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20260412890Graduate programs in Engineering and Environmental Geology are distinguished by providing an integrated academic framework that combines solid theoretical foundations with practical applications. This enables students to explore in depth the fields of soil and rock mechanics, construction materials, and site investigation using rigorous scientific approaches. In addition, these programs emphasize the study of geological and environmental hazards—such as landslides, sabkha conditions, and contamination—with the aim of developing sustainable engineering solutions that enhance the safety and performance of infrastructure. These programs are designed in alignment with international academic accreditation standards, ensuring clearly defined and measurable learning outcomes that are closely linked to labor market needs in geotechnical consulting and environmental risk management. Furthermore, they offer a stimulating research environment that promotes innovation and critical thinking, empowering students to conduct advanced scientific research that addresses real-world challenges, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions such as Saudi Arabia.
The program aspires to be a leading and distinguished graduate program at both regional and international levels in the field of Engineering and Environmental Geology, by preparing highly qualified professionals capable of addressing contemporary geotechnical and environmental challenges with competence and professionalism. It seeks to achieve excellence in education and scientific research through the adoption of best academic practices aligned with international accreditation standards. Furthermore, the program aims to serve as a scientific and consultancy reference in areas such as geological hazard assessment, soil and rock analysis, and sustainable environmental solutions, thereby supporting national development plans and infrastructure projects. It also emphasizes building effective partnerships with governmental and industrial sectors, fostering innovation and applied research to address real-world problems, particularly in sensitive environments such as coastal zones and sabkha regions in Saudi Arabia.
Last Modified Date: 10/07/2026 - 2:23 AM Saudi Arabia Time
The mission of the Master’s Program in Engineering and Environmental Geology is to deliver high-quality graduate education that integrates advanced scientific knowledge with practical applications in geotechnical and environmental fields. The program aims to equip students with the competencies required to investigate, analyze, and solve complex geological and environmental problems related to soil, rock, construction materials, and site conditions. The program is committed to fostering a research-driven learning environment that promotes innovation, critical thinking, and evidence-based decision-making, in alignment with international accreditation standards such as ABET and CIWEM. It emphasizes the development of professional, ethical, and technical skills necessary for careers in geotechnical consulting, environmental management, and infrastructure development. Furthermore, the program seeks to contribute to sustainable development by preparing graduates capable of assessing geological hazards, mitigating environmental risks, and supporting national priorities through applied research and community engagement, particularly within arid and semi-arid environments such as those found in Saudi Arabia.
| Course Code | Course | Credits | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEG 601 | Soil Engineering | 3 | – |
| Description | This course aims mainly to study the structure of soil and the effect of stress. Analysis of stress paths and pore pressure parameters with drained and underained strength. Studying the stability analysis of slope by method of slices, shallow foundations with eccentric and lateral loads with uniform and nonuniform soil conditions and piles with negative skin friction uplift and lateral loads. Piers and caissons foundation construction. Laboratory works include different tests for studying the mechanical behavior of soils. | ||
| EEG 602 | Rock Engineering | 3 | – |
| Description | Studying the stress-strain relationships with failure criteria and strength of rock materials. Hydraulic and mechanical properties of fractured rocks. Rock mass classification systems. Studying the methods of improving the properties of rock masses. Laboratory works include different tests for the mechanical behavior of rocks. | ||
| EEG 603 | Advanced Engineering Geology | 3 | EEG 601 EEG 602 |
| Description | The EEG 603-course aims to review of engineering geology principles and site investigation including drilling methods and subsurface exploration and their application in engineering studies. Studying the sampling and propping technique and insitu tests on soils and rocks. Methods of recording and processing of data and reporting with geotechnical maps. Laboratory works and field tests. | ||
| EEG 604 | Geotechnical Processes | 3 | EEG 601 EEG 602 |
