1、Origins of the Geographic Information Science and Technology Major

Since the 1950s, the emergence of information science and technology driven by electronic computers has gradually ushered human society into the information age. The integration of geology with mathematics, information science, and technology quickly gave rise to an interdisciplinary field known as mathematical geology. The establishment of the International Association for Mathematical Geology in 1968 not only sparked a "quantitative revolution" in the geosciences community but also significantly advanced the development of Earth system science and geology. Social informatization has profoundly transformed people's modes of production, communication, lifestyle, and ways of thinking. Information or knowledge, along with information technology, has become a primary driver of social progress and economic development, leading to the rapid growth of information technology and information science. Propelled by the rapid development and high integration of modern information technologies such as remote sensing (RS), global positioning systems (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), and information network systems, an emerging discipline—Geographic Information Science and Technology—has rapidly evolved at the intersection of system science, information science, and Earth science.

This discipline focuses on the information flow within the Earth system, exploring methodologies for spatiotemporal data mining and knowledge discovery, geographic system pattern and process simulation, and remote sensing geocomputation. It aims to refine the methodological framework of geographic information science, develop core technologies such as spatiotemporal data integration management, high-performance geocomputation, spatiotemporal data visualization, and geographic information services, promote innovation in geographic information system technology, and research key technologies and standardization for Earth system science data sharing. Geographic Information Science and Technology has demonstrated significant advantages and vitality across various fields, including mineral resource exploration, environmental monitoring, water and soil resource evaluation, disaster monitoring and damage assessment, urban construction planning, investment environment and risk assessment, as well as government and military decision-making.

2. Current Status of the Geographic Information Science and Technology Major

Earth science-related fields have long been and are currently experiencing an explosive accumulation of multi-source and multi-dimensional geoscientific data. The integration, correlation analysis, and intelligent utilization of this data represent an urgent demand for the development of Earth science today. In developed countries, Geographic Information Science and Technology has become a foundational and cutting-edge science, reflecting the mutual penetration and synthesis of multiple disciplines within Earth science. Since the 1950s, modern information science and technology have gradually broken down the previously artificially segmented boundaries, increasingly demonstrating openness and interdisciplinary characteristics. Heavily influenced by modern scientific thought, they have intersected and integrated with numerous disciplines in natural sciences, social sciences, and cognitive sciences, giving rise to a series of interdisciplinary fields at the margins. This has led to a fundamental transformation of traditional scientific research paradigms, with Earth science, which takes the Earth as its research object, being at the forefront and facing unprecedented development opportunities and challenges.

The Geographic Information Science and Technology major cultivates individuals with comprehensive development in ethics, intellect, physique, and aesthetics, equipped with solid theoretical knowledge in geology, geophysics, geochemistry, geological engineering, information science, and artificial intelligence. They possess a high capability to apply their professional knowledge for basic research, social services, and technological research, development, and application. Specialized talents in frontier research of Geographic Information Science and Technology comprehensively master Earth science research methodologies and possess the ability to deeply participate in geology and geophysics-related project research or information science and technology practice activities. Innovative talents in Geographic Information Science and Technology can meet national demands for energy and resource development, natural disaster prevention, and major accident mitigation, and are capable of serving in geological exploration, mineral resource development, and natural disaster and major accident prevention services. Intelligent interdisciplinary talents in Earth science can comprehensively utilize theoretical and technical means, deeply integrate knowledge from geology, resource exploration engineering, and artificial intelligence to propose intelligent geoinformation analysis algorithm frameworks and design solutions. Simultaneously, they possess innovative thinking abilities characterized by the courage to question and critique, skill in conceptual construction, and boldness in original innovation. Graduates are suited for professional work in industries such as resource exploration and development, geological disaster prevention, land and resource management, geological survey, Earth exploration, smart mining, and geoinformatics. They may also choose to pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees.

