.

Learning Objective

  1. Provide students with in-depth knowledge and analytical skills to analyze and design various types of foundations, including shallow and deep foundations.
  2. Explore classical earth pressure theories and their application in retaining wall design and soil-structure interaction.
  3. Develop a comprehensive understanding of bearing capacity, settlement, stability analysis, and design principles for foundations and retaining structures in civil engineering.

Course Content

  • Introduction to classical earth pressure theories (e.g., Rankine, Coulomb).
  • Application of earth pressure theories in retaining wall design.
  • Analysis of bearing capacity and settlement of shallow foundations.
  • Design considerations for footings and rafts.
  • Analysis and design of deep foundations, including piles and drilled piers.
  • Load transfer mechanisms and capacity calculations.
  • Stability assessment of shallow and deep foundations under various loading conditions.
  • Evaluation of factors affecting foundation stability.
  • Types of retaining walls and their applications.
  • Retaining wall design principles and analysis methods.
  • Analysis and design of anchored bulkheads in waterfront and marine engineering.
  • Use of ground anchors for stability.
  • Settlement calculations for different foundation types.
  • Settlement control measures in construction.
  • In-depth analysis of real-world projects involving foundation and retaining wall design.
  • Application of course concepts to case studies.
  • Interaction between foundations and surrounding soil.
  • Considerations for improving soil-structure interaction in foundation design.
  • Field visits or practical exercises related to foundation engineering.
  • Site investigations and geotechnical testing techniques.

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • HWs
  • Midterm Exam
  • Final Exam

Minimum of Two

Description

Application of engineering principles to the planning and design of multipurpose projects involving water resources development and wastewater collection/treatment/disposal/systems. The latest concepts in engineering analysis are applied to the evaluation of alternative solutions.

Learning Objective

  1. Apply engineering principles to the planning and design of multipurpose projects involving water resources development and wastewater systems.
  2. Utilize the latest concepts in engineering analysis to evaluate alternative solutions for water resources management and wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal.

Course Content

  • Overview of multipurpose projects involving water resources development and wastewater systems.
  • Significance of integrated planning in engineering projects.
  • Planning and design of water supply systems, dams, reservoirs, and irrigation networks.
  • Sustainable management of water resources.
  • Design and optimization of wastewater collection systems.
  • Advanced treatment technologies for wastewater.
  • Evaluation of wastewater disposal methods, including environmental considerations.
  • Concepts and practices of wastewater reuse.
  • Advanced analysis of hydraulic and hydrological aspects for project planning.
  • Flood control, river basin management, and drainage systems.
  • Monitoring and assessment of water quality in various water resources.
  • Implications for design and operation.
  • Economic analysis of multipurpose projects, including cost-benefit analysis.
  • Environmental impact assessments and mitigation strategies.
  • Utilization of the latest engineering analysis tools, including modeling and simulation.
  • Data-driven decision-making in project evaluation.
  • Identification and assessment of risks in multipurpose projects.
  • Risk management strategies and contingency planning.

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • HWs
  • Midterm Exam
  • Final Exam

Description

This course provides comprehensive coverage of environmental laws and regulations dealing with air, water, wastewater, and other media. The primary focus is permitting, reporting, and compliance protocols. The course topics include U.S. and international legal systems and judicial processes, liability, enforcement, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act (NPDES) permitting), Safe Drinking Water Act, OSGA, TSCA, RCRA, AND CERCLA. Case studies will be emphasized. 

Learning Objective

  1. Develop a deep understanding of environmental laws and regulations, both at the national and international levels.
  2. Equip students with the knowledge and skills required to navigate permitting, reporting, and compliance protocols for various environmental media, including air and water.
  3. Emphasize the application of legal principles through case studies to enhance practical understanding of environmental law.

Course Content

  • Overview of environmental laws and their significance.
  • Distinction between U.S. and international legal systems.
  • Examination of key U.S. environmental laws and regulations.
  • Overview of judicial processes and liability in environmental cases.
  • Clean Air Act and its provisions.
  • Air quality standards, permitting, and enforcement.
  • Detailed exploration of the Clean Water Act, including NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permitting.
  • Water quality standards, discharge permitting, and compliance.
  • Overview of the Safe Drinking Water Act and its requirements.
  • Drinking water quality standards and regulation.
  • Comprehensive coverage of OSGA (Oil Pollution Act), TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act), RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act), and CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act).
  • Introduction to international environmental agreements and treaties.
  • Comparison of U.S. and international environmental regulations.
  • Procedures for permitting, reporting, and compliance with environmental laws.
  • Strategies for achieving and maintaining compliance.
  • Enforcement mechanisms and penalties for non-compliance.
  • Liability issues in environmental law.
  • In-depth analysis of real-world environmental law cases.

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • HWs

Description

The course covers current in-situ and ex-situ remediation technologies. Current literature and case studies are utilized to provide the focus for class discussions and projects.

