Geology Minor Program Review
Spring 2013
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 1964. 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 1988. 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 2008. 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.
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Geology Minor Program Review
Spring 2013



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.
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Geology Minor Program Review
Spring 2013
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
3+1
Physical geology; study of Earth materials and processes and their effects on mankind.
GEOL 102/104 General Geology II & Lab
3+1
Historical geology; study of historical development of the earth and its life forms.
GEOL 301/303 Rocks and Minerals & Lab
3+1
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
3+1
Sediments and sedimentary rocks; their properties, classification, and origin.
GEOL 340/342 Field and Research Methods & Lab
3+1
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
3+1
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
3+1
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
3+1
Applications of physical and biological principles to understanding the environment and
environmental issues.
GEOL 305/307 Introduction to Weather & Lab
3
3+1
Geology Minor Program Review
Spring 2013
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
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Geology Minor Program Review
Spring 2013
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.
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Geology Minor Program Review
Spring 2013
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
Spring
Course (no. of students)
Course (no. of students)
2008 – 2009
GEOL 340 (5)
GEOL 401 (6)
2009 – 2010
GEOL 301 (13)
GEOL 331 (10)
2010 – 2011
GEOL 340 (6)
GEOL 401 (6)
2011 – 2012
GEOL 301 (6)
GEOL 331 (7)
2012 – 2013
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
Zoology
Amanda Karpa
Zoology
2011
Cassie Hodge
Biology
Leslie Griffith
Biology
2010
Lodewijk Meurs
Botany
Ryan Harrington
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 2005-2006 to 2011-2012 by any measure.
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Geology Minor Program Review
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University Comparisons
Relative to WNMU
Academic
Year
% of
Total SCH
% of All
Degrees
05-06:
11-12:
0.8%
1.3%
0%
0%
Regular Course
Characteristics
Avg
Class
Size
12.2
19.9
Credit Hour Production:
Silver City:
By Site
Deming:
Gallup:
Lordsburg:
T or C :
Face to Face:
By Mode
Web:
ITV:
As %
of All
Crs
86%
100%
2006
493
289
204
-
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
Credit Hour Production
Non
"W/WF"
WEB
Delivery
92%
92%
41%
39%
100%
0%
0%
0%
0%
59%
41%
0%
2012
885
544
341
0
Dual
Credit
Students
0%
5%
100%
0%
0%
0%
0%
61%
39%
0%
Geology Minor Program Review
Spring 2013
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.
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.
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Geology Minor Program Review
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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
General Geology II General Geology I
General Geology II
GEOL 101/103
GEOL 102/104
GEOL 101/103
GEOL 102/104
(Face to face)
(Face to face)
(Face to face)
General Geology II General Geology I
General Geology II General Geology I
GEOL 102/104
GEOL 101/104
GEOL 102/104
GEOL 101/104
(Online)
(Online)
(Online)
(Online summer)
Environmental
Science
GEOL 201 (Online)
Rocks and Minerals Sedimentology
Field and Research Hydrogeology
GEOL 301/303
GEOL 331/333
Methods
GEOL 401/402
GEOL 340/342
Methods of
Geology of New
Teaching Science
Mexico
GEOL 450/550
GEOL 315
(On-line)
Introduction to
Weather
GEOL 305/307
(On-line)
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
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Geology Minor Program Review
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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 6th 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. 185.
Dowse, M. E. and Metcalf, M., 2008, Geology of Art: Positive Energy of New Mexico:
International Geological Congress, Abstracts 33 (2008) Abstract 1284927
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 (2008 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
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Geology Minor Program Review
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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
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Geology Minor Program Review
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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.
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Geology Minor Program Review
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Implementation of an assessment plan for the program.
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