3. Development Trends of the Geographic Information Science and Technology Major

Strategic plans outlining scientific frontiers for the next 5–10 years, formulated and published by major international academic organizations—such as the International Science Council's Future Earth 2025 Vision and Strategic Research Agenda (Future Earth Initiative) and its four newly released Strategic Challenge Domains in 2020, and the International Union of Geological Sciences' (IUGS) successively launched "Resources for Future Generations" (RFG) and "Deep-time Digital Earth" (DDE) big science programs—interpret the development trends of Earth science over the next decade from different perspectives. Closely related to mathematical geoscience and Geographic Information Science and Technology, achieving breakthrough progress necessitates the development of new mathematical theories, computational methods, information technologies, and computer technologies. Simultaneously, professionals in Geographic Information Science and Technology will also face significant challenges and opportunities. In this era of data explosion, all industries will inevitably involve the processing of massive data, making the development of Geographic Information Science and Technology a challenging task. Particularly against the backdrop of the rapid development of big data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, big data and artificial intelligence will become highly popular topics in fields such as natural sciences, social sciences, and economics, attracting attention from governments and the public. Their increasing closeness to people's lives also leads scientists, consciously or unconsciously, to wish to introduce and apply them to their respective research fields.

Geographic Information Science and Technology bears not only the significant task of fully utilizing and integrating information science and technology and computer science and technology to conduct "deep processing" and "deep utilization" of the long-accumulated and ever-increasing massive, multi-source, multi-dimensional geoscientific data, but also the responsibility of facing the immense pressure from increasingly scarce resources and gradually deteriorating environments. It aims to utilize information technology to achieve coordinated sustainable development for the Earth and all humanity, forging a path for multi-source information integration research oriented toward Earth science. In its future development, Geographic Information Science will maintain its development characteristics of advancing theoretical foundations, engineering applications, and expanding interdisciplinary domains, moving toward platform networking and application socialization.

Resource Exploration Engineering (Four-year Program, Bachelor of Engineering)

The Resource Exploration Engineering major at China University of Mining and Technology boasts a history of nearly 70 years. Its predecessor, the "Coalfield Geology and Exploration" major established in 1953, is a traditional and preeminent program at our university. It has cultivated a large number of outstanding professional leaders and management talents for the national coal, oil, and gas energy industries, spearheaded development and innovation in fossil energy geology, and has also made outstanding contributions and provided strong support for the discipline construction and development of the College of Resources and Earth Sciences.

After decades of development, the "Mineral Prospecting and Exploration" discipline underpinning this major was granted the authority to confer Master's and Doctoral degrees in 1981 and recognized as one of the first National Key Disciplines in 1988. In 1996, following the Ministry of Education's adjustment of the professional catalog, the "Coalfield Geology and Exploration" major was merged with "Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology" and "Drilling Engineering" into the Geological Engineering major (a guiding professional catalog), becoming the "Resource Exploration Engineering" track within Geological Engineering. Subsequently, the Geological Engineering major was selected for the Jiangsu Provincial University Brand Specialty Program, the National Characteristic Specialty Construction Program, and the Ministry of Education's "Excellent Engineer Education and Training Plan". In 2015, the Ministry of Education approved the restoration of the "Resource Exploration Engineering" track as an independent "Resource Exploration Engineering" major. The major passed Engineering Education Accreditation in 2020 and was selected as a National First-class Undergraduate Major Construction Site.

This major is supported by first-level doctoral programs and postdoctoral research stations in "Geological Resources and Geological Engineering" and "Geology". "Mineral Prospecting and Exploration" is a discipline with a Chang Jiang Scholars Distinguished Professor position. "Geological Resources and Geological Engineering" is currently a Jiangsu Provincial Key Discipline, a National First-level Key Discipline Cultivation Site, and part of Jiangsu Provincial Advantage Discipline Construction. The research directions feature distinct advantages and characteristics, emphasizing fundamentals while exploring new frontiers, with outstanding achievements in energy geology. The Department of Geology holds significant advantages and distinctive features in areas such as coal geology, coal measure gas geology, mine geology, unconventional oil and gas geology, mineral exploration and evaluation, coal geochemistry and environmental health, and mathematical geology with quantitative resource prediction. Several research teams have been recognized as Ministry of Education and CUMT Innovation Teams, achieving influential scientific research results.