Learning Objectives

  1. To develop a comprehensive understanding of remediation technologies, encompassing both in-situ and ex-situ methods, for addressing contaminated groundwater and soil.
  2. To acquire the knowledge and practical skills necessary for the effective application of remediation techniques in various environmental contexts.
  3. To cultivate the ability to critically analyze current literature and research findings in the field of environmental remediation, fostering an informed perspective on industry developments.
  4. To gain practical insights by evaluating real-world case studies, allowing for a deeper understanding of the challenges and successful strategies employed in environmental remediation projects.
  5. To develop problem-solving and decision-making skills relevant to the complexities of remediating contaminated groundwater and soil, preparing students for real-world applications.

Course Content

  • Fundamentals of Environmental Contamination
  • In-Situ Remediation Techniques
  • Ex-Situ Remediation Methods
  • Case Studies in Environmental Remediation
  • Regulatory Frameworks and Compliance

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • HWs
  • Term Paper
  • Exams

Description

A comprehensive course dealing with the environmental aspects of public health.

Learning Objective

  1. Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the environmental factors and engineering solutions that impact public health.
  2. Equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to address environmental factors that contribute to the spread of diseases and develop strategies for prevention.
  3. Prepare students to design and implement engineering solutions that enhance public health, particularly in the context of water supply, sanitation, and waste management.

Course Content

  • Overview of the intersection between engineering and public health.
  • Significance of addressing environmental factors for public health.
  • Design and management of safe drinking water supply systems.
  • Water quality monitoring and treatment methods.
  • Sanitary sewer systems and wastewater treatment processes.
  • Solid waste management and disposal techniques.
  • Identification and mitigation of environmental contaminants that impact public health.
  • Sources of pollution and their effects.
  • Strategies for controlling disease vectors (e.g., mosquitoes) through engineering interventions.
  • Prevention of vector-borne diseases.
  • Ensuring food safety through proper storage, handling, and sanitation.
  • Prevention of foodborne illnesses.
  • Impact of air pollution on public health.
  • Engineering solutions to improve indoor and outdoor air quality.
  • Methods for assessing and quantifying environmental health risks.
  • Risk management and mitigation strategies.
  • Understanding disease transmission pathways and epidemiological concepts.
  • Engineering approaches to interrupt disease transmission.
  • Preparedness and response strategies for environmental health emergencies (e.g., natural disasters, disease outbreaks).
  • Role of public health engineers in disaster relief efforts.

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • HWs
  • Project
  • Midterm Exam

Description

A systematic study of the sources, amounts and characteristics of solid wastes and methods used for their collection, reclamation, and ultimate disposal.

Learning Objective

  1. Comprehensive Understanding: Develop a deep understanding of solid waste management, including waste sources, characteristics, and disposal methods.
  2. Practical Application: Equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to implement effective waste collection, reclamation, and disposal strategies.
  3. Environmental Awareness: Foster an awareness of the environmental impact of solid waste and the importance of sustainable waste management practices.

Course Content

  • Overview of solid waste, its sources, and significance.
  • Role of waste management in environmental protection.
  • Study of the sources and amounts of solid waste.
  • Analysis of waste characteristics and composition.
  • Methods and technologies for waste collection.
  • Collection system design and optimization.
  • Techniques for reclaiming and recycling solid waste materials.
  • Benefits of recycling and resource recovery.
  • Landfill design, operation, and closure.
  • Incineration and waste-to-energy processes.
  • Biological waste treatment methods.
  • Strategies for waste minimization at the source.
  • Sustainable waste reduction practices.
  • Overview of waste-related regulations and environmental laws.
  • Compliance and reporting requirements.
  • Challenges and solutions for waste management in different settings.
  • Rural waste disposal techniques.
  • Handling and disposal of hazardous and special wastes.
  • Regulatory considerations for hazardous waste management.
  • Assessment of the environmental impact of solid waste management practices.
  • Sustainable waste management approaches and their benefits.

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • HWs
  • Project
  • Midterm Exam

Description

This course will examine the concepts regarding the continued advancement of humankind while maintaining our ecological niche on Earth. Key topics include population growth, poverty, and impacts of development; energy consumption, sources, storage, conservation, and policy; water quality and quantity; materials and building; and policy implications. Prerequisite: Senior or graduate standing.

Learning Objective

  1. To grasp the intricacies of balancing human progress with ecological preservation on our planet.
    To analyze the complex relationships between population growth, poverty, and development, considering their far-reaching impacts.
  2. To gain expertise in energy dynamics, encompassing consumption patterns, energy sources, storage methods, conservation techniques, and associated policy considerations
  3. To understand the multifaceted challenges of water resource management, including both water quality and quantity issues.
  4. To explore materials and construction practices, considering their environmental implications and sustainable alternatives.
  5. To examine the policy frameworks that govern and influence sustainable development and ecological preservation.

Course Content

  • Ecological Balance and Human Advancement
  • Population Growth, Poverty, and Developmental Impact
  • Energy Sustainability: Sources, Conservation, and Policy
  • Water Resource Management: Quality and Quantity
  • Materials, Building Practices, and Environmental Implications
  • Policy Frameworks for Sustainable Development

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • HWs
  • Project
  • Exams