Geology Minor Program Review Spring 2013

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1 OVERVIEW: Geology, the study of the earth, encompasses many disciplines and integrates all of the other sciences. Geologists are employed in extractive industries, environmental services, and federal and state agencies. Current benchmarks and standards for science education place an emphasis on earth sciences as an integral part of science education. A minor in geology will be an asset to any student who wishes to pursue a career in the area of environmental management. A strong geology program will also help to prepare future science teachers. The geology program consists of one faculty member, Dr. Mary E. Dowse, who teaches all of the courses with support from an adjunct faculty member, Dr. Vicki Harder, who teach the on-line courses. The geology program at WNMU is well-supplied with many of the traditional tools for teaching geology. Silver City is a region with great resources for teaching geology in the field. The biggest challenge overall for the discipline of geology is the historical trends of boom and bust in employment in the mining and oil and gas industries. Both mining and oil and gas are currently booming and salaries are high, but that was not the case ten years ago. Students may be wary of the boom and bust employment cycles and choose a more stable career. The biggest challenge facing the geology program at Western New Mexico University is maintaining course enrollments, particularly in upper level courses. There is a need to create courses and approaches to teaching that generate student excitement and interest and draw students into the program. Western New Mexico University has had a minor in geology since In 1981 at the peak of last oil boom there was considerable interest in geology and a major was established. With the downturn in the industry in the middle 1980 s student interest waned and the major was discontinued in From 1974 until 1989 Western New Mexico University offered a 6 week summer field camp on campus that drew students from across the country. At one time Western also offered an associate s degree for geological technicians. The last program review was conducted by Dr. Mary E. Dowse in Since that time several changes have been made to the program. These include: Continuing modification and redesign of all courses to include more active learning and improve assessment. Increasing use of technology in learning activities. Redesign of the Science Education major with a core that includes the two general education geology courses with a concentration in Earth and Space Science. 1

2 Geology Minor Program Review Redesign of the General Science major with a core similar to the Science Education major and 3 to 4 upper level courses in geology. Development of the Environmental Sustainability degree with Environmental Science (GEOL 201/203) required in the core and Hydrogeology (GEOL 401/403) and Weather (GEOL 305/307) are included as guided electives in the Science Concentration of the degree. One point of confusion for students and advisors was cleared up when PHYS 102/104: Physical Science II Earth and Space Science, a course in the geology discipline, was designated as GEOL 105/107: Introduction to Earth and Space Science. This review was conducted by Dr. Mary E. Dowse, Professor of Geology. Data was provided by Paul Landrum and Dr. Gilda-Ortego, Miller Library. CRITERION A: PROGRAM CENTRALITY A. Educational Goals As a part of the Natural Science Department the geology program seeks to prepare students for professional careers either in science or as teachers. The program also offers courses to fulfill undergraduate science requirements and also prepare the students for the scientific realities of life. The courses in the geology minor have been designed to offer students broad exposures to the discipline in geology. This broad exposure will provide a strong foundation for students who choose to pursue a career in geology through further education or students who are looking to enhance a degree in other disciplines. Students pursuing a teaching endorsement in earth and space science or in general science will also benefit from the broad exposure to a range of topics in geology. An emphasis in the geology program is the development of skills in problem-solving, analysis of data and project design that can be transferred to careers in other disciplines. B. Relationship of the program to the institutional mission Geology is an integral part of the natural sciences and thus is central to the institution s mission to offer a well-rounded comprehensive program in the Arts and Sciences. In addition the geology program offers courses to support the mission of teacher education. CRITERION B: PROGRAM CURRICULUM AND STRUCTURE A. Admission, Retention, Graduation Requirements There are no specific admission or retention requirements for the geology program. Students must complete 6 courses with a passing grade to earn a minor in geology. The Earth and Space concentration for Science Education requires completion of 4 upperlevel courses in geology. 2