| Description | Studying the ground problems and geotechnical processes due to recompressions with surcharge loading, sand drains, dynamic consolidation, vibrocompaction and vibroreplacement. Solutions for the ground problems by using thermal treatment, electro-osmosis, shotcreting and grouting methods, rock stabilizations by bolting and synthetic methods in soil stabilization. | ||
| EEG 605 | Soil Engineering 2 | 3 | – |
| Description | The aim of the course:- studying the behavior of soils and the effect of stress and strain. Studying the slope stability of collapsible soil, fractured mud and consolidated embankments. Studying the soil liquefactions. Foundation on difficult grounds and the effects of geological factors. Piles and caissons foundation construction. Field training on related projects | ||
| EEG 606 | Soil Behavior | 3 | – |
| Description | The aim of the course:- studying the behavior of soils and the effect of stress and strain. Studying the slope stability of collapsable soil, fractured mud and consolidated embakments. Studying the soil liquifactions. Foundation on difficult grounds and the effects of geological factors. Piels and caissons foundation construction. Field training on related projects | ||
| EEG 608 | Rock Engineering 2 | 3 | – |
| Description | The aim of the course:- Studying the principles of engineering geology. Drilling and sampling methods and subsurface exploration and their application in engineering studies. Methods of insitu testing on soils and rocks. Field data collections and interpretations, Engineering geological mapping. | ||
| EEG 609 | Drilling and blasting | 2 | – |
| Description | This graduate-level course provides advanced knowledge of drilling and blasting techniques used in engineering geology, mining, tunneling, slope excavation, dam construction, road cuts, and quarry operations. The course emphasizes the relationship between geological and geomechanical characteristics of rock masses and the design of drilling and blasting operations. Topics include drilling methods and equipment, explosives and initiation systems, blast design principles, controlled blasting techniques, blast performance evaluation, environmental impacts, blast-induced vibrations, safety regulations, and the application of modern computational tools and case studies in engineering projects. | ||
| EEG 630 | Advanced Geological Hazards | 2 | – |
| Description | This course provides an advanced study of geological hazards, emphasizing their origin, mechanisms, assessment, and mitigation. It covers major natural geological hazards including floods and flash floods, landslides, rock slope instability, tunneling-related geohazards, sinkholes, earthquakes, sand dune migration, and the geotechnical challenges associated with sabkha soils. The course integrates geological and engineering principles with real-world case studies to develop students' abilities to analyze hazards, assess risks, and recommend appropriate mitigation and management strategies. | ||
| EEG 631 | Engineering Geology of Soft Sediments | 2 | EEG 601 |
| Description | Studying the clay minerals and their engineering properties. Identification review of soil forming processes sedimentary environments. Influence of geological factors on their engineering properties. | ||
| EEG 632 | Modeling in Engineering Geology | 3 | EEG 601 EEG 602 |
| Description | This graduate-level course provides advanced knowledge of geological and geotechnical modeling techniques used in engineering geology and environmental engineering projects. The course focuses on three-dimensional geological modeling, numerical geotechnical modeling, and the integration of geological, geophysical, laboratory, and field investigation data into digital models for engineering analysis and decision-making. Students learn to simulate the behavior of soils and rock masses, evaluate the stability of slopes, tunnels, foundations, dams, and excavations, and assess engineering risks using advanced numerical methods and specialized software. The course also emphasizes model calibration, validation, uncertainty analysis, and the integration of GIS, Remote Sensing, LiDAR, UAV surveys, and Digital Terrain Models into engineering geological workflows. | ||
| EEG 633 | Engineering Geology of Rock slopes | 2 | EEG 601 EEG 602 |
| Description | The aim of the course:- Types of land slides in soils and rocks, Earth fissures and land subsidence. Geologic and engineering factors causes land failures. Methods of field measurements used to assess and evaluate their stability | ||
| EEG 634 | Engineering Geology of Dams | 2 | EEG 601 EEG 602 |
| Description | The aim of the course:- Types of waterways and channels. Sedimentation processes and classifications of wadi soils. Geomorphology of wadi channels and their morphometric classifications. Types of waterways and dams. Geologic and engineering consedirations for the selections of waterways and dams. | ||
| EEG 635 | Engineering geology of waterways and roads | 3 | – |
| Description | The aim of the course:- Types of waterways and channels. Sedimentation processes and classifications of wadi soils. Geomorphology of wadi channels and their morphometric classifications. Types of waterways and dams. Geologic and engineering considerations for the selections of waterways and dams. | ||
