Department of Geological Sciences CSU Northridge

Contact Information:
George Dunne
Tel: (818) 677-2511
Fax: (818) 677-2820
Email: george.dunne@csun.edu

INTERIM DEPT/PROGRAM ASSESSMENT FORM

Date: Feb. 28, 1997

Department/Program: Geological Sciences, B.S. Degree

Name of Liaison: Dr. George C. Dunne

1. List no more than 4 goals.

Our students will acquire a) background knowledge of earth materials, processes, and history; b) skills in standard geological laboratory and field data-gathering and data-analysis methods; and c) both background knowledge and skills from the supporting physical sciences and mathematics that are sufficient to allow students to recognize, resolve and effectively share their solutions to common geological problems.

2. List no more than 4 measurable objectives.

Can our students:

A. Retrieve from diverse sources and then critically evaluate pertinent geological information regarding a topic, leading to the recognition of problems with present knowledge?

B. Plan and implement field, laboratory, or office work needed to test geologic hypotheses concerning a problem?

C. Critically analyze their observations and effectively apply them to the resolution of the problem?

D. Develop and present effective, objective written and oral summaries of their findings?

3. How will the objectives be measured? (be specific and succinct)

Internal data sources: We will assess student achievement in: a) Geology 431: Advanced Field Studies; b) Geology 497: Research Methods and Design; and c) Geology 498: Senior Thesis.

External data sources: a) For those students entering a graduate program at another school, we will ask them to take the Graduate Record Advanced Examination in Geology and report their scores to us and we will send a questionnaire to their graduate advisor near the end of the studentŐs first year of graduate work. b) For those students who obtain geological employment directly following graduation, we will send a questionnaire to their supervisor near the end of the studentsŐ first half year of employment.

4. Method of feedback of assessment results.
How will the department/program use the results?

A. On-going Review and Revision of Curriculum: Assessment data will be compiled once every two years. More frequent compilation would not yield meaningful data in light of the modest number of graduates - about 10 to 12 - per year. Composite scores will be calculated for each of the lettered subgoals and a summary report will be presented to the department for discussion. Any areas of weakness in program outcomes will be identified, and a plan of action for addressing these will be developed by the Curriculum Committee, presented to the department, and acted upon.

B. Five-year Program Review: Outside reviewers will, as a specific component of their review, be asked to evaluate 1) our stated program goals for currency and relevance, 2) our assessment mechanisms for appropriateness, and 3) resulting compilations of assessment data for programmatic impact. Any changes suggested by them will be evaluated by the department Curriculum Committee, and a plan of action brought forward by this committee for consideration by the entire department will be evaluated and acted upon.