EARTHSC-BA - Earth Sciences

Students will be able to summarize the complex interaction of rock, water, air and life. The Outcome focuses on attaining fundamental knowledge of how and why the primary Earth systems interact and evolve rather than simply identifying said systems.

Students will be able to describe the evolution of Plate Tectonic theory and the fundamental mechanical, compositional and dynamic processes involved. The Outcome focuses on understanding how the basic driving mechanism on Earth (Plate Tectonics) was developed through centuries of use of the scientific method. The Outcome also focuses on solid earth processes and their interactions.

By the end of the program, students will be able to accurately identify and classify basic Earth materials (e.g., rocks, minerals, soils) and/or organisms relevant to their specialization in both laboratory and field settings, and interpret associated observational data, as demonstrated through practical exams, field reports, or lab-based assessments evaluated using a standardized rubric.

By the end of the program, students will be able to communicate major concepts and findings in Earth Science research through professional-quality writing, as demonstrated by at least one faculty-evaluated research paper, report, or thesis chapter that meets disciplinary standards for clarity, structure, and use of evidence.