Hydrogeology

Overview

About the Program

Specific areas of emphasis in the Hydrogeology program at University of Nevada, Reno include but are not limited to: ground water contaminant transport, geochemical evolution of ground waters, nutrient transport processes in soils and ground water, vadose zone hydrology and numerical simulation of ground water, geochemistry and reactive transport. Students follow the shared core of five (5) courses that provide the fundamentals of fluid mechanics and introductions to surface and ground water hydrology and environmental chemistry as well as two credits of seminar in Hydrologic Sciences. SLOs for the degree are that students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a basic level of competency in the general field of hydrogeology

• Explain ideas and results through written, numerical, graphical, spoken, and computer-based forms of communication

• Complete research in their field of study, including answering specific question(s) in conjunction with the advisor and thesis committee

• Demonstrate appropriate quantitative skills for their sub-discipline

Students can pursue a Master of Science degree either with Plan A (thesis) or Plan B (non-thesis option). The Master of Science Plan A degree in Hydrogeology requires a minimum of 30 credits beyond the Bachelor degree, of which at least 18 credits (including 6 credits of thesis) must be at the 700-level.

The Master of Science in Hydrogeology degree allows flexibility to allow students to follow one or more of the broad areas of subsurface hydrology and to allow for specialization. All students receive a broad underpinning of the hydrologic sciences through the shared core courses. Students are expected to work with their advisors and committee members to develop a Plan of Study that best matches their research efforts and interests.