Geological Sciences Major Learning Outcomes

Mission Statement: To provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform theoretical and applied investigations of the Earth, and to graduate students that will enter the scientific community as competent professionals.

Modern geology is rooted in using quantitative data to test hypotheses about how the world works. The goals and objectives that follow directly flow from this reality.

Goals are statements of broad, long range intended outcomes of the program and curriculum. Goals describe the knowledge, skills and values expected of graduates. Goals flow from the mission statement and provide a framework for the objectives.

Objectives are more specific learning outcomes that support program goals. Objectives specify observable and measurable content knowledge, skills and behaviors.

Upon graduation students will:

• Goal 1: Be proficient at data driven thinking
  • Objective 1.1 – Develop the skills necessary to collect, analyze and interpret data
  • Objective 1.2 – Be able to use data to evaluate hypotheses
• Goal 2: Possess effective communication skills
  • Objective 2.1 – Be able to generate coherent written scientific reports
  • Objective 2.2 – Present scientific results in oral and poster format
• Goal 3: Demonstrate field competency
  • Objective 3.1 – Be able to collect geologic data in the field
  • Objective 3.2 – Be able to use field data to construct geologic models, including maps and cross sections
• Goal 4: Understand Earth Materials as sources of data
  • Objective 4.1 – Become proficient at mineral and rock identification and interpretation
  • Objective 4.2 – Understand the ways that rock and mineral composition is expressed and what it can tell you
• Goal 5: Understand fundamental geologic processes and how they shape the Earth
  • Objective 5.1 – Understand the physical and chemical processes operating within and between different parts of the Earth system
  • Objective 5.2 – Understand how geologic processes operate to change Earth on deep and modern/human time scales