Assessment of Student Learning


Geology Discipline


UNIT MISSION/GOAL(S)

To provide a firm foundation in geology, related sciences, and mathematics for students interested in the investigation and solution of geologic problems; to prepare students for graduate study in the geosciences and related areas; to provide the necessary background in earth science for those who plan to teach in this field at the secondary level; and to serve those in other professional or interdisciplinary programs who need geology as a related subject.

Unit Mission/goal(s) and the Institutional Mission Relation

The geology curriculum serves those interested in a broader knowledge of their natural environment and the geological sciences as part of their liberal arts education.


STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES, EXPECTED OUTCOMES, ASSESSMENT METHODS & TOOLS, TIMELINE

Learning Objective 1
A basic understanding of fundamental geological principles, Earth materials, structures, and geologic processes.
Expected Outcome 1
Basic knowledge of geology and the Earth.
Method(s), Measure(s), and Instrument(s) for Expected Outcome 1
  • Individual class exams
  • Individual class portfolios
  • Practice GRE exams
  • Record immediate graduate activities (graduate school/industry/others)
Timeline for the Outcome 1
Starting Date for the Implementation: In Progress (GRE exams will begin in 1999)
Anticipated Date for the First Results: In Progress

Learning Objective 2
Development of observational skills to interpret geology in a natural setting
Expected Outcome 2
An understanding of the 'geology around us'. Ability to 'read' the geologic history of a landscape or geologic exposure.
Method(s), Measure(s), and Instrument(s) for Expected Outcome 2
Geologic Field Book (field notes, observations and interpretations) from 1st year (Geol 1130) to senior year (Geol 3620)
Timeline for the Outcome 2
Starting Date for the Implementation: In Progress
Anticipated Date for the First Results: In Progress

Learning Objective 3
Reading and comprehension of geologic literature
Expected Outcome 3
Ability to understand most recent developments in geology
Method(s), Measure(s), and Instrument(s) for Expected Outcome 3
Senior seminar
Timeline for the Outcome 3
Starting Date for the Implementation: In Progress
Anticipated Date for the First Results: In Progress

Learning Objective 4
Conduct independent research activities
Expected Outcome 4
Experience in attempting to solve a problem or question through generation of original data
Method(s), Measure(s), and Instrument(s) for Expected Outcome 4
  • Individual class lab. project
  • MAPs, UROPs, other funded research opportunities
Timeline for the Outcome 4
Starting Date for the Implementation: In Progress
Anticipated Date for the First Results: In Progress

Learning Objective 5
Clearly present (orally) scientific ideas and support scientific theories cogently
Expected Outcome 5
Experience speaking and presenting ideas
Method(s), Measure(s), and Instrument(s) for Expected Outcome 5
  • Senior seminar
  • Talks at professional meetings
Timeline for the Outcome 5
Starting Date for the Implementation: In Progress
Anticipated Date for the First Results: In Progress

Learning Objective 6
Practical and functional knowledge of geologic sciences
Expected Outcome 6
Competitive level of learning of geologic information and skills
Method(s), Measure(s), and Instrument(s) for Expected Outcome 6
  • Record of post-graduate endeavors:
  • Graduate School
  • Industry
  • Earth Science Teaching
  • Other Fields
Timeline for the Outcome 6
Starting Date for the Implementation: In Progress
Anticipated Date for the First Results: In Progress