3 B. Program Structure Students may pursue a minor in geology or a major in science education with a concentration in earth and space science. There are 6 required courses in the geology minor: GEOL 101/103 General Geology I & Lab Physical geology; study of Earth materials and processes and their effects on mankind. GEOL 102/104 General Geology II & Lab Historical geology; study of historical development of the earth and its life forms. GEOL 301/303 Rocks and Minerals & Lab Origin, occurrence and physical properties of common minerals and rocks; introduction to crystallography and mineralogy; identification of common minerals in the laboratory and field. GEOL 331/333 Sedimentology & Lab Sediments and sedimentary rocks; their properties, classification, and origin. GEOL 340/342 Field and Research Methods & Lab Understanding and creating geologic maps and cross-sections. Introduction to tools and techniques of field mapping. Development of a research proposal. Presenting field data and communicating results. GEOL 401/402/501/502 Hydrogeology & Lab The hydrology cycle. Principles of surface and groundwater flow. Water quality and resource management. Other courses are offered by the program for general interest and to support the teacher endorsements. These include: GEOL 105/107 Introduction to Earth and Space Science & Lab Covers principles in earth science including topics in meteorology, rocks & minerals, plate tectonics, geologic time scale and astronomy. The intention of this course is to promote an understanding and appreciation of the science of the world in which we live. GEOL 201/203 Environmental Science & Lab Applications of physical and biological principles to understanding the environment and environmental issues. GEOL 305/307 Introduction to Weather & Lab

4 Introduction to properties of the atmosphere, interactions between the atmosphere and other earth systems, and the principles that control weather and climate. GEOL 315 Geology of New Mexico 3 The rock types, structures and tectonic history of New Mexico. GEOL 450/550 Methods of Teaching Science 3 Inquiry methods in science education including theory and rationale. Development and implementation of inquiry activities and assessment of activities. GEOL 480/580 Geology Workshop for Teachers 3 or 4 A workshop designed to increase understanding of and familiarity with geological materials, phenomena, theories, and techniques of interpretation. The requirements vary in each course and are described in the course syllabi. Students are encouraged in all courses to master content, develop and articulate scientific ideas, and learn how to use and apply concepts and tools to understand the natural world. After completion of at least one semester of General Geology (101/103 or 102/104) students may take any upper level course. There is no preferred sequence for courses providing maximum flexibility for designing a program of study. General Geology I & II are offered every fall and spring respectively. All of the other courses are offered every other year. Since 2004 General Geology I & II have been offered in an on-line format as well as face-to-face. At present Environmental Science (201/203) and Weather (GEOL 303/307) are offered only on-line. Hydrogeology (401/402), Method of Teaching Science (GEOL 450) and Geology Workshop for Teachers (GEOL 480) are also offered as graduate level courses. C. Articulation General Geology I and II, Introduction to Earth and Space Science and Environmental Science are included in the state-wide matrix for General Education courses for Area III. General Geology I (NMCCN: 1113/1111) General Geology II (NMCCN: 1213/1211) Introduction to Earth and Space Science (NMCCN: 1213/1211) Environmental Science (NMCCN: 1113/1111) D. Planning Processes There is no formal planning process in the geology program. Dr. M. E. Dowse, professor of geology has participated in several national surveys on geoscience education and is familiar with curriculum issues and debates in the broader geoscience community. E. Assessment 4

