GEOL 205
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS IN THE GEOSCIENCES

1. Catalog Entry

GEOL 205. Professional Skills in the Geosciences
Two hours lecture; 4 hours laboratory (4).

Prerequisite: Eight hours of geology and ITEC 100

Introduces students to the concept of professionalism in the geosciences and develops communication, leadership, organizational, and other practical skills essential to the successful professional geoscientist. One or more field trips may be required.

2. Detailed Description of Content of Course

The purpose of this course is to develop in students those skills essential to the professional geoscientist and for students to gain insights into what it means to be a professional geologist.

Topics and skills addressed in this course include, but are not limited to:

1. Defining professionalism
2. Writing technical papers
3. Library usage and technical literature searches
4. Developing oral presentation skills
5. Time management, goal setting, and organizational skills
6. Leadership skills
7. Professional ethics, conduct, and licensing
8. Professional organizations and meetings
9. Developing career goals (including graduate school)
10. Career placement (writing resumes, job interviewing, etc.)
11. Basic Laboratory and Field Skills

• Using Topographic maps (laboratory and field)
• Understanding and Using Geologic maps (laboratory and field)
• Introduction to misc. geological maps (Isopachous, palinspastic, structural contour, etc.)
• Introduction to misc. geological diagrams (stratigraphic sections, geological cross-sections, fence diagrams, etc.) phase diagrams, rose diagrams, stereonet projections, borehole logs, etc.
• Introduction to basic geological field tools and equipment
• Introduction to basic geological laboratory safety and procedures
• Introduction to basic geological laboratory skills (thin sectioning, slab polishing, insoluable residues)

12. Analytical problem solving

3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

The course includes traditional lectures, demonstrations, classroom writing assignments, oral presentations, and class discussions. Outside class readings, writings, laboratory assignments, and field exercises supplement classroom instruction.

4. Goals and Objectives of Course

1. Students will acquire an understanding of professionalism, and will acquire and develop several essential professional skills prior to their entry into the work place.
2. Students will develop their written and oral communication skills as they relate to the professional geoscientist.
3. Students will develop methods of geo-technical literature searching.
4. Students will understand time management, goal-setting, and other essential professional skills.
5. Students will be able to see themselves as "professionals-in-the-making" so that they will set career goals early in their undergraduate experience.
6. Students will learn basic laboratory and field safety.
7. Students will learn basic geological laboratory techniques and field skills.

5. Assessment Measures

Technical papers, in-class writings, oral presentations, laboratory exercises, field performance, and a final examination will be used for assessment measures.

6. Other Course Information

GEOL 205 is a required course for the General Geology and Environmental and Engineering Geoscience Concentrations for a B.S. degree in geology.

Bibliography:

• Wilkinson, A. M., 1991, The Scientist’s Handbook for Writing papers and Dissertations, Prentice Hall, Inc.
• Sprague, J., and Stuart, D., 1984, The Speaker’s Handbook, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.

Guest Speakers:

• RU Career Services Center (career planning, resume writing, and job searching)
• RU Counseling Center (goal setting and time management)
• Department of Communications (oral presentations)
• Local professional geologist (preferably an alumnus)

7. Approval and Subsequent Reviews

Date Action Reviewed By
August 2005 Revised and updated Stephen W. Lenhart, Chair