The major, relying on the Department of Geology, established the nation's first and only Ministry of Education Key Laboratory in the field of coalbed methane (Key Laboratory of Coalbed Methane Resources and Reservoir Formation Process). In 2019, the world's first International Coal Geology Center was established, providing a disciplinary and platform foundation for high-level talent cultivation in the Department. Leveraging major international (regional) cooperative research projects from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and two "111 Plan" bases for Discipline Innovation and Talent Introduction focusing on "Coalbed Methane Geological Theory and Development Technology" and "Coal-hosted Rare Metal Deposits", the department has established excellent cooperative relationships with research institutions in over twenty countries including Australia, Russia, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany. In the past five years, more than 40 faculty and students have participated in overseas visits, joint training, or academic exchanges. Since 2018, the major has annually selected outstanding undergraduates to participate in joint field practices or research training in countries like Australia and the United States.

Graduates of this major can find employment across various fields including geology and mining, non-ferrous metals, metallurgy, engineering, and the environment, having made significant contributions to the development of China's mining economy. The Department of Geology will seize the historical opportunity presented by the national "Double First-Class" initiative. Upholding the geological spirit of inheritance, endeavor, and innovation, and with the mission of cultivating high-level interdisciplinary innovative talents in the field of energy geology, the department will optimize its talent cultivation model, reinforce fundamental research while expanding new academic directions, strengthen international cooperation and exchange, and strive to build itself into a vital talent cultivation base and scientific research innovation center in the field of energy geology both domestically and internationally.

Geological Engineering (Four-Year Program, Bachelor of Engineering)

The Department of Geological Engineering was established through the merger of the university's former Engineering Geology & Hydrogeology and Drilling Engineering majors. Its research focuses include key areas such as geological hazard assessment and prevention, coal mine engineering geology, mine water hazard control, prevention of water and sand inrush disasters, geotechnical investigation techniques, chemical grouting engineering design and construction for underground projects, environmental engineering geology, mining-induced strata movement and soil deformation, trenchless technology, and directional drilling. After years of development, the department has cultivated a faculty team with a reasonable structure in terms of age, academic background, and qualifications, characterized by high academic standards, strong innovative capabilities, and a dedicated spirit of service.

The Department of Geological Engineering is responsible for the teaching and research activities of undergraduate and postgraduate students in the Geological Engineering major. It is committed to cultivating well-rounded individuals with broad knowledge, strong abilities, and high ethical standards. These individuals are expected to possess a sense of historical mission, social responsibility, and an international perspective, embodying an innovative spirit and practical skills. Upholding the motto of "Diligence in Learning, Action-Oriented, Truth-Seeking, and Innovation," they are prepared to contribute to national prosperity and social progress.

Upon graduation, students are equipped with the knowledge and abilities to meet the needs of socialist modernization. They will have systematically mastered the fundamental theories, methods, and skills in geosciences, engineering geology, and geotechnical drilling engineering. Through rigorous training in engineering geology, they will achieve a high level of proficiency in foreign languages and computer applications, develop strong scientific thinking and innovative awareness, and possess robust practical skills. Graduates will be capable of utilizing modern technological methods to engage in research, production, and management in fields such as engineering geological surveys, foundation engineering design and construction, geotechnical drilling engineering, and geological hazard prevention.

The program’s training objectives are clearly defined, appropriate, and feasible, aligning with societal demands for talent cultivation. They reflect a clear professional orientation and are consistent with the university’s overall development plan.

Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering (Four-Year Program, Bachelor of Engineering)

Given China's uneven distribution of water resources—abundant in the south and scarce in the north, plentiful in the east but limited in the west—and the fact that per capita water resource availability is only a quarter of the global average, issues related to water resource development, water environment protection, and water security have become increasingly prominent in the process of national economic and social development. With societal progress, the foundational role of water resources as a natural resource has become ever more evident, and China has established water resources as one of its three major strategic resources. The Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering program is one of the key research areas within China's foundational industry of water conservancy engineering for national economic development. In recent years, various sectors of China's national economic development have demonstrated a significant demand for professionals in hydrology and water resources engineering. Major authoritative institutions have repeatedly listed this program among the "Nation’s Most Employable Majors" and "Top Ten Majors for Employment Rates and Income." Graduates of this program enjoy exceptionally broad employment prospects.

