Initial Publication Date: April 13, 2015

Related Links

2009 Workshop on Assessing Geoscience Programs

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
2. Communicate effectively in a variety of ways, such as
  • 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
3. Locate and evaluate information
  • Read and critically evaluate relevant geological literature
4. Measure, collect and interpret data
  • 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
5. Reason and visualize three-dimensionally, e.g. with stereonets
6. Tackle complex problems
7. Learn the limits of knowledge
8. Work with others in groups, e.g. -
  • Solving hard problems (by collaborating together)
    • Figuring out a difficult rock problem
    • Experiencing frustration and epiphany
    • Team experience
9. Have an array of field experiences
  • 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
10. Do research and carry out projects on a variety of scales
  • 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)