5 Students are assessed in each course in the geology program. There is no overall assessment of the program. CRITERION C: PROGRAM RESOURCES A. Finances (Budget) The geology program includes one tenured faculty member supported by an adjunct professor who teaches the on-line courses. B. Facilities and Capital Equipment The geology program shares Harlan Hall 119 a classroom/lab with physics courses. There is one storeroom dedicated to geologic materials and some other storage space. The university has an extensive collection of rocks, minerals and fossils that are used for teaching. Standard field and lab equipment are also available for use. Much of the equipment is dated but can still be utilized. A grant from Freeport-McMoran Gold and Copper Foundation in 2011 allowed for the purchase of 5 petrographic microscopes and a camera for use with the microscope and 6 ipads for use in classes and the field. C. Library The Miller Library has holdings that satisfactorily support the Geology program as a minor. The Geology collection is perhaps the most diversified in the library as it includes books, E-books, maps, Government Documents, Treasure Room items, microform, and multimedia. The strength of the book collection pertains to general geology topics and published by university presses. The book collection is supplemented by excellent holdings in the Government Documents. The Miller Library routinely receives maps, studies, and reports published by the US Geological Survey, the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and the New Mexico Geological Society. The Miller Library also provides access to key journals in the Geosciences, such as Geology, the Bulletin of the Geological Society of America and the Journal of Geoscience Education. Many additional journals are available in e-format through the library. GeoRef, the premier bibliographic database in the geosciences, is available through Ebsco Host. D. Other Academic Support Resources and Services Students are directed to the Writing Lab as needed for assistance in writing assignments. When necessary, Special Needs has provided support for students. Most commonly they have administered tests for special needs students who need additional time. They have also provided a note-taker for a student. Otherwise the program shares other services with the Department of Natural Sciences and requires no special support. 5

6 CRITERION D: PROGRAM PRODUCTIVITY AND EFFICIENCY A. Minor Headcount Enrollment Typically the number of minors in the program is reflected in the enrollments in upperlevel geology courses required for the minor. Academic Year Fall Course (no. of students) Spring Course (no. of students) GEOL 340 (5) GEOL 401 (6) GEOL 301 (13) GEOL 331 (10) GEOL 340 (6) GEOL 401 (6) GEOL 301 (6) GEOL 331 (7) GEOL 340 (9) GEOL 401 (17)* * Includes students pursuing degrees in Environmental Sustainability. B. Degrees Conferred Since 2008, 7 students have completed a minor in geology. Year Student Major 2012 Whitney Hutchinson Amanda Karpa Zoology Zoology 2011 Cassie Hodge Leslie Griffith Biology Biology 2010 Lodewijk Meurs Ryan Harrington Botany General Science 2009 Matthew Pelto Forestry Wildlife In addition 3 students earned degrees in Science Education/Secondary Education and 2 students earned degrees in elementary education with a science endorsement. Unfortunately the program continues to occasionally lose students to other institutions that offer a degree in geology or related sciences. In the past five years at least 6 students who had taken upper level geology courses at WNMU have transferred, 2 to NMSU, 2 to UNM and 1 to NMT and 1 to ASU. Often these are among the better students. C. Credit Hour Production Paul Landrum has provided the following data about the Geology Program. The program has shown significant growth from to by any measure. 6

7 Academic Year University Comparisons Relative to WNMU % of Total SCH Geology Minor Program Review % of All Degrees Regular Course Characteristics Avg Class Size As % of All Crs Credit Hour Production Non "W/WF" WEB Delivery Dual Credit Students 05-06: 0.8% 0% % 92% 41% 0% 11-12: 1.3% 0% % 92% 39% 5% Credit Hour Production: By Site Silver City: % % Deming: - 0% - 0% Gallup: - 0% - 0% Lordsburg: - 0% - 0% T or C : - 0% - 0% By Mode Face to Face: % % Web: % % ITV: - 0% 0 0% Student credit hours (SCH) increased dramatically from 2008 to 2010 as shown by the graphs. Most of this increase in SCH occurred in the lower level courses, but there has been a smaller, but gradual increase in upper level courses as well. 7

