GE 479 - Earthquake Hazards and Engineering

(3 units)

This course is designed to provide an overview of earthquake science and its relation to hazard and engineering applications. Topics covered include: seismicity, plate tectonics and faulting processes, source characteristics, seismometry, strong earthquake motions, effects of earthquakes on soils and man-made structures, probabilistic seismic hazard analysis, hazard calculations and data products. (CEE 479 and GE 479 are cross-listed; credit may be earned in one of the two.)

Maximum units a student may earn: 3

Prerequisite(s): MATH 285 with a “C” or better; MATH 181; PHYS 180 or PHYS 181 or PHYS 182.

Recommended Preparation: Experience with Python, GEOL 479 /GEOL 679 or equivalent knowledge.

Grading Basis: Graded
Units of Lecture: 3
Offered: Every Spring - Odd Years

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. describe the key physical processes underlying earthquakes and seismic waves.
2. describe how characteristics of source, path, and site influence felt ground motions.
3. describe the conceptual and computational framework of probabilistic seismic hazard analysis and how it relates to the engineering design of structures.
4. work in teams to solve challenging problems through analysis of observational data from earth science and engineering disciplines.
5. develop analytical and technical skills to solve applied problems related to earthquake hazards and communicate findings to the broader community.

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