Vision & Mission
VISION
To be a global leader in the integration of geological education and research relevant to discovery and development of natural resources focusing on hydrocarbons, with minimum impact on the environment.
MISSION
The Geology program is committed:
- To prepare graduates who are empowered with basic knowledge, skills, values, and confidence to take a leadership role in the fields of geology;
- To prepare graduates to carry out research that contributes to the knowledge and sustainable development of the Kingdom in diverse aspects of geology, with emphasis on petroleum-related topics; and,
- To provide a stimulating campus environment to foster life-long learning, through seminars, professional short courses, and public forums.
Goals
The goals of the Geology program are:
- To reflect in our teaching, research, and service the breadth and importance of geology to society;
- To provide students with the technical expertise and skills needed to gather and interpret geological data in a scientific manner;
- To provide students with the necessary tools to effectively communicate the results of geological investigations to other professional and public; and,
- To maintain and enhance distinction in the areas of hydrocarbon resources, groundwater, mineral resources, and the environment;
- To develop cutting edge research with high scholarly impact; and
- To interact with society, alumni, and partners.
Measurable Objectives
The program will provide
- Up-to-date lecture and laboratory-based courses;
- Local, regional, and international field experiences;
- Laboratory experiences that provide exposure to modern equipment and technologies that will enhance career opportunities for our students;
- State-of-the-art computer technology and software for data acquisition, analysis, and modeling applications within the broad area of geosciences;
- Research and interactive problem-solving opportunities and support for undergraduate students (senior projects, field trips, field courses, and summer training). Prepare students with sufficient experience in conducting scientific research;
- Educational learning opportunities for non-geology majors;
- Opportunities for faculty members, researchers, staff and graduate students to develop research with scholarly impact;
- Opportunities to increase the participation in national and international scientific events for students, researchers, teaching staff and faculty members;
- Opportunities to establish partnerships, collaborations, and consortia for research with top international institutes in the geological sciences;
- Opportunities to strengthen the relationships with society, alumni, and partners through outreach programs that include training, courses, consultations, awareness, etc.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
| Learning Domains | Program Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Knowledge | Identify and classify the different structural features within the Earth’s crust and the conditions that control them. |
| Recognize the major groups of rock-forming minerals in hand specimen and under the microscope. | |
| Identify the type, texture and composition of common sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks, in hand specimen, core, and thin section. | |
| Recognize the major groups of stratigraphically important fossils in hand specimen and/or under the microscope. | |
| Demonstrate an understanding of Earth history and the geological time scale. | |
| List the large-scale geologic features of the Saudi Arabia region. | |
| Skills | Document, interpret and map geological formations in the field by outcrop study with the observable features accurately recognized and located. |
| Make stratigraphic correlations, facies analyses, and paleo-environmental interpretations. | |
| Estimate HC reservoir properties and assess the HC potential in sedimentary basins. | |
| Utilize field observations and software modeling tools to develop quantitative interpretations and solutions to hydrologic studies and problems. | |
| Competence | Write field reports and laboratory reports based on original observations. |
| Work effectively in teams to solve problems relevant to geology, keeping in mind societal issues such as natural hazards, resource utilization and conservation, and environmental change. | |
| Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills to transmit complex technical information in a clear and concise manner, including the use of multimedia tools. | |
| Use computer software packages to analyze and interpret geologic data. | |
| Use standard field equipment (GPS, compass, etc.) and optical microscope for sedimentologic, petrographic and micropaleontologic analyses. |