8 The growth in enrollment is principally in the face-to-face classes on the Silver City campus. Geology courses have not been available on the satellite campuses. The Geology Program has been a leader in delivering online courses in the Department of Natural Science and so a significant component of the enrollment is in on-line courses. The enrollment in on-line courses has slowly increased but not as dramatically as in the face-to-face courses. Some of the variation in the on-line enrollment is related to the number of courses offered. In 2011 fewer courses were offered on-line. Geology Minor Program Review The growth in enrollment reflects a change in advising. Prior to 2005 nearly all students were advised to take Biology 101 to meet general education courses for a lab science courses. Currently students more students are being advised to take Geology 101 as an alternative to Biology 101. Geology 101 also offers students strong web support, as PowerPoint presentations from lectures, class activities, and other tools are posted on Canvas. Prior to 2006 students who needed an earth science course for an education degree were often advised to take PHSC 102 (Physical Science for General Education Earth and Space Science). The prefix for that course was changed to GEOL in 2007 placing it in the correct discipline. In addition more of the education students are being advised to take GEOL 101. D. Average Class Size Class sizes for the upper level courses required for the minor are small (6-12). The class size for General Geology I (GEOL 101) has increased significantly from around 40 to 75. There has been a similar increase in General Geology II (GEOL 102) from fewer than 20 to 30 or more. 8

9 F. Number of Courses Offered and the Time of Offering A total of 11 courses are offered by the Geology program. General Geology I and II are offered every year, with I in the fall and II in the spring. All other courses are offered every other year. In addition the Geology Workshop for Teachers (GEOL 450/550) is offered on an irregular schedule in the summer. The following table shows the schedule of courses offered by the geology program Fall: Odd Years Spring: Even Years Fall: Even Years Spring: Odd Years General Geology I GEOL 101/103 (Face to face) General Geology II GEOL 102/104 (Face to face) General Geology I GEOL 101/103 (Face to face) General Geology II GEOL 102/104 General Geology II GEOL 102/104 (Online) Environmental Science GEOL 201 (Online) Rocks and Minerals GEOL 301/303 Methods of Teaching Science GEOL 450/550 (On-line) Introduction to Weather GEOL 305/307 (On-line) General Geology I GEOL 101/104 (Online) Sedimentology GEOL 331/333 Geology of New Mexico GEOL 315 General Geology II GEOL 102/104 (Online) Field and Research Methods GEOL 340/342 General Geology I GEOL 101/104 (Online summer) Hydrogeology GEOL 401/402 CRITERION E: PROGRAM QUALITY A. Other Program Evaluations There have been no external evaluations of this program B. Quality of Faculty The sole faculty member in the geology program has a terminal degree in geology (Ph.D, West Virginia University, 1980). Since the last program review she has participated in the following Professional Development Activities: August 25, 2010: Workshops at GeoSciEd VI, Johannesburg, South Africa Science Enhancement Program: Seismology Active Learning in Geology 9

10 October 5, 2008: Improving Teaching and Learning By Conducting Education Research in Your Classroom Tim & Stefanie Slater: Geological Society of America Since the last program review she has presented the following papers: Dowse, M. E. and Drennan, G. R., 2010, Scaffolding for undergraduate research: Presentation at the 6 th International Conference for Geoscience Education, Johannesburg, South Africa. Harder, V., and Dowse, M. E., 2008, WNMU's successful approach to teaching geology online: GSA Abstracts with Programs, V. 40, no. 6 p Dowse, M. E. and Metcalf, M., 2008, Geology of Art: Positive Energy of New Mexico: International Geological Congress, Abstracts 33 (2008) Abstract She is a member of the following professional organizations Geological Society of America American Association of Petroleum Geologists National Association of Geoscience Teachers Association of Ground Water Scientists and Engineers American Geophysical Union American Association for the Advancement of Science New Mexico Geological Society New Hampshire Geological Society National Science Teachers Association C. Research Activity within the Program There are no formal research projects within the program, but there are casual on-going field projects that actively involve students. D. Community Service within the Program The geology faculty member has provided the following community services in the past 5 years: Respond to inquiries from the general public and answers approximately 25 inquiries a semester. Most commonly people ask for rock, mineral and fossil identification or for more information about local geology. Make presentations and lead field trips for the Rolling Stones Gem and Mineral Society. Participation in Science Olympiad. US Councilor to the International Geoscience Education Organization ( present) Member of the House of Delegates of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (2005-Present) Campus Liaison for the Geological Society of America (1998-Present). Executive Committee of the New Mexico Geological Society (2012-Present). CRITERION F: PROGRAM DEMAND/NEED 10

