Geological Engineering
Student Learning Outcome Assessment Report
1. Department/Program Mission
Department Mission Statement:
The Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering offers bachelors, masters and
doctorate degrees in three degree programs: geological engineering, geology &
geophysics, and petroleum engineering. A Master of Engineering in Geotechnics is
offered as a distance education degree through online courses. The mission of the
department parallels the overall mission and vision of the MS&T campus; that is, the
department is a premier source of leaders for the energy, earth resources, and
environmental communities and for society in general – leaders able to accept the
challenges and to solve the complex problems facing global societies in such areas as
mineral and energy resources, water quality and environmental sustainability, geological
hazards, and earth science education. The mission of the department is to produce such
leaders through innovative and enthusiastic instruction, through conducting nationally
and internationally recognized research, and through providing service to the technical
community as well as to society at large both nationally and internationally.
Program Mission Statement:
It is the mission of the Geological Engineering program to teach integrated concepts of
geology and engineering in such a manner that graduates will graduate as competent,
ethical, professional geological engineers. The program is designed to provide
background in geological and engineering sciences courses in the lower division which
support the applied analysis and design concepts courses taught in the upper division. It is
expected that the students will have gained the ability to identify and, through analysis
and design, solve problems resulting from the interaction of man’s activities with the
geologic environment. The curriculum is intended to blend theoretical concepts with
practical application, so as to offer the student a well-rounded education, and to include
sufficient discussion and project oriented work with real-world issues to provide the
student with a thorough awareness of the graduate’s responsibility to society. Since
geological engineering students are oriented toward careers in environmental protection,
social awareness and the engineer’s responsibility to both client and society is strongly
emphasized throughout the curriculum, particularly in the senior seminar and design
courses.
2. Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
a. Campus-Wide Student Learning Outcomes:
Programs must demonstrate that their graduates have:
I. an ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
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II. an ability to think critically and analyze effectively.
III. an ability to apply disciplinary knowledge and skills in solving critical
problems.
IV. an ability to function in diverse learning and working environments.
V. an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.
VI. an awareness of national and global contemporary issues.
VII. a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, life-long
learning.
b. Additional Program Specific Student Learning Outcomes (Optional)
Outcome Group 1: General Engineering and Science Competence. Graduates will be
well trained in the fundamentals of general engineering, mathematics, and the
sciences; with particular focus on geology and engineering applications.
1. Students will have a fundamental knowledge of basic mathematical principles
particular to Geological Engineering, and to prepare them to write the
Fundamentals of Engineering Exam.
2. Students will have a fundamental knowledge of basic science principles particular
to Geological Engineering, and to prepare them to write the Fundamentals of
Engineering Exam.
3. Students will have a fundamental knowledge of general engineering mechanics
particular to Geological Engineering (including design, statics, mechanics of
materials), and to prepare them to write the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam.
4. Students will have a fundamental knowledge of basic geology topics particular to
Geological Engineering (geological processes, identification of rocks and
minerals, visualization and solution of problems in 3D and 4D, and application of
principles of geology and geophysics).
5. Students will have the ability to apply mathematics including differential
equations, calculus based physics and chemistry to geological engineering.
Outcome Group 2: Geological Engineering Competence. Graduates will acquire a
broad knowledge of geological engineering principles and practices and understand
what practicing geological engineers do.
1. Students will have a fundamental knowledge of principles associated with
geological engineering and closely related disciplines, and to design solutions to
geological engineering and geomechanics problems.
2. Students will have an applied specific knowledge of aspects of geological
engineering and closely related disciplines, including specialization in one or
more emphasis area of geological engineering.
3. Students will learn the importance of professional licensure and the appropriate
path to professional licensure.
4. Students will learn practical professional skills required of practicing engineers.
2
5. Students will learn what some practicing professionals in our field do as a part of
their job.
6. Students will gain exposure to international engineering situations.
Outcome Group 3: Problem solving skills. Graduates will have the ability to use
mathematics and scientific principles and analytical and other problem-solving skills
necessary to systematically solve problems within the environmental, economic,
social, political, and professional constraints of society and the geological engineering
community, by themselves and in teams.
1. Students will be able to conduct experiments, design projects, and analyze and
interpret data.
2. Students will be able to design components and integrated systems to solve
typical geological problem associated with subsurface conditions or the
environment.
3. Students will be able to successfully work in design teams.
4. Students will have the ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams.
5. Students will have an appreciation for the inherent uncertainty and variability of
naturally occurring materials and the risks and difficulties of decision making and
engineering design within such a framework, especially with respect to the
economic and optimum use of resources.
6. Students will have the ability to understand how to use non-invasive imaging
technologies for geotechnical, environmental, hydrologic, and structural
investigations.
7. Students will have the ability to use state-of-the-practice computer software.
8. Students will have the ability to use state of the practice accepted field methods
and equipment.
9. Students will have the confidence to provide leadership and communicate
effectively in a multidisciplinary team in order to analyze and interpret data,
transmit results, make proposals, and prepare reports.
