Proposal for a Certificate in Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology

Submitted by Dr. Michael O’Driscoll on behalf of the Dept. of Geological Sciences

 

Proposal for a Certificate in Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology

 

1.      Educational objectives:

The Certificate in Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology program provides students with field, technical, and analytical skills that prepare them for successful careers in hydro- and environmental geology. In classroom, lab, and field studies students will learn how to collect environmental field data, water and sediment sampling techniques, hydrologic measurement techniques, chemical analyses, scientific writing, data presentation, data analysis, and problem-solving skills.

 

2.      Admission standards and academic retention standards for the successful completion of the program:

For admission to the Certificate in Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology program the applicant must have a baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by a regional association and have either an overall GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale on all undergraduate work or a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in either the undergraduate major work or work taken during senior year. A satisfactory standardized test score is also required.

 

For retention students must comply with the following:

In order to remain in good academic standing, graduate students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 once they have a total of 9 credit hours attempted. Students who fail to meet the program’s criteria may be placed on probation or dismissed from the program.

 

3. Proposed course sequence and course descriptions:

 

Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology (9 or more credits)

GEOL 5150, The Geologic Component of Environmental Science (3) Fall

GEOL 5700, Geohydrology of Drainage Basins (3) Fall

GEOL 5710, Ground Water Hydrology (3) Fall

GEOL 6705, Seminar in Geology (Groundwater Modeling) (3) Sp

GEOL 7920, Advanced Surface Water / Groundwater Hydrology (4) Sp

 

Geochemical Processes (3 or more credits)

GEOL 5450, Introduction to Aqueous Geochemistry (3) Fall

GEOL 7930, Biogeochemical Processes (3) Sp

 

Geological Characterization and Quantitative Analysis (3 or more credits)

GEOL 6250, Stratigraphic Analysis (3) Sp
GEOL 6550, Principles of Geophysics (3) Sp

GEOL 6950, Geological Data Analysis (3) Sp

GEOL 7910, Sediment Transport and Depositional Processes (4) Fall

GEOL 6705, Seminar in Geology (Remote Sensing) (3) Sp

Or 3 s.h. elective chosen in consultation with the certificate coordinator

 

 

Course Descriptions:

GEOL 5150. The Geologic Component of Environmental Science (3)

Basic geologic knowledge and insights that support sound, rational, and science-based environmental decisions and policies in regard to land and water use. Topics include pollution abatement, clean up, and prevention; resource extraction, use, and conservation; and hazardous geologic processes.

 

GEOL 5450 - Introduction to Aqueous Geochemistry (3)

An introduction to the application of chemical principles to studying the distribution of elements at the Earth's surface especially with regards to their transportation in aqueous solutions. Topics include the fundamental principles governing chemical equilibria between earth materials and aqueous solutions, and their application to the study of weathering, groundwater and surface-water chemistry, and distribution of stable isotopes.

 

GEOL 5700, 5701 - Geohydrology of Drainage Basins (3,0)

A study of drainage basin geology and hydrology with emphasis on quantitative analysis, evaporation, streamflow, and hydrologic parameters of surface water and ground water basins.

 

GEOL 5710, 5711 - Ground Water Hydrology (3,0)

Origin, occurrence, movement, quality, regional analysis, and management of ground water. Interrelationship of ground and surface water. Lab emphasis on aquifer test data collection and interpretation.

 

GEOL 6250 - Stratigraphic Analysis (3)
The interpretation of stratified sedimentary rocks. Emphasis on principles and methodology.

 

GEOL 6550, 6551 - Principles of Geophysics (3,0)

Includes topics from seismology, gravity, rock magnetism, and heat flow, as applied to the whole earth. The relationships between large scale features of the earth and their geophysical characteristics are emphasized. The laboratory is an introduction to geophysical instrumentation, data processing, and interpretation.

 

GEOL 6705 - Seminar in Geology (Groundwater Modeling) (3) – Proposed

 

GEOL 6705 - Seminar in Geology (Remote Sensing) (3) – Proposed

 

GEOL 6950- Geological Data Analysis (3)

Discussion and implementation of various methods of geological data analysis. Emphasis on methods most applicable to research topics in geology. Topics include data collection and project design, box models, and uni- and multivariate analysis of geological data, and time-series analysis.

 

GEOL 7910 - Sediment Transport and Depositional Processes (4)

Examines processes involved in transport and deposition of sediment. Focus on fundamental principles and how they apply to active processes, recent sediment, and environmental applications.

