Required Courses in Geology Major

Courses Credits Courses Credits 1. University Requirements (24 credits) 319 Geochemistry 3 A. Courses (12 credits) 350 Sedimentary Petrology 3 101 Arabic Language 3 403 Geology of the Arabian Peninsula 3 102 Arab Islamic Civilization 3 406 Petroleum Geology 3 161 English Language I 3 409 Hydrogeology 3 162 English Language II 3 441 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology 3 B. Courses (12 credits) Four courses form the following: (9 credits): To be selected from elective courses offered by the department 101 Psychology 3 4. Minor in Geology (27 credits) 101 Principles of Management 3 100 Principles in Geology 4 101 Philosophy of Sciences 3 102 Historical Geology 3 101 Introduction to Sociology 3 107 Minerals and Crystallography 3 102 Home Economics 3 201 General Petrology 2 102 Islamic Culture 3 206 Invertebrate Paleontology 3 103 Principles of Philosophy 3 208 Stratigraphy and Sedimentation 3 103 Government and Politics of Kuwait 3 252 Optical Mineralogy 3 104 Principles of Economics 3 350 Sedimentary Petrology 3 163 English Language III 3 5. Free (6 credits): The student choose 6 201 Principles of Education 3 credits from any of the courses offered by other C.190 Arabic Language (for foreigners only)* 9 departments in the university 2. College Requirements (21 credits) BS in Geology Total credits needed up on graduation: 129 101 Calculus I 3 Future BS Tracks planned for 2009 102 Calculus II 3 1. Marine Geology 2. Desert Geosciences 113 General Chemistry 4 3. Environment Geosciences 101 General Physics I 3 105 Physical Laboratory I 1 100 Principles in Geology 4 102 Historical Geology 3 3. Department Requirements (51 credits) BS in Geology A. Required (42 credits) 107 Minerals and Crystallography 3 201 General Petrology 2 206 Invertebrate Paleontology 3 208 Stratigraphy and Sedimentation 3 252 Optical Mineralogy 3 301 Structural Geology 3 304 Field Geology 5 305 Geophysics 3 Required Courses in Geology Major Last updated in 2008

Suggested Course Distribution for the Geology Major FIRST YEAR First Semester Second Semester 100 Principles of Geology 4 102 Historical Geology 3 101 Calculus I 3 107 Mineralogy 3 University Requirement 3 102 Calculus II 3 University Requirement 3 University Requirement 3 University Requirement 3 University Requirement 3 Total 16 Total 15 SECOND YEAR Third Semester Fourth Semester 201 General Petrology 2 252 Mineral Optics 3 206 Invertebrate Paleontology 3 301 Structural Geology 3 208 Stratigraphy & Sedimentation 3 101 General Physics I 3 110 Chemistry 3 105 Physics Laboratory 1 111 Chemistry 1 University Requirement 3 University Requirement 3 A Minor Course 3 University Requirement 3 Total 18 Total 16

Suggested Course Distribution for the Geology Major THIRD YEAR Fifth Semester Sixth Semester 304 Field Geology 5 350 Sedimentary Petrology 3 305 Geophysics 3 406 Petroleum Geology 3 319 Geochemistry 3 A Geology Course 3 A Geology Course 3 A Minor Course 3 A Minor Course 3 A Minor Course 3 A Minor Course 3 Total 20 Total 15 FOURTH YEAR Seventh Semester Eighth Semester 403 Geology of the Arabian 2 409 Hydrogeology 3 Peninsula 441 Igneous & Metamorphic A Geology Course 3 Petrology 3 A Minor Course 3 A Minor Course 3 A Minor Course 3 A Free Course 3 A Free Course 3 Total 14 Total 12

