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    B.Sc. in Chemistry


    The B.Sc. Chemistry Major program of the Department of Chemistry and Earth Sciences has received full accreditation through the accreditation system of the Canadian Society for Chemistry (CSC). The CSC is the Canadian national technical association representing the field of chemistry and the interests of chemists in industry, academia and government institutions. The CSC provides accreditation reviews for all undergraduate chemistry programs in Canada, and for universities abroad.

    In the course of the extensive accreditation process of the CSC the curriculum of the chemistry program was reviewed by international consultants, practical courses and instrumentation have been renewed and detailed safety standards formulated and implemented.

    Accreditation of the B.Sc. Chemistry Major program implies that courses, laboratories and instruments available to chemistry students at Qatar University reach international standards. Accreditation ensures that educational programs have the potential to prepare graduates to practice their profession in a competent scientific manner. Accreditation also helps to maintain national and international standards of education by providing an external audit service for programs, and by promoting the portability of the qualifications of graduates from accredited programs.

    The program of Chemistry was awarded re-accreditation for another 5 years (2015-2020). Previously it was awarded for the five years 2009-2013 period.

    Objectives

    • Possess a fundamental knowledge of all major areas of modern chemistry.
    • Be proficient in the use of up-to-date laboratory techniques.
    • Possess the knowledge to apply quantitative and computational methods to practical problems.
    • Become creative researchers and confident problem solvers.
    • Practice safe laboratory procedures and assess the environmental impact of chemical processes.
    • Develop a high level of communication skills.
    • Understand ethical and professional responsibilities as chemists and as citizens.

    Learning Outcomes

    Students will:

    1. Demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills in the major areas of chemistry.
    2. Apply proper procedures and regulations for safe handling and use of chemicals and equipment.
    3. Use modern instrumentation and classical techniques to design experiments, to properly record the results of their experiments and work in teams.
    4. Use modern literature search methods to obtain information about chemistry topics and write reports.
    5. Conduct research (theoretical or practical) in the field of chemical sciences and document findings according to professional and ethical standards.
    6. Communicate results to chemists and non-chemists
    • Qatar Gas
    • RasGas
    • Qatar Petrochemical Company (QAPCO)
    • Qatar Fertilizer Company (QAFCO)
    • Qatar Steel Company (QASCO)
    • Qatar Lubricants Company Limited (QALCO)
    • Qatar Chemical Company (Q-Chem)
    • Qatar Fuel Additives Company (QAFAC)
    • Qatar Vinyl Company (QVC)
    • Qatar Industrial Manufacturing Company (QIMC)
    • Ministry of Environment
    • Forensic Department, Interior Security Force
    • National Health Authority
    • Ministry of Education
    • Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Agriculture
    • Anti-Doping Lab
    • Ministry of Heath
    Applicants must satisfy QU defined College and Program requirements including the minimum high school percentage requirement.

    Detailed Undergraduate admission requirements are available at the following link:

    https://qataruniversity-prd.qu.edu.qa/en-us/students/admission/undergraduate/Pages/college-requirements.aspx

    CAS Admission Requirements

    CHEM101    General Chemistry (I)

    Credit Hours: 3 (3 + 0)

    Prerequisite: None

    This course provides students with an overview of the major areas of chemistry. Chemical principles for each topic under discussion are presented together with their foundation in atomic and molecular structure. Topics covered range from atomic and molecular theory to the descriptions of chemical reactivity and reactions, quantitative methods in chemistry, reactions in aqueous media, thermochemistry and chemical energetics, and chemical bonding. Applications of chemistry, “the central science” are discussed throughout the lectures. Lectures, homework and worksheet problems give students the opportunity to practice their knowledge, and to gain experience in independent problem solving. Upon completion of the course the student will have gained a strong foundation for the further study of chemistry, and for the application of chemical principles in a variety of other fields.

