Majors Related to Geological Engineering

Compare Four

Your second and third years have distinctive course requirements and electives.

Here we can compare four related majors through select second and third year courses.

Geological Engineering

GE 2300 - Mineral Science

Chemical composition, crystal structure, physical properties, and identification of minerals. Environmental controls on their formation. Formation processes, characterization of and exploration of ore deposits. Laboratory focuses on hand specimen identification and introduction to X-ray diffraction and SEM mineral analysis techniques.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
Pre-Requisite(s): CH 1000 or CH 1112 or (CH 1150 and CH 1151)

GE 3250 - Computational Geosciences

Introduction to quantitative analysis and display of geologic data using R/Matlab, covering basic R/Matlab syntax and programming, and analysis of one-dimensional (e.g. time series) and two-dimensional datasets (i.e. spatial data). Techniques are applied to geological datasets.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-1)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1160 or MA 1161 or MA 1121

GE 3850 - Geohydrology

Geologic and hydrologic factors controlling the occurrence, movement, and development of subsurface water. Quantitative methods for analyzing groundwater systems are introduced.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): GE 2000 and MA 2160

GE 3890 - Engineering Geology and Rock Mechanics

Course will cover collection, analysis, and interpretation of geological data and information required for the safe development of civil works. Course will include laboratory experiments to determine the physical and mechanical properties of rocks, including hardness, tensile, and compressive strength.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-1)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): (GE 2000 or GE 2100) and (GE 3050 or ENG 2120 or MEEM 2150)

CEE 3810 - Soil Mechanics for Engineers

Develops the terminology and descriptions common to the field. Studies soil compressibility, fluid flow, response to mechanical compaction, and strength as well as methods of determining geostatic stresses and stress changes due to boundary loadings. An experimental laboratory experience reinforces the lecture material.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): GE 2000(C) and (MEEM 2150 or ENG 2120) and (ENG 3200 or CEE 3200 or GE 3850)

Mechanical Engineering

MEEM 2110 - Statics

Force systems in two and three dimensions. Includes composition and resolution of forces and force systems, principles of equilibrium applied to various bodies, simple structures, friction, centroids, and moments of inertia. Vector algebra used where appropriate. Prerequisite of MA2160 with a grade of C or better is required.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of For Res & Env Sci, College of Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 2160

MEEM 2150 - Mechanics of Materials

Introduction to mechanical behavior of materials, including stress/strain at a point, principle stresses and strains, stress-strain relationships, determination of stresses and deformations in situations involving axial loading, torsional loading of circular cross sections, and flexural loading of straight members. Also covers stresses due to combined loading and buckling of columns.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of For Res & Env Sci, College of Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 2110

MEEM 3400 - Mechanical System Design and Analysis

In this course, students learn mechanical synthesis and analysis methods. They use case studies to develop relationships between design and performance. They apply synthesis methods to the design of a new product.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Robotics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): (ENG 2120 or MEEM 2150) and MEEM 2700

MEEM 3750 - Dynamic Systems

This course deals with the modeling, analysis and control of mixed physics systems. It covers differential equation generation for mechanical, thermal, and electrical systems, their simulation, and methods for analyzing their performance operating in both open and closed loop.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-4-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 2700 and (MA 3520 or MA 3521 or MA 3530 or MA 3560)

MEEM 3600 - Introduction to Manufacturing

This course introduces manufacturing processes, including deformation, subtractive, additive, and molding processes. Students learn how things are made in both low and high production environments. It includes design for manufacturing considerations.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 2150 and MSE 2100

Natural Resources Management

FW 2030 - Conservation of Nature

This course explores the history and evolution of conservation in thought and practice, with an emphasis on the writings and legacy of conservation pioneers such as Aldo Leopold.

Credits: 2.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman

FW 3170 - Land Measurements and GPS

Introduces field measurements and computations involved in determining direction, distance, and area. Covers the hand compass, pacing, and use of GPS, including differential correction. Integration of GPS data with GIS is emphasized. Course held at Ford Center, Alberta, MI.

Credits: 1.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Wildlife Ecology & Mgmt, Natural Resources Management, Wildlife Ecology & Cons, App Ecol & Environ Sci, Forestry
Co-Requisite(s): FW 3190
Pre-Requisite(s): FW 3540

FW 3180 - Geomorphology, Landscapes and Ecosystems

Provides basic understanding of the geologic and glacial processes that shaped the landscape of the Upper Midwest influencing the distribution and productivity of modern-day plant communities. Topics include geology of Michigan, glacial geomorphology, soil development, landscape and community ecology, and forestry. Course held at Ford Center, Alberta, MI.