The development foundation of the "Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering" program at China University of Mining and Technology (CUMT) traces back to the "Hydrogeology Track" within the "Coalfield Geological Exploration" program during the early years of the People's Republic of China, making CUMT one of the earliest institutions in the country to engage in teaching and research in this field. The "Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology" program was established in 1980. In 1996, following the Ministry of Education's adjustment of the professional catalog, the program transitioned to a major-based enrollment and cultivation model. Since 2001, undergraduate education has been conducted under the "Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering" program, forming a talent cultivation model with a distinctive focus on mine water and experiencing rapid development. In 2003, the program was approved as a Master's degree authorization site for the secondary discipline "Hydrology and Water Resources." It was recognized as a Jiangsu Provincial Brand Specialty in 2008, and in 2010, it was approved as a Master's degree authorization site for the first-level discipline "Water Resources Engineering" (adjusted to the professional degree Master's program "Civil and Hydraulic Engineering" in 2019). In 2012, a doctoral program for the secondary discipline "Groundwater Science and Engineering" was established under the first-level discipline "Geological Resources and Geological Engineering." In 2021, the program was approved as a Master's degree authorization site for the first-level discipline "Water Resources Engineering." Additionally, in terms of professional development, the "Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering" program was recognized as a Jiangsu Provincial First-Class Undergraduate Program in 2021 and passed the Ministry of Education's Engineering Education Professional Certification.

Since 2001, the "Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering" program has maintained a stable annual enrollment of approximately 60 students. Since 2014, enrollment has been conducted under a broader discipline category, with a stable annual enrollment of around 50 students. Graduates are oriented toward careers in sectors such as coal, water conservancy, hydrology, petroleum, geology and mining, and environmental protection, as well as in research institutions and higher education institutions, engaging in scientific research, teaching, technical development, and management roles. In recent years, the undergraduate employment rate has exceeded 95%, and the postgraduate advancement rate (including studying abroad) has increased year by year, reaching 52% for the graduating class of 2021.

The "Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering" program currently has 18 full-time faculty members, including 4 professors, 11 associate professors, and 3 lecturers. Among the faculty, 16 hold doctoral degrees (accounting for 88.9%). Additionally, there is one full-time laboratory teaching and management staff member. Seven faculty members have work experience or practical training in enterprises and institutions, while nine have overseas study experience. Furthermore, the program has appointed 16 industry experts as part-time instructors.

The development of the "Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering" program relies on the first-level doctoral program in "Geological Resources and Geological Engineering," the first-level Master's program in "Water Resources Engineering," and the professional degree Master's program in "Civil and Hydraulic Engineering." Additionally, the program leverages platforms such as the two National Key Laboratories—"Coal Resources and Safe Mining" and "Deep Geomechanics and Underground Engineering"—the National Development and Reform Commission's "Professional Laboratory for Basic Research on Mine Water Hazard Prevention and Control," and the "Jiangsu Provincial Basic Experimental Teaching Center for Mine Geology." These resources ensure excellent educational conditions. The program addresses national and industry needs, maintains stable enrollment, continuously improves its educational capabilities, and has cultivated a large number of advanced specialized talents for China's energy and water conservancy sectors. In recent years, graduates have entered fields such as water conservancy, energy, geology and mining, environmental protection, water services, and urban construction, making significant contributions to the development of China's energy and water conservancy industries.

Geophysics (Four-Year Program, Bachelor of Science)

Geophysics applies the principles and methods of physics, utilizing various geophysical instruments to observe physical fields (such as gravitational, magnetic, elastic wave, electric, electromagnetic, geothermal, and radioactive fields) to explore the internal structure, material composition, formation, and evolution of the Earth. It also studies natural phenomena related to the Earth and their patterns of change. The discipline of geophysics aims to optimize and improve the human living and activity environment, mitigate the impact of terrestrial and space hazards on humanity, and provide new theories, methods, and technologies for the exploration and development of urgently needed energy and resources in the national economy. Geophysics is a highly practical foundational discipline. Currently, it has become one of the most dynamic fields in Earth science, with research outcomes poised to significantly influence the survival and development of humanity in the 21st century.