    CHEM102    General Chemistry (II)

    Credit Hours: 3 (3 + 0)

    Prerequisite: CHEM101

    This is the second general chemistry course and it builds on the chemical principles learned in general chemistry I.  The topics covered in this course include states of matter, properties of solutions, rates of reaction and chemical equilibrium, Acid-base chemistry, solubility and complex equilibria, thermodynamics and electrochemistry. Application of chemistry will be discussed through-out the course. Lectures, homework and projects will provide opportunity to students gain stronger foundation for further study and application of chemistry in various fields.

    CHEM103    Experimental General Chemistry (I)

    Credit Hours: 1 (0 + 3)

    Prerequisite with concurrency CHEM 101

    Experimental General Chemistry I introduces students to laboratory and measurement techniques commonly used in chemistry laboratories. The student is introduced to essential laboratory safety practices, and to the responsible use and disposal of chemicals. Techniques using common laboratory instruments and equipment are explained and applied throughout the course. Experiments introducing aspects of general chemistry also covered in the corresponding theory course (CHEM 101, General Chemistry I), include mass and volume measurements, qualitative and quantitative analysis, volumetric analysis, thermochemistry, inorganic synthesis and spectrophotometric analysis.

    CHEM104 Experimental General Chemistry (II)

    Credit Hours:  1 (0 + 3)

    Prerequisite CHEM 103 and Prerequisite with concurrency CHEM 102

    Experimental General Chemistry II (CHEM104) further builds on the laboratory skills learned by students in Experimental General Chemistry I. The student is introduced to essential laboratory safety practices, and to the responsible use and disposal of chemicals.  The laboratory will introduce students to automated data acquisition and analysis methods. The experimental concepts introduced will include acid-neutralization reactions polymer synthesis, evaluation of the gas laws, determination of water hardness, enthalpy of reactions, chemical kinetics and Le Chatelier Principle, determination of ionization and solubility constants and application of Nernst equation to Voltaic cells. 

    CHEM211   Organic Chemistry  (I)

    Credit Hours:  4   (3 + 3)

    Prerequisite:  CHEM 101& CHEM 103

    CHEM 211 is the first course in the two-term undergraduate organic chemistry lecture sequence that includes CHEM 212 which is designed for the students major in chemistry. The structures and properties of Aliphatic hydrocarbons will be presented, and their industrial importance will be discussed. The concept of stereoisomerism will be introduced in the context of organic chemistry (i.e., tetrahedral carbon). Aromatic hydrocarbons & Alkyl Halides, will be introduced and their reactions will be covered in depth.

    Practical

    The laboratory part of this course provides an introduction to laboratory techniques in organic chemistry such as recrystallization, distillation, extraction, and refluxing a reaction.

    The students will learn and apply micro-scale experimental techniques..  The application of the topics covered in the lecture part of this course will be emphasized in the laboratory. The laboratory activities are designed to engage students individually as well as in small groups.

    CHEM212    Organic Chemistry  (II)

    Credit Hours:  3   (3 + 0)

    Prerequisite:   CHEM 211 or CHEM 209

    CHEM212 is the second organic chemistry course in the in the two-semester undergraduate organic chemistry sequence. In this course will focus on the study of functional groups and their reactivities, and application of spectroscopy techniques. The topics covered include nomenclature, structure, physical and chemical properties, synthesis and reactions of phenols, ethers, epoxides, ketones, aldehydes, carboxylic acids and their derivatives. It introduces the Infrared Spectroscopy and mass Spectrometry to the students. The course also introduces students to Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy.

    CHEM213    Experimental Organic Chemistry

    Credit Hours:  1   (0 + 3)

    Prerequisite:   CHEM 211

    CHEM213 is an advanced experimental organic chemistry course is vitally linked to topics covered in CHEM 212.   It introduces methods of synthesis and analysis of pertinent organic reaction types.  Students receive hands-on experience in the experimental methods of organic chemistry.  Many organic chemical reactions are examined in the context of their reaction mechanisms.  This lab give the student adequate training in the use of organic lab techniques and report writing.

