Course Description
This course provides research experience in environmental geology, including instruction on the fundamental elements of scientific research with subsequent application to create a unique scientific research product.
Athena Title
Research Experience Envr Geo
Non-Traditional Format
This course will be taught 95% or more online.
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
- Students will explain the fundamental elements of scientific research.
- Students will analyze target geoscience written and graphical deliverables for effectiveness.
- Students will create a scientific research product.
Topical Outline
- 1. What is scientific research? Revisiting the scientific method
- 2. Common types of data deliverables for geoscientists
- 3. Experimental design - formulating a research question, hypotheses and a path forward
- 4. Understanding the state of the field: literature reviews
- 5. Data collection methods, types of data, publicly available data sources
- 6. Writing a materials and methods section for your product
- 7. Effective data analysis tools and techniques
- 8. Generating appropriate tables, figures or other graphical content
- 9. Techniques for clearly writing your results
- 10. The discussion- framing your work in the context of others
- 11. The importance of an introduction
- 12. The abstract/executive summary and conclusions
- 13. Citations and appendices/supplemental information
- 14. Research ethics and professional standards
- 15. Selecting a journal for publication and the peer-reviewed publication process
