IUPUI APPLICATION FORM FOR MINORS
I. School: Science
Department: Earth Sciences
II. Proposed Minor: Geochemistry
III. Related Majors: Geology and Environmental Science
IV. Projected Date of Implementation: Spring 2014
V. List the major objectives of the proposed minor and describe its chief features briefly.
 Geochemistry is a state-of-the-art science that studies the abundance of elements and their movement
through the Earth’s crust, atmosphere, oceans, lakes, and streams. Knowledge of the chemical and
biological reactions that mobilize and transform elements within the environment is fundamental to a
broad range of disciplines including geology, climate science, environmental science, microbiology,
ecology, forensics and chemistry.
 The Geochemistry Minor will consist of five courses (15-18 Credit Hours). Students must complete
the five courses with a minimum GPA of 2.00. Credit will not be honored for courses completed with
a grade lower than a C.
 Choose five of the following courses, a minimum of which three courses (at least 9 credit hours)
must be GEOL-G courses.
GEOL-G406 Introduction to Geochemistry (3 CR), Prerequisites: GEOL-G205 Reporting
Skills in Geoscience, CHEM-C106 Principles of Chemistry II, or consent of instructor. This
course will teach the students about the interactions between geology, chemistry, and
biology in natural systems. The course explores biogeochemical processes on small scales
and in terms of global cycles, as well as human impacts on biogeochemical cycling. A final
research project is designed to integrate the geochemical principles with a specific research
topic.
GEOL-G482 Environmental Microbiology (3 CR), P: BIOL-K101 Concepts of Biology I, BIOL-K103
Concepts of Biology II, or consent of instructor. This class will cover basic concepts in
microbiology, such as the taxonomy and cell structure of Bacteria and Archea, microbial growth and
energetics, biochemical pathways essential for the metabolism of carbon and nutrients by
heterotrophs and autotrophs, and how these pathways then control global biogeochemical cycling of
carbon, nitrogen, sulfur and various metals in terrestrial and aqueous environments.
GEOL-G483 Isotope Geochemistry (3 CR) P: GEOL-G406 Introduction to Geochemistry or consent
of instructor. This course is an introduction to the theory and application of radiogenic and stable
isotopes to a variety of subdisciplines in the earth sciences. Topics include: geochronology, tracers,
mass balance and mixing, hydrology and environmental applications, water-rock interaction, and
biogeochemical cycles.
GEOL-G486 Soil Biogeochemistry (3 CR) P: GEOL-G406 Introduction to Geochemistry or consent
of instructor. This course focuses on the biological and geochemical processes controlling the
cycling of elements in soils and freshwater sediments with emphasis on cycles of carbon, nitrogen
and phosphorous.
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IUPUI APPLICATION FORM FOR MINORS
GEOL-G488 Global Cycles (3 CR), P: GEOL-G110 Physical Geology, one semester of chemistry, one
semester of biology. The global environment is dominated by interlinking cycles of earth materials,
chemicals, and biological components. This course will explore the major elements of the
geochemical cycles found in the atmosphere, land, lakes, river, biota, and oceans, as well as the
human impacts on these cycles. This course will take a global approach to geochemistry and
environmental problems and will introduce fundamental concepts of meteorology, surficial geology
(weathering, erosion, and sedimentation), biogeochemistry, limnology, and oceanography.
A maximum of two courses or course sequences (6-9 credit hours) may come from the list below.
CHEM-C310 Analytical Chemistry (3 CR), P: CHEM-C106 Principles of Chemistry II and CHEMC126 Experimental Chemistry II. Fundamental analytical processes including solution equilibria,
theory and applications of electrochemistry and spectrophotometry, and chemical methods of
separation.
plus
CHEM-C311 Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (1 CR), C: CHEM-C310 Analytical Chemistry.
Laboratory instruction in the fundamental analytical techniques discussed in CHEM-C310.
CHEM-C341 Organic Chemistry I (3 CR), P: CHEM-C106 Principles of Chemistry II.