    The course includes the following experiments: esterification (preparation of methyl benzoate), nitration of methyl benzoate, aldol condensation, co-enzyme synthesis of benzoin and converting it to benzil and benzylic acid. Photochemistry: Synthesis of benzopinacol, pinacolone rearrangement. The Sandmeyer reaction), preparation of copper (I) chloride solution, diazotization of p-toluidine. Identification and spectral translation of all synthesized compounds using NMR, IR, and MS.

    CHEM221     Inorganic Chemistry (I)

    Credit Hours: 3 (3 + 0)

    Prerequisite: CHEM101

    CHEM 221 is the first inorganic chemistry course and covers the following basic topics. The structure of the atom. The structure of atoms and bonding theories, structure of solids and their analysis. The three major bonding theories include VSEPR, VB and MO theory. Other topics include structures of simple solids, oxidation and reduction, acids and bases, symmetry and symmetry elements, symmetry points groups and character tables. This course will also provide a brief introduction to coordination and organometallics chemistry.

    CHEM222     Experimental Inorganic Chemistry

    Credit Hours: 1 (0 + 3)

    Course Prerequisite: CHEM101, Concur/pre CHEM221 

    CHEM 222 is a experimental course and is designed to provide first-time exposure to the diverse areas of inorganic chemistry.  This includes the synthesis of different compounds by diverse synthetic techniques. The students will synthesize different metal complexes & characterize them using routine physical techniques. The use of Schlenk line will be demonstrated. Further characterization techniques such as, UV-Vis, IR, multinuclear NMR, CV, MS and Guy Balance will be used to study their solid and solution properties.  Safety regulation will be demonstrated.

    CHEM231      Analytical Chemistry  (I)

    Credit hour: 2 ( 2 + 0 )

    Prerequisite:  CHEM101

    CHEM 231 is the first analytical chemistry course and covers the following topics.  Gravimetric Analysis, Errors in chemical Analysis and Statistical Evaluation of Data, Volumetric analysis (Acid-Base, Precipitation  Complex Formation and Redox Titration. Spectroscopy), Spectrophotometry, Fundamentals on Electrochemistry and Fundamentals on Separation Methods.

    CHEM234   Experimental Analytical Chemistry

    Credit hour: 1 ( 0 + 3 )

    Prerequisite: CHEM103 and/or concurrent with CHEM231

    Experimental analytical chemistry introduces students to quantitative analysis techniques that emphasize precision and accuracy in chemical measurements. The analytical methods used will allow students to evaluate precision and accuracy of instruments and measurement tools. The students will also be introduced to various quantitative techniques and instrumental methods with an emphasis on the understanding the accuracy, precision and reproducibility of the method. Experimental techniques covered in the course include volumetric analysis (acid-base, redox, complexometric and potentiometric titrations), separation by gas chromatography and spectrophotometry.

    CHEM241    Physical Chemistry I

    Credit Hours:  3 (3 + 0.)           

    Prerequisite:   CHEM102

    Physical chemistry I (CHEM241) is the fisrt course among the 3 course physical chemistry sequence.  This course focuses on the physical principles that underlie chemistry. It seeks to account for the properties of matter in terms of fundamental concepts and provides a framework of understanding for other branches of chemistry. In this first course, the students will be introduced to chemical thermodynamics, the science that relates the concepts of energy and entropy, via the basic laws and definitions of thermodynamics, to chemical systems, with a focus on applications of thermodynamics in the description of chemical equilibria, phase equilibria in single and multi-component systems, and electrochemistry. Throughout the course the theory will be complemented by examples from engineering, the life sciences, and of course chemistry, the central science. Students will gain experience in the use of computational methods, and will be introduced to the use of a computerized chemical thermodynamics database.

    CHEM242       Experimental Physical Chemistry I

    Credit Hours: 1 (0 + 3.)           

