Mar 28, 2024  
Mansfield University 2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
Mansfield University 2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Geosciences, Geology Concentration


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Offered by the Department of Geosciences
Professor Dodson
Associate Professor Demchak (chairperson), Stocks
Assistant Professors Kennedy, Kopf, Shears
Instructors Dillon, Guignard, Dom


The B.S. in Geosciences with concentration in Geology prepares students for a variety of career and post-graduate paths in geological and environmental sciences, business, and education, as well as government and public service.  Students graduating with this degree can pursue careers in environmental consulting, geologic engineering, business, and mineral resources and the petroleum industry.  Success in these positions requires the experience to collect and assess data in outdoor field locations, the ability to communicate technical data to associates in both oral and written form, and the ability to present and interpret geologic data in maps, charts and other graphic formats.  This program is designed to provide students with a basic working knowledge of current geologic principles, geologic and geographic data collection methods, basic data assessment and report preparation skills, and hands-on experience in geologic research and professional practices.

Program Objectives:

We are here to teach.  Excellence in education is a priority to us.  We pledge to provide a substantive, up-to-date curriculum for each of our programs.  And we will ensure that our students graduate with practical, applied skills that supplement their more general knowledge base.

We are here to learn.  Geography and geology are dynamic disciplines whose insights and techniques are continually changing.  It is incumbent upon us to grow with our discipline.

We are here to serve.  We serve students by providing a broad range of general education classes.  We serve our majors by providing guidance and interaction in a supportive atmosphere.  We serve the University by membership on committees and by advising student organizations.  And we serve the community by providing input to local organizations and government agencies.

Program Learning Outcomes:

  1. Demonstrate the ability to produce and interpret maps, images, charts and other graphic data
  2. Explain the dynamics of and interactions between the four basic components of the Earth’s physical system:  atmosphere, lithosphere, biosphere and hydrosphere
  3. Explain how human actions impact the environment on local, regional and global scales
  4. Develop, investigate and present a research problem
  5. Exhibit the ability to collect and record geologic field data following commonly accepted professional standards and practices
  6. Identify common geologic rock types and features, and interpret their process of formation based on field observations, map data, and laboratory samples.
  7. Evaluate the resource potential and environmental effects of geologic materials that are found in different regions of the Commonwealth

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