Comprehensive study of organic compounds. Valence bond theory, stereochemistry, and physical
properties of organic compounds are discussed in detail. Introduction to reaction mechanisms and to
spectroscopic identification. Synthesis and reactions of selected compounds are also discussed.
CHEM-C360 Elementary Physical Chemistry (3 CR), P: CHEM-C106 Principles of Chemistry II,
MATH 22200 Calculus for Technology II, PHYS-P202 General Physics 2. Properties of gases and
liquids, intermolecular forces, diffusion, chemical thermodynamics, ligand binding, kinetics, and
introduction to quantum chemistry and spectroscopy. Includes topics in biophysical chemistry. For
students who desire a survey course in physical chemistry.
CHEM-C361 Physical Chemistry of Bulk Matter (3 CR), P: CHEM-C106 Principles of Chemistry II,
MATH 16600 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II, and PHYS-P202 General Physics 2 or PHYS
25100 Heat, Electricity and Optics. Pre or Co-requisite: MATH 26100 Multivariate Calculus.
Kinetic-molecular theory, gases, liquids, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, solutions, transport
properties, and phase and chemical equilibria.
CHEM-C410 Principles of Chemical Instrumentation (3 CR), P: CHEM-C310 Analytical Chemistry
and CHEM-C361 Physical Chemistry of Bulk Matter or concurrent CHEM-C362 Physical
Chemistry of Molecules. Modern methods of instrumental analysis, including spectroscopy,
chromatography, and electrochemistry. Laboratory instruction in the instrumental analysis
techniques discussed in C410.
plus
CHEM-C411 Principles of Chemical Instrumentation Laboratory (2 CR), P: CHEM-C311 Analytical
Chemistry Laboratory. Pre or Co-requisite: CHEM-C410 Principles of Chemical Instrumentation.
Laboratory instruction in the instrumental analysis techniques discussed in C410.
BIOL-K411 Global Change Biology (3 CR), P: BIOL-K101 Concepts of Biology I and BIOL-K103
Concepts of Biology II or GEOL-G109 Fundamentals of Earth History and one course in chemistry
or consent of instructor. Examination of changes in earth’s environment over history. In-depth study
of effects of environmental change, including global warming, on the ecology of various organisms.
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IUPUI APPLICATION FORM FOR MINORS
Note: The entire program can be completed with only the Geology courses that appear above or with a
minimum of three Geology courses and no more than two courses that appear in the list of Chemistry
and Biology courses above.
VI. Why is the minor needed? (Rationale)
The Geochemistry Minor is needed at IUPUI to provide training for Indiana’s workforce and preparation
for graduate degrees. The demand for geochemists is at an all-time high given the need to answer critical
environmental and societal questions as the global population approaches 8 billion people by 2025, amid
a backdrop of tremendous global change in the environment and climate. The foremost issues include the
global demand for clean water, exploring and extracting energy resources, protecting human health in
urban and rural environments, and natural disaster preparedness. Geochemistry studies the past and
present chemistry of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere, as well as the human
impacts on these systems. Such expertise in geochemistry is in demand by architecture, engineering, oil
and gas extraction, consulting services, environmental management, and State and Federal government.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (http://www.bls.gov), the average annual salary for
geoscientists was $82,500 in 2010. In that same year there were 33,800 geoscience jobs and these jobs are
projected to increase 21% by 2020. This rate is faster than the average growth of all other occupations
tracked by the BLS. Geochemistry is a sub-field within the larger discipline of geoscience, however, the
solutions to geologic problems have become increasing interdisciplinary and geochemical analysis has
become a fundamental and critical component to all aspects of geosciences.