 

 

 

GEOL 7920, 7921 - Advanced Surface Water/Groundwater Hydrology (4,0)

Advanced hydrologic topics with an emphasis on computer applications and modeling. Evaluates steady-state and nonsteady-state models and applied aspects of hydrology related to management of water resources.

 

GEOL 7930- Biogeochemical Processes (3)

Overview of life’s effects on chemistry of Earth’s surface. Examines interactions between atmosphere, land surface, and oceans. Biotic mechanisms in these habitats followed by synthesis of global cycles of biologically relevant elements (C, N, O, P, and S).

 

4.         Catalog copy for the certificate program:

 

Certificate in Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology

 

The Certificate in Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology program prepares students for employment and future studies in the environmental field. This post-baccalaureate program provides students with experience in water and soil sampling techniques, hydrologic measurement techniques, chemical analyses, scientific writing, data presentation, and data analysis. Trained environmental professionals are necessary to solve problems concerning drinking water supplies, wastewater treatment, water resources availability, subsurface contaminant transport, stream habitat and water quality assessment, the effects of climate and land-use change on water and wetland resources, and many other environmental issues. Employment opportunities may include work dealing with: environmental regulations, hydrogeologic investigation, wetland mitigation, flood prediction, pollution abatement and bioremediation, and environmental site audits.

 

Coursework includes a minimum of fifteen s.h. in the Geological Sciences. The certificate requires completion of 9 s.h. in Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology (3 of the following courses: GEOL 5150, 5700, 5710, 6705, 7920), 3 s.h. in Geochemical Processes (GEOL 5450 or 7930), and 3 s.h. in Geological Characterization and Quantitative Analysis (GEOL 6250, 6550, 6705, 6950, 7910 or a 3 s.h. elective). A list of the appropriate courses is available from the certificate coordinator. The certificate is open to degree and nondegree graduate students.

 

5.         Statement of how the proposed course sequences associated with the certificate will meet the stated educational objectives:

 

Coursework focused on Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology will help students to obtain

the geologic knowledge to address land and water use issues and to quantify surface water and

ground water fluxes through the environment. Skills and techniques covered include field data

collection, water and soil sampling techniques, hydrologic measurement techniques,

scientific writing, data analysis, and data presentation. Courses in Geochemical Processes will

help students learn basic chemical concentration units, conversions, and geochemical

concepts and processes important to collecting and analyzing surface water and ground water

samples for water quality and for the interpretation of water quality data. Skills and techniques

covered include field data collection skills, water sampling, chemical analyses techniques,

scientific writing, data analysis, and data presentation. The Geological Characterization and

Quantitative Analysis coursework will help the students to learn basic concepts and processes

important to understanding surface and subsurface geological characterization, and collecting and

analyzing geological data. Skills and techniques covered include field data collection skills,

scientific writing, mapping, data analysis, and data presentation.

 

6.         Statement of the need for the proposed program and the basis for such a need, supported by either externally or internally derived data:

 

East Carolina University does not currently offer a formal graduate certificate program in Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology. This type of certificate program is not currently offered within the UNC system. The demand for hydrogeologists and environmental geologists has been supported by a variety of environmental regulations such as the Clean Water Act, Drinking Water Standards Act, RCRA, CERCLA, and state and federal wetlands, zoning, and stormwater discharge regulations. The 2008-2009 Occupational Outlook Handbook of the Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 24 percent increase for employment of U.S. hydrologists: from slightly over 8,000 to slightly over 10,000 over the decade from 2006-2016. Current trends with respect to increasing human population, increasing demands on water, energy, and land resources, and the expansion of urban land-use indicate that the demand for hydrogeologists and environmental geologists will continue. A recent report published by the American Geological Institute (AGI) suggests that Environmental Geology is one of the major career paths in the U.S. for current geology graduates, based on a survey of 1358 students and 558 faculty throughout the U.S. (AGI, 2006). This survey revealed that 61% of Master’s students selected Environmental Geology as their preferred career path. At the undergraduate level, increasing student interest in Environmental Geology has recently been observed. Based on their survey data an 18% increase in enrollment in undergraduate Environmental Geology courses was observed between 2003 and 2005 (AGI, 2005). These studies suggest that nationally there is a high level of interest in Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology at the undergraduate and graduate levels. At East Carolina University, the majority of M.S. graduates from the Geological Sciences Department over the last five years have obtained employment in the environmental field, frequently within North Carolina, and often in the Southeast or Mid-Atlantic Regions. With the current environmental job market there is sufficient demand to support a Graduate Certificate in Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology at ECU. This certificate program can improve the preparation of our students for employment in the environmental field and increase employer interest in ECU graduates. It can also provide coursework that will help prepare students for the Professional Geologist and the Professional Hydrologist licensure exams. In addition, offering a non-degree certificate program can attract individuals employed in the environmental field that are interested in furthering their education but due to their employment situation cannot commit to a full-time graduate degree program. The certificate program has the potential to attract non-traditional students to ECU and the Geological Sciences Department.