Credits: 2.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (1-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Wildlife Ecology & Mgmt, Wildlife Ecology & Cons, App Ecol & Environ Sci, Natural Resources Management; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman

FW 3200 - Biometrics and Data Analysis

Sampling design, implementation and analysis for inventory and monitoring of attributes of stands, forests and landscapes. Includes computing skills for data entry, storage and analysis and application of statistical techniques to answer questions about ecological data.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): FW 2051 and (MA 2710 or MA 2720 or MA 3710)

FW 3330 - Soil Science

Introduction to the chemical, physical, and biological properties of soil.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): CH 1112(C) or (CH 1150(C) and CH 1151(C))

Mining Engineering

GE 2020 - Introduction to Mining Engineering and Mining Methods

Learn how various mining components, from prospecting to financing to reclamation, fit together. Includes advantages and drawbacks of different mining methods and their selection. Introduces ethics and professional development. Use of basic computer and mine design software.

Credits: 2.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall

CM 2200 - Intro Minerals and Materials

Fundamentals of minerals processing, raw materials production, and extractive metallurgy, including primary metals production.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall

GE 3440 - Drilling, Blasting, and Mine Safety Engineering

Rock penetration and fragmentation methods and boring, cutting, drilling, and blasting techniques. Design of surface and underground blasting rounds. Formulation of design criteria to minimize the adverse effects of blasting. Field demonstration in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of blasts. Principles of health/safety in mine practice.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, in odd years
Pre-Requisite(s): GE 2020 and PH 2100 and MA 2160

GE 3880 - Mine Planning and Design

Course provides the basics of mine planning, feasibility study, block modeling, economic analysis, cost estimation and price forecasting, mining method selection algorithms. Introduction and hands-on experience with mine planning and design software including Surpac, Vulcan, and Whittle.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-2)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): GE 2320 and GE 3440 and GE 3870

EC 3400 - Economic Decision Analysis

Studies economic decision-making for actions occurring over time. Covers decision tools for comparing alternatives, public project evaluation, risk and uncertainty, mutually exclusive decisions, multiple objective decisions, interest rate calculations, cash flow analysis, depreciation and taxes, cost of capital, capital budgeting.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Engineering Management, Marketing, Management, Management Information Systems, Accounting, Finance; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
Pre-Requisite(s): UN 1015 and (UN 1025)

Review Sample Plans for Course Sequences

Advisors create sample plans and flow charts to help you understand course requirements, electives, pre-requisites, and credit loads.

These depend on the year you enroll, or your audit year. Students can take courses in the summer, if needed.

Common First Year

Engineering majors have a common first year program.

Finding the right major means navigating a landscape of options. In the College of Engineering, the first year student experience is similar across majors. This allows you to complete many course requirements and still be on track if you should decide to change majors. In engineering, the first year may look like this:

Year 1 Fall

CH 1150 - University Chemistry I

Introduces the foundations of chemistry, including electronic structure of atoms and molecules, intermolecular forces, states of matter, chemical reactions, organic chemistry, chemical equilibria, kinetics, and acid-base chemistry. Includes laboratory component that emphasizes lecture components.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Co-Requisite(s): CH 1151
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1031(C) or MA 1032(C) or MA 1120(C) or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1135(C) or MA 1121(C) or ALEKS Math Placement >= 56 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 2 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 2 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 2 or ACT Mathematics >= 22 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 540

CH 1151 - University Chemistry Lab I

Laboratory to accompany CH1150.

Credits: 1.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Co-Requisite(s): CH 1150
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1031(C) or MA 1032(C) or MA 1120(C) or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1135(C) or MA 1121(C) or ALEKS Math Placement >= 56 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 2 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 2 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 2 or ACT Mathematics >= 22 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 540

ENG 1101 - Engineering Analysis and Problem Solving

An introduction to the engineering profession and to its various disciplines. Focuses on developing problem-solving skills, computational skills, and communication skills. Through active, collaborative work, students work on teams to apply the engineering problem-solving method to "real-world" problems.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-5)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): (MA 1031(C) or MA 1032(C) or MA 1120(C) or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1121(C) or MA 2160(C) or MA 3160(C)) and (Spatial Visualization Score >= 19 or ENG 1002(C))

GE 1100 - Geological Engineering and Sciences Orientation

Introduction to geosciences as a profession, including discussions of career opportunities and geoscience programs. Earth materials and the earth's processes are also introduced. Includes frequent field trips. Intended for freshman or sophomore students in geological engineering, geology, applied geophysics, hydrology, geotechnics, earth science teaching, or any other geoscience program.

