EARTHSC-BS - Earth Sciences

By end of second year in the major, students will be able to explain and analyze the dynamic interactions among the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere through written assignments or projects that demonstrate understanding of how and why these systems interact and evolve over time, as evaluated by a faculty-designed rubric.

By end of second year in the major, students will be able to explain the historical development of Plate Tectonic theory and describe the mechanical, compositional, and dynamic processes involved, through a written assignment or exam response evaluated using a standardized rubric.

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 read, analyze, and interpret Earth Science datasets using geospatial tools, digital mapping software, and other modern technologies, as demonstrated through lab reports, research projects, or digital map products evaluated using a faculty-developed 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.