Department of Science & Technology

Program Objectives

The Department of Science and Technology is three (3) years; six semesters of classroom, laboratory, workshop and field exercises at the campus of the College or away, depending on the nature of the assignment. Each semester consists of 16 weeks of academic and practical work. A total of One Hundred Four (104) credit hours are required to earn an Associate of Science (A. Sc.) degree in Geology; and, one hundred three (103) credit hours are required for an Associate of Science (A. Sc.) degree in Building Construction Engineering.

Program Requirement

CHEM 101(Intro. to General Chemistry) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: N/A

A general concept of the fundamental laws and theories of Chemistry; Gas laws of chemical combinations; Oxidation and reduction, Solutions – kinds and properties; Chemical kinetics, equilibra thermodynamics; Related problems. A study of non-metals, metals and their components; and a brief introduction to the fundamental ideas and the scope of Organic Chemistry. The laboratory work includes experiments, the fundamental laws, rate of reactions; heat of reactions, neutralization, oxidation and reduction; preparation of selected elements and study of their properties.

ENGL 101 (English) 3 Credit Hours

Basic communication course emphasizing listening, constructive or clear thinking, basic writing and speaking abilities. Includes reading and discussion of short prose selections intended to develop both the reading and writing skills of the students with emphasis on organization and development of ideas; writing of effective paragraphs and short compositions.

GENG 105 (Engineering Graphics I) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: N/A

Fundamentals of Engineering Graphics; different types of drawing instrument; their uses and characteristics; types of lines and uses; letters and lettering; freehand sketching; conventional drawing symbols; geometric construction.

MATH 101(Algebra) 3 Credit Hours

Prerequisite: Passing of Placement Examination or Mathematics 003 – non majors. Topics to be covered: Properties of real numbers; Polynomials, Factors; Functions; Graph; Simultaneous equation, quadratic and Linear equations; Inequalities; Functions; Graph; Exponents; Radicals; Equations in three variables; Determinants; Sequences series; Bionomical theorem; Logarithms.

PHYS 105 (Physics I) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: N/A

Knowledge of the fundamental concepts in physics; It assumes a conceptual approach that focuses on enabling students acquire an understanding of scientific phenomena, facts, concepts, theories, laws and principles; concept of motion, force, vector, gravity, work, temperature, heat, energy power are treated in an appropriate manner. Laboratory work is also required.

PHED 101 (Physical Education) 1 Credit Hour Pre-requisite: N/A

This course provides each student with a practical opportunity to participate and develop skills in a variety of athletics. It stresses physical development, physical fitness, motor skills, elective sports, remedial and corrective exercises, and stimulus sports appreciation.

COSC 101: (Intro. to Computer Application) 3 Credit Hours Prerequisite: Pass Placement Exams.

This course, which is a requirement for all students irrespective of their areas of specialty, is an introduction to computer application with 80% practical orientation. The students learn about the evolution of computer, the classification, the components of the computer and their functions, significance; indispensability of computers in our contemporary world; the practical applicability of computer in a real time situation. Introduces students to Microsoft Word Processing and data manipulation.

CHEM 102 (Introduction to Chemistry)) 4 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: CHEM 101, BIOL 107 (Vacation Course)

ENGL 102 (English) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: ENGL 101

Instruction in writing original composition, short essays, short stories, and poetry; to enhance basic written and oral communication skills.

GENG 106 (Engineering Graphics II) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: GENG 105, MATH 101

Geometrical construction of triangles; quadrilaterals (square, rectangle, parallelogram, rhombus, trapezium, kite). Construction of circles, tangents to circles, inscribed circles, other regular polygons, equal area, scaling: enlargement and reduction; luci, ellipse, helix and cycloids, Archemidian spirals.

MATH 106 (Calculus I): 3 Credit Hours

PHYS 106 (Physics II) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: PHYS 105

Velocity, acceleration and displacement of simple harmonic motion (SHM); Hooke’s law, differentiation between stress and strain of various material media; elastic and plastic behavior of solids; Young’s Modulus; Rotation dynamics; Kepler’s and Netwon’s laws of Gravitation; velocity of escape of rockets. Laboratory work is also required for successful completion of this course.

PHED 102 (Physical Education) 1 Credit Hour Pre-requisite: PHED 101

The second semester course is devoted to the scientific and philosophical aspects of physical education. It provides the student with greater knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, health education, objectives of physical education, and appreciation of his/her own body, the development of good health habits and the use of leisure time in creative ways.

