BT Geoscience: Earth Science Teaching (ESCT) Program Content
WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY
REQUIRED CHECKLIST FOR ALL CURRICULAR PROPOSALS
Course or Program____Earth Science Teaching (ESCT)_____
This checklist enables A2C2 representatives to endorse that their departments have accurately followed the Process for
Accomplishing Curricular Change. For each course or program proposal submitted to A2C2, this checklist must be completed, signed
by the submitting department's A2C2 representative, and included with the proposal when forwarded for approval. Peer review of
proposals is also strongly advised, e.g., departments should discuss and vote on the proposals as submitted to A2C2, rather than on just
the ideas proposed or drafts of proposals.
If a proposal fails to follow or complete any aspect of the process, the Course and Program Proposal Subcommittee will postpone
consideration of the proposal and return it to the department's A2C2 representative for completion and resubmission. Resubmitted
proposals have the same status as newly submitted proposals.
Note: This form need not be completed for notifications.
1.
The appropriate forms and the “Approval Form" have been completed in full for this proposal. All necessary or relevant
descriptions, rationales, and notifications have been provided.
___XX_____ Completed
2a. The “Financial and Staffing Data Sheet" has been completed and is enclosed in this proposal, if applicable.
___XX_____ Completed ________ NA
2b. For departments that have claimed that “existing staff" would be teaching the course proposed, an explanation has been
enclosed in this proposal as to how existing staff will do this, e.g., what enrollment limits can be accommodated by
existing staff. If no such explanation is enclosed, the department's representative is prepared to address A2C2's questions
on this matter.
___XX_____ Completed
________ NA
3.
Arrangements have been made so that a department representative knowledgeable of this proposal will be attending both
the Course and Program Proposal Subcommittee meeting and the full A2C2 meeting at which this proposal is considered.
____XX____ Completed
Name and office phone number of proposal's representative: __Jennifer L. B. Anderson, x2457_____
4.
Reasonable attempts have been made to notify and reach agreements with all university units affected by this proposal.
Units still opposing a proposal must submit their objections in writing before or during the Course and Program Proposal
Subcommittee meeting at which this proposal is considered.
___XX_____ Completed ________ NA
5.
The course name and number is listed for each prerequisite involved in this proposal.
___XX_____ Completed ________NA
6.
In this proposal for a new or revised program (major, minor, concentration, etc.), the list of prerequisites provided includes
all the prerequisites of any proposed prerequisites. All such prerequisites of prerequisites are included in the total credit
hour calculations. __XX______ Completed
________ NA
7.
In this proposal for a new or revised program, the following information for each required or elective course is provided:
a.
The course name and number.
b.
A brief course description.
c.
A brief statement explaining why the program should include the course.
___XX_____ Completed
________ NA
8.
This course or program revision proposal:
a.
Clearly identifies each proposed change.
b.
Displays the current requirements next to the proposed new requirements, for clear, easy comparison.
___XX_____ Completed
________ NA
9.
This course proposal provides publication dates for all works listed as course textbooks or references using a standard form
of citation. Accessibility of the cited publications for use in this proposed course has been confirmed.
________ Completed
___XX_____ NA
__________________________________________________
Department's A2C2 Representative or Alternate
______________________
Date
[ Revised 9-05]
BT Geoscience: Earth Science Teaching (ESCT) Program Content
[Revised 9-05]
WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY
NEW AND REVISED COURSE AND PROGRAM APPROVAL FORM
Routing form for new and revised courses and programs.
Course or Program____ Earth Science Teaching (ESCT)_______
Department Recommendation
_________________________________
Department Chair
________________
Date
Dean’s Recommendation _____ Approved
_________________________________
Dean of College
A2C2 Recommendation
_____ Disapproved
________________
Date
_____ Approved
_____ Disapproved
_________________________________
Chair of A2C2
________________
Date
Graduate Council Recommendation
(if applicable)
_____ Approved
_________________________________
Chair of Graduate Council
________________
Date
_________________________________
Director of Graduate Studies
________________
Date
Faculty Senate Recommendation
_____ Approved
_________________________________
President of Faculty Senate
_____ Disapproved
_____ Disapproved
________________
Date
Academic Vice President Recommendation _____ Approved
________________________________
Academic Vice President
Decision of President
_____ Approved
_________________________________
President
____________________________________________
e-mail address
_____ Disapproved
________________
Date
_____ Disapproved
________________
Date
Please forward to Registrar.
Registrar
_________________
Date entered
Please notify department chair via e-mail that curricular change has been recorded.
[Revised 7-5-07]
BT Geoscience: Earth Science Teaching (ESCT) Program Content
WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY
PROPOSAL FOR REVISED PROGRAMS AND NEW PROGRAMS
Use this form to submit proposals for revised majors, minors, concentrations, options, etc.
Note: A department, with its dean’s approval, may change up to two courses per year within an existing major, minor, concentration,
option, etc., per year without seeking review of A2C2 and/or graduate Council, provided that (1) the total credits do not increase or
decrease for the major, minor, concentration, option, etc., and (2) the change does not affect other departments or the University
Studies Program. A2C2 and/or Graduate Council do, however, wish to be informed of these changes. Use form Notifications.
If a department wishes to make more extensive revisions to an existing major, minor, concentration, option, etc., complete and submit
this form with the appropriate number of copies. Refer to Regulation 3-4, Policy for Changing the Curriculum, for complete
information on submitting proposals for curricular changes.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Department:
_____Geoscience_________________
Title of Program: _____Earth Science Teaching________________
Revised:
__XX__ Major
______ Minor
______ Concentration
______ Option
______ Other
List all Major/Minor Codes that Apply: ____ESCT and PESC ___________
New:
______ Major
______ Minor
______ Concentration
______ Option
______ Other
List all Major/Minor Codes that Apply: _________________________________________________
Total credit hours: ___120 – 130__
Proposed Implementation Date:
Classroom Hours _109 – 119 _______
Lab Hours _11_______
___Fall 2011 (20113)_______
Please attach to this proposal a narrative with the following information:
A. Statement of major focus and objectives of the revised program.
B. New Catalog Content
1.
