Learning Objectives
Geology Major
The Department of Geosciences leverages the results of the Future of Undergraduate Geoscience Education initiative of the American Geosciences Institute (AGI). This inititive conducted an extensive program of workshops to addresses the concepts, skills, and competencies undergraduates need to succeed in graduate school and/or the future workforce. This work was sponsored by the National Science Foundation, with results published in 2021 (https://www.americangeosciences.org/change/print-edition/).
The initiative identified eight core concepts, or realms of knowledge:
- Earth as a complex system
- Deep time
- Surface processes
- Earth materials
- Earth structure
- Hydrogeology and water science
- Natural resources
- Climate change
In addition, AGI identified six core science and geoscience skills that students should develop:
- critical thinking and problem solving;
- communicating effectively to scientists and non-scientists;
- accessing and integrating information from different sources and to continue to learn;
- understanding and using scientific research methods;
- applying strong quantitative skills; and
- working in interdisciplinary teams and across cultures.
Aligning with these core concepts and skills, the Department of Geosciences at Utah State University has adopted the following Learning Objectives in our undergraduate degree programs:
| Concepts | Dept of Geosciences Learning Objective |
|---|---|
| 1 | Understand Earth as a dynamic system of physical, chemical, biological, and human processes connected through the cycling of matter and energy, which both affects and is affected by human activities |
| 2 | Place important planet-forming and geologic-change events in a temporal framework, while comprehending the evolution of tectonic, climatic and biotic systems on Earth |
| 3 | Demonstrate an understanding of Earth surface processes, sedimentary systems, and geologic hazards as deciphered through deposits and landforms and focused on our region |
| 4 | Develop and utilize an understanding of diverse Earth materials as recorders of geologic processes through a working knowledge of their composition and origin |
| 5 | Describe and interpret the properties of Earth’s interior and structural features, including processes that influence plate tectonics and geologic hazards of our region |
| 6 | Explain the pathways, fluxes, and influence of water and other fluids at Earth’s surface and in the subsurface |
| 7 | Infer and summarize the formation and distribution of geological natural resources as well as issues of their sustainable development |
| 8 | Demonstrate an understanding of climate change over geologic and present time, as well as human impacts on Earth systems |
| Skills | Dept of Geosciences Learning Objective |
|---|---|
| A | Build an understanding of, and model, how the enterprise of science works via inquiry, observation, verification, teamwork, and critical thinking |
| B | Synthesize and communicate knowledge of geological concepts through written, oral and graphical representation as individuals and in teams |
| C | Acquire skills for the study and interpretation of geological materials, history, and features, such as understanding and creating maps, working with subsurface data, field and laboratory methods, and data reduction and analysis |
| D | Apply principles of mathematics, chemistry, and physics, as well as computational tools, to the analysis and solution of geologic data and problems |
Earth Science Composite Teaching Major
Earth Science Composite Teaching majors must meet an additional set of learning objectives, which require the demonstration of competency in the latest and most effective teaching methods and in accessing and utilizing pedagogical resources. This is accomplished through successful completion of the Secondary Teaching Education Program (STEP) including coursework, clinical experiences, portfolio preparation, and student teaching.
These Department of Geology objectives are in addition to the learning objectives of Utah State University's Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP):
- Students will maintain a minimum accumulative GPA of 2.75 and a grade of "C" or better in all courses that constitute the Profession Education Framework (course work from content major and minor departments as well as the secondary education coursework).
- Students will participate in on-campus teaching simulations as well as sixty (60) hours of clinical experiences in middle and high school settings preceding student teaching.
- Students will complete successfully a comprehensive professional portfolio demonstrating their understanding of the ten standards based on their course work and clinical experiences at Levels 1 and 2 before entering student teaching (Level 3).
- Students successfully will meet the requirements of secondary student teaching and for the professional seminar that accompanies this experience.