Learning outcomes
Earth Science began as an historical science by asking when and how the Earth formed, how mountains and valleys evolved and when fossil animals lived and went extinct. The Earth has a history, and Earth scientists sought to learn it.
Over time, our questions have evolved into deeper and more complex queries regarding the rate(s) of Earth processes, the specific mechanisms involved in landform evolution and fundamental inquiries into why certain geological events have occurred. Looking toward the future, society increasingly seeks predictions from Earth scientists about when and where natural disasters will occur, and the location and quantity of necessary natural resources. Increasingly, we also seek to measure and temper the role of people in geological processes.
We seek to impart the skills required to succeed in Earth Sciences to our students. These skills are a mixture of observational, quantitative, conceptual, graphical and verbal abilities. In contemporary times, teams of intra- and interdisciplinary scientists are generally involved in answering questions. As a result, collaborative skills and an appreciation of scientific ethics are necessary as well. Our student learning outcomes follow from these necessary qualities in future Earth Scientists.
1. Observational Skills
From the microscopic to the global scale, we want our students to accurately observe nature, to recognize patterns and infer trends.
2. Quantitative Skills
Our students must learn to make quantitative measurements and to frame observations and questions in numerical terms to which appropriate statistical tools can be applied.
3. Conceptual Skills
Students must learn to generalize from specific observations, to extrapolate and interpolate from the physically and temporally limited set of observations nature permits.
4. Graphical Skills
Observations and concepts must be reduced to illustrations, from maps to graphs to diagrams. Computer-based techniques play an essential role in all of these areas.
5. Verbal Skills
It is not enough to know the correct answer to a question, our students must be able to communicate the answer to other scientists and to the public in written and oral formats.
6. Collaborative Skills
Our students must experience working in teams in which one completes only a part of a larger exercise. This requires “seeing” the complete project as a whole, appreciating one’s contribution to the whole, and assisting others with their effort where possible.
7. Ethical Appreciation
Scientists seek the truth, and we desire that our students recognize that above all else, their work, from observation and record keeping to illustration, written and spoken report, must be faithful to the truth.