1. Origins of Geophysics

Geophysics originated from humanity's interest in natural phenomena on Earth. Zhang Heng (78–139 AD), a scientist of the Eastern Han Dynasty in China, created the legendary seismoscope, capable of detecting the initial tremors of earthquakes. Shen Kuo (1031–1095 AD), a scientist of the Song Dynasty, was the first to document magnetic declination in his work Dream Pool Essays, predating Columbus's discovery in 1462 by over 400 years. The Englishman William Gilbert (1544–1603) first proposed the theoretical concept of the Earth's magnetic field, publishing in 1600 a treatise suggesting that the Earth's magnetic field originates from within the planet. The mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss (1777–1855), in his 1893 work The Absolute Intensity of Terrestrial Magnetism, developed mathematical methods to describe the Earth's magnetic field based on the hypothesis that it originates from within the Earth. This allowed the measurement and study of the geomagnetic field to be expressed in mathematical terms. In 1589, Galileo Galilei (1564–1642) conducted free-fall experiments from the Leaning Tower of Pisa. In 1684, Isaac Newton (1643–1727), inspired by a falling apple, discovered the law of universal gravitation, among other milestones.

Despite a research history spanning centuries, geophysics emerged as an independent discipline only about a century ago. Emil Wiechert (1861–1928), a German physicist and geophysicist, was the world's first professor of geophysics. Wiechert and his four students—Zöppritz, Gutenberg, Geiger, and Angenheister—published a series of significant works in geophysics in the Göttingen Journal. Their contributions to the internal structure of the Earth, seismic wave travel times, seismic wave propagation theory, and the theory of mechanical seismographs were highly influential. Wiechert and his colleagues played a pivotal role in advancing geophysics in the 20th century.

Geophysics evolved alongside the development of physics. Within the field, gravimetry, geomagnetism, and seismology developed earlier, while geoelectricity, geothermics, and radiometric dating and exploration emerged relatively later. In the 18th and 19th centuries, geophysics became a branch of physics. By the 19th and 20th centuries, it had developed into a comprehensive and systematic science, formally adopting the name "geophysics." In the 1930s, geophysics was successfully applied to the exploration of mineral resources. Since the 1950s, geophysics has experienced rapid development.

2. Major Achievements of Geophysics in the 20th Century

The 20th century was the most important historical stage in the development of geophysics, with the most notable achievements in three areas:

(1) Earth's Internal Structure and Dynamics: Transitioning from layered structural models to fine-scale laterally heterogeneous structural models.

(2) Geophysics as Evidence for Plate Tectonics: Providing the most compelling evidence for the theory of plate tectonics.

(3) Resource and Energy Exploration: Ensuring the socioeconomic development and prosperity of the 20th century (Ma Zaitian, 1997; Teng Jiwen, 2001, 2003; Liu Guangding, 1999, 2002).

3. Development Trends of Geophysics in the 21st Century

The goal of geophysics in the 21st century is to deepen the understanding of the Earth itself, providing insights into the deep-seated material movements of the Earth for resources, hazards, environment, and global change, and to predict their potential impacts (Teng Jiwen, 2001, 2003, 2004; Liu Guangding, 1999, 2002). In-depth research and exploration in Earth science during the early and mid-21st century must achieve substantive breakthroughs, making it essential to fully leverage the capabilities of geophysics. Additionally, high-level interdisciplinary research should occupy a particularly important position.

4. Recent Advances and Development Trends of Geophysics in China

The geophysics community in China has been committed to advancing the discipline. In recent years, significant progress and research outcomes have been achieved in the following areas:

(1) Comprehensive Geophysical Exploration of the Earth's "Third Pole" - the Tibetan Plateau.

(2) Successful Completion of the Chinese Continental Scientific Drilling Project in 2005, reaching a depth of 5,158 meters, ranking third globally.

(3) China's Antarctic Geophysical Expedition in February 2016, successfully collecting gravity, magnetic, and seismic reflection data along a 720-kilometer survey line.

(4) China's Mount Everest Height Measurement Expedition on May 27, 2020, successfully reaching the summit for measurements, including gravity field measurements at the summit and airborne gravity surveys covering approximately 12,500 square kilometers in adjacent areas.

Major research directions include:

(1) Coal Geophysics,

(2) Mine Geophysics,

(3) Engineering and Environmental Geophysics.

