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Geology Departmental Learning Goal

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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.

1. Each graduate will demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and techniques from complementary disciplines to solve problems.
2. Each graduate will employ accepted laboratory and field techniques, protocols, and safety procedures.
3. Each graduate will demonstrate the ability to read, construct, and comprehend geologic maps as well as derive conceptual perspectives from existing maps.
4. Each graduate will demonstrate the appropriate use of quantitative data through graphs, spreadsheets, and statistical analysis.

Research skills; quantitative ability; ability to view problems from multiple perspectives; critical thinking skills; problem solving ability

2. Students will learn the fundamental concepts of geology.

1. Each graduate will demonstrate an understanding of plate tectonics and be able to describe how it operates.
2. Each graduate will demonstrate an understanding of the internal structure of Earth.
3. 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.
4. Each graduate will demonstrate an understanding of the geologic time scale and the timing of major events in Earth history.
5. Each graduate will demonstrate an understanding of evolution and its evidence in the fossil record.
6. Each graduate will demonstrate an understanding of the hydrologic and carbon cycles.

3. Students will have working knowledge of Earth's natural systems, its resources, and the impact of humans on the planet.

1. Each graduate will demonstrate an understanding of how geoscience knowledge is used to address problems affecting human society, both locally and globally.
2. 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.
3. 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.

Ability to view problems from multiple perspectives; critical thinking skills; problem solving ability

4. Students will use current technologies to generate and synthesize fundamental research findings and communicate them to the broader community.

1. Each graduate will deliver oral presentations, demonstrating the ability to effectively communicate discipline-specific concepts, and use appropriate visual or electronic media.
2. Each graduate will know how to effectively communicate research results using acceptable format and organization with citations to appropriate literature.

Writing skills; research skills; oral communication skills; problem solving ability