 

7. Faculty associated with or contributing to the certificate program, either by teaching one or more of the courses associated with the program or participating in the design of the course sequence: Dr. M. O’Driscoll, Dr. R. Spruill, Dr. T. Woods, Dr. D. Mallinson, Dr. S. Mitra, Dr. A. Manda, Dr. C. Rigsby, Dr. E. Horsman, Dr. A. Heimann-Rios, Dr. D.R. Corbett, Dr. J.P. Walsh, Dr. E. Leorri, Dr. S. Culver, Dr. D. Neal, Dr. R. Mulligan, Dr. S. Harper, and Dr. R. Miller.

 

8. Dr. M.A. O’Driscoll will be designated as the coordinator of the program for purposes of communication with the Graduate School. His 2-page CV follows.

 

9. The proposed program contains no new courses, no new faculty, no additional costs, and maintains admissions and academic standing requirements of the MS program.

 

10. The certificate does not qualify for a professional license but prepares graduates for the  Professional Geologist exam (ASBOG) and the Professional Hydrologist exam (AIH).

 

Michael A. O’Driscoll

East Carolina University, Department of Geological Sciences, Greenville, NC 27858

Ph: 252.328.5578 · odriscollm@ecu.edu

 

Education

The Pennsylvania State University    Forest Hydrology                             Ph.D., Dec. 2004

The Pennsylvania State University    Geosciences                                      M.S., May 2000                                        

The Pennsylvania State University    Environmental Pollut’n Control  Masters, May 1999     

University of Connecticut                 Geology                       B.S. (Cum Laude), Dec. 1996                                       

                 

Appointments

East Carolina University         Assistant Professor-Geological Sciences            Spring 2005

East Carolina University         Instructor-Geological Sciences                               Fall 2004

The Pennsylvania State University     Adjunct Faculty-Geology (Harrisburg)      Fall 2003               

The Pennsylvania State University     Research Assistant          Spring 1999-Summer 2003                 

The Pennsylvania State University     Teaching Assistant-Hydrogeology             Fall 1998                       

The Pennsylvania State University     Lab Instructor-Phys. Geol.    Fall 1997- Spring 1998    

Hygenix, Inc. - Stamford, CT             Environmental Consultant    Dec. 1996 – Aug. 1997  

United States Navy - Norfolk, VA    Aviation Mechanic, Petty Officer 3rd Class 1990–94           

 

Recent Publications

 

O’Driscoll, M.A., Johnson, P.K., and Mallinson, D.J. 2010. Geological controls and effects of         floodplain asymmetry on river-groundwater interactions in the southeastern Coastal       Plain, USA. Hydrogeology Journal (In Press).

O’Driscoll, M.A., and DeWalle, D.R. 2010. Seeps regulate stream nitrate concentration in a forested Appalachian catchment. Journal of Environmental Quality 39: 1-12.

O’Driscoll, M., Soban, J., and Lecce, S. 2009. Stream channel enlargement response to urban           land cover in small Coastal Plain watersheds, North Carolina. Physical Geography 30 (6):            528–555.

Hardison, E.C., O’Driscoll, M.A., DeLoatch, J.P., Howard, R.J. and Brinson, M.M. 2009. Urban      land-use, channel incision, and riparian water table decline along Inner Coastal Plain     streams, North Carolina. Journal of the American Water Resources Association. 45(4):   1032-1046.

O’Driscoll, M.A. and Parizek, R.R. 2008. Geological controls on seasonal pool hydroperiod in a      karst setting. Wetlands, 28 (4):1004–1017.

O’Driscoll, M.A. and DeWalle, D.R. 2008. Groundwater seepage and dissolved organic carbon        flux in an Appalachian catchment. In: Riparian Ecosystems and Buffers: Working at the           Water’s Edge. American Water Resources Association 2008 Summer Specialty           Conference Proceedings, Virginia Beach, VA. p. 1-6.