The Geophysics program cultivates well-rounded individuals with broad foundational knowledge, strong capabilities, and high ethical standards. Graduates are expected to possess a sense of social responsibility and an international perspective, embodying an innovative spirit and practical skills. Upholding the motto of "Diligence in Learning, Action-Oriented, Truth-Seeking, and Innovation," they are prepared to contribute to national prosperity and social progress. Graduates will have a solid theoretical foundation in mathematics, physics, geology, and data information processing, strong computer application skills, a high level of foreign language proficiency, and excellent scientific thinking, innovative awareness, and practical abilities. They will master the fundamental theories, methods, and skills of geophysics. The program aims to cultivate advanced interdisciplinary technical professionals capable of engaging in scientific research, teaching, and theoretical studies in fields such as geophysics, geology, mineral resources, disaster prevention, and environmental protection, as well as in production and management roles in related industries. Graduates are oriented toward careers in research institutions, universities, engineering and resource exploration units, information technology industries, and other sectors, engaging in scientific research, teaching, production, and management in areas such as geophysics, applied geophysics, engineering geological monitoring, and signal processing.

Geological Engineering Outstanding Engineer Training Program (Resource Exploration Direction)

Main Research Areas Include:

(1) Coal Geophysics,

(2) Mine Geophysics,

(3) Engineering and Environmental Geophysics.

The Geophysics program aims to cultivate well-rounded individuals with comprehensive development in moral, intellectual, physical, and aesthetic education. Graduates will possess a broad foundation, strong capabilities, and high quality, along with a sense of social responsibility and an international perspective. They will be innovative, practical, and uphold the spirit of "diligence in learning, action-oriented, truth-seeking, and innovation." These high-quality talents are poised to contribute to national prosperity and social progress. Graduates will have a solid theoretical foundation in mathematics, physics, geology, and data information processing, strong computer application skills, and high proficiency in foreign languages. They will exhibit sound scientific thinking, innovative awareness, and robust practical abilities. Additionally, they will master the fundamental theories, methods, and skills of geophysics.

The program trains advanced interdisciplinary technical talents capable of engaging in scientific research, teaching, and theoretical studies in fields such as geophysics, geology, mineral resources, disaster prevention, and environmental protection within research institutions and higher education institutions. They will also be equipped to handle production and management tasks in related industries. Graduates will primarily find employment in research institutions, colleges and universities, engineering and resource exploration units, and the information technology sector. They will engage in scientific research, teaching, production, and management in areas such as geophysics, applied geophysics, engineering geological testing, and signal processing.

China University of Mining and Technology

Geological Engineering Program (Resource Exploration Engineering)

"Outstanding Engineer Education and Training Program"

Undergraduate Training Scheme

"Geological Engineering" is a distinctive program at China University of Mining and Technology featuring resource geology characteristics, strong educational capacity and high educational standards. This program closely focuses on the major needs of national economic and social development, tracks frontier theories and technologies in resource exploration and development geology, relies on the national key discipline of mineral prospecting and exploration, the Key Laboratory of Coalbed Methane Resources and Reservoir Formation Process of the Ministry of Education, the Basic Experimental Teaching Center for Mining Geology, and practical training bases at large coal production and exploration enterprises. Focusing on future talent demands for outstanding engineers in the geological engineering field for economic and social development, this program training scheme is formulated.

I. Training Objectives

This program cultivates senior engineering technical and management talents with broad foundation, strong capability, and high quality, who are comprehensively developed in morality, intelligence, physique, and aesthetics, possess strong engineering practice ability and hands-on skills, cross-cultural communication ability, as well as innovation consciousness and innovation capability, and can engage in production, construction, management, design, and scientific research in fields such as resource exploration and development geology.

II. Basic Specification Requirements

1. Love the socialist motherland, support the leadership of the Communist Party of China, and master the basic principles of Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory and the "Three Represents" important thought; possess noble personality, strong sense of national mission and social responsibility, and aspirations to strive for the prosperity of the motherland and flourishing of the nation; possess dedication to work, hard entrepreneurship qualities, and sound professional ethics.

2. Possess broad knowledge of humanities and social sciences, economics and management, law, national defense, and natural sciences.

