Student Learning Outcomes or Learning Goals

Geology Department, Carleton College

List of goals, skills and experiences for the Carleton geology major:

(The following categories and bullet points emerged from a department retreat in March 2007. They are informal and the list is certainly not exhaustive, but they do represent a department consensus).

Students should be able to:
1. Think like a Scientist

• Enjoy learning science
• Have the flexibility/openness to learn from all faculty and students
• Learn how to learn about the Earth
• Think like a Geologist
• Generate new knowledge

• Essay writing
• Writing scientific papers
• Writing in other genres
• Visual representation of data and ideas (e.g. express an idea in a graph; represent something by drawing it in Freehand or Illustrator)
• Poster presentation
• Oral communication

• Read and critically evaluate relevant geological literature

• Data Analysis
• Geological data
• Numerical data handling
• Using EXCEL
• Interpret Phase Diagrams
• Maps and Interpretation
• Make a geologic map/strat section
• Creating and interpreting maps
• Map reading and interpretation
• Quantitative and problem solving skills
• Measure something (data collection)
• Laboratory work
• Make thin-sections
• Collecting the right amount and type of sample for analysis
• Correct preparation of samples for different types of analysis

• Solving hard problems (by collaborating together)
• Figuring out a difficult rock problem
• Experiencing frustration and epiphany
• Team experience

• Field Observations
• Making observations at outcrops
• Field observations
• Understanding the difference between observations and interpretations
• Take field notes they have to use
• Field Trips
• Geological sites near Northfield
• Visit classic midwest geologic localities
• Opportunities for other trips and field research

• Start and finish (and start-to-finish) projects (very well)
• Develop a hypothesis
• Collect and analyze data
• Do a major research/thesis/presentation
• Design and execute a major custom project
• Write best geology senior project (comps)