1. Understand the origin of earthquakes and the nature of seismic waves; characterize faults and seismic sources; quantify the "size" of an earthquake in terms of magnitude and intensity; quantify earthquake ground motions in terms of engineering parameters.

2. Use attenuation relationships to predict ground motions; perform deterministic and probabilistic seismic hazard analyses

3. Determine the dynamic response of single-degree-of-freedom structures subject to base shaking; understand, develop and apply response spectra

4. Perform site response analyses; understand the effect of different soil types on ground response and damping

5. Understand the philosophy and general seismic design provisions found in design codes developed/distributed as part of the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program (NEHRP) and the International Building Code (IBC)

6. Understand the mechanism associated with liquefaction and ground failure; perform liquefaction triggering, lateral spread, and settlement analyses.

7. Evaluate seismic slope stability and deformation; estimate seismic earth pressures