2.
Provide a list of program content as it would appear in the catalog including required courses, electives, etc., by number
and name. Include the number and name for each prerequisite, and all prerequisites of proposed prerequisites. All such
prerequisites, and prerequisites of prerequisites, should be included in the total credit hour calculations for the revised
program.
New catalog narrative, if any.
C. Description of Revisions, to include
1.
2.
3.
A display of current program requirements next to proposed new requirements for clear, easy comparison.
A clear identification of each proposed change.
The following information for each required or elective course:
a. Course number and name,
b. A brief course description, and
c. A brief statement explaining why the program should include the course.
Attach a Financial and Staffing Data Sheet.
Attach an Approval Form.
Also fill out the MNSCU New Program Application or the Program Redesign Application, whichever applies and submit directly to
the VPAA.
Department Contact Person for this Proposal:
____Jennifer L. B. Anderson_______________
Name (please print)
______x2457_____
Phone
______JLAnderson@winona.edu______
e-mail address
[Revised 7-05-07]b
BT Geoscience: Earth Science Teaching (ESCT) Program Content
WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY
FINANCIAL AND STAFFING DATA SHEET
Course or Program_____Earth Science Teaching (ESCT)_______
Include a Financial and Staffing Data Sheet with any proposal for a new course, new program, or revised program.
Please answer the following questions completely. Provide supporting data.
1.
Would this course or program be taught with existing staff or with new or additional staff? If this course would be taught by
adjunct faculty, include a rationale.
This program will be taught with existing staff. Most of the changes to the program involve removing the requirement for
our Earth Science Teaching majors to take four large intro-level courses. These four courses have been replaced with one
smaller intro course (Earth & Space Systems) designed specifically for these students, which is already on the books and
currently being taught. Since there are only a few Earth Science Teaching majors in these mega-section introductory
classes, it does not affect the staffing. The other major change is to require that our Earth Science Teaching majors take
additional upper-level courses, which are already being taught and whose sizes will not be heavily influenced by a few
additional students each semester.
2.
What impact would approval of this course/program have on current course offerings? Please discuss number of sections of
current offerings, dropping of courses, etc.
Each year, there are approximately 4-7 new Earth Science Teaching majors in our program. The removal of these
students from our large-scale introductory courses (which seat 70-180) will not be noticeable and the addition of these
students to a few additional upper-level courses will also be easily accommodated.
3.
What effect would approval of this course/program have on the department supplies? Include data to support expenditures for
staffing, equipment, supplies, instructional resources, etc.
As described above, because of the small number of majors who will be moving from the large intro-level courses to
smaller upper-level courses, we expect the effect on department supplies, staffing, etc to be very small. All the courses are
already being offered regularly with existing faculty.
BT Geoscience: Earth Science Teaching (ESCT) Program Content
A.
The major focus of the revised Earth Science Teaching program is to provide preservice teachers with an
opportunity to develop a sophisticated knowledge of Earth and Space Sciences, pedagogical content knowledge, and
successful science teaching strategies. The revised program has been more fully aligned with the various revised
Minnesota State Board of Teaching Science Teaching Standards and has been as streamlined as much as possible
while still maintaining the high quality of graduating Earth Science Teaching majors. The objectives of this
program are (1) to produce graduates who are well equipped in Earth and Space Science content knowledge and
skills, and (2) to produce graduates who are highly qualified Earth and Space Science teachers.
Geoscience Department Student Learning Outcomes:
Graduates of the WSU Geoscience Department will be able to:*
1. Nurture their own scientific curiosity in order to formulate scientific questions, identify multiple working
hypotheses, and select appropriate methods to address a geologic problem in a novel situation.
2. Observe, collect, describe, and map geologic data.
3. Visualize spatial and temporal relationships between geologic data.
4. Connect various sub-disciplines of geologic knowledge and integrate knowledge from other sciences to
interpret geologic data.
5. Relate science to political, social, cultural contexts.
6. Communicate their findings effectively in both oral and written venues to scientific and non-scientific
audiences.
7. Critically evaluate data, interpretations, and conclusions in their own work and the work of others.
* Note: The order in which these objectives are listed does not imply any priority; all were deemed equally
important to the group.
B.1. & B.2.
B.T. Major – Earth Science (Teaching) (ESCT, PESC)
120 – 130 S.H.
Note: The Geoscience Department, in cooperation with other science departments and the College of Education,
has developed a Minnesota Board of Teaching (BOT)-approved program which meets the BOT licensure
requirements in place at the time the catalog went to press. Students should be aware that the program described
below may change significantly in the near future, as the BOT considers changes to the Science Licensure
programs; therefore, students should work closely with their academic advisor to ensure that they will be able to
graduate with a BOT-approved degree. Completion of the program outlined below will enable the student to apply
for a license to teach grades 9-12 Earth & Space Science Specialty and grades 5-8 General Science Specialty.
UNIVERSITY STUDIES (USP) (19 S.H.)
Basic Skills (7 S.H.)
ENG
111
College Reading and Writing (4)
CMST
191
Introduction to Public Speaking (3)
Physical Education (0) (filled by HERS 204)
Math (0) (filled by major requirements)
Arts and Sciences Core (9 S.H)
Humanities (6)
Social Sciences (0) (filled by SPED 400 and EFRT 305)
Natural Science (0) (filled by major requirements)
Fine and Performing Arts (3)
Unity and Diversity (3 S.H.)
Critical Analysis (0) (filled by GEOS 309)
Science and Social Policy (0) (filled by GEOS 325)
Multicultural or Global Perspectives (0) (filled by EFRT 308)
Contemporary Citizenship or Democratic Institutions (3)
BT Geoscience: Earth Science Teaching (ESCT) Program Content
Flag requirements (0 S.H.)
Writing Flag (0) (filled by EFRT 449 and EFRT 459)
Oral Flag (0) (filled by EDST 465)
Mathematics/Statistics or Critical Analysis Flag (0) (filled by EFRT 312)
GEOSCIENCE REQUIREMENTS – GEOS (29 – 30 S.H.)
