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 for both Geology majors and other disciplines requiring
knowledge of Geology
Expected
Outcome 1
Basic knowledge
of geology and the Earth.
Method(s),
Measure(s), and Instrument(s) for Expected Outcome 1
Individual
class exams
Feedback from
faculty in Education, Environmental Science and Environmental Studies majors regarding
material taught and students command of appropriate subject matter
Record
immediate graduate activities (graduate school/industry/others) for Geology,
Education, Environmental Science and Environmental Studies majors.
Timeline for
the Outcome 1
Starting Date
for the Implementation: 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
Review Geologic
Field Book(s) (containing field notes, observations and interpretations) from
1st Geology course requiring a field book to senior year (Geol 3620).
Review
Performance and grades for Geol 3196 – Geology Field Camp.
Timeline for
the Outcome 2
Starting Date for
the Implementation: 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
Assess Class
discussions of assigned readings for Geol 4901 - Senior Seminar I
Review reading
notebook for Geol 4901 - Senior Seminar I
Timeline for
the Outcome 3
Starting Date for
the Implementation: In Progress
Learning
Objective 4
Conduct
independent research activities
Expected
Outcome 4
Experience in
attempting to solve a geologic problem or question through generation of
original data
Method(s),
Measure(s), and Instrument(s) for Expected Outcome 4
Individual
class laboratory projects
Reports for MAPs,
UROPs, other funded research opportunities
Presentations
at Professional Meetings
Timeline for
the Outcome 4
Starting Date for the
Implementation: 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
Assess presentations
for Geol 4902 - Senior Seminar II
Assess presentations
at professional meetings
Timeline for
the Outcome 5
Starting Date for
the Implementation: 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, e.g.:
Graduate
School (acceptance rates and success)
Industry
Earth Science
Teaching
Timeline for
the Outcome 6
Starting Date for
the Implementation: In Progress