COSC 102: (Intro. to Microcomputer) 3 Credit Hrs. Prerequisite: COSC 101

A required course for all students regardless of discipline. This course is 80% practical oriented and is focused on data processing using spreadsheet. It provides students hands-on training in electronic spreadsheet using MS Excel 2010. Teaches general concept and processes of management information system, payroll calculation, petty-cash flow, data query, pivot/chart depiction of data, data integrity.PowerPoint and Presentation.

ENGL 201 (English) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: ENGL 102

Integrated program which places emphasis on the effective development of basic communication skills such as reading comprehensive and writing. It is a study of styles as manifested through some selected narratives, expository, descriptive and argumentative prose and poetic works in English. Summary (précis) and narrative writing skills are fostered, and students are ultimately exposed to the methods and techniques of writing short research papers.

GEOL 101 (Physical Geology) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: CHEM 102, PHYS 105

Earth structure; absolute and relative location of places; weathering and soils formation; sedimentary processes; types of sedimentary rocks; textures; classification and features; sedimentary structures; sedimentary environments; origin of magma; origin and propagation of seismic waves; magmatic rocks; textures; features; metamorphism; metamorphic rocks and textures; the rock cycle.

ECON 203 (Microeconomics): 3 Credit Hours

PHYS 205 (Physics III) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: PHYS 106

Temperature and Heat, determination of increase or decrease in temperature, changes due to temperature fluxes, heat transfer laws, gas laws, heat flow measurement, heat capacity,specific heat capacity, isothermal expansion, thermodynamics, real gas, Van Der Waal’s equations.

FREN 101 (Intro. to French) 3 Credit Hours

This is a course taught by an audio-visual teaching method. Pronunciation and syntax are improved through written drills and exercises.

GEOL 102 (Geology Laboratory) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: GEOL 101

Understanding earth’s structure; relative and absolute location of places on maps; understanding maps; their features and different types; reading and understanding topographic maps; construction of contour lines and topographic profiles; transition from topographic to geologic maps; extraction of geologic data from maps; recognition of various types of rocks (sedimentary, magmatic and metamorphic).

MATH 202 (Calculus II): 3 Credit Hours

GEOL 102 (Geology Laboratory) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: GEOL 101

PHYS 211 (Physics IV) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: PHYS 205

Heat experiments; sources and production of heat; heat transfer in solid, liquid and gases; electrical method of determining the heat capacity of a body; experimentation with Newton’s law of cooling.

GEOL 106 (Historical Geology) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: GEOL 101

Origin of the earth and motives for studying the earth; internal structure of the earth; earth’s different layers; earth’s composition; geologic time; major events marking geologic time; relative and absolute dating; fossilization and the different types of fossils representing geologic ages; use of fossils in dating; stratigraphic principles and their application to dating of rocks and geologic events; deciphering the geologic history of a region.

FREN 102 (French) 3 Credits

Emphasis is on grammatical construct of the French Language. Pronunciation and syntax are improved through written drills and exercises.

GEOL 202 (Mineralogy) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: PHYS 205, GEOL 101

Minerals; formation of minerals; classes of minerals; chemical and physical properties of minerals; crystal chemistry; forms and symmetry; introduction to mineral chemistry; genesis of common rock-forming minerals; mineral stability and phase diagram.

GEOL 212 (Geochemistry) 2 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: GEOL 101, GEOL 202

The periodic table of elements; major, trace and rare earth elements; volatiles and isotopes; crustal abundance of elements; classification of rocks; analysis and interpretation of geochemical diagrams; introduction to geochemistry methods used in mineral exploration (panning, sampling, geochemical analysis, data handling and interpretation).

GEOL 210 (Mineral Deposits) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: GEOL 108, GEOL 202, GEOL 205, GEOL 206

Fundamental notions of mineral deposits; origin and formation of the different types of mineral deposits; types and classification of mineralization; morphology of ore bodies; mineral zoning, age and distribution of the different types of mineralization; ore formation and tectonic setting; case study of some of the world’s leading ore deposits; methods of studying mineral deposits.

GEOL 209 (Geology Laboratory II) 2 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: GEOL 102, GEOL 205

Full study and analysis of geologic maps; construction of geologic cross section and structure contours; transition from office study to field investigation and plotting of field observations on relevant maps.

