This project integrates advanced analytical techniques into an undergraduate geological engineering curriculum. An x-ray diffraction system (XRD) will be used in conjunction with an existing scanning electron microscope (SEM) to develop an accelerated educational program. Geological engineers typically enter the workplace with only a B.S. degree and, thus, they are not trained in analytical methodologies normally taught in graduate-level courses. We propose to remediate this educational deficiency through a coordinated, multi-year program involving 9 courses and 11 faculty. XRD and SEM techniques and applications will be introduced into the undergraduate curriculum using an applied, hands-on approach. A survey of 13 other geological engineering programs in the United States indicates that (a) our proposed project is innovative and unique; (b) there is a great need for this type of training; and (c) at least 11 schools would seriously consider implementing curricular changes modeled on ours. The program will begin in the first semester of the sophomore year by introducing XRD/SEM theory, operation, and basic skills into Mineralogy and Materials of the Earth courses. In subsequent Petrology, Structural Geology, and Geomorphology courses, skills introduced in the sophomore year will be maintained and further developed allowing students to solidify their understanding of basic principles and advance to more complex, process-related applications. At the senior level, new laboratory exercises in capstone courses, Petroleum Geology, Mineral Exploration, Hydrogeology, and Engineering Geology Project Design, will expose students to advanced XRD/SEM techniques for solving a wide range of real-life geological engineering problems. The feasibility of our approach was assessed during a 2-year trial period involving sophomore Mineralogy and junior Petrology students in which we found the students to be enthusiastic about the applied, hands-on nature of the program. When the project is fully implemented, annual participation will be approximately 125 undergraduate engineers.