    Prerequisite CHEM 104 Prerequisite with concurrency CHEM 241

    In CHEM. 242 students are introduced to laboratory techniques in physical chemistry. Experiments include the measurement of solution density, viscosity, molar mass, reaction enthalpy, equilibrium constants and electromotive force of electrochemical cells. There will be an emphasis on error analysis related to experimental design and measurement accuracy. The course includes the use of modern instrumental techniques such as solution and combustion calorimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, thermal gravimetric analysis, and spectrophotometry to measure the relevant thermodynamic quantities.

    CHEM311   Organic Chemistry  (III)

    Credit Hours:  3   (3 + 0)

    Prerequisite:  CHEM 211

    CHEM 311 is an elective course for chemistry major students. It focuses on 3 major topics, i.e., (i) Poly Nuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons: Nomenclature, structure, synthesis, physical properties, and chemical properties; (ii) Dyes; Colour and Constitution (chromophore-auxochrome theory), classification of dyes by structure, Azo dyes. Classification of dyes by methods of application (direct dyes; vat dyes; mordant dyes; azoic dyes (ingrain dyes); disperse dyes) and (iii) Heterocyclic Chemistry (nomenclature; five-membered tings (furfural; Furan; pyrrole; thiophene; indole; and six-membered rings (Pyridine).

    CHEM312   Organic Chemistry  (IV)

    Credit Hours:  2   (2 +0)

    Prerequisite:   CHEM 212

    CHEM 312 is an elective course for chemistry major students. The topics covered in this course as follows: e (i) Cyclic aliphatic compounds (open-chain and cyclic compounds, nomenclature, industrial source, Preparation and Reactions,  (ii) Aldol and Claisen condensations, the Wittig reaction, and Formation of alpha-keto esters, (iii) Carbanions (Malonic Ester and Acetoacetic Ester Syntheses) and alpha, beta-Unsaturated Carbonyl Compounds (Conjugate Addition);  (iv) Molecular orbital theory (Orbital Symmetry and the Hückel 4n+2 rule).  and (v) Macromolecules (Polymers and polymerization).

    CHEM 315  Environmental Chemistry

    Credit Hours:  2 (2 +0) 

    Prerequisite:   CHEM 221 & 212

    CHEM315 introduces students to major topics of current interest in environmental chemistry. Topics covered include the origins of chemical contaminants in the environment, atmospheric chemistry, the greenhouse effect, the ozone layer, aquatic chemistry, aquatic chemistry and water pollution. A survey of major analytical techniques and some persistent chemicals of environmental concern are also included.

    CHEM321       Inorganic Chemistry (II)

    Credit Hours: 3 (3 + 0)

    Prerequisite: CHEM221

    This course describes the physical and chemical properties of the main group and transition metals in the periodic table. Its descriptive nature will allow the students to explore the rich

    tapestry of periodic patterns and trends; systematically study the chemistry of main group elements and demonstrate the diversity, intricacy, and fascinating nature of inorganic

    chemistry. The final part of this course will cover the chemistry of d‐block metals, their electronic structure and complexes and their properties.

    CHEM322   Inorganic Chemistry (III)

    Credit Hours: 3 (3 + 0)

    Prerequisite: CHEM221

    CHEM322 focuses on transition metal compounds and their reaction mechanisms. The topics covered will include ligand substitution reactions, rates of ligand substitution, inner and outer sphere mechanism, photochemical and related reactions, electron transitions in metal‐metal bonded systems, organometallic compounds containing different types of ligands; ligand substitution reactions, redox reactions, bond metathesis, insertion and elimination reactions; homogeneous and heterogeneous. It will also focus on chemistry of f‐block elements and their coordination chemistry, material properties, electronic spectra and properties of some elements.

    CHEM331    Analytical Chemistry (II)

    Credit hour: 3 (2 + 3)

    Prerequisite:  CHEM231 & CHEM234

    CHEM 331 is the second analytical chemistry course that focuses on instrumental methods.  The course involves both theory and practical aspects.  The topics covered in the theoretical part of the course include, spectrophotometry, atomic spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, chromatography and, electrochemical and potentiometric methods.