GEOL 208 (Optical Mineralogy) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: GEOL 202

Introduction to microscopes (elementary notions of optic physics); production and analysis of thin sections; microscopic studies of the optical properties of isotropic; uniaxial and biaxial minerals in natural and polarized light; microscopic recognition of the common rock forming minerals.

GEOL 206 (Petrology) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: GEOL 101, GEOL 202

Earth’s structure; origin of magmas; classification; texture and nomenclature of igneous rocks; metamorphism; metamorphic rocks and textures; mineral assemblages; phase diagrams; introduction to radiometric dating.

GEOL 205 (Structural Geology) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: GEOL 101, GEOL 106

Definition of structural geology and its scope of application; identification and classification of geologic structures; deformation: its influencing factors and different types, stress and strain; ductile and brittle deformation and their different structures; basis of plate tectonics; topographic and geologic maps; analysis of complex geologic structures; structural geology in mapping.

GEOL 301 (Intro. to Mineral Exploration)3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite GEOL 210

Ore; mineral economics and mineral exploration; mineralogy of economic deposits; geology of mineral deposits; morphology of ore bodies and economic significance; geophysics and geochemistry applied to mineral exploration; introduction to remote sensing in mineral exploration; data interpretation; decision to mine; techniques of evaluation of ore deposits, case studies.

GEOL 312 (Geophysics) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: GEOL 106, GEOL 205, GEOL 210

Physics and structure of the earth; earth’s interior; methods of exploration geophysics: magnetic, gravimetric surveys. Seismic survey; data acquisition, processing and interpretation.Application of geophysics to mineral exploration.

GEOL 315 (Field Geology) 4 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: Senior status within the Department

General Field Mapping and steps used in Mineral Exploration

GEOL 207 (Geomorphology) 2 Credit Hors Pre-requisite: GEOL 101, GEOL 106

Geomorphology and its scope of application; origin and evolution of surface relief features; tectonic and structural landforms; structural interpretation; understanding regional geologic history; fluvial systems.

GEOL 300 (Environmental Geoscience) 2 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: GEOL 106

Issues of climate change; air and water pollution; water resources and significance; issues of sustainable development, environmental ethics and politics; geologic hazards; environmental issues of mining; environmental impact assessment; health and safety issues in mines; introduction to environmental policies regulating the operation of mines in Liberia.

MATH 101(Algebra) 3 Credit Hours

GENG 105 (Engineering Graphics I) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: N/A

ENGL 101 (English) 3 Credit Hours

PHYS 105 (Physics I) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: N/A

BLDG 105 (Construction Materials) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: N/A

Basic materials used in construction, classification of materials used in construction, review materials science, thermal expansion, stress of materials, explain compression, tension and shear stresses, explain differences in response to stress, understand materials strength and calculate strain rate.

COSC 101: (Intro. to Computer Application) 3 Credit Hours Prerequisite: Pass Placement Exams.

PHED 101 (Physical Education) 1 Credit Hour Pre-requisite: N/A

PHYS 108 (Statics) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: PHYS 105

Forces; Free Body Diagrams; Equilibrium of Simple Objects; and Machines and Structures Joined by Engineering Connections, Trusses, Friction, and Moments of Inertia.

ENGL 102 (English) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: ENGL 101

Instruction in writing original composition, short essays, short stories, and poetry; to enhance basic written and oral communication skills.

COSC 102: (Intro. to Microcomputer) 3 Credit Hrs. Prerequisite: COSC 101

MATH 102 (Trigonometry) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: MATH 101 (non – Majors)

Topics to be covered: Measurement of angles; Radian measure; Arc length; Trigonometric ratios and functions; solution of right angled triangles; Applications; Heights and distances; Problems on navigation; Reduction of trigonometric functions of angles of any magnitude to acute angles; Graphs of Sine, Cosine, and Tangent, Identities; Equations, Sum and difference formulae; Solution of any triangle (Oblique).

ARCH 200 (Drafting I) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: GENG 108

This course is designed for students with little or no drafting background. Course content includes careers in drafting/engineering, use of drafting equipment, drafting techniques, lettering, geometric construction, multi-view and isometric drawings, sectional and auxiliary views, and basic dimensioning

GEOL 108 (Hydrogeology): 2 Credit Hours

GENG 108 (Survey) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: MATH 102, GENG 105

Introduction to surveying, basic surveying techniques, measurement and construction surveying, basic mathematics of surveying, basic concepts of survey, measurement techniques, stationing and staking operations.

