Geology B.A. Outcomes Assessment

Program outcomes –B.A. in Geology

A. List of program outcomes

Cognitive outcomes

Our students will have a deep understanding of the following foundational geologic principles:

  1. Earth has a history of biological and physical change over billions of years
  2. Earth's surface is affected by dynamic processes on a range of timescales (e.g. erosion, deposition, volcanic activity, earthquakes)
  3. Earth's composition varies and these compositions provide the raw materials for the rock cycle
  4. The Earth's interior is dynamic and drives plate tectonics
  5. Earth scientists use repeatable observations and testable ideas to understand and explain our planet
  6. Geology and society are fundamentally inter-related

Skills

Our BA students will have critical skills required by a geology-focused liberal arts education, appropriate for careers in education, commerce, or public service.

  1. Graduates have developed their observational, analytical and quantitative skills (particularly classroom and computer).

B. Outcomes Assessment Matrix

The department has chosen one or two courses in which to assess each of the eleven program outcomes. The matrix below shows which courses are chosen for such assessment.

Legend

check_circle_outline This course chosen for this outcome assessment

check This course addresses this program outcome, but it is not addressed departmentally

Geology B.A. Cognitive Outcomes by Course Number
Outcome 211 212 213 306-406/311 310 How Assessed
1. Earth has a history of biological and physical change over billions of years check check_circle_outline   check check Quizzes and exams that cover the geological time scale will be used to assess the mastery of concepts important to Earth history, including an understanding of "deep time".
2. Earth's surface is affected by dynamic processes on a range of timescales (e.g. erosion, deposition, volcanic activity, earthquakes) check check check check check_circle_outline Track grades on the Air Photo Analysis Lab Assignment
3. Earth's composition varies and these compositions provide the raw materials for the rock cycle check     check_circle_outline   Two assessments. First, track lab exam grades (igneous lab exam and metamorphic lab exam). Second, choose a subset of samples for which students must provide more detailed answers about rock formation (origin, source, protolith if applicable, plate tectonic environment, etc.) and linking related rocks through the rock cycle
4. The Earth's interior is dynamic and drives plate tectonics check_circle_outline     check   Scores on appropriate exam questions and plate tectonic labs will be assessed.
5. Earth scientists use repeatable observations and testable ideas to understand and explain our planet check check_circle_outline   check check Track grades on cross-section labs.
6. Geology and society are fundamentally inter-related check check   check check_circle_outline Track grades on the Humans as Geomorphic Agents (HaGA) Problem Set and one online discussion about HaGA
Skills by Course Number
Skill 211 212 213 306-406/311 310 How Assessed
1. Graduates have developed their observational, analytical and quantitative skills (particularly classroom and computer)     check_circle_outline check check Track grades in final course project