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Earth and Environmental Science Program Learning Outcomes

Undergraduate Program

Students will be able to:

1. Understand and apply the facts and concepts central to Earth science (e.g., geological processes and materials, Earth history, application of quantitative physics and chemistry to earth processes).

2. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the skills and methods necessary to collect data relevant to the discipline (e.g., rock identification, field mapping, geophysical methods).

3. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the skills and methods necessary to analyze data relevant to the discipline.

4. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the skills and methods necessary to report data relevant to the discipline (e.g., writing and presentation skills, databases)

5. Conceptualize, abstract and solve both qualitative and quantitative problems in the discipline.

6. Integrate and synthesize disparate geoscientific information into a coherent understanding.

Graduate Programs

Geology, Geochemistry, Geophysics

Students will be able to:

1. Use the scientific method to organize and conduct research.

2. Demonstrate knowledge of the information resources available in the Earth Sciences such as scientific journals and geologic databases.

3. Collect original data using field techniques and archival material. 

4. Interpret data using computer models,statistics, and other quantitative methods as appropriate and assess the significance of their findings within the context of the discipline.

5. Effectively disseminate technical findings and conclusions by means of written reports and oral presentations. 

Hydrology

Students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate adequate expertise and skills to embark on a career as a professional hydrologist.

2. Use the scientific method to organize and conduct research.

3. Demonstrate knowledge of the information resources available in the Earth Sciences such as scientific journals and geologic databases.

4. Collect original data using field and laboratory techniques; interpret data using computer models, statistics, and other methods; and assess the significance of their findings within the context of the discipline.

5. Effectively disseminate technical findings and conclusions by means of written reports and oral presentations.

6. Use maps, graphs, three-dimensional diagrams, earth imagery and other graphics to summarize findings and display them to a range of different audiences. 

7. Demonstrate a ready knowledge of the basic, important facts and laws that describe the behavior of water, solutes and contaminants in the environment.