Learning Goals

Majors and Minors.

Students will develop scientific critical-thinking, writing, and oral-presentation skills and demonstrate mastery of the scientific method. Students will become proficient at collecting and interpreting data in both the field and laboratory. The required core courses will provide the knowledge of the Earth and planetary sciences needed to critically evaluate scientific issues discussed in the media.

Other Students.

Students taking Geological Sciences classes for the general science requirement should develop an appreciation of critical thinking and the scientific method, including hypothesis testing. Students should appreciate the importance of earth sciences in understanding of the physical, social, and economic resources and history of our planet. One example: We would expect that any student successfully completing our courses should be able to critically evaluate scientific issues in earth systems discussed in the popular press.