Courses Description Geol. 100: Principles of Geology (3-3-4) (Geology Students Only) (Prerequisite: None) Introduction to the principles of physical geology. Earth material. Minerals and their properties. Rocks and their properties. Rock and tectonic cycles. Magmatic rocks. Volcanism and extrusive rocks. Plutonic rocks and intrusive activities. Sedimentation and sedimentary rocks. Metamorphism and metamorphic rocks. Weathering, rock decay and soils. Relative and absolute time and the time scale. Erosion, mass wastage and surface processes. Streams and landscape sculpture. Ground water. Deserts and wind action. Glaciation and glaciers. Waves and shorelines. Deformation and geologic structures. Seismology, earthquakes and earth interior. Plate tectonics, sea floor, large-scale structures and mountain belts. Natural resources and hazards. Geol. 101: Physical Geology (2-3-3) (Non-Geology Students Only) (Prerequisite: None) Introduction to earth sciences. Study of minerals and rocks. Weathering, agents of erosion, deposition and formation of sedimentary rocks. Earth interior and formation of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Rock deformation and accompanied large scale tectonics. Earthquakes, volcanoes and a synthesis of plate tectonics. Natural resources. Geologic time scale. Geol. 102: Historical Geology (2-3-3) (Prerequisite: Geol. 100 or Geol. 101) Theories of earth and solar system. Methods of measuring geologic time. Overall scheme of earth and life evolution by examining organic and non-organic record from Precambrian to present. Concepts of plate tectonics and continental drift. Laboratory work emphasizes the interpretation of geologic maps and description and use of fossils. Geol. 105: Mineralogy and Crystallography (1-3-2) (Non-Geology Students Only) (Prerequisite: Geol. 101) Fundamentals of crystallography and mineralogy. Basic concepts of mineral chemistry. Physical properties and identification of minerals. Hand specimen identification. Systematic survey of major rock-forming minerals with emphasis on silicates. Introduction to optical mineralogy and use of the petrographic microscope.

Geol. 107: Mineralogy (2-3-3) (Geology Students Only) (Prerequisite: Geol. 100) Introduction to crystallography and mineralogy. Crystal systems and classes. Fundamental concepts of mineral chemistry. Classification of minerals by crystal systems and chemical groups. Physical properties and identification. Identification of mineral hand specimens. Systematic survey of major rock-forming mineral groups, with emphasis on silicates, carbonates and oxides. Basics of quantitative mineralogy. Geol. 111: Earth and Universe (3-0-3) (Education Students Only) (Prerequisite: None) Solar system and origin of universe. Earth as a planet. Earth in relation to other planets and satellites. Outer space. Atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, geosphere and their dynamics. Earth material, its constituents and changes in them. Influence of energy on external and internal processes in the earth. Natural cycles. Life on earth and man s place in it. Impact of space exploration on study of the earth. Geol. 112: Earth Natural Resources (3-0-3) (Education Students Only) (Prerequisite: Geol. 111) Types and sites of earth s natural resources. Types and locations of earth s natural resources. Resource-human interaction. Common and rare mineral deposits. Construction materials. Marine resources and their formation. Soil identification. Soil and food. Fertilizers derived from natural material. Environmental views on resources. Misuse of resources. Future of energy. Natural resources in the Arab countries Geol. 113: Changing Earth (3-0-3) (Education Students Only) (Prerequisite: Geol. 111) Changes on earth. Causes and consequences. Major surface phenomena and their geologic control. Landscape and scenery. Influence of climate in equatorial, tropical and polar regions. Nature of desert and man s place in it. Human record in the Quaternary. Geol. 201: General Petrology (1-3-2) (Prerequisite: Geol. 105 or Geol. 107) An introduction to igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks, with emphasis on their hand specimen description and identification. Classification. A brief treatment of formation of rocks.

Geol. 206: Paleontology (2-3-3) (Prerequisite: Geol. 102) Nature of fossils. Types of fossilization. Diversity and value of fossils. Systematic study of the main invertebrate groups with emphasis on the morphology of hard parts, their geologic history, as well as their ecology and evolution. Geol. 208: Stratigraphy and Sedimentation (2-3-3) (Prerequisite: Geol. 102) Preliminaries. Depositional environments and evolution of sedimentary rocks. Identification of type and environment of deposition. Facies and principles of sediment accumulation. Correlation. Sedimentary tectonics. Basin identification. Evaluation of depositional history from stratigraphic information. Geol. 227: Environmental Geology (2-3-3) (Prerequisite: Geol. 100 or Geol. 101) Evolving relationship between map and nature. Ecology and ecosystems. Environment as a cause of civilization decline; the ancient world versus the modern world. Geologic resources and energy, minerals and society, resources and reserves, renewable and nonrenewable resources. Mineral exploration, extraction methods and management, energy and fossil fuels. The alternative energy resources. Water resources. Sources of groundwater pollution. Geologic hazards such as volcanoes, earthquakes, landslides and floods. Human modification of nature i.e. surface changes and engineering, and engineering impacts on water supply. Coastal environments such as dynamics, beach erosion, coastal reclamation and human impacts. Human impacts on soil. Geol. 251: Optical Mineralogy (1-3-2) (Non-Geology Students Only) (Prerequisite: Geol. 201) Properties of light. Optical properties of minerals and their study using the transmitted light polarizing microscope. Systematic investigation of rock-forming mineral groups under the microscope.

