Geology, Thomas Nelson Community College

Information for this profile was provided by Pete Berquist in 2009. Students in this program are pursuing an Associates degree. Thomas Nelson Community College is a two year college.

Program Design & Assessment

Overview

The Geology Department at TNCC offers only two courses for students that are working towards their Associates degree. Our intention is to provide comparable introductory geology courses (compared to four-year public institutions) that introduce students to the geosciences.

Strengths of this program

The TNCC program must provide effective instruction to students with diverse academic, personal, and professional backgrounds. Geology courses satisfy the College's general science requirements for an Associates degree in general, and specifically for certification in primary and secondary education.

Types of students served

Program Goals

The goals of this program are as follows:

Provide students with

  • general science literacy and application of the scientific process,
  • critical thinking skills,
  • an understanding of jobs related to the geosciences,
  • an understanding of our use and impact on natural resources,
  • and fundamental topics in earth sciences.

The learning goals were informed by the following resources:

How program goals are assessed

Achievement of program goals are assessed through evaluation of assignments and responses to student surveys.

Design features that allow goals to be met


Alumni Careers

Graduation rate

Careers pursued by our alumni

Courses and Sequencing

Diagram of course sequencing and requirements

Entry into the program

  • Physical Geology

Electives

  • Historical Geology (Prerequisite: Physical Geology)

Other key features of this program:

Supporting Materials

Overview of TNCC Geology Department Curriculum (Microsoft Word 29kB May9 09)