Academic Goals and Assessment
Mission Statement
The Geological Sciences Department aspires to provide the highest quality education in Earth Science and its applications. Through hands-on learning methods, faculty-mentored research, and exposure to current technology, students shall acquire skills applicable to careers in Earth Science and related disciplines. The Department's programs emphasize understanding of Earth system processes and their interrelationships, thereby providing students a global perspective needed for problem solving, decision making, and leadership roles in a rapidly-changing world confronted with environmental challenges.
Goals
- Knowledge - Impart broad knowledge of Earth Science and understanding of processes that drive the dynamic Earth system.
- Skills - Develop skills applicable to successful careers or further education in Earth Science and supporting disciplines.
- Technology - Provide hands-on learning experience with current technology used to acquire and analyze scientific data, solve problems, and present results.
- Perspective - Enhance student awareness of local and global environmental challenges and problems facing Earth inhabitants within the context of geologic history.
Learning Objectives
Graduates from our BS degree program should be able to:
General Science
- Implement various facets of the scientific method.
- Effectively communicate results of scientific investigations in written and oral format.
Observation/Inquiry
- Recognize common Earth materials, structures, and landforms, describe their properties, and determine their age relationships.
- Acquire geologic data in the laboratory or field using standard observational procedures and scientific equipment.
- Describe the interrelated processes operating in Earth's lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere over different geologic time scales.
Analysis/Interpretation
- Use maps, cross sections, and other imagery to analyze spatial and temporal relationships displayed by Earth features or geologic data sets.
- Utilize quantitative reasoning, experiential judgment, and computer technology to assess data, draw conclusions, and solve problems.
Academic Program Review
- Geological Sciences Department Self-Study Report May 2011
- External Evaluators' Report September 2011
- Department Response to External Evaluators' Report May 2012
- Dean's Evaluation February 2013
- Academic Programs Report April 2013
Assessment
- Geology BS Assessment Report 2018
- Geology MS Assessment Report 2018
- Geology BS Assessment Report 2017
- Geology MS Assessment Report 2017
- Geology BS Assessment Report 2016
- Geology MS Assessment Report 2016
- Geology BS Assessment Report 2015
- Geology MS Assessment Report 2015
- Geology BS Assessment Report 2014
- Geology MS Assessment Report 2014
- Geology BS Assessment Report 2013
- Geology MS Assessment Report 2013
- Geology BS Assessment Report 2012
- Geology BS Assessment Report 2011
- WASC Program Assessment Report - 2010
- Geological Sciences Department Assessment Plan: 2006-2010
- Department Program Outcomes Linked to University Learning Outcomes(2009)
- Department Learning Objectives Linked to Specific Geology Degree Learning Outcomes (2009)
- Department Learning Objectives Linked to Specific IES Degree Learning Outcomes (2009)
- GSC Course Learning Outcomes Compilation (2014)
- Program Assessment Activiites 2008-09
Strategic Planning
- Geological Sciences Department Strategic Plan: March 2013
- College of Science Synthesized Strategic Directions: May, 2009
- Appendices to Qualitative Program Indicators
- Qualitative Program Indicators for Geology Degree
- Qualitative Program Indicators for Integrated Earth Studies Degree
Annual Reports
- GSC Annual Report 2018-2019
- GSC Annual Report 2017-2018
- GSC Annual Report 2016-2017
- GSC Annual Report 2015-2016
- GSC Annual Report 2014-2015
- GSC Annual Report 2013-2014
- GSC Annual Report 2012-2013
- GSC Annual Report 2011-2012
- GSC Annual Report 2010-2011
- GSC Annual Report 2009-2010
- GSC Annual Report 2008-2009
- GSC Annual Report 2007-2008