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 problemsolving 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 surfacewater 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 nontraditional 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
The Pennsylvania State University
The Pennsylvania State University
University of Connecticut
Forest Hydrology
Ph.D., Dec. 2004
Geosciences
M.S., May 2000
Environmental Pollut’n Control Masters, May 1999
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 streamground 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 midAppalachians 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 (MS2009), Heather Hutchinson (MS-2007), Jason Soban (MS-2007), and Kolt Johnson (MS2007).
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.