215 Earth & Space Systems (4)
235 Earth & Life Through Time (4)
300 Earth Talks Speaker Series (0)
W 301 Field and Analytical Methods (4)
305 Minerals and Rocks (4)
309 Watershed Science (4)
O 316 GIS and Imaging Techniques (3)
325 Environmental Geoscience (3)
475 Geoscience Seminar (1)
499 Directed Research- Geoscience (2-3)
GEOSCIENCE ELECTIVES – GEOS (4 – 7 S.H.)
Choose electives from the Geoscience Focus Areas (Rocks & Tectonics, Surface Processes, Broader Perspectives):
ROCKS & TECTONICS
Geoscience -- GEOS
360 Structural Geology (4)
W 365 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (4)
O 435 Optical Mineralogy and Petrology (4)
442 Geophysics (4)
SURFACE PROCESSES
Geoscience -- GEOS
W 375 Planetary Geology (4)
Q 415 Advanced Geomorphology (4)
Q 420 Applied Hydrogeology (4)
445 Geochemistry (4)
BROADER PERSPECTIVES
Geoscience -- GEOS
335 Global Climate Change (3)
385 Geology of North America (3)
405 Current Topics in Geoscience (1 – 4)
450 Travel Study in Costa Rica (3)
OTHER REQUIRED COURSES (36 – 38 S.H.)
Biology – BIOL (8 S.H.)
241 Basics of Life (4)
242 Organismal Diversity (4)
Chemistry – CHEM (12 S.H.)
212, 213 Principles of Chemistry I, II (8)
311 Science Teaching Methods (4)
Mathematics and Statistics – MATH (6-8 S.H.)
120 Pre-calculus (4) AND MATH 160 Calculus I (4); OR
150 Modeling Using Pre-calculus and Statistics (3) AND MATH 155 Modeling Using Calculus (3); OR
160 Calculus I (4) AND MATH 165 Calculus II (4)
Physics – PHYS (4 S.H.)
115 Conceptual Physics (4)
BT Geoscience: Earth Science Teaching (ESCT) Program Content
Health, Exercise and Rehabilitative Sciences - HERS (3 S.H.)
204 Personal and Community Health (3)
Special Education - SPED (3 S.H.)
400 Education of Exceptional Children/Youth (3)
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION SEQUENCE (32 – 36 S.H.)
Notes:
1. Students must be admitted to the teacher education program before they can enroll in Professional Education
Sequence courses. See your academic advisor or the Department of Education Admissions Coordinator for
more information.
2. Teaching majors must take all courses in the Professional Education Sequence in addition to courses in the
content area listed above. Refer to these requirements in the Teacher Education Programs section of this
catalog.
Education – EDUC (4 S.H.)
429 Secondary Reading and Teaching Strategies (4)
Education Foundations, Research and Technology – EFRT (16 S. H.)
305 Human Development and Learning: Secondary (4)
308 Human Relations and Student Diversity (3)
Q 312 Instructional Planning and Assessment: Secondary (3)
W 449 Middle Level Philosophy, Organization, and Planning (3)
W 459 Professional Educator (3)
Education: Student Teaching - EDST (12-16 S.H.)
O 465 Student Teaching (12-16)
Note: EFRT 305 and 312 must be taken together in the same semester; they are not offered in the summer term.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the above course requirements, all students must demonstrate that they have:
1. Judged a local, regional, or state science fair, or mentored K-12 students on their science fair projects,
2. Hosted a geosciences visit by a K-4 class,
3. Hosted a geosciences visit by a 5-12 class, and
4. Worked as a departmental teaching assistant or peer tutor in geoscience.
BT Geoscience: Earth Science Teaching (ESCT) Program Content
Geoscience Requirements (29-30 S.H.)
GEOS 215 (4) Earth & Space Systems
GEOS 235 (4) Earth & Life Through Time
GEOS 300 (0) Earth Talks Speaker Series
GEOS 301 (4) Field and Analytical Methods
(W)
Prerequisites
None
GEOS 120 or GEOS 215
or GEOS 199 & one of the following:
GEOS (100, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106,
107, 108, 110, 111, 115, 116, or 121)
or Instr. Perm.
None
GEOS 130 or 235 or Instr. Perm.
And ENG 111
GEOS 305 (4) Minerals and Rocks
GEOS 130 or 235 or Instr. Perm.
and CHEM 212
GEOS 309 (4) Watershed Science
GEOS 130 or 235 or Instr. Perm.
GEOS 316 (3) GIS and Imaging
Techniques(O)
GEOS 130 or 235 or Instr. Perm.
GEOS 325 (3) Environmental Geoscience
and CMST 191
Any Univ. Stud. Natural Sci. Lab or
Instr. Perm.
Prerequisites of Prerequisites
None
None
GEOS 120 or GEOS 215
or GEOS 199 & one of the following:
GEOS (100, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106,
107, 108, 110, 111, 115, 116, or 121)
or Instr. Perm.
Qualifying ACT English sub-score,
minimum on English placement exam,
or successful completion of ENG 099
GEOS 120 or GEOS 215
or GEOS 199 & one of the following:
GEOS (100, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106,
107, 108, 110, 111, 115, 116, or 121)
or Instr. Perm.
High school intermediate algebra,
concurrent enrollment in MATH 120, or
a higher-numbered mathematics course
GEOS 120 or GEOS 215
or GEOS 199 & one of the following:
GEOS (100, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106,
107, 108, 110, 111, 115, 116, or 121)
or Instr. Perm.
GEOS 120 or GEOS 215
or GEOS 199 & one of the following:
GEOS (100, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106,
107, 108, 110, 111, 115, 116, or 121)
or Instr. Perm.
None
Prerequisites of Prerequisites
BT Geoscience: Earth Science Teaching (ESCT) Program Content
GEOS 475 (1) Geoscience Seminar
GEOS 499 (2-3) Directed ResearchGeoscience
Geoscience Electives (4-7 S.H.):
Select from the following
GEOS 335 (3) Global Climate Change
GEOS 360 (4) Structural Geology
Senior standing in department or Instr.
Perm.