    Practical:

    Determination of a Mixture of Acids & Determination of Halides Mixture,  Conductometric Titration of Hydrochloric Acid and Acetic Acid with Sodium Hydroxide. Cyclic Voltammetry Used to determine the E0 and n Value of the Potassium ferricyanide. Polarography, Determination of Cd 2+ Concentration. Spectrophotometric Determination of Cr+3 and Mn2+ in Mixture. Using continues variation (Jobs) method to identify the stoichiometry of organometallic complex. Quantification methods (calibration curve, internal standard; and standard addition). Determination of Formula for a metal Ion Complex. Atomic Absorption Determination of Copper or Calcium. Determination of Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) by Fluorometry. Simultaneous analysis of heavy metals in aqueous solutions by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Resolution and Qualitative Identification of Hydrocarbons by Gas Chromatography. Quantitative  Analysis of Mixture by Gas Chromatography. Determination of Caffeine by High Performance Liquid Chromatography.. (Needs help to condense it)

    CHEM341   Physical Chemistry (II)

    Credit hrs: 3 (3 + 0)

    Prerequisite: CHEM241

    Physical chemistry II (CHEM341) is the second course among the 3 course physical chemistry sequence.  This course covers the following topics. Chemical kinetics (reaction orders, first, second and third orders, reactions approaching equilibrium, parallel first order reactions, consecutive elementary reactions, the Michaels- Menten mechanism, the Lindemann-Hinshelwood mechanism), theories of the rate constant (collision theory and activated complex theory), Photochemical reactions, The quantum yield, Fluorescence, Radical- and chain reactions, Polymerization reactions. Dynamic electrochemistry, Diffusional and electrical mobility, Viscosity, Conductance of electrolyte solutions, The electrical double layer, The rate of charge transfer, Polarization, Electrolysis. Processes at Solid surfaces, Surface growth, Surface composition, Surface sensitive techniques, The adsorption processes, Adsorption isotherms. The rate of adsorption and desorption, Colloidal systems, Catalysis. (Needs help to condense it)

    CHEM342   Physical Chemistry (III)

    Credit Hours:  3 (3 + 0)          

    Prerequisite:   CHEM241

    Physical chemistry III (CHEM342) is the third course among the 3 course physical chemistry sequence.  This course focuses on Computational chemistry and application of principles of computer science to assist in solving chemical problems. It uses the results of theoretical chemistry based on quantum mechanical treatments, incorporated into efficient computer programs, to calculate the structures and properties of molecules and solids. While its results normally complement the information obtained by chemical experiments, it can in some cases predict hitherto unobserved chemical phenomena. It is widely used in the design of new drugs and materials as well as predicting molecular and geometrical shapes.  In many cases, transition states are impossible to visualize, however, they may be feasible theoretically (quantum mechanically).

    CHEM351  Basic Biochemistry

    Credit Hours: 3 ( 3 + 0 )

    Pre-requisite:   CHEM211 & BIOL101

    CHEM351 is a one-semester basic biochemistry course.  The first part of this course explores the structure and function of biomolecules (amino acids and proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids), enzyme catalysis, membrane structure, and flow of genetic information. The second part of the course deals with major metabolic pathways (glycolysis, glycogen synthesis, the citric acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, urea cycle, and lipid metabolism), their energetics and integration in biological systems.  Metabolic disorders will be emphasized during metabolic pathways.

    CHEM352  Experimental Biochemistry

    Credit Hours:   1 ( 0 + 3 )

    Pre-requisite:   CHEM351 or concurrent

    The experimental biochemistry course (CHEM 352) integrates basic information learned in basic biochemistry to analyze biomolecules using modern biochemical techniques. The analytical methods used in this course include spectrophotometry, chromatography, centrifugation and electrophoresis.  The course content includes separation and quantitation of biomolecules (carbohydrates, proteins and nucleic acids) in biological samples, and study of enzyme catalyzed reactions.