11 A. Support of Other Programs Outside the Department The geology program supports the School of Education in three ways: 1) General Geology I, General Geology II, Introduction to Earth and Space Sciences and Environmental Science meet requirements for an Earth and Space Science general education course. 2) Students pursuing a degree in secondary education can seek an endorsement in Earth and Space Science. 3) Students pursuing a degree in elementary education can seek an endorsement in General Science that includes a number of geology program. B. Support of Programs within the Department A minor is required for most of the science majors at Western New Mexico University and geology is a strong complement to degrees in both the biology and chemistry program. Geology is a natural fit for students interested in careers in the land use, natural resource management, and environmental arena. C. General Education Three geology courses (General Geology I, General Geology II, Introduction to Earth and Space Science and Environmental Science) meet general education requirements for laboratory sciences. Except for Introduction to Earth and Space Science all of these courses are offered as fully on-line courses as well as face-to-face. CRITERION G: PROGRAM DUPLICATION Bachelor degrees in geology are offered at the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, New Mexico Tech, and Eastern New Mexico University. New Mexico Highlands University offers a degree in Environmental Science with an emphasis in geology. SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS A. Strengths An important strength of the geology program is the personalized approach to instruction that is possible at Western New Mexico University. Classes and activities can be tailored to serve the needs for students. Students have flexibility in selecting projects and other tasks that will support their interests and career goals. The geologic setting of Silver City is another setting. This area is unusual for the diversity of geologic features and phenomena. Sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks are found within a short distance of campus and geologic history is wellrepresented nearly every period of geologic history is found in the area. Active mining in the area demonstrates applied geology. Geology is a natural fit for students interested in careers in the land use, natural resource management, and environmental arena. A minor is required for most of the 11

12 science majors at Western New Mexico University and geology is a strong complement to degrees in both the biology and chemistry program. The geology program has taken the lead in developing on-line courses in the Natural Science Department. General Geology I was first taught on-line in 2005, since then courses in Environmental Science, Weather, and Inquiry methods in science have been developed as on-line courses. Typically response, particularly for general education has been very positive. B. Concerns The continuing concern is low enrollments in upper-level classes. C. Recommendations for Action Increase recruitment of students at all levels. This includes: 1) Encouraging students to consider taking general geology for general education. In many cases student are recruited into geology as a result of a first-year course. 2) Work with the School of Education to encourage students to consider an endorsement in Earth and Space Science or General Science. 3) Work with majors in the Natural Science Department to by demonstrating how a minor in geology will enhance their background and training. Improve the planning process for the program. This includes an overview of the overall objectives for the program and identifying when and where each will be addressed. Develop an effective assessment plan for the program. Revise courses and program to best serve the needs of students. This includes: 1) Continue to update courses to clarify objectives and develop appropriate pedagogic techniques to assist students in meeting objectives. 2) Implementation of improved assessments, formative and summative, to ensure that students are meeting those objectives. 3) Align the courses required for a teaching endorsement so that there is a better match to standards and benchmarks for K-12 students. D. Five Year goals for the Program The principle goal of the program is to recruit at least 5 students/year to minor in geology or to pursue an endorsement in Earth and Space Science. Enrollment of 5 students/year with additional casual students would ensure an enrollment of 8 to 10 in upper level geology courses which are offered every other year. Increase the recruitment of minors, particularly from other science disciplines. An example would be to work with the Chemistry program to develop programs that will enhance enrollments in both programs. Specifically might be the implementation of an environmental chemistry emphasis that would include geology courses. 12

13 Implementation of an assessment plan for the program. 13