Dept. Chairperson’s Perm.
Prerequisites
130 or 235 or Instr. Perm.
GEOS 220 or 305
Prerequisites of Prerequisites
GEOS 120 or GEOS 215
or GEOS 199 and 1 of the following:
GEOS (100, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106,
107, 108, 110, 111, 115, 116, or 121)
or Instr. Perm.
GEOS 130 or 235
Prerequisites of Prerequisites
GEOS 120 or GEOS 215
or GEOS 199 & one of the following:
GEOS (100, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106,
107, 108, 110, 111, 115, 116, or 121)
or Instr. Perm.
GEOS 365 (4) Sedimentology and
Stratigraphy (W)
GEOS 130 or 235 or Instr. Perm.
And ENG 111
GEOS 375 (4) Planetary Geology (W)
GEOS 130 or 235 or Instr. Perm.
GEOS 385 (3) Geology of North America
GEOS 220 or 305
or Instr. Perm.
GEOS 120 or GEOS 215
or GEOS 199 & one of the following:
GEOS (100, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106,
107, 108, 110, 111, 115, 116, or 121)
or Instr. Perm.
Qualifying ACT English sub-score,
minimum on English placement exam,
or successful completion of ENG 099
GEOS 120 or GEOS 215
or GEOS 199 and 1 of the following:
GEOS (100, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106,
107, 108, 110, 111, 115, 116, or 121)
or Instr. Perm.
GEOS 130 or 235 or Instr. Perm.
and CHEM 212
GEOS 120 or GEOS 215
or GEOS 199 and 1 of the following:
GEOS (100, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106,
107, 108, 110, 111, 115, 116, or 121)
or Instr. Perm.
High school intermediate algebra,
concurrent enrollment in MATH 120, or
a higher-numbered mathematics course
BT Geoscience: Earth Science Teaching (ESCT) Program Content
GEOS 405 (1-4) Current Topics in
Geoscience
GEOS 415 (4) Advanced Geomorphology
(Q)
None
GEOS 420 (4) Applied Hydrogeology (Q)
240 or 309
and
GEOS 435 (4) Optical Mineralogy and
Petrology (O)
GEOS 445 (4) Geochemistry
GEOS 130 or 235 or Instr. Perm.
GEOS 120 or GEOS 215
or GEOS 199 and 1 of the following:
GEOS (100, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106,
107, 108, 110, 111, 115, 116, or 121)
or Instr. Perm.
Qualifying score on mathematics
placement exam or MATH 115
MATH 155
MATH 150
or MATH 160
Qualifying score on mathematics
placement exam or MATH 120
GEOS 130 or 235.
GEOS 120 or GEOS 215
or GEOS 199 & one of the following:
GEOS (100, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106,
107, 108, 110, 111, 115, 116, or 121)
or Instr. Perm.
or GEOS 199 & one of the following:
GEOS (100, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106,
107, 108, 110, 111, 115, 116, or 121)
or Instr. Perm.
GEOS 220 or 305
PHYS 201
or PHYS 222
or permission of instructor
GEOS 130 or 235 or Instr. Perm.
and CHEM 212
GEOS 450 (3) Travel Study in Costa Rica
GEOS 120 or GEOS 215
or GEOS 199 and 1 of the following:
GEOS (100, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106,
107, 108, 110, 111, 115, 116, or 121)
or Instr. Perm.
GEOS 130 or 235 or Instr. Perm.
or Instr. Perm
GEOS 120 or GEOS 215
or GEOS 199 and 1 of the following:
GEOS (100, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106,
107, 108, 110, 111, 115, 116, or 121)
or Instr. Perm.
High school intermediate algebra,
concurrent enrollment in MATH 120, or
a higher-numbered mathematics course
Instr. Perm. and
Concurrent with MKTG 450 and
Instr. Perm.
Concurrent with RTTR 450
Instr. Perm. & co-enroll w/GEOS 450
BT Geoscience: Earth Science Teaching (ESCT) Program Content
Other Required Courses (36 – 38 S.H.)
BIOL 241 (4) Basics of Life
BIOL 242 (4) Organismal Diversity
CHEM 212 (4) Principles of Chemistry I
CHEM 213 (4) Principles of Chemistry II
CHEM 311 (4) Science Teaching Methods
MATH 120 (4) Precalculus
and 160 (4) Calculus I
or MATH 150 (3) Modeling Using Precalculus
and Statistics
and 155 (3) Modeling Using Calculus
or MATH 160 (4) Calculus I
and 165 (4) Calculus II
PHYS 115 (4) Conceptual Physics
HERS 204 (3) Personal and Community Health
SPED 400 (3) Education of Exceptional
Children/Youth
Prerequisites
None
None
High school intermediate algebra,
concurrent enrollment in MATH 120, or
a higher-numbered mathematics course
CHEM 212
Admission to the Teacher Education
Program, GPA of 2.75 or higher, and
Instructor’s Permission.
placement exam or MATH 115
placement exam or MATH 120
placement exam or MATH 115
Prerequisites of Prerequisites
Prerequisites of Prerequisites
High school intermediate algebra,
concurrent enrollment in MATH 120, or
a higher-numbered mathematics course
placement exam or MATH 050
placement exam or MATH 115
placement exam or MATH 050
MATH 150.
placement exam or MATH 115
MATH 160
None.
None.
None.
placement exam or MATH 115
placement exam or MATH 050
placement exam or MATH 115
placement exam or MATH 050
Prerequisites
Prerequisites of Prerequisites
Prerequisites of Prerequisites
EDUC 429 (4) Secondary Reading and
Teaching Strategies
EFRT 305 (4) Human Development and
Learning: Secondary
EFRT 308 (3) Human Relations and Student
Diversity
EFRT 312 (3) Instructional Planning and
Assessment
EFRT 449 (3) Middle Level Philosophy,
Organization, and Planning
EFRT 459 (3) Professional Educator
EFRT 305 and EFRT 312
Admission to the Teacher Education
Program
EDST 465 (12-16) Student Teaching
All professional courses required for the
major.
Professional Education Sequence (36 S.H.)