In combination with an appropriate degree, a minor in geochemistry will prepare students for graduate
studies or opportunities in the workforce. Geochemistry is an essential skill for many of the leading
employment opportunities globally and within the state of Indiana. The energy industry (gas, oil, and coal
are Indiana resources), mining, environmental remediation, and environmental protection all depend upon
the critical assessments made by geochemists. The minor is a solid basis for students interested in
pursuing careers in environmental management or policy, as well as forensic science. Students with a
geochemistry minor will be prepared to enter directly into the workforce or will have the coursework
needed to excel in graduate school for a master’s degree or PhD.
The advanced coursework for the Geochemistry Minor will prepare students to use high-tech geochemical
methods in the laboratory and the field, and will train the students to use state-of-the-art instrumentation.
Specific skill sets will include collecting samples in the field, chemical analysis, and interpretation of the
data. Students will learn to write hypothesis-driven term papers and will practice presenting their findings
to their peers and professors. Geochemical modeling software will be used to track the transport and fate
of chemicals in the environment.
VII. Describe the student population to be served and market to be targeted.
The Geochemistry Minor will attract students in the IUPUI School of Science who have an interest in
geoscience. The minor will target Geology Majors and Environmental Science students who have an
interest in geochemistry, Chemistry and Chemical Biology students who would like practical application
of the chemical skills they have learned as part of their major, students in Forensic & Investigative
Sciences who want to learn geochemical approaches, and Biology students who want to develop a broader
environmental context for their research.
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IUPUI APPLICATION FORM FOR MINORS
VIII. How does this minor compliment the departmental and campus missions? Address how it
conforms with IUPUI’s Principles of Undergraduate Learning.
The Geochemistry Minor addresses biogeochemical cycles and human interactions with these cycles,
which is directly relevant to the IUPUI mission in health sciences. The minor will provide students with a
core understanding of natural elemental cycling, the microbial processes which catalyze many of the
reactions in the Earth system and the human interactions with the environment. These topics are also
central to the mission of the Department of Earth Sciences, which is to educate students about the
physical Earth, human health, and environmental stewardship. The following chart shows how the courses
eligible for credit toward the minor align with the IUPUI Principles of Undergraduate Learning.
CHEM-C310
CHEM-C311
CHEM-C341
CHEM-C360
CHEM-C361
CHEM-C410
CHEM-C411
BIOL-K411
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
6: Values and
Ethics
5:
Understanding
Society and
Culture
4: Intellectual
Depth,
Breadth and
Adaptiveness
3: Integration
and
Application of
Knowledge
2: Critical
Thinking
1C:
Information
Resources
Skills
1B:
Quantitative
Skills
Course
GEOL-G406
GEOL-G482
GEOL-G483
GEOL-G486
GEOL-G488
1A: Language
Skills
IUPUI Principles of Undergraduate Learning Addressed by Geochemistry Minor
x
x
x
x
x
All required courses are currently taught at IUPUI and three of the Geology courses have recently been
assigned new permanent course numbers. Brief course descriptions are as follows:
 GEOL-482, Environmental Microbiology will cover basic concepts in microbiology and how these
pathways then control global biogeochemical cycling of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur and various metals in
terrestrial and aqueous environments.
 GEOL-488, Global Cycles will explore the major elements of the geochemical cycles found in the
atmosphere, land, lakes, river, biota, and oceans, as well as the human impacts on these cycles.
 GEOL-483, Isotope Geochemistry will introduce students to the theory and application of radiogenic
and stable isotopes to a variety of subdisciplines in the earth sciences.
All courses listed for the Geochemistry Minor are available to any IUPUI student subject to course
availability and completion of any necessary prerequisites. All prerequisites are listed in section V above.
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IUPUI APPLICATION FORM FOR MINORS
There are no perceived overlaps with other programs or courses and the proposed minor will not have any
negative impact on other programs or courses. Additional information on student outcomes appears in
Section XII below. For ease of reference, the Principles of Undergraduate Learning are appended to the
end of the proposal.
IX. List and indicate the sources (including reallocation) of any resources (personnel, financial,
learning, library holdings, equipment, etc.) required to implement the proposed program.