Geol. 252: Mineral Optics (2-3-3) (Geology Students Only) (Prerequisite: Geol. 201) Introduction to mineral optics. Light waves and properties of light. Crystals as light modifiers. Interaction of light with minerals of different crystal systems. Optical properties of minerals. Study of minerals by the transmitted light polarizing microscope. Systematic study of major rock-forming mineral groups under the polarizing microscope. Geol. 301: Structural Geology (2-3-3) (Prerequisite: Geol. 201 and Geol. 208) Behavior of rocks and deformational conditions. Stresses and strains. Mechanisms of deformation. Deformational structures joints, faults, folds, foliations and lineations. Descriptive, geometrical, kinematic and dynamic analysis of deformational structures. Nature and significance of shear zones. Polyphase deformational structures. Plate tectonics. Intrusive and extrusive structures. Impact structures. Geol. 304: Field Geology (1-12-5) (Prerequisite: Geo. 201 and Geo. 301) Principles and procedures of geologic mapping, map making and geologic map writing. Geological mapping and interpretation of the geology of a selected area outside Kuwait. Training in mapping techniques and tools, through use of topographic maps, aerial photographs and geologic compass. Reading and interpretation of geologic maps. Condensed month-long training is divided into two parts. First two weeks involve visiting areas and sites that show different geologic features, followed by two weeks of systematic mapping of assigned areas. Map drafting and geologic report writing in the remaining part of the course. Geol. 305: Geophysics (2-3-3) (Prerequisite: Geol. 301, Phys. 101 and Math. 101) Gravity field of the earth, isostasy, geomagnetism, paleomagnetism and continental drift. Earthquake seismology and earth s internal structure. Heat flow. Geophysical exploration methods and geophysical data interpretation techniques.

Geol. 310: Economic Geology (2-3-3) (Prerequisite: Geol. 251 or Geol. 252) Systematic survey of economic minerals and rocks. Classification of ore deposits, their genesis and processes of enrichment. Metallogenic provinces. Classification and occurrence of industrial rocks. Commercial uses of mineral and rock resources. Extraction techniques and reserve estimation. Identification of economic minerals and rocks in hand specimens and under the microscope. Geol. 319: Geochemistry (2-3-3) (Prerequisite: Geol. 201, Chem. 110 and Chem. 111) Geochemical Classification of the elements and the geochemical cycle. Principles of thermodynamics and aqueous chemistry. Aspects of the geochemistry of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Geochemical exploration. Analytical techniques. Geol. 320: Geomorphology and Photogeology (2-3-3) (Prerequisite: Geol. 301 Landforms and unique processes that shape them, Discussion of internal dynamics and external agents. Soil pedogenesis and classification. Hill-slope sculpture by gravity and surface water. Geometry and dynamics of stream valleys and river plains. Periglacial landforms. Humid landscapes of mid-latitudes. Desert landscapes and desertification. Coastal processes as influenced by waves and terrestrial processes. Techniques used in interpretation of maps and aerial photographs. Geol. 321: Computer Applications in Subsurface Geology (2-3-3) (Prerequisite: Geol. 301) Storage and retrieval of subsurface data in well databases. Data retrieval with the help of geographic base maps. Computer reduction of subsurface information in form of stratigraphic columns, composite logs, and correlation and fence diagrams. Interpretation of dip meter and image logs. Borehole deviation. Interpretation of seismic sections. Construction of structural contour, isopach and facies maps by computers.