MATH 104 (Geometry) 4 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: MATH 101 & MATH 102

The course introduces students to the application of numerical analysis of shapes, points, angles, circumference, radii, parallel lines and segments. Students learn to calculate the areas and perimeters of triangles, quadrilaterals, circumference and area of circles, three dimensional shapes and their volumes and surfaces.

BCTH 203 ( Building Construction Technology I): 3 Credit Hours

ACAD 200 (AutoCad) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: COSC 101, COSC 102

Topics include CAD equipment, software selection and interface; setting up a CAD workstation; upgrading a computer to run advanced CAD software; storage devices; storing, retrieving, back-up and sharing databases; file servers and local area networks (LANs); and transferring drawing files over the Internet.

GENG 201 (Structural Mechanics) 3 Credit Hours Re-requisite: PHYS 108, GEOL 108

Coplanar force systems, analysis of trusses, axial stress and strain, material properties, moments of inertia, analysis of surface and subsurface stress states.

MGMT 103 (Principles of Project Management) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: ENGL 102

Critical path methods for planning and controlling projects.Includes time/cost tradeoffs, resource utilization, task determination, time management, scheduling management, status reports, budget management, customer service, professional attitude, and project supervision.

AGRI 209 (Nature & Properties of Soils) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: PHYS 105, GEOL 108

The concepts of soils, Nature and occurrence of geological materials, weathering processes, physical properties and composition of soils. Chemical properties of soil, nature and properties of soils colloids, and soil PH. Soil organic matter, soil water properties and movement. Study of soil profile, factors of soil formation, soil genesis and soil conservation. Soil management and land classification.

ARCH 209 (Architectural Drawing & Presentation I) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: ACAD 200, ARCH 200

Freehand drawing, perspectives, delineation in various media, and development of students’ graphical expression.Includes an introduction to various reproduction methods.

ARCH 207 (Quantity Survey I) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: ARCH 200, GENG 105

Quantity Surveying Measurement, Cost Planning, Estimating, Project Administration, Building Contract Law.

ARCH 206 (Drafting II) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: ARCH 200

Students will be instructed in residential architecture drafting techniques required to design and draft floor plans, exterior and interior details, and structural representations. The course will use architectural CAD software to develop a full set of residential house plans.

GENG 203 (Determinate Structures): 3 Credit Hours

BLDG 205 (Building Construction Technology II) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: BLDG 203

Develop technical and job skills related to careers in the construction industry; develop teamwork and problem solving skills necessary in the construction industry; understand current construction industry trends and become familiar with standards for quality construction and trends in building technology; demonstrate skills in basic site layout, preparation, and leveling; learn basic floor systems; learn basic

wall and ceiling framing; learn basic site layout, preparation, and leveling. OSHA standards for construction.

GEOS 208 (Environmental Management) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: GEOL 108, AGRI 207

This course deals with environmental issues associated with construction activities. Topics to be covered in air, water and soil (ground) quality as well as environmental impact assessment (EIA) report formulation.

ARCH 303 (Architectural Design I) 3 Credit Hors Pre-requisite: ARCH 209

Architectural drafting procedures, practices and symbols, including preparation of detailed working drawings for commercial structure with emphasis on light frame construction methods.

ECON 203 (Micro-Economics) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: ENGL 102, MATH 102

The nature and scope of microeconomics; economic models; concepts of market and industry.Theory of demand and supply; Theory of consumer behavior; Theory of production; Theory of Cost; Theory of the firms.

GENG 311 (Engineering Project Management) 3 Credit Hours

Having completed principles of project management, this course will enhance the knowledge of students in the management of Construction Projects and its scope of operation.

MGMT 304 (Professional Development): 3 Credit Hours

BCON 301 (Engineering Service): 3 Credit Hours

ARCH 303 (Quantity Survey II) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: GENG 105, ARCH 207

Estimating and Tendering, Project Cost Management, Monitoring, Construction Law, Procurement and contracts.

GENG 318 ( Industrial Training ): N/A

ARCH 306 (Construction Contracts & Documentation) 3 Credit Hours Pre-requisite: GENG 311

Contracts Laws, Torts, Statutes, Cases, Standard Forms of Contracts and its selection, Interpretation of the Standard Conditions, Definition of Scope of works, Drawings, Specifications, Contents of construction contracts, Liabilities of design, defects, Bonds, Security Deposits, Insurances, Warranties, Indemnities.