Embedding Research Principles Early in a Geology Curriculum

All geology B.S. majors are required to take a course in Analytical Techniques (GEOL 270) early in the geology course sequence. This course includes theory and hands-on training for each analytical technique or instrument. Students learn the basics of a number of techniques, which may then be used in subsequent courses to obtain data, instead of simply using existing data sets. In this way, students learn about analytical precision and accuracy, while learning to critically evaluate the validity of the techniques used. Courses in Petrology, Sedimentology, Geochemistry, and even Field Techniques, all benefit from students who can generate new data sets each semester. Students write a sample research proposal at the end of the course and the best are submitted for possible funding by the university.

Students are also expected to actively participate in an Undergraduate Research Colloquium. In this course, students choose a topic for scholarly research (which may also coincide with their actual research topic) and learn presentation techniques, by making several presentations to the entire group each semester. Each presentation is critiqued by the entire class and suggestions are given for further explorations. Students learn to critically assess material instead of merely accepting, in addition to gaining important experience in presentation techniques.

Finally, students may agree to participate in independent student research (GEOL 399). Each student discusses a project with a faculty mentor and composes a contract delineating not only the project, but also the objectives, time frame for successful completion, and means of assessment. Students learn how to establish a reasonable timetable for their research, and have their research show up on their academic transcript. Each of these courses is designed to focus students on independent and creative research, while demystifying “research” by incorporating training in research techniques in all courses in the core geology curriculum.