Geol. 322: Interpretation of Well Logs (2-3-3) (Prerequisite: Geol. 305) Use of open hole logs for determination of water saturation, grain size and permeability determination and identification of lithology. Interpretation of dipmeter and image logs for the purpose of identification of structural features like folds, faults and unconformities traversed by boreholes. Relating dip trends to sedimentary environments. Geol. 331: Petroleum Geology (3-0-3) (Engineering Students Only) (Prerequisite: Geol. 100 or Geol. 101) Subsurface environment. Generation of petroleum. Source rock evaluation. Migration and accumulation of petroleum. Geologic aspects of reservoirs. Structural, stratigraphic and combination traps. The Middle East Province. Petroleum geology of Kuwait. Geol. 332: Subsurface Geology (0-3-1) (Engineering Students Only) (Prerequisite: Geol. 100 or Geol. 101) Construction of stratigraphic and structural cross-sections from borehole data. Panel diagrams. Correlation of well logs. Relating stratigraphy to seismic section. Interpretation of seismic sections. Seismic contouring. Construction of structural contour maps, isopach and facies maps. Reserve estimation. Geol. 350: Sedimentary Petrology (2-3-3) (Prerequisite: Geol. 251 or Geol. 252) Occurrence of sedimentary rocks. Types of sedimentary rocks. Depositional basins. Formation of sediments. Chemical and physical weathering. Sediment mineralogy. Composition, textures, structures and diagenesis of terrigenous clastic sediments and their classification and depositional environments. Mineralogy, textures, structures, diagenesis and classification of limestones and evaporates, and their depositional environments. Introduction to cherts and siliceous sediments, phosphates, iron-rich rocks and volcaniclastic sediments.

Geol. 351: Petroleum Geology of the Middle East (3-0-3) (Educations Students Only) (Prerequisite: None) Origin, formation, migration and collection of petroleum. Principles of oil reservoirs and rocks. Fluid flow and oil traps. Exploration, development and production of oil. Regional geology, stratigraphy, and tectonics of the Middle East. Properties of oil fields with examples from Kuwait. Proven oil reserves and future potentials. Oil industries in the Middle East. Geol. 361: Well Logging (3-0-3) (Engineering Students Only) (Prerequisite: Geol. 331 and Geol. 332) Basic concepts. Archie equations. Invasion profile. Spontaneous potential logs. Electrical logging: resistivity logs, induction logs. Acoustic logging. Radioactive logging: Gamma Ray, Neutron and Density logs. Lithodensity tool. Natural Gamma Ray Spectrometry. Electron Potential Tool. Dipmeter logs. Cased holes: Thermal Decay Time logs. Geol. 362: Well Logging Laboratory (0-3-1) (Engineering Students Only) (Prerequisite: Geol. 331 and Geol. 332) R W and shaliness from SP logs. R XO and R t from electric logs. Porosity from Neutron density and Sonic log cross plots. Lithology identification using M-N and MID plots. Lithology from LDT, NGS logs. Determination of R W in clean formations: Archie and Resistivity Ratio methods. Shaly formations. Log evaluation of carbonate reservoirs: Determination of cementation exponent. Application TDT logs. Geol. 365: Geophysics for Non-Geology Students (2-3-3) (Prerequisite: Geol. 101, Phys. 101 and Math. 101) An introduction to the theory and practices of all geophysical methods in exploration for energy, minerals, groundwater and engineering applications. These will include seismic reflection, seismic refraction, electrical, electro-magnetic, magnetic, gravity and radiometric methods of exploration, including the planning and conduct of field surveys for general and particular applications, and the theory and practice of the interpretation of geophysical results in terms of geological problems, conditions and occurrences.

Geol. 386: Basic Quantitative Geology (2-3-3) (Prerequisite: Geol. 301 and Math. 101) Fundamentals of data analysis in geology. Digital storage, retrieval and presentation of stratigraphic, structural and geochemical data, scatter and triangular plots. Classification charts. Stratigraphic columns and strip logs. Rose diagrams. Raster and vector images of geological maps. Geol. 390: Sedimentary Environments and Facies (2-0-2) (Prerequisite: Geol. 350) Definition and classification of sedimentary environments and facies models. Factors controlling nature and distribution of facies, and methods of facies, and methods of environmental diagnosis. Properties of the following sedimentary environments: alluvial sediments, lake deposits, deltas, clastic shorelines, arid shorelines and evaporates, shallow marine environments (siliclastic and carbonate shelves), deep sea and pelagic deposits, flysch and turbidite, and glacial environments. Geol. 400: Elementary Seismology (2-3-3) (Prerequisite: Geol. 305) Types of earthquakes, why and where do they occur? Seismic waves and their propagation. Theory of seismographs, portable, permanent stations and central recording networks. Seismogram interpretation and analysis. Earthquake magnitude, intensity and energy and their relation to each other. Earthquake focal mechanism. Seismicity of the Arabian Peninsula with emphasis about Kuwait. Geol. 403: Geology of the Arabian Peninsula (2-0-2) (Prerequisite: Geol. 304) General survey of the geology of the Arabian Peninsula. Topography, geomorphology, settings and provinces. Lithological sequences of Precambrian and Phanerozoic sedimentary and volcanic rocks. Generations of intrusive rock groups. Geochronology. Deformation episodes and structures. Tectonism and terranes. Recent sedimentary basins. Mineral deposits and metallogenesis. Position in present day global tectonics and plate boundaries around the Arabian Peninsula.

