These itemized learning goals were developed by meeting participants in the course of discussions in small groups of geologists from similar specialties on the first day, and during discussions of all participants as a whole on the second day of the meeting. Many of these skills are fundamental to all science majors, but others are specific to geology.
After completing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology, students should be able to:
classify and identify geologic materials
produce and interpret geologic maps and cross-sections
produce and interpret quantitative scientific data related to earth processes
apply fundamentals of chemistry, physics, math and computer science to solving
geologic problems
effectively communicate scientific ideas and results verbally and in writing
retrieve, assimilate and evaluate existing data
use, formulate and test multiple working hypotheses based on the scientific method
utilize keen observational skills in the laboratory and field
visualize subsurface structures and processes in 3 dimensions
demonstrate depth and breadth of knowledge in one or more advanced specialty
fields (advanced electives)
recognize, appreciate and communicate scientific uncertainty
conduct independent field work
understand geologic time, evolution and global processes such as plate tectonics and
climate change
SPECIFIC LEARNING GOALS IN GEOLOGY SPECIALTY FIELDS
The following lists of primary knowledge and skills were composed during the meeting by small groups of 3-6 participants, divided by area of geological specialty. These categories generally reflect major areas of courses required by most geology undergraduate programs, but do not include all fields, especially those usually offered as electives. These groupings also parallel areas of geology found to be most relevant to professional geologists by recent state and national surveys.
Student Learning Goals in: Mineralogy
In this area of geology, students should know:
mineral compositions and crystal chemical principles
basic crystallography
uses of minerals
Students should be able to:
identify 100 important minerals in hand sample and thin section
use physical and optical properties to identify minerals
calculate mineral formulas from chemical analyses
Student Learning Goals in: Petrology
In this area of geology, students should know:
classification schemes and identification of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic
rocks
rock associations and plate tectonics
field relationships of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks
Students should be able to:
interpret phase diagrams, compatibility diagrams, ternary plots and petrogenetic grids
interpret rock genesis in light of current petrogenetic models
Student Learning Goals in: Sedimentology / Stratigraphy / Paleontology
In this area of geology, students should know:
analysis of sedimentary facies, depositional environments and systems
how to interpret earth history and evolution
how to recognize and understand diagenesis
how to use stratigraphic principles
lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy, chronostratigraphy and magnetostratigraphy
how to recognize and use fossil groups
applications in engineering and resource geology
Students should be able to:
conduct textural analysis (particle size, shape and sorting)
identify and interpret sedimentary structures
classify and interpret sediments and sedimentary rocks
perform petrographic analyses (texture, mineralogy, provenance, diagenesis)
measure stratigraphic sections and construct columns
create and interpret fence diagrams and isopach maps
Student Learning Goals in: Structural/Field Geology
In this area of geology, students should know:
how to integrate and apply knowledge from various specialties in the field
visualize and interpret field relationships in 3- and 4-dimensions
basic geologic project design and implementation
Students should be able to:
create, read and interpret geologic maps and cross-sections
use, formulate and test multiple working hypothesis
interpret spatial/temporal relationships in the field
solve 3-point problems
perform quantitative analysis
quantify, synthesize and communicate observations and interpretations in oral and
written format
Student Learning Goals in: Engineering / Environmental Geology
In this area of geology, students should understand:
underlying principles of the hydrologic cycle
mechanical properties of earth materials
the crustal processes that create landforms
human interactions with the environment
well mechanics and flow through porous media
fundamental chemical principles of water and soil
Students should be able to:
apply geologic knowledge to solve engineering or environmental problems
determine physical properties of earth materials
recognize potential geologic hazards in the field (flood, slides, faulting)
interpret aerial photographs, topographic maps, flownets and geologic
maps/cross-sections
use and interpret data from field instruments