Admission to the Teacher Education
Program
Admission to the Teacher Education
Program
Taken concurrently with EFRT 305
EFRT 305 and EFRT 312
EFRT 305 and EFRT 312
placement exam or MATH 050
Admission to the Teacher Education
Program
Admission to the Teacher Education
Program
Admission to the Teacher Education
Program
Note: Of the 46 credits required by the University Studies program, 27 are covered by the above coursework and an additional 19 credits are required for graduation.
BT Geoscience: Earth Science Teaching (ESCT) Program Content
C1, C2, & C3c
The primary justification for all of the following changes lies within ensuring that our Earth Science Teaching majors receive the Board of Teaching
required Earth & Space Science content. All of the required courses below fulfill specific content standards from the Minnesota Board of Teaching
for licensure in 9-12 Earth & Space Science and 5-8 General Science.
Current program
Geoscience required courses
GEOS 105: Astronomy w/ lab
Proposed program
Geoscience Requirements
GEOS 215 (4) Earth & Space Systems
GEOS 110: Oceanography w/Lab
GEOS 115: Meteorology w/Lab
GEOS 120: Dynamic Earth
GEOS 235: Earth & Life Through Time
GEOS 235 (4) Earth & Life Through Time
GEOS 300 (0) Earth Talks Speaker Series
GEOS 301: Field & Analytical Methods I
GEOS 301 (4) Field and Analytical Methods
GEOS 305: Minerals & Rocks
GEOS 305 (4) Minerals and Rocks
GEOS 309 (4) Watershed Science
GEOS 316 (3) GIS and Imaging Techniques
GEOS 325: Environmental Geoscience
GEOS 325 (3) Environmental Geoscience
GEOS 365: Sedimentology & Stratigraphy
OR
GEOS 415: Advanced Geomorphology
Through this revision we are streamlining the ESCT major and so have
condensed the content from these four, intro-level, mega-section format
lab courses into one inquiry-based, smaller course which covers the
required Board of Teaching Earth & Space Content for licensure in 9-12
Earth & Space Teaching and 5-8 General Science Teaching and allows
for students to experience a more effective science education pedagogy.
This also allows our ESCT majors to delve into more upper-level
Geoscience courses thus broadening their content knowledge.
Remains a required Geoscience course
Added to the curriculum:
We are formalizing our attendance requirement for the weekly speaker
series. We see this as an excellent opportunity for student growth and
professional development, but recognize the need to help the students
recognize this by requiring attendance.
Remains a required Geoscience course. Course is now a 4-credit course
whereas it was a 2-credit course prior to revisions
Remains a required Geoscience course
Added to required Geoscience courses to give students more breadth in
the field.
Added to required Geoscience courses to give students more breadth in
the field. In addition, fulfills new BOT Technology standards.
Remains a required Geoscience course.
Moved to electives pool
GEOS 475 (1) Geoscience Seminar
GEOS 499: Directed Research –
Geoscience
Description of change & justification
GEOS 499: Directed Research - Geoscience
Added to required Geoscience courses to give students opportunities to
learn about professional development within the Geosciences.
Remains a required Geoscience course.
BT Geoscience: Earth Science Teaching (ESCT) Program Content
Current program
Geoscience elective courses
None.
Current program
Other Required Courses
BIOL 241: Basics of Life
BIOL 242: Organismal Diversity
CHEM 212: Principles of Chemistry I
CHEM 213: Principles of Chemistry II
PHYS 311: Science Teaching Methods
MATH 120: Precalculus
and 160: Calculus I
MATH 150: Modeling Using
Precalculus and Statistics
and 155: Modeling Using Calculus
PHYS 201: General Physics I
and PHYS 202: General Physics II
HERS 204: Personal and Community
Health
Proposed program
Geoscience electives (4-7 S.H)
GEOS 335 (3) Global Climate Change
GEOS 360 (4) Structural Geology
GEOS 365 (4) Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
GEOS 375 (4) Planetary Geology (W)
GEOS 385 (3) Geology of North America
GEOS 405 (1-4) Current Topics in Geoscience
GEOS 415 (4) Advanced Geomorphology (Q)
GEOS 420 (4) Applied Hydrogeology (Q)
GEOS 435 (4) Optical Mineralogy and Petrology
GEOS 442 (4) Geophysics
GEOS 445 (4) Geochemistry
GEOS 450 (3) Travel Study in Costa Rica
Proposed program
Other Required Courses (36-38 S.H.)
BIOL 241 (4) Basics of Life
BIOL 242 (4) Organismal Diversity
CHEM 212 (4) Principles of Chemistry I
CHEM 213 (4) Principles of Chemistry II
CHEM 311 (4) Science Teaching Methods
MATH 120 (4) Precalculus
and 160 (4) Calculus I
or MATH 150 (3) Modeling Using Precalculus
and Statistics
and 155 (3) Modeling Using Calculus
or MATH 160 (4) Calculus I
and 165 (4) Calculus II
PHYS 115 (4) Conceptual Physics
HERS 204 (3) Personal and Community Health
Description of change & justification
In the current program, ESCT majors took two specified upper-level
courses. In the proposed program, ESCT majors can select from all
of our upper level courses as dictated by their individual interests.
All MN BOT content standards are covered by the above Required
Geoscience courses.
Now a Geoscience elective for ESCT majors.
Now a Geoscience elective for ESCT majors.
Previously required, now a Geoscience elective.
Now a Geoscience elective for ESCT majors.
Now a Geoscience elective for ESCT majors.
Now a Geoscience elective for ESCT majors.
Previously required, now a Geoscience elective.
Now a Geoscience elective for ESCT majors.
Now a Geoscience elective for ESCT majors.
Now a Geoscience elective for ESCT majors.
Now a Geoscience elective for ESCT majors.
Now a Geoscience elective for ESCT majors.
Description of change & justification
These courses are required as part of the Education Program or in
order to fulfill the requirements for the 5-8 General Science
Licensure
No Change.
No Change.
No Change.
No Change.
Course used to be housed in the Physics Department, is now housed in
Chemistry.
No Change.
No Change.
