Earth Systems Science Area (MSUTeach Track) – Bachelor of Science
A description of MSUTeach and specific coursework for the MSUTeach ESS Track can be found in the
MSUTeach Program section of the College of Science.
Program Competencies
The student will be able to:
- Identify Earth materials (minerals, rocks, fossils, sediments, soils, etc.).
- Articulate the physical processes that shape Earth's surface and interior.
- Apply knowledge of modern geologic processes to interpret the geologic record.
- Recognize existing or potential geologic hazards.
- Describe the details of the inter-relationships between components (atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, biosphere) of the Earth System.
- Develop learning techniques to adapt to new vocational and educational situations, i.e. be able to self-educate in new applied areas and keep up with progress in the field.
- Develop enough self-confidence, personal independence and understanding of scientific methods to carry out a technical project on one's own with only consultant-style help.
- Read technical literature with good comprehension.
- Write technical reports in a clear and logical way.
- Present oral reports on technical material in a clear and logical way.
- Be able to retrieve any needed information from scientific literature.
- Analyze laboratory data for its correctness and locate probable sources of error, including an understanding of standard statistical tests and the concepts of error and uncertainty, and an understanding of the advantages and limitations of current instrumental and other laboratory techniques.
Assessment
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Graduating seniors will be given discipline-specific exit exam(s).
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Alumni will be surveyed regarding employment, acceptance to graduate school, or for other employment outcomes.
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Student results in the capstone (either ESS 499C or Field Camp) will be tracked to verify that integration of discipline skills is attained.
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Individual measures from classes will be recorded and tracked via WEAVE.
Program Requirements
General Education
| MATH 152 | College Algebra | 3 |
| ESS 108 | Physical Geology (NSC2) | 4 |
| ESS 499C | Earth System Science Senior Thesis | 3 |
| | or | |
| | Geology Field Camp | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 37 |
Geology Field Camp: Students who intend to pursue a graduate degree should take a geology field camp instead of the capstone. A geology field camp may be substituted for the capstone requirements and must be taken off-campus at an accredited university. If a geology field camp is taken as an elective course, additional courses must be taken to satisfy the general education capstone requirement, as it cannot be counted in both sections.
Refer to the
General Education section for a complete listing of general education requirements for the University.
Area Requirements
Core Requirements
*ESS 108 is counted in general education.
MSUTeach Track
| ASTR 125 | Astronomical and Physics Methods to Explore the Universe | 3 |
| ASTR 130 | Stars, Galaxies and Cosmology | 3 |
| ESS 303 | Planetary Geology | 3 |
| ESS 340 | Oceans and Atmospheres | 3 |
| ESS 376 | Environmental Geology | 3 |
| UTCH 100 | Step 1: Inquiry Approaches to Teaching | 1 |
| UTCH 150 | Step 2: Inquiry-Based Lesson Design | 1 |
| UTCH 200 | Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science | 3 |
| UTCH 250 | Perspectives on Science and Mathematics | 3 |
| UTCH 300 | Classroom Interactions | 3 |
| UTCH 350 | Project-Based Instruction | 3 |
| UTCH 400 | Research Methods | 3 |
| UTCH 450 | Apprentice Teaching | 12 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 44 |
Total Credit Hours: 121