All instrumentation and laboratories are fully in place in the Department of Earth Sciences. No new
resources in personnel, finances, library holdings, or equipment are required. As the minor moves
forward, the analytical costs of using Earth Sciences instrumentation will be reassessed on a course-bycourse basis. At that time, a small financial request may be made to cover the costs of materials and
consumables (e.g., helium compressed gas and chemicals) needed for in-class projects and
demonstrations. If needed, these costs would be recovered through student lab fees.
X. Describe any innovative features of the program (e.g., involvement with local or regional
agencies, offices, etc., cooperative efforts with other institutions, etc.).
The Geochemistry Minor will include access to state-of-the-art instruments available within the
Department of Earth Sciences. The department has a wide array of instrumentation that will introduce
students to a multi-faceted approach to geochemistry. Most advances in geochemistry research depend
upon using the most current technology to attain the most accurate and precise data possible for natural
samples. Access to such cutting-edge technology within Earth Sciences will uniquely train students with
the analytical skills that are at the forefront of the discipline.
XI. List the major student outcomes (or set of performance-based standards) for the proposed
minor.
Students with a minor will develop a fundamental understanding of geochemistry and analytical skill-sets
that will prepare them for geoscience and environmental careers. Programmatic outcomes include:
 Develop a basic understanding of how biogeochemical cycles operate at local and global scales and how
these cycles change with time
 Examine the human impact and feedbacks on natural biogeochemical cycles
 Use fundamental methodology and instrument analysis
See table below for a model that incorporates illustrations of the outcomes and assessment mechanisms
specified in Items XI and XII.
XII. Explain how each of the student learning outcomes identified in XI above will be assessed
using, for example, course-embedded assessments, graduate follow-up, employer surveys,
standardized tests, etc.
The departmental Undergraduate Curriculum Committee and program coordinator will evaluate the
Geochemistry Minor. The committee is responsible for overseeing and steering the B.S. in Geology and
B.S. in Environmental Science degree programs.
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IUPUI APPLICATION FORM FOR MINORS
The geochemistry curriculum will be assessed each year based on the current and rapidly evolving norms
of the discipline. The Department of Earth Sciences has several research-active faculty with considerable
expertise in geochemistry. Their input and suggestions solicited during these reviews will help inform of
new directions in research and advances in technology and methodology. We also have an academic
advisor who can help steer students towards the program and help track their progress as they complete
their requirements.
Student outcomes, satisfaction, and achievement will be assessed on a semester-by-semester basis.
Student satisfaction surveys will be used to assess course effectiveness and student satisfaction.
Occasional surveys will also be distributed to graduates of the program, and possibly employers, to
determine how well the minor prepared the students for the workforce.
In consultation with the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee, the program director will review the
assessment data for the individual courses and the minor as a whole on an annual basis. This methodology
will ensure continuous improvement of the Geochemistry Minor. See the following chart for overall
programmatic outcomes.
Student Outcome
Develop a basic
understanding of how
biogeochemical cycles
operate at local and global
scales and how these cycles
change with time
Examine the human impact
and feedbacks on natural
biogeochemical cycles
Use fundamental
methodology and
instrument analysis
Summative outcome
Where will
students learn this
knowledge or
skill?
How will student
achievement of
the outcome be
assessed?
GEOL-G406
GEOL-G482
GEOL-G483
GEOL-G486
GEOL-G488
BIOL-K411
GEOL-G406
GEOL-G482
GEOL-G483
GEOL-G486
GEOL-G488
BIOL-K411
GEOL-G406
GEOL-G483
GEOL-G486
CHEM-C310/C311
CHEM-C341
CHEM-C360
CHEM-C361
CHEM-C410/C411
Completed Minor
Relationship to
Mission, PULs
In what setting will the
assessment take place?