This option made available if the students are interested.
Change made to streamline the ESCT major and align it with the
requirements for the 5-8 General Science minor and requirements for
licensure.
No Change.
BT Geoscience: Earth Science Teaching (ESCT) Program Content
SPED 400: Education of Exceptional
Children/Youth
SPED 400 (3) Education of Exceptional
Children/Youth
No Change.
Current program
Professional Education Sequence
EDUC 429 (4) Secondary Reading and
Teaching Strategies
EFRT 305 (4) Human Development and
Learning: Secondary
EFRT 308 (3) Human Relations and
Student Diversity
EFRT 312 (3) Instructional Planning and
Assessment
EFRT 449 (3) Middle Level Philosophy,
Organization, and Planning
EFRT 459 (3) Professional Educator
EDST 465 (12) Student Teaching
Proposed program
Professional Education Sequence (32-36 S.H.)
EDUC 429 (4) Secondary Reading and Teaching
Strategies
EFRT 305 (4) Human Development and Learning:
Secondary
EFRT 308 (3) Human Relations and Student
Diversity
EFRT 312 (3) Instructional Planning and
Assessment
EFRT 449 (3) Middle Level Philosophy,
Organization, and Planning
EFRT 459 (3) Professional Educator
EDST 465 (12-16) Student Teaching
Description of change & justification
No Change.
No Change.
No Change.
No Change.
No Change.
No Change.
Additional credits for students who wish to be licensed in Wisconsin.
BT Geoscience: Earth Science Teaching (ESCT) Program Content
C3a & C3b
GEOSCIENCE REQUIRED (GEOS)
215 – Earth and Space Systems (4 S.H.)
An introduction to the Earth System and its place in our Universe designed specifically for 5-12 science education majors.
Inquiry-based exploration of the processes and relations between the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere,
including internal and external energy inputs. Comparison of Earth to other planets in our solar system. Investigation of the
various ways that humans interact with these Earth systems. Focus on development of pre-service student pedagogical content
knowledge and connections to state and national science education standards as relates to teaching Earth and space science in
grades 5-12. Field trips required. Lecture and laboratory combined. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Offered yearly.
235 – Earth and Life through Time (4 S.H.)
Traces the physical, chemical, and biological evolution of the Earth from the origin of the solar system to the present including
origin and evolution of Earth’s crust, interior, hydrosphere, and atmosphere; plate tectonics and mountain building; absolute
age dating; paleomagnetism. Focuses on the assembly and evolution of North America as a model for global processes. Lecture
and laboratory. Weekend field trip required. Prerequisite: GEOS 120, GEOS 215, or GEOS 199 and a 100 to150-level GEOS
course, or instructor’s permission. Offered spring semester.
300 – Earth Talks Speaker Series (0 S.H.)
The course entails student attendance to the Earth Talks Speaking Series hosted each semester by the Geoscience Department.
The series serves as a forum through which experts from academia, government, and the private sector, as well as WSU
students and faculty, share their experiences and research results with the WSU Geoscience community. The series also
provides a venue for discussions of professional, educational, and employment issues related to Geology, Natural Resources,
Earth Science teaching, and other related disciplines. Repeatable: Grade of “P” in six enrollments normally required of
Geoscience and Earth Science (Teaching) majors; four enrollments normally required of Geoscience minors. Offered each
semester
301 – Field and Analytical Methods (4 S.H.)
An introduction to basic geologic field techniques. Covered topics/techniques will include: field notes, rock descriptions and
field sketches, use of a Brunton compass, pace and compass mapping, measurement and description of stratigraphic sections,
surveying methods, mapping techniques and cross-section construction, GIS and remote sensing, and soil sampling and
analysis. Prerequisite: ENG 111 and GEOS 130 or GEOS 235, or instructor’s permission. Field trips required. Offered
yearly, fall semester.
305 – Minerals and Rocks (4 S.H.)
Introduction to minerals as naturally occurring inorganic chemical compounds. Physical and chemical properties of minerals,
classification and description of minerals, with emphasis on rock-forming minerals. Classification, description, and
interpretation of major rock groups. Lecture and laboratory combined in studio format. Prerequisite: CHEM 212, and GEOS
130 or GEOS 235, or instructor’s permission. Field trips required. Offered fall semester.
309 – Watershed Science (4 S.H.)
Examination of the hydrologic cycle and surface-water and ground-water relationships. Study of interrelationship of water and
Earth materials, including ground-water occurrence, movement and determination of aquifer characteristics. Lecture and
laboratory. Prerequisite: GEOS 130 or GEOS 235, or instructor’s permission. Field trips required. Offered yearly, usually fall
semester.
316 – GIS and Imaging Techniques (3 S.H.)
Techniques of using aerial photographs, remote sensing, and GIS for geological applications. Prerequisites: GEOS 130 or
GEOS 235 and CMST 191. Offered yearly, usually in the spring semester.
325 – Environmental Geoscience (3 S.H.)
Study of the environmental implications of human interactions with natural geological systems. An emphasis is placed on
understanding environmental science concepts and how scientific findings ultimately shape public policy and political
decisions. Topics typically include climate change, water resources, alternative energy resources, soils and weathering, and
coastal processes. Course is taught from an Earth systems perspective. Discussion oriented lecture format. Lecture only.
Prerequisite: Any University Studies Natural Science laboratory course or instructor’s permission. Offered alternate years,
usually spring semester.
BT Geoscience: Earth Science Teaching (ESCT) Program Content
475 – Geoscience Seminar (1 S.H.)
Critical reading, discussion, and oral presentation of current topics and controversies in geosciences. Focus on professional
journals and other scientific media. Prerequisite: Senior standing in department or instructor’s permission. Offered fall
semester.
499 – Directed Research – Geoscience (2-3 S.H.)
Independent study of selected geologic field and/or laboratory problem with subsequent preparation of written report and oral
seminar. May be repeated up to 6 credits. Prerequisite: Department chairperson’s permission. Offered each semester.
GEOSCIENCE ELECTIVES (GEOS)
335 - Global Climate Change (3 S.H.)