| EEG 636 | Landslides and their control | 2 | – |
| Description | The aim of the course:- Types of land slides in soils and rocks, Earth fissures and land subsidence. Geologic and engineering factors causes land failures. Methods of field measurements used to assess and evaluate their stability. | ||
| EEG 641 | Field geological instruments and testing technology | 2 | – |
| Description | This graduate-level course provides advanced knowledge of laboratory testing, field investigations, and geological instrumentation used in engineering and environmental geology. The course focuses on planning geotechnical investigation programs, selecting appropriate testing methods, evaluating data quality, interpreting laboratory and field results, and integrating multiple datasets for engineering decision-making. Students are introduced to modern monitoring technologies, remote sensing, digital geological mapping, and real-time geotechnical monitoring systems used in infrastructure and environmental projects. | ||
| EEG 642 | Underground Excavations | 3 | – |
| Description | The aim of the course:- Types of Underground Excavations. Geologic factors controlling their stability. Stress and srain analysis around Underground Excavations. Stability analysis and methods of supporting. | ||
| EEG 651 | Advanced Environmental Geology | 2 | – |
| Description | The aim of the course:- Studying the fundamental concepts of environmental geology and the interaction between man and his natural environment. Man as a geologic agent. The optimum use of minerals, petroleum, water resources and vital energy. Environment planning for urban development. | ||
| EEG 652 | Analysis of Environmental Hazards | 2 | – |
| Description | The aim of the course:- Studying the factors controlling environmental problems and the problems associated with water, air pollutions and using energy. Instruments used for risk analysis and investigation for environmental hazards with optimum mitigation. | ||
| EEG 653 | Environmental Geology Regulations | 2 | – |
| Description | This graduate-level course examines the legal and regulatory framework governing environmental geology practices, natural resource management, and sustainable development. The course emphasizes national and international environmental regulations applicable to geological and engineering activities, including environmental impact assessment (EIA), environmental permitting, waste management, groundwater protection, mining and quarry regulations, contaminated land management, site rehabilitation, environmental compliance, geological hazard governance, professional ethics, and environmental risk management. Real-world case studies are used to strengthen students' ability to interpret regulations and apply legal requirements in engineering and environmental projects. | ||
| EEG 654 | Behavior of contaminated soil | 3 | – |
| Description | The aim of the course:- studying the behavior of contaminated soils and the effect of stress and strain. Studying the slope stability of collapsable soil, fractured mud and consolidated embakments. Studying the soil liquifactions. Foundation on difficult grounds and the effects of geological factors. Piels and caissons foundation construction. Field training on related projects | ||
| EEG 690 | Advanced Field Training | 3 | EEG 603 |
| Description | Field training includes the principals of environmental mapping with data collection and analysis and training in Field equipment’s. Detailed study of a specific area and writing technical reports. | ||
| EEG 693 | Selected topics in Engineering Geology | 2 | – |
| Description | Scientific topics in the fields of engineering geology will be selected and studied under the supervision of the department. (This course can be offered for students from other departments). | ||
| EEG 694 | Special Studies in Engineering Geology | 3 | – |
| Description | Special cases in the fields of engineering geology will be studied under the supervision of the department. (This course can be offered for students from other departments). | ||
| EEG 695 | Advanced Seminar | 1 | – |
| Description | A subject in the fields of engineering geology or environmental geology will be selected for research and review its recent developments and presented in a public lecture. | ||
| EEG 696 | Selected Topics in Environmental Geology | 2 | – |
| Description | Scientific topics in the fields of environmental geology will be selected and studied under the supervision of the department. (The course can be offered for students from other departments) | ||
| EEG 698 | Research project | 4 | – |
| Description | Guides students through research and manuscript development. Students analyze literature, formulate research questions, identify study focus, design sound research, address ethics, select study and sampling designs, use statistical tools, manage bias and limitations, and complete a manuscript on time. | ||
Undergraduate Study and Examination Regulations and Implementing Rules at King Abdulaziz University
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