    CHEM375       Industrial Chemistry (I)

    Credit Hours: 3 ( 3 + 0 )

    Pre-requisite: CHEM241& CHEM231

    CHEM375 deals with general principles of Industrial Chemistry. The topics covered are as follows. The chemistry of energy production and applications: the dry cells – storage batteries- fuel cells-solar cells-electroplating. Sulfuric acid and industry-Ammonia industry. Fertilizers industry: urea and phosphate. Soaps and detergents, Petrochemical industry and synthesis of polymers. Economic considerations of chemical manufacturing and the interplay between thermodynamic and kinetic factors in industrial chemical processes (Role of catalysis in industry). Industrial impact on the environment (Air pollution- water – soil pollution): general coverage.

    CHEM391   Advanced Biochemistry

    Credit Hours: 3 ( 2 + 3 )

    Pre-requisite: CHEM351 and CHEM 352

    The advanced biochemistry course (CHEM 391) is an elective course that includes both theory and practical.  The theory part of the course places special focus on application and integration of biochemistry principles to molecular biology. The topics covered include DNA structure, storage (replication, recombination and mutations) and expression (transcription and translation) of genetic information and genetic disorders, and fundamentals of recombinant DNA techniques as applied to manipulation of DNA, DNA sequencing, cloning, gene expression and regulation of gene expression, and genetic polymorphism analysis.  Additional topics include cellular signaling pathways and fundamentals of ligand-receptor, DNA-protein and protein-protein interactions.  Research trends in the field will be introduced via discussions and case studies.

    Practical:

    The laboratory content of this course will apply the principles of recombinant DNA techniques learned in the theory to practice.  The students will undertake individual research projects that culminate in isolation of a gene, cloning and expression of gene and recombinant protein production Emphasis will be placed on building technical skills and intellectual framework needed to work in biotechnology field.

    CHEM442     Experimental Physical Chemistry (II)

    Credit Hours: 1 ( 0 +3).           

    Prerequisite: CHEM341 or concurrent

    Experimental physical chemistry II (CHEM442) course covers the following topics. Introduction and safety. Chemical kinetics: kinetics of catalytic decomposition of H2O2 (the rate constant, order, activation energy), alkaline hydrolysis of ester-second order reaction (Conductometric determination). Kinetics of  reduction of methylene blue by ascorbic acid (Spectrophotometric method).  Electrode reactions (cyclic voltammetry), Surface Chemistry: adsorption isotherms and fluorimetry. (needs help)

    CHEM 461                  Special Topics

    Credit Hours: 1 (1+ 0 )

    Pre-requisite: Department Approval

    Advanced level of study in selected areas of various disciplines. Topics such as; photochemistry, photophysics, corrosion, laser chemistry, bioinorganic chemistry, polymers, organometallic, natural products.

    CHEM461                 Special Topics

    Credit Hours: 2 ( 2 + 0 )

    Pre-requisite: Department Approval

    Advanced level of study in selected areas as stated in course no. CHEM461.

     

    CHEM461                Special Topics

    Credit Hours: 3 ( 3+ 0 )

    Pre-requisite: Department Approval

    Advanced level of study in selected areas as stated in course no. CHEM461

     

    CHEM 462      Research Project

    Credit Hours: 3 (0+3) ( Department Approval)

    Pre-requisite: Department Approval

    This course gives students the opportunity to obtain, develop, demonstrate and acquire the necessary research skills in Chemistry. Most of the research topics are interdisciplinary, so crossing boundaries across other disciplines.  One to one supervision will be provided from the faculty members to perform chemical research in a professional environment. The students are required to conduct literature review and to carry out an experimental work, before writing a mini thesis and making an oral presentation.

    Geology Minor

    Principles of Geology (GEOL. 101)

    Introduction to geology and earth sciences, evaluation of the  geologic thinking and the contribution of Arab &  Muslim  scientists,  position of the Earth in the universe and its relation to other planets, origin and evolution of Earth.  Earth’s layers and their main characteristics,  components of the Earth’s crust: crystal minerals and rocks, geologic  structures. Internal and external processes and plate tectonics theory, introduction to historical geology, synopsis on the geology of Qatar and its natural resources.