Exploration of the Earth’s most recent glacial/interglacial cycles: geological and faunal evidence, the sequence of historical
events, potential causative factors, environmental responses and rates of change, and pertinence to contemporary global change.
An emphasis will be placed on understanding the mechanisms of climate change in relation to geological processes.
Prerequisite: A 100- or 200-level Geoscience Course or the instructor’s permission. Offered in alternate years.
360 - Structural Geology (4 S.H.)
Study of faulting, folding, mechanics of rock deformation and structural techniques. Principles of plate tectonics and mountain
building. Lecture and laboratory with required 2-3 day field trip. Prerequisite: GEOS 280 or GEOS 301 and GEOS 220 or
GEOS 305. Offered yearly, typically fall semester.
365 - Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (4 S.H.)
Physical, chemical, and biological processes that affect sedimentation and depositional systems. Study of stratigraphic
nomenclature and correlation, facies models and depositional sequences, eustatic changes of sea level, and plate tectonics.
Lecture, laboratory and required field trips. Prerequisites: GEOS 220 or GEOS 305 and ENG 111. Offered yearly, typically
spring semester.
375 – Planetary Geology (4 S.H.)
The study of solar system objects from the point of view of a geologist. Current understanding of geology on Earth is used to
interpret the many other terrestrial bodies in our solar system. Examination of geologic processes throughout our solar system
is used to more deeply understand the Earth’s evolution and geology. Topics covered include fundamentals of solar system
objects, planetary formation and evolution, primary geologic processes throughout the solar system, remote sensing of
planetary surfaces, and instrumentation and mission design methods used for solar system exploration. Prerequisites: GEOS
130 or GEOS 235, or permission of instructor. Offered alternate years. One day field trip required.
385 - Geology of North America (3 S.H.)
Study of the physiographic provinces of the North American continent with emphasis on geomorphology, structural history,
stratigraphy and mineral deposits of each province. Lecture and discussion. Prerequisite: GEOS 220. Offered with sufficient
demand.
405 - Current Topics in Geoscience (1-3 S.H.)
Analysis of current topics and issues relevant to Geosciences. Subject matter and prerequisites will be announced in advance by
the department. May be repeated as topics change. Offered with sufficient demand.
415 - Advanced Geomorphology (4 S.H.)
Study of the nature and evolution of land forms and materials at or near Earth’s surface. Analysis of land forms using
topographic maps and aerial photographs. Soil-forming processes and soil classification. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite:
GEOS 130. Offered alternate years in the fall semester. Field trips required.
420 - Applied Hydrogeology (4 S.H.)
Application of hydrologic principles to ground-water flow problems, aqueous geochemistry, and contaminant studies.
Techniques of water-well development, aquifer tests, determination of ground-water chemistry. Use of computer models and
other analytical tools. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: GEOS 240 and MATH 155 or MATH 160. Field trips required.
Offered alternate years in the spring semester.
435 - Optical Mineralogy and Petrology (4 S.H.)
Theory of optical mineralogy. Optical properties of minerals determined by petrographic microscope. Introduction to major
sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks; mineral equilibria and stability, mineralogic phase rule and metamorphic facies.
BT Geoscience: Earth Science Teaching (ESCT) Program Content
Rock identification by megascopic and petrographic techniques. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: GEOS 220 or GEOS 305
and CHEM 212. Field trips required. Offered alternate years in the spring semester.
442 - Geophysics (4 S.H.)
An overview of how geophysics is used to understand the Earth, covering both solid Earth geophysics and near surface
geophysical techniques. Topics covered will include planetary formation, gravity, magnetism, energy flow, seismology, DC
resistivity, electromagnetic methods, and ground penetrating radar. An emphasis is placed on developing a quantitative
understanding of Earth processes through lecture, laboratory, and outdoor field work with near-surface geophysical equipment.
Prerequisites: GEOS 130 or GEOS 235, and PHYS 201 or PHYS 221_or permission of instructor. Offered alternate years in
the fall semester. Field trips required.
445 – Geochemistry (4 S.H.)
An introduction to geochemical processes. Topics covered will include fundamentals of geochemistry, environmental
mineralogy, chemical fate and transport in the environment, remediation techniques, geochemical cycles, isotopes, and
biogeochemical reactions. An emphasis is placed on developing a quantitative understanding of geochemical processes through
lectures, discussions, and field and laboratory work. Prerequisites: CHEM 212 and GEOS 130 or GEOS 235, or permission of
instructor. CHEM 213 strongly recommended . Offered alternate years in the spring semester. Field trips required.
450 - Travel Study in Costa Rica (3 S.H.)
Focuses on student-based field research to assist the municipalities of Playa Dominical and Playa Uvita in developing their
natural resources, tourism products, and associated services. Students will inventory natural resources, gather tourism demand
and supply data, and participate in constructing a database to help local officials make better tourism-related decisions. Prior to
the research study, students will be exposed to basic tourism and natural resources development concepts that have applications
in Playa Dominical and Playa Uvita. Post-study work will focus on report development and the assessment of other tourism
products and services in Costa Rica. Prerequisites: Instructor’s permission and concurrent enrollment in MKTG 450 and RTTR
450. Offered most May terms subject to student demand.
BIOLOGY REQUIRED (BIOL)
241 - Basics of Life (4 S.H.)
One of two introductory courses, both of which are required of all biology majors. Introduces the basic life processes at the
molecular, cellular, tissue, and organismal levels. Lecture and laboratory. Offered each semester.
242 - Organismal Diversity (4 S.H.)
One of two introductory courses, both of which are required of all biology majors. Introduces ways in which organisms carry
out basic life processes (e.g., gas exchange, nutrition) and interactions between organisms and their environment. Lecture and
laboratory. Offered each semester.
CHEMISTRY REQUIRED (CHEM)
212, 213 - Principles of Chemistry I, II (4 S.H. Each)
An in-depth study of the principles of chemistry including atomic structure, the chemical bond, solutions, thermodynamics,
kinetics, acid-base theory, oxidation-reduction, complex ion equilibrium, and electrochemistry. Organic and inorganic
examples are used when appropriate throughout the courses, and a short unit on organic chemistry is included. Laboratory and
lecture are coordinated. Prerequisite: High school intermediate algebra, concurrent enrollment in MATH 120, or a highernumbered mathematics course. Offered yearly.