Problem sets,
exams, research
project grades
Assignments and
evaluation primarily
address PULs 1a, 1b,
2, and 3
Specific courses listed in
the minor
Problem sets,
exams, research
project grades
Assignments and
evaluation primarily
address PULs 1a, 1b,
2, and 3
Specific courses listed in
the minor
Problem sets,
exams, research
project grades,
laboratory
assignments
Assignments and
evaluation primarily
address PULs 1b, 2,
and 3
Specific courses listed in
the minor
Students will have a
minor that has
emphasis on PUL 1,
2 and 3
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IUPUI APPLICATION FORM FOR MINORS
IUPUI
Principles of Undergraduate Learning (PULs)
The Principles of Undergraduate Learning are the essential ingredients of the undergraduate
educational experience at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis. These principles form a
conceptual framework for all students' general education but necessarily permeate the curriculum in
the major field of study as well. More specific expectations for IUPUI's graduates are determined by the
faculty in a student's major field of study. Together, these expectations speak to what graduates of
IUPUI will know and what they will be able to do upon completion of their degree.
I. Core Communication and Quantitative Skills
[Definition:] The ability of students to express and interpret information, perform quantitative analysis,
and use information resources and technology--the foundational skills necessary for all IUPUI students
to succeed.
[Outcomes:] Core communication and quantitative skills are demonstrated by the student’s ability to
a. express ideas and facts to others effectively in a variety of formats, particularly written, oral, and
visual formats;
b. comprehend, interpret, and analyze ideas and facts;
c. communicate effectively in a range of settings;
d. identify and propose solutions for problems using quantitative tools and reasoning;
e. make effective use of information resources and technology.
II. Critical Thinking
[Definition:] The ability of students to engage in a process of disciplined thinking that informs beliefs
and actions. A student who demonstrates critical thinking applies the process of disciplined thinking by
remaining open-minded, reconsidering previous beliefs and actions, and adjusting his or her thinking,
beliefs and actions based on new information.
[Outcomes:]
The process of critical thinking begins with the ability of students to remember and understand, but it is
truly realized when the student demonstrates the ability to
a. apply,
b. analyze,
c. evaluate, and
d. create
knowledge, procedures, processes, or products to discern bias, challenge assumptions, identify
consequences, arrive at reasoned conclusions, generate and explore new questions, solve challenging
and complex problems, and make informed decisions.
III. Integration and Application of Knowledge
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IUPUI APPLICATION FORM FOR MINORS
[Definition:] The ability of students to use information and concepts from studies in multiple disciplines
in their intellectual, professional, and community lives.
[Outcomes:] Integration and application of knowledge are demonstrated by the student’s ability to
a. enhance their personal lives;
b. meet professional standards and competencies;
c. further the goals of society; and
d. work across traditional course and disciplinary boundaries.
IV. Intellectual Depth, Breadth, and Adaptiveness
[Definition:] The ability of students to examine and organize disciplinary ways of knowing and to apply
them to specific issues and problems.
[Outcomes:] Intellectual depth, breadth, and adaptiveness are demonstrated by the student’s ability to
a. show substantial knowledge and understanding of at least one field of study;
b. compare and contrast approaches to knowledge in different disciplines;
c. modify one's approach to an issue or problem based on the contexts and requirements of particular
situations.
V. Understanding Society and Culture
[Definition:] The ability of students to recognize their own cultural traditions and to understand and
appreciate the diversity of the human experience.
[Outcomes:] Understanding society and culture is demonstrated by the student’s ability to
a. compare and contrast the range of diversity and universality in human history, societies, and ways of
life;
b. analyze and understand the interconnectedness of global and local communities; and
c. operate with civility in a complex world.
VI. Values and Ethics
[Definition:] The ability of students to make sound decisions with respect to individual conduct,
citizenship, and aesthetics.
[Outcomes:] A sense of values and ethics is demonstrated by the student’s ability to
a. make informed and principled choices and to foresee consequences of these choices;
b. explore, understand, and cultivate an appreciation for beauty and art;
c. understand ethical principles within diverse cultural, social, environmental and personal settings.
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