Geol. 406: Petroleum Geology (2-3-3) (Prerequisite: Geol. 301) Types of sedimentary basins and their petroleum potential. Chemical and physical characteristics and origin and migration of petroleum, Source, reservoir and seal rocks. Entrapment of petroleum. Structural, stratigraphic and combination traps. Petroleum provinces. Interpretation of well logs and seismic sections. Preparation of subsurface maps. Geol. 407: Origin of Petroleum (2-0-2) (Prerequisite: Geol. 350, Chem. 110 and Chem. 111) Introduction. Nature of petroleum. Generation of petroleum. Occurrence of petroleum source rocks. Evaluation of the hydrocarbon source potential of sedimentary basins. I) Organic richness and. II) Analysis of mobile hydrocarbon (GC-MS) and use of biomarkers in crude oil and oil source rock correlation studies. III) Kerogen type and maturation a)acid maceration and elemental analysis, b)optical examination in transmitted, reflected and fluorescent light, and c) pyrolysis techniques. IV) Stable isotope studies. Geol. 408: Petroleum Training Project (3 Units-Summer) (Prerequisite: Geol. 305, Geol. 350 and Geol. 406) Training of students in projects related to petroleum geology in Kuwait by application of knowledge they gained during their studies in the Geology Program. Training will be in collaboration with the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC). Advantages of training in KOC facilities include development of experience in aspects of petroleum exploration and modern advances in the field of petroleum in Kuwait. Geol. 409: Hydrogeology (2-3-3) (Prerequisite: Geol. 305) Hydrogeology of surface water. Groundwater occurrence and movement. Groundwater chemistry. Groundwater exploration. Water well construction. Well completion.

Geol. 411: Engineering Geology (2-3-3) (Prerequisite: Geol. 301) Mechanical properties of minerals, rocks and soils. Material testing. Data collection and classification of earth materials for engineering purposes. Application of geological principles in tunnel, highway and dam construction and in coastal engineering. Selection of construction sites. Natural hazards. Environmental impact. Geol. 415: Marine Geology (2-3-3) (Prerequisite: Geol. 201 and Geol. 305) History of marine geology. Bathymetry and tectonic framework of ocean basins. Geophysical structure of the ocean crust. Techniques used in sampling and exploring the sea floor. Volcanicity within the ocean. Petrography of ocean floor rocks. Sediments of the world s oceans. Chemical, biological and tectonic aspects of marine geology. Laboratory work includes petrographic and chemical examinations of rocks formed in the sea, and the handling and interpretation of geological and geophysical data collected from marine environment. Geol. 433: Plate Tectonics (2-3-3) (Prerequisite: Geol. 301) History and basic principles of plate tectonics theory. Global framework of lithospheric plates and their evolution. Geological and geophysical characteristics of active plate boundaries and intra-plate regions. Rifts, paleorifts, triple junctions and the Wilson Cycle. Nature of the solid earth and driving mechanism for plate boundaries. Mantle plumes and hot spots. Metallogenesis. Geol. 441: Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (2-3-3) (Prerequisite: (Geol. 251 or Geol. 252) and Geol. 319) Physical and chemical principles of petrology. Crystallization of magmas. Interpretation of phase diagrams. Tectono-magmatic rock associations. Metamorphism and metamorphic facies. Emphasis is placed on integration of knowledge from the field, laboratory and theory.

Geol. 444: Special Field Studies (1-6-2) (Prerequisite: Geol. 304) Geologic investigation of selected areas outside Kuwait and preparation of geologic reports. Geol. 491: Scientific Report (0-3-1) (Senior Year Students Only) This course aims at improving student s capabilities in collection and comprehension of scientific knowledge and ability in presenting this information as a scientific report and a lecture. Geol. 499: Applied Geophysics (2-3-3) (Prerequisite: Geol. 305 and Math. 102) Gravity, magnetic, seismic, electrical and radioactive methods of exploration for minerals, oil, gas and groundwater. Basic concepts and relevant physical properties of rocks. Instruments, field measurements and interpretation of data. Airborne and marine geophysical exploration. Geophysical well logging.