Student Learning Goals

In Spring 2011, the faculty developed the following Geology Learning Outcomes statement:

Bachelor of Arts in Earth Science

The following goals and learning outcomes have been established for students pursuing a degree in Earth sciences:

Broad foundation in basic science

• Understand basic mathematical/statistical relationships
• Understand basic biological, physical, and chemical methods and processes

Skills, concepts, and processes

• Understand the scientific method and roles of scientists in society
• Read, interpret, and construct geologic maps, cross sections and block diagrams to visualize geologic relations in the four dimensions of space and time
• Understand geologic time, explain the geologic time scale and its scientific basis, recount the milestone events in Earth history, and understand how the classification/interpretation of rocks are used to reconstruct Earth history
• Identify and locate existing Earth science information and communicate data and interpretations orally and in writing using appropriate technology

Integrative approach to Earth Science problems

• Understand the role of Earth materials and processes in everyday life
• Understand Earth science and its relationships with societal issues, including the extent of human impact on Earth systems and environments
• Understand the processes that create natural hazards and the strategies that minimize their impact on society
• Apply fundamental concepts of math, physics, chemistry, and biology to integrate and synthesize to Earth systems and cycles, including plate tectonics, the rock cycle, the hydrologic cycle, the carbon cycle and evolution

Bachelor of Science in Geology

The following goals and learning outcomes have been established for students pursuing a degree in geological sciences:

Skills, concepts, and processes

• describe, classify and interpret geologic field data and interpret the geologic history of an area by integrating all types of field data
• read, interpret, and construct geologic maps, cross sections and block diagrams and use such diagrams to visualize geologic relations in the four dimensions of space and time
• understand geologic time, explain the geologic time scale and its scientific basis, recount the milestone events in Earth history, and understand the basics of common dating methods

Integrative approach to Earth Science problems

• apply physics, chemistry and biology to the understanding of Earth systems and cycles, including plate tectonics and the rock cycle, the water cycle, and the life cycle and evolution
• understand the role of geology in everyday life, appreciate the extent of human impact on Earth systems and environments, and understand the processes that create natural hazards, and the strategies that minimize their impact on society

Scientific method

• perform independent geological research by applying the scientific method, identify and locate existing geologic information, and communicate data and interpretations orally and in writing using appropriate technology

Master of Science in Geology

The following goals and learning outcomes have been established for students pursuing a Master's degree in geological sciences:

Advanced knowledge of Earth Science skills, concepts, and processes

• Compile, analyze, assess, and interpret published research relevant to graduate-level research in the Earth sciences
• Create and implement an experimental design to solve a research problem in the Earth sciences and interpret data collected through these experiments

Conduct original scientific research

• Design a research plan to solve fundamental scientific problems in the Earth sciences and formulate this plan in a clearly expressed written research proposal
• Prepare written and oral presentations that clearly express the results of their research plan, including a clear statement of hypothesis and research methods, summary and interpretation of data, and critical evaluation of the hypothesis