Florida International University

Academic Learning Compact

Name of the undergraduate degree program

BS Geosciences

Mission Statement

Knowledge of Geosciences (Earth Sciences) is essential for understanding problems of groundwater supply, environmental hazards, geotechnical engineering, and natural resources.  The twofold mission of the department is to provide a sound foundation in the Earth Sciences and a firm basis in scientific communication.

Student Learning Outcomes:

FIU BS Geociences graduates should be able to do the following:

Content/Discipline Knowledge

Demonstrate proficiency in

1.knowing  the origin, composition, and classification of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks

2. stratigraphic principles applied to interpreting the rock record and sediments, depositional    environments and dynamics in the sedimentary record

3. the description and representation of faults, folds, and fractures on maps and diagrams.

4. the principles of hydrogeology as applied to surface and groundwater flow.

Critical Thinking

1.Use the scientific method to review the appropriate literature, collect data, analyze the results, and solve a problem in the Earth Sciences.

Oral and Written Communication

1.Present a seminar on an undergraduate project to peers and professors.

2.Write an article in the accepted style for Earth Sciences that is in a format appropriate for publication.

Direct and Indirect measures of Student Learning Outcomes:

Content/Discipline Knowledge

1.The faculty will use embedded questions in the hourly and final exams to assess content/discipline knowledge.

Oral and Written Communication

1.The faculty will use a scoring rubric to assess the oral and written communication skills manifested in the oral presentation and in the research paper.

Critical Thinking

1.The faculty will use a scoring rubric to assess the critical thinking skills manifested in the oral presentation and in the research paper.