O’Driscoll, M.A. and DeWalle, D.R. 2006. Stream-air temperature relations to classify stream-

ground water interactions in a karst setting, central Pennsylvania, USA. Journal of     Hydrology 329:140-153.

O’Driscoll, M.A., S.R. Riggs, D.V. Ames, M. M. Brinson, D.R. Corbett, and D. J. Mallinson.            2006. Geomorphic, Ecologic, and Hydrologic Dynamics of Merchants Millpond, North    Carolina . In “Hydrology and Management of Forested Wetlands." Proceedings of The          ASABE International Conference on Hydrology and Management of Forested Wetlands.      New Bern, North Carolina, USA. Pp. 423-431.

DeWalle, D.R., Buda, A.R., Eismeier, J.A., Sharpe, W.E., Swistock, B.R., Craig, P.L., and    O’Driscoll, M.A. 2005. Nitrogen cycling on five headwater forested catchments in mid-         Appalachians of Pennsylvania. In: Dynamics and Biogeochemistry of River Corridors    and Wetlands (IAHS-294). Eds: Heathwaite, L., Webb, B., Rosenberry, D., Weaver, D.,     and Hayashi, M. International Association of Hydrological Sciences, Oxfordshire, UK.         Pp. 29-36.

O’Driscoll, M.A., DeWalle, D.R., McGuire, K.J. and Gburek, W.J. 2005. Seasonal 18O variations     and ground water recharge for three landscape types in central Pennsylvania, USA.       Journal of Hydrology 303: (1-4):108-124.

 

Synergistic Activities

 

O’Driscoll, M.A. 2008. Ground water and surface water: One indivisible resource. Currents, Fall      2008, p. 7. Pamlico-Tar River Foundation. Washington, NC.

O’Driscoll, M.A. 2008. Streams and sprawl: Urbanization and channel enlargement in the Coastal

            Plain. Cypress News 33(10):3. North Carolina Chapter - Sierra Club.

O’Driscoll, M.A. 2008. Land-use effects on Coastal Plain floodplain function. Cypress News           34(1):3. North Carolina Chapter - Sierra Club.

Culver, S., Bin, O., Brewer, J., Christian, R., Corbett, D., Curtis, S., Edwards, B., King, L.,  Long,     P.,  Mallinson, D.,  Novick, L.,  O'Driscoll, M., Riggs, S., and Rummel, J. 2008. Global   Warming and Coastal North Carolina. A report to Sen. Marc Basnight. 32 p.

O’Driscoll, M., Hardison, E., Rheinhardt, R., and Brinson, M. 2008. Developing Reference Data      to Identify and Calibrate Indicators of Riparian Ecosystem Condition in Urban Coastal                     Plain Landscapes in North Carolina. Report to the Ecosystem Enhancement Program,      North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. 109 p.

 

Professional Societies

Geological Society of America, American Water Resources Association, North Carolina Water Resources Association, American Geophysical Union, National Ground Water Association, International Association of Hydrological Sciences, Society of Wetland Scientists, Soil Science Society of America.

 

Current Funded Grants

Ribbon of Hope Program, ReachUp Science Outreach, GlaxoSmithKline Foundation.  Miles, R. O’Driscoll, M., Overton, A., and Morehead, A. ($25,000)    

           

Building Capacity to Investigate the Link between Wastewater, Groundwater Contamination, and Human Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

O’Driscoll, M., Humphrey, C., and Kelly, T. ($90,934)

 

Graduate Students

graduated

Charles Humphrey (PhD-2009), David Harnsberger (MS-2009), John DeLoatch (MS-2009), Heather Hutchinson (MS-2007), Jason Soban (MS-2007), and Kolt Johnson (MS-2007).

in progress

Robert Howard (MS), Keaton Henry (MS), and Shawn Thieme (MS).

 

 

11. The Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) title and six-digit code:

 

40.0605

Hydrology and Water Resources Science.   (NEW) A program that focuses on the scientific of study of the occurrence, circulation, distribution, chemical and physical properties, and environmental interaction of surface and subsurface waters, including groundwater. Includes instruction in geophysics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, chemical physics, geomorphology, mathematical modeling, hydrologic analysis, continental water processes, global water balance, and environmental science. 

 

 

12. The minimum number of weeks required for a student to complete this certificate is 30 weeks.