Student Learning Outcomes

Department of Geology, Bowling Green State University

At the completion of baccalaureate degree in Geology, all students should be able to:

• Identify, describe, and classify earth materials, formations, and structures and interpret them in the context of geologic processes
• Analyze and report quantitative geologic data collected in the field and laboratory
• Read, write, present, and critically evaluate geologic reports, professional papers and maps
• Synthesize information from a variety of disciplines to solve geologic problems

Masters Students

The department of Geology has identified four learning outcomes for students participating in the M.S. degree program. Methods for assessment are listed below each learning outcome.

1. Possess knowledge at the graduate level of several areas within geology.
   • Performance in six 500- or 600-level courses (at least four of which are in geology, not in related fields)
2. Possess an in-depth knowledge in the student's area of specialization.
   • Quality of the thesis proposal
   • Quality of the Masters thesis
   • Performance in the thesis defense
3. Possess the ability to design and conduct an original geoscience research project, with appropriate use of the scientific method, robust sampling, and analytical methodologies.
   • Quality of the thesis proposal
   • Quality of the Masters thesis
   • Performance in the thesis defense
4. Possess the ability to justify and communicate the results and interpretations of an original geoscience research project.
   • Quality of the thesis proposal
   • Quality of the Masters thesis
   • Performance in the thesis defense