    Crystallography & Mineralogy (GEOL. 201)

    The crystalline state, crystal symmetry, operations, systems, classes-sterograms and stereographic projection, internal symmetry, crystal chemistry.

    Classification of minerals, rock forming minerals, microscopy of rock forming minerals, polarizing microscope, light and theories of light, optical properties of minerals under polarized and cross-nicol.

    Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology*

    Definition and boundaries, magmas, classification of igneous rock, textures, structure, chemical composition, distribution and plate tectonic, volcanoes, type of metamorphism, metamorphic textures and structures, minerals, facies and grades of metamorphism.

    Isotopes Geology*

    Introduction, decay mechanism, radioactive isotopes, K-Ar method, Rb-Sr method, Sr-Nd method, U-Pb method, C14 method, stable isotopes O, C, S, H, N applications.

    Historical Geology*

    Definition, stratigraphic methods in historical geology, paleontologic methods; definition of fossils and modes of fossilization, paleontological studies of protozoa (foraminifera-radiolaria), sponges, coelentrata, graptolites, and general life of the Paleozoic, life of Mesozoic, and Cenozoic.

    Paleontology (GEOL. 211)

    Systematic study of the principal phyla of invertebrate fossils (e.g. brachiopoda - mollusca -echinodermata - trilobita), introduction to invertebrate paleontology.

    Stratigraphy (GEOL. 212)

    Principles of stratigraphy, subdivisions of stratigraphic units, lithostratigrphic units and correlation, chronostratigraphy, biostratigraphy and magnetostratigraphy.

    Micropaleontology (Geol. 224)

    Definition and historical development of micropaleontology, collection and preparation of rock samples for micropaleontological investigation; systematic and biostratigraphic study of some microfossil groups (e.g., foraminifera, ostracoda, pollen & spores, dinoflagellates…etc.

    Paleoecology*

    Definition of ecology and paleontology, principal of uniformatrianism, major marine and non-marine environments, factor affecting distribution of organisms, ecology of Recent foraminfera, ecology of ostracods, environment of dinoflagellate, pollen, spores-paleoecology.

    Sedimentology (GEOL. 303)

    Introduction, sedimentary cycles, clastic rocks, carbonate rocks, evaporites, sedimentary rocks, siliceous sediments, phosphates, depositional environments: continental, mixed and marine, sedimentary basins, sedimentology and tectonics, economic mineral deposits.

    Structural Geology (GEOL. 321)

    Relation of structural geology to geology, objectives, mechanical principles, folds, joints faults, dating structural events, diapirs & related structural features, cleavage & schistosity, secondary lineation, plastic deformation, impact structures, geophysical methods in structural geology.

    Surveying & Field Geology (GEOL. 322)

    Introduction and main concepts of field work, field observations, collection of samples and data, principles of plane surveying using different methods, techniques & instruments for measurement of distances, horizontal and vertical angles, use of compass, clinometers and hand level for geological surveying and mapping, identification of geologic structures in the field.

    Global tectonics*

    Evolution of Earth through geologic time, internal structure of the Earth, continental drift theory, isostasity, convection currents, paleomagnetism, sea floor topography, plate tectonics, ocean-floor spreading, asthenosphere, hot spots, major plate boundaries, economic implications.

    Principles of Geophysics (GEOL. 332)

    Physical properties of rocks, seismic method (introduction), mechanical properties, equipment, reflection method, refraction method, data analysis and interpretation, gravity method, earths’ gravity field, equipment and field survey, qualitative interpretation. magnetic method, paleomagnetism, elements of magnetic field, equipment, field survey,  electrical methods (principles and applications), geophysical evidences for plate tectonics.

