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Geology Departmental Learning Goal
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91´«Ã½ Learning Outcomes
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1. Students will acquire competency in geoscience and be prepared to analyze Earth system processes and their linkages with other physical and social systems.
- Each graduate will demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and techniques from complementary disciplines to solve problems.
- Each graduate will employ accepted laboratory and field techniques, protocols, and safety procedures.
- Each graduate will demonstrate the ability to read, construct, and comprehend geologic maps as well as derive conceptual perspectives from existing maps.
- Each graduate will demonstrate the appropriate use of quantitative data through graphs, spreadsheets, and statistical analysis.
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Research skills; quantitative ability; ability to view problems from multiple perspectives; critical thinking skills; problem solving ability
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2. Students will learn the fundamental concepts of geology.
- Each graduate will demonstrate an understanding of plate tectonics and be able to describe how it operates.
- Each graduate will demonstrate an understanding of the internal structure of Earth.
- Each graduate will demonstrate the ability to identify and characterize important earth materials, and to interpret the physical, chemical, and biological processes by which they form and break down.
- Each graduate will demonstrate an understanding of the geologic time scale and the timing of major events in Earth history.
- Each graduate will demonstrate an understanding of evolution and its evidence in the fossil record.
- Each graduate will demonstrate an understanding of the hydrologic and carbon cycles.
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3. Students will have working knowledge of Earth's natural systems, its resources, and the impact of humans on the planet.
- Each graduate will demonstrate an understanding of how geoscience knowledge is used to address problems affecting human society, both locally and globally.
- Each graduate will demonstrate the ability to make informed, scientifically based decisions regarding environmental issues, resource exploration and extraction, and anthropogenic effects on Earth systems.
- Each graduate will demonstrate an understanding of how the geosciences as a scientific discipline and its societal constructs have impacted and are impacting cultures and societies.
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Ability to view problems from multiple perspectives; critical thinking skills; problem solving ability
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4. Students will use current technologies to generate and synthesize fundamental research findings and communicate them to the broader community.
- Each graduate will deliver oral presentations, demonstrating the ability to effectively communicate discipline-specific concepts, and use appropriate visual or electronic media.
- Each graduate will know how to effectively communicate research results using acceptable format and organization with citations to appropriate literature.
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Writing skills; research skills; oral communication skills; problem solving ability
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