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Geology - Chemistry, BS

Student Outcomes

Assessment of Student Outcomes

Outcome M Geologic Reasoning

This student learning outcome applies to all three of our programs: Geology (including the environmental geology emphasis), Geology-Chemistry, and Earth Science.
Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to apply geologic reasoning to interpret geologic data.

Objective 1 To show learning gains in understanding fundamental geological processes both in the Earth's interior, on its surface and through geologic time.

Measure 1

2020 Status
Achieved
Geology faculty teach the science fo Earths materials effectively.

2019 Status
Achieved
Geology faclty place ahigh premium on teachign geology majors spatial and fiedl skills, s well geochemistry.

2018 Status
Not Yet Achieved
Carbonate chemistry is a challenging subject for most undergraduates and requires reiteration in multiple courses for full understanding.

Outcome N Proficiency with Topographic and Geologic Maps

This SLO applies to our Geology program (including the environmental emphasis),
Geology majors are proficient at reading and using topographic and geologic maps.
Geology majors are proficient at using geospatial/geoscience tools and methods to evaluate and quantitatively analyze geologic and topographic data.


Objective 1 Most Geology majors in early majors' courses can effectively use a variety of common spatial/quantitative tools used by geoscientists.

Measure 1

2019 Status
Achieved
Students in GEO 111 efficiently learn to use spatial skills and read geologic and topographic maps.

2018 Status
Achieved
Students show substantial learning gains between the beginning and the end of the course in geospatial reasoning and quantitative problem solving which also requires 3D thinking.

Outcome P Learning Outside Classroom

Increase the participation of majors in a significant professional/learning experience outside of the classroom.
Department faculty will work on developing resources and the best venues for sharing resources with students. Resources will be shared informally and in the context of some courses.
Objective 1 Improve on-line resources, structures, advising and opportunities that encourage and foster student participation in significant professional/learning experiences outside the classroom.

Measure 1

2018 Status
Achieved
All Geology courses require the application of the scientific method. From these courses faculty regularly recruit students for high impact learning activities and research projects. Also all geology courses include some form of high impact teaching in the required coursework.

Outcome Q Global International Learning

Increase student opportunities for global and international learning in all three programs
Objective 1 Incorporate more global learning opportunities for students through field trips, curriculum, and on-line collaboration.

Measure 1

2018 Status
Achieved
Almost all Geology courses have at least one field trip or cruise requirement. Plus all faculty are actively engaged in mentoring students in scientific research.

Outcome S Geochemical Reasoning

(Unique to Geology-Chemistry major)
Students must be able to solve geochemical problems using both the principles of geology and chemistry.
Students may be assessed for their geochemistry content and problem solving skills as well as spatial and quantitative skills.
Objective 1 Students demonstrating learning gains in sampling of groundwater, geospatial reasoning as it relates to geochemical reservoirs, and understanding of global elemental cycling.

Measure 1

2018 Status
Achieved
Students make substantial learning gains in subsurface three dimensional visualization and problem solving.

Measure 2

2018 Status
Achieved
Students made substantial learning gains in sampling of groundwater, geospatial reasoning as it relates to geochemical reservoirs, and understanding of global elemental cycling.

Outcome T Scientific Reasoning

Proficient understanding of the fundamental principles defining the nature of science, and geological sciences in particular.
Objective 1 Proficient understanding of the fundamental principles defining the nature of science, and geological sciences in particular.

Measure 1

2018 Status
Achieved
Most students have a foundational understanding of the nature and methods of scientific inquiry upon completion of this introductory geology course. Greater than 30% show proficiency.