3. Master solid basic theories and professional technical knowledge of geological engineering.

4. Proficiently use English for listening, speaking, reading and writing, possess preliminary cross-cultural communication ability, be familiar with international rules, and possess certain international competitiveness; possess modern information acquisition and processing capability.

5. Possess team cooperation, coordination, and management abilities, and play core and leadership roles in teams.

6. Master scientific thinking methods and lifelong learning ability, and possess innovation consciousness and innovation capability.

7.Possess good health and psychological quality, understand basic knowledge of physical education, and master necessary physical exercise skills.

III. Curriculum Structure

This training program centers on the cultivation of students' engineering practice ability and innovation capability, with engineering practice and scientific research training as the main thread. It establishes three curriculum systems: general education, disciplinary foundation, and specialized courses. Simultaneously, it strengthens practical components by designing training content such as geological fieldwork, course skills training, research training, and enterprise practice, enabling students to progressively and systematically develop engineering practice and innovation abilities.

1. General Education Curriculum System

The general education curriculum system includes humanities and social sciences courses, as well as foundational courses in mathematics and computer basics.

(1) Mathematics: Basic principles and analytical methods of calculus, ordinary differential equations, linear algebra, probability theory and mathematical statistics, and mathematical modeling methods.

(2) Computer Fundamentals: Basic concepts, principles, and technologies of computer information processing, including information technology overview, computer composition principles, digital media and applications, computer networks and the Internet, etc.; computer operation and use of common software, including operating systems, word processing, spreadsheets, information browsing, email, webpage creation, presentation production, multimedia authoring tools, database applications, etc.

2. Disciplinary Foundation Curriculum System

This system constitutes the foundational curriculum of this discipline and specialty, mainly including fundamental geological courses such as physics, chemistry, engineering mechanics, electrical and electronic technology, general geology, crystallography and mineralogy, crystal optics and optical mineralogy, petrology, paleontology and stratigraphy, and structural geology.

(1) Physics: Basic principles of classical physics, such as mechanics, vibration, wave motion, optics, molecular physics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism; basic knowledge of modern physics, including special relativity, quantum physics, and the physical foundations of modern engineering technology, etc.

(2) Chemistry: States of matter, structural fundamentals, chemical kinetics and preliminary chemical dynamics, acid-base equilibrium, precipitation-dissolution equilibrium, coordination equilibrium, redox reactions and electrochemistry.

(3) Engineering Mechanics: Basic concepts of statics and calculation of basic mechanical quantities, planar and spatial force systems, basic motion of rigid bodies, composite motion of points, planar motion of rigid bodies, momentum theorem, angular momentum theorem, kinetic energy theorem, D'Alembert's principle, principle of virtual displacement; tension and compression, shear, torsion, bending, stress and strain analysis, strength theory, combined deformation, buckling of compression bars, energy methods, statically indeterminate structures, etc.

(4) General Geology: Chemical elements, minerals, rocks, and mineral resources composing the Earth; various geological processes and structures controlling the formation, evolution, and spatial distribution of these materials; strata and paleontology reflecting the Earth's evolutionary history; geological hazards closely related to the human living environment, etc.

(5) Crystallography and Mineralogy: Primarily introduces basic properties and formation modes of crystals, symmetry operations, symmetry types and classification of crystal symmetry, ideal crystal forms (single forms and combinations), crystal orientation and crystal face symbols, methods for determining single-form symbols, internal crystal structures, and regular intergrowth of crystals, etc.; The mineralogy section covers chemical composition, morphology, physical properties, classification, and nomenclature of minerals, as well as mineralogical properties, identification characteristics, and uses of common minerals, and understanding the physical properties of minerals from the perspective of crystal structure.

(6) Crystal Optics and Optical Mineralogy: Basic principles and fundamental knowledge of crystal optics, and common instruments for crystal optical identification. Basic principles, main contents, and detailed operational methods for observing and identifying minerals (thin sections) using polarizing microscopes, as well as optical characteristics and identification of common rock-forming minerals.

(7) Petrology: Includes three parts: igneous petrology, sedimentary petrology, and metamorphic petrology. Respectively introduces the chemical and mineral composition, texture, structure, distribution and other basic characteristics, classification and nomenclature, formation conditions, and formation processes of the three major rock types, as well as basic characteristics, genesis, and research significance and applications in resource exploration, hydrogeology, engineering geology, etc., of main rock types.