    Applied Geophysics (GEOL. 352)*

    2D seismic survey, processing and corrections, interpretation of 2D seismic reflection sections. Quantitative interpretation of gravity data, application of resistivity, electromagnetic and induced polarization, well logging, case studies.

    Seismic Exploration (GEOL.353)

    3D seismic survey, field survey, processing and interpretation, seismic stratigraphy and its application in basin analysis, case studies.

    Geochemistry (GEOL. 401)*

    Introduction, earth spheres, meteorites, distribution of elements, earth structure, geochemistry of igneous rocks, metamorphic rocks, sedimentary rocks, hyrdroshperse-environmental geochemistry.

    Economic Geology (GEOL. 403)*

    Introduction, classification, ores of igneous rocks, ores of metamorphic rocks, ores of sedimentary rocks, metallogenic provinces, exploration techniques, mineral wealth.

    Geology of the Arabian Peninsula and Qatar (GEOL. 411)

    General Geology of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman, Geology of the Cambrian rocks in Western Arabia, structural elements of the Arabian Peninsula, stratigraphic nomenclature of the Arabian Peninsula and Qatar (Paleozoic from Recent), mineral and petroleum resources.

    Photogeology & Remote Sensing (GEOL. 421)

    Properties of electromagnetic radiation and field applications, history of aerial photo, photogrammetry and planning for photographic mission, types of aerial photographs and their geometric characteristics, stereoscopy, vertical exaggeration and parallex, principles of photo-interpretation.

    Petroleum Geology (GEOL. 432)

    Introduction, historical background, relation of petroleum geology to other sciences, physical & chemical properties of petroleum, generation and migration of oil, the reservoir, traps and seals, reserve estimation.

    Carbonate and evaporites deposits (GEOL. 433)*

    Introducing carbonate rocks, their components, classification, microfacies analysis, environmental reconstruction, diagenesis including dolomitization, porosity evolution and destruction, carbonate rocks of the Arabian Basins, evaporites deposits, nodular versus subaqueous anhydrites, Recent sabkhas of the Arabian Gulf.

    Hydrogeology (GEOL. 434)

    Introduction to hydrogeology, evaporation and precipitation, runoff and streamflow, soil moisture and groundwater, principles of groundwater flow. Geology of groundwater occurrence, geology of groundwater flow to wells, regional ground water flow, water chemistry, water quality and groundwater contamination, groundwater development and management.

    Remote Sensing Applications (GEOL. 445)*

    Introduction to the principles, equipment, materials and methods for aerial image acquisition, electromagnetic spectrum and basic spectral properties of Earth features and atmospheric interaction, airphoto geometry and mapping.

    Geomorphology (GEOL. 446)*

    Process geomorphology (an introduction), climate and internal forces, chemical weathering and soils, physical weathering, mass movement and slopes, the drainage basin (development,. morphology, and hydrology). Fluvial processes and fluvial landforms, wind processes and landforms, glaciers and glacial mechanics, glacial erosion, deposition, and landforms,  periglacial processes and landforms, karst, coastal zones (processes and landforms).

    Subsurface Geology (GEOL. 462)*

    Introduction, geophysical methods of exploration: geologic approach, well logs, subsurface maps, core and cutting description, introduction to resource extraction and mining.

    Applied Hydrogeology (GEOL. 464)

    Introduction to hydrologic modeling, synthetic streamflows, continuous simulation models, single, event simulation models, urban Runoff simulation models, probability and statistics, frequency analysis.

    Engineering Geology

    Components of the Earth’s crust, physical, chemical and mechanical  properties of rocks, application of geologic and geophysical methods to investigate the engineering properties of shallow beds. Geotechenical studies, dams, roads, mines and other similar structures.

    Geological Data Analysis (GEOL. 472)

    Types of data, sampling methods, data distribution: normal distribution, long-normal distribution, circular distribution probability applications in cyclic sedimentation, tests, non-parametric statistics: factor analysis, cluster analysis, multi-variate analysis.

    Special Course (GEOL. 498)

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    * Elective courses