Credits: 1.0; Graded Pass/Fail Only
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Geological Engineering, General Sciences and Arts, General Engineering, Mining Engineering, Applied Geophysics, Geology; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Junior, Senior

MA 1160 - Calculus with Technology I

An introduction to single-variable calculus, which includes a computer laboratory. Topics include trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions, differentiation and its uses, and basic integration. Integrates symbolic tools, graphical concepts, data and numerical calculations.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-1)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): ALEKS Math Placement >= 86 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 3 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 3 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 3 or ACT Mathematics >= 29 or SAT MATH SECTION SCORE-M16 >= 680

PH 1100 - Physics by Inquiry I

Experiments covering kinematics, force, conservation of momentum, conservation of energy, and waves are explored through guided construction. The course emphasizes understanding physical concepts through inquiry and the scientific method

Credits: 1.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1121(C)

UN 1015 - Composition

Provides direct instruction in composition. Students examine and interpret communication practices and apply what they learn to their own written, aural, and visual compositions. Class projects ask students to communicate in a variety of modes and to attend to audience, purpose, and context.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman

Year 1 Spring

MA 2160 - Calculus with Technology II

Continued study of calculus, which includes a computer laboratory. Topics include integration and its uses, function approximation, vectors, and elementary modeling with differential equations.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-1)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 1160 or MA 1161 or MA 1135 or MA 1121 or CEEB Calculus AB >= 3 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 3 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 3

PH 2100 - University Physics I-Mechanics

A calculus-based introduction to classical mechanics. Topics include kinematics, Newton's laws, impulse and momentum, work and energy, and the universal law of gravitation. C or better/AP credit in Calc 1 or co-requisite registration in PH2110 required.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): PH 1100(C) and (MA 1160 or MA 1161 or MA 1121 or MA 1135) or (CEEB Calculus AB >= 3 or CEEB Calculus BC >= 3 or CEEB Calculus AB Subscore >= 3 and MA 2160(C) or MA 3160(C))

GE 2000 - Understanding the Earth

Introduction to materials and processes that shape the earth we live on. Lecture and laboratories acquaint students with minerals, rocks, earth resources, weathering, geologic time, landslides, groundwater, streams, shorelines, deserts, glaciers, geologic structures, earthquakes, plate tectonics, and the dynamics of the earth's crust, mantle, and core.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

ENG 1102 - Engineering Modeling and Design

Continuation of ENG1101. Introduction to the engineering design process with an emphasis on graphics and documentation. Focuses on engineering problem solving in the context of the design process.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-5)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): (MA 1031 or MA 1032 or MA 1120 or MA 1160(C) or MA 1161(C) or MA 1121(C) or MA 2160(C) or MA 3160(C)) and (ENG 1101 or (ENG 1001 and ENG 1100)) and (Spatial Visualization Score >= 19 or ENG 1002)

UN 1025 - Global Issues

Study of contemporary global issues, their origins, impacts, and solutions through the thematic and comparative exploration of worldview and culture, population, globalization, development, politics and global governance, environment, and sustainability. Emphasis on global literacy and information literacy.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman

In this sample plan, there are only two major-related courses required during the first two semesters, GE 1100 and GE 2000.

Design and Research Capstone

You will have the design and research experience as a senior.

Engineering students and those in the sciences will participate in a research or design project for their capstone or senior year. Engineering students can choose Senior Design or Enterprise for their capstone initiative. A student may find a research project at any time in their undergraduate career. Geological Engineering majors have summer field courses and senior design requirements.

Geo Eng Summer Field Courses

GE 4090 - Field Geophysics

Introduction to field geophysical techniques including basic land surveying. Emphasizes the recording, reduction, presentation, and interpretation of gravity, magnetic, electrical, seismic, and electromagnetic data as well as the proper use, care, and calibration of equipment used to collect the data. Requires report writing. Students must provide their own transportation.

Credits: 5.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-15)
Semesters Offered: Summer
Restrictions: Permission of department required
Pre-Requisite(s): GE 3040 and GE 3010

GE 4091 - Field Geology with Engineering Applications

Introduction to methods and problems of field geology, interpretation of field relationships, and engineering site investigation. Field areas are located in northern Michigan. Requires geological and/or engineering report and memo writing.

Credits: 5.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-0-15)
Semesters Offered: Summer
Restrictions: Permission of department required
Pre-Requisite(s): GE 2000 and GE 2310 and GE 3050 and GE 3010

Geo Eng Senior Design Courses

GE 4900 - Capstone I

Capstone engineering design course focusing on a realistic, complex, open-ended engineering problem. Project includes technical design, economic analysis, environmental impacts, and regulations. Report writing required. (Senior project ready as defined by major substitutes for prerequisites).

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior

GE 4910 - Capstone II

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
Pre-Requisite(s): GE 4900