(8) Paleontology and Stratigraphy: Guided by Earth system science, with time as the main thread and strata as the carrier, and taking the Earth and biosphere since 4.6 billion years as research objects, it systematically introduces major global organic and inorganic events in geological history, and their impacts on biological evolution, sedimentary stratigraphic structure, formation of related mineral resources, and environmental evolution, with the main research content being the formation and evolution of the biosphere in geological history, and all recognizable features and attributes in strata and their formation environments, formation modes, and evolutionary history. Through teaching and learning of this course, students will master the basic principles, fundamental knowledge, research history and current status, and research methods of paleontology and stratigraphy.

(9) Structural Geology: Basic concepts and fundamental knowledge of structural geology, research content, research methods, and research procedures of structural geology, rock strata and their contact relationships; mechanical foundations for analyzing geological structures; folds; joints; faults; igneous rock body structures; comprehensive analysis of geological structures.

3. Specialized Curriculum System

This system includes specialized core courses and specialized elective courses.

Required courses mainly include: Energy Geology, Geological Exploration and Evaluation, Mine Geology, Introduction to Ore Deposits, etc.

Specialized elective courses mainly include: Introduction to Modern Stratigraphy, Fundamentals of Sedimentology, Regional Geology and Tectonics, Geochemistry, Geophysical Exploration, Fundamentals of Hydrogeology, Groundwater Dynamics, Fundamentals of 3S Technology, Introduction to Mining, Surveying, Introduction to New Energy, Modern Testing Technology, Geological Economic Management, Coalbed Methane Geology, Coalbed Methane (Gas) Extraction Technology, Drilling and Completion Technology, Mine Gas Prevention and Control, Geotechnical Drilling and Excavation Engineering, Fundamentals of Engineering Geology, Soil Science and Soil Mechanics, Rock Mass Mechanics, Environmental Geotechnical Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering Investigation, Foundation and Foundation Engineering Construction, etc.

(1) Energy Geology: Classification of energy sources; overview of energy development in China and the world; formation and accumulation of sedimentary organic matter; composition, properties, and utilization of sedimentary organic matter; evolution of sedimentary organic matter; formation and transformation of coal deposits and oil and gas reservoirs; accumulation and distribution of energy resources and energy basins; temporal and spatial distribution patterns and controlling factors of coal, oil, and gas; classification of energy basins and basin evolution; basic knowledge of other energy sources, etc.

(2) Geological Exploration and Evaluation: Mineral prospecting and exploration: technical means and development trends of mineral resources exploration, division of stages, purposes, requirements, and engineering layout methods of each stage. Geological evaluation of mineral resources: mainly basic methods of coal geological factor evaluation and oil and gas resources evaluation, and requirements for different evaluation stages. Economic evaluation of mineral resources: exploration economic-technical evaluation, methods, projects, and requirements for mineral development economic-technical evaluation. Mineral resources management and protection: mineral resources exploration management, development management, planning management, reserve management, policies and regulations, data submission management, and establishment of information systems. Mining rights: rights and obligations of prospectors and mining right holders, daily work procedures for application and approval, evaluation methods and content of mining rights. Introduction to mineral resources regulations: introduction to the Mineral Resources Law and Land Administration Law.

(3) Mine Geology: Evaluation of mine geological conditions, common mine geological problems, engineering geology of shafts and tunnels and mine area geological hazards, mine geological mapping, mine geological documentation, mine geological exploration, management of mine resources/reserves.

(4) Introduction to Ore Deposits: Basic concepts of mineral deposit studies, basic knowledge of metallogenesis and mineral deposit classification, basic characteristics, formation conditions, genesis, and typical examples of various deposit types, and analysis of ore-control conditions and metallogenic regularities.

4. Geological Foundation Training and Internship

Given the highly practical nature of the Geological Engineering major, geological cognition fieldwork and integrated basic geological fieldwork are conducted intensively on the basis of specialized foundation courses learning; meanwhile, specialized skills training is arranged for core courses. Duration: 15 weeks.