Prerequisites: ENSC 107, MATH 009B or MATH 09HB; or consent of instructor
Description: Studies physical and mathematical descriptions of transient flow and transport processes in the vadose zone. Emphasizes numerical solutions to equations describing the movement of water, gas, contaminants, and heat including chemical and biological reactions. Explores mathematical models for direct and inverse solutions, spatial heterogeneity, and determination of soil hydraulic properties. Cross-listed with ENSC 217. Plan I (Thesis) Students must complete a minimum of 36 quarter units of graduate and upper-division undergraduate courses in, or significantly related to, soil and water sciences. At least 24 of the 36 units must be in graduate courses. A maximum of 12 of these units may be in graduate research for the thesis. No more than 4 units of SWSC 290 and 2 units of SWSC 250 may be applied toward the degree. Students must pass a final oral examination. Plan II (Comprehensive Examination) Students must complete a minimum of 36 quarter units of graduate and upper-division undergraduate courses in or significantly related to soil and water sciences. At least 18 units must be in graduate courses. Students may count no more than 2 units of SWSC 250 and 6 units of SWSC 298-I toward the required 18 units and no units from graduate research for thesis or dissertation (SWSC 297 or SWSC 299). Students take a comprehensive written examination that covers fundamental topics in soil and water sciences. The written exam, which is three to four hours long, is prepared and evaluated by a committee appointed by the department chair. The exam is taken during the latter part of the final quarter in the M.S. program. Students must wait at least eight weeks before retaking a failed examination. Students failing the examination twice are dismissed from the program.