311- Science Teaching Methods (4 S.H.)
The application of current research trends and modern technology in science education are used to prepare science majors for
the teaching of secondary school science content and process. Course provides opportunity for the qualified teaching candidate
to obtain practical knowledge and experience in techniques of planning and safely conducting inquiry-based chemistry
activities, including laboratories, discussions/cooperative learning opportunities, etc. Science Teaching Methods is a
prerequisite to student teaching.
MATHEMATICS REQUIRED (MATH)
120 - Precalculus (4 S.H.)
A study of topics designed to give students the skills necessary for successful completion of calculus. Equation solving,
graphing, functions, and trigonometry are some of the main topics covered. Prerequisite: Qualifying score on the mathematics
placement exam or MATH 115.
BT Geoscience: Earth Science Teaching (ESCT) Program Content
150 - Modeling Using Precalculus and Statistics,
155 - Modeling Using Calculus (3 S.H. Each)
A two-semester sequence designed for earth- and life-science majors to develop their algebraic, trigonometric, statistical, and
calculus skills through modeling applications. Prerequisite for MATH 150: Qualifying score on the mathematics placement
exam or MATH 115. Prerequisite for MATH 155: MATH 150.
160, 165 - Calculus I, II (4 S.H. Each)
Differential and integral calculus of functions of a single variable. Two semesters in sequence. Prerequisite: Qualifying score
on the mathematics placement exam or MATH 120.
PHYSICS REQUIRED (PHYS)
115 – Conceptual Physics (4 S.H.)
Many demonstrations, everyday applications, and hands-on interactive simulations are used to make physics understandable to
the general education student. Non-mathematical approach. Lab. Not open to students with credits in higher numbered, nonaviation physics courses. Prerequisite: None. Offered each semester.
HEALTH, EXERCISE, AND REHABILITIATIVE SCIENCES REQUIRED (HERS)
204 - Personal & Community Health (3 S.H.)
Addresses individual and community health issues. Investigates the dimensions of personal wellness that influence health
behavior. Course material covers content, self-assessments and journal entries in relationship to behavioral change. Alcohol,
tobacco and/or other drugs with emphasis on prevention strategies are addressed as mandated by Minnesota state law 126.06.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will (1) have knowledge of basic health content areas; (2) understand
journaling and the value of nutrition, exercise and weight management; and (3) know how family history is of value. Grade
only. Offered each semester.
SPECIAL EDUCATION REQUIRED (SPED)
300 – Children and Youth with Exceptionalities (3 S.H.)
This course is an overview of exceptionalities including disabilities and giftedness. Historical and legal foundations,
philosophical and ethical perspectives, causes, characteristics, implications for individuals and their families, strategies, and
services are included. Open to all majors. Sophomore status required. Offered each semester.
EDUCATION REQUIRED (EDUC)
429-Secondary Reading and Teaching Strategies (4 S.H.)
Emphasis is on reading comprehension, strategies, and study skills in content areas, lesson planning, lesson presentation skills,
and media techniques appropriate to the instructional process. Prerequisites: EDUC 305, 312. Offered each semester.
EDUCATION FOUNDATIONS, RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY REQUIRED (EFRT)
305 - Human Development and Learning: Secondary (4 S.H.)
This course introduces students to the psychological and social dimensions of learning and development and their influence on
students’ participation in school. The course focuses on psychological theories of learning and development, classroom
management, and the relationship between psychological theory and classroom practice in secondary classrooms. 30-40 hours
of field experience is required in addition to regularly scheduled on-campus class sessions. Concurrent enrollment with EDUC
312. Grade only. Prerequisite: Admission to the teacher education program. Offered each semester.
308- Human Relations and Student Diversity (3 S.H.)
A basic course in human relations for education majors. The course takes a laboratory and a directed study approach in areas
such as communication, group interaction, trust, interpersonal relationships, and the study of minorities, ethnic groups, and
second language learners. Prerequisite: Admission to the teacher education program. Offered each semester.
312- Instructional Planning and Assessment: Secondary (3 S.H.)
Principles of curriculum formation including writing objectives, unit planning, and daily lesson planning for secondary
education form the emphasis of this course, Assessment, measurement, and evaluation techniques are studied to determine
achievement of objectives through teacher-made tests, performance assessments, standardized tests, and observation
techniques, Statistics of measurement, specialized measurement instruments and test interpretation are also studied. Thirty
clock-hours of field experience are required, in addition to the regularly scheduled on-campus class sessions. Taken
BT Geoscience: Earth Science Teaching (ESCT) Program Content
concurrently with EFRT 305. Grade only. Offered each semester.
449 – Middle Level Philosophy, Organization, and Planning (3 S.H.)
The major focus of this course is middle level philosophy, organization, and interdisciplinary team planning. The major
objective of this course is to provide future middle school teachers with a background in the components of the middle school
movement and planning appropriate instructional strategies for middle level learners. This course is designed for secondary
education majors, K-12 majors, and those seeking K-6 MS licensure. Field experiences are required in addition to the regularly
scheduled on-campus class sessions. Prerequisites: EFRT 304 and 311 or EFRT 305 and 312. Grade only. Offered each
semester.
459- Professional Educator (3 S.H.)
This course is designed to familiarize teacher education majors and others associated with the education profession with the
historical and philosophical foundations of public education, school organizational patterns, legal responsibilities, professional
organizations, and related educational issues. Additional components will involve classroom management and topics related to
inclusive and special education. Prerequisites: EFRT 303, 304, or 305, 310, 311, or 312. Take this course prior to student
teaching. Offered each semester.
EDUCATION: STUDENT TEACHING REQUIRED (EDST)
465- Student Teaching (12 – 16 S.H.)
A capstone student teaching experience. One full semester of student teaching on a daily, full-time basis in an appropriate
educational school setting. Prerequisites: All professional courses required for the major. P/NC only.