Outcome Group 4: Social Skills. Graduates will possess the highest level of personal
and professional ethics, have a broad based knowledgeable of Humanities and Social
Sciences, and have the communication and personal skills necessary to be leaders and
effective members of multidisciplinary teams.
1. Students will have knowledge of, and appreciation for, historical and
contemporary issues and the impact of such issues, by taking non-technical
classes as part of an engineering education.
2. Students will have broad knowledge of environmental, economic, social, political
and professional issues relevant to the practice of engineering in today’s world.
3. Students will be able to communicate effectively
4. Students will understand how to develop personal and professional ethics and
professional responsibility.
3
5. Students will be encouraged to join a professional society.
6. Students will be encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities
7. Students will be encouraged to become leaders.
Outcome Group 5: Life-long learning skills. Graduates will have the skills and
motivation to continue learning throughout their careers.
1. Students will understand the need for and attain the skills to develop life-long
learning.
3. Curriculum Mapping to Campus and/or Program Outcomes
Curriculum and Student Learning Outcome Map
Course
Outcome
I
Outcome
II
GE50
GE110
GE275
GE310
GE331
GE341
GE343
GE350
GE361
GE364
GE371
GE374
GE375
√
Outcome
III
Outcome
IV
Outcome
V
Outcome
VI
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
Outcome
VII
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
4
√
4. Methods/Instruments and Administration
2009/2010 Program Outcomes Assessment Methods and Administration
Learning
Outcomes
Outcome I
Outcome II
Data
Collection
Method (and
Performance
Metric)
Administered
by
Results
Reviewed
by
Results
(e.g.
outcomes
met/not
met)
Recommendations
Graded oral
presentation
(80% of
students
required to
get a grade of
C or better)
Instructor
Instructor,
Program
Head,
ABET
committee
Met (2)
-
Instructor
Instructor,
Program
Head,
ABET
committee
Met (1)
-
Students will be able to
communicate effectively.
(4.3)
Essay on test,
Graded oral
presentation
(average
student score
will be 70%
or better)
Not done
(2)
Encourage
instructor to do
assessment next
year
Assignment
questions
(80% of
students
required to
get a grade of
C or better)
Instructor
Met (1)
-
Students will be able to
conduct experiments,
design projects, and
analyze and interpret data.
(3.1)
Not done
(1)
Encourage
instructor to do
assessment next
year
Design
reports (80%
of students
required to
get a grade of
C or better)
Instructor
Met (2)
-
Not done
(1)
Encourage
instructor to do
assessment next
year
Exam
questions,
Instructor
Met (3)
-
Measure
Students will have the
confidence to provide
leadership and
communicate effectively
in a multidisciplinary
team in order to analyze
and interpret data,
transmit results, make
proposals, and prepare
reports. (3.9)
Students will be able to
design components and
integrated systems to
solve typical geological
problem associated with
subsurface conditions or
the environment. (3.2)
Students will have an
appreciation for the
5
Instructor,
Program
Head,
ABET
committee
Instructor,
Program
Head,
ABET
committee
Instructor,
Program
inherent uncertainty and
variability of naturally
occurring materials and
the risks and difficulties
of decision making and
engineering design within
such a framework,
especially with respect to
the economic and
optimum use of resources.
(3.5)
Outcome
III
Design
reports (80%
of students
required to
get a grade of
B or better)
Head,
ABET
committee
Exam
questions,
Problem sets
(80% of
students
required to
get a grade of
70% or
better)
Instructor
Students will have a
fundamental knowledge
of basic science principles
particular to Geological
Engineering, and to
prepare them to write the
Fundamentals of
Engineering Exam. (1.2)
Exam
questions,
(average
student score
will be 70%
or greater)
Instructor
Students will have a
fundamental knowledge
of general engineering
mechanics particular to
Geological Engineering
(including design, statics,
mechanics of materials),
and to prepare them to
write the Fundamentals of
Engineering Exam. (1.3)
Exam
questions,
(80% of
students
required to
get a grade of
B or better)
Students will have a
fundamental knowledge
of basic geology topics
particular to Geological
Engineering (geological
processes, identification
Exam
questions,
(80% of
students
required to
get a grade of
Students will have a
fundamental knowledge
of basic mathematical
principles particular to
Geological Engineering,
and to prepare them to
write the Fundamentals of
Engineering Exam. (1.1)
6
Instructor,
Program
Head,
ABET
committee
Met (1)
-
Not met
(1)
Re-assess next year
Instructor,
Program
Head,
ABET
committee
Not done
(2)
Require assessment
of new instructor
Instructor
Instructor,
Program
Head,
ABET
committee
Not met
(1)
Re-assess next year
Instructor
Instructor,
Program
Head,
ABET
committee
Met (5)
-
Not met
(4)
Improved teaching
methods will be
tried in this area
of rocks and minerals,
visualization and solution
of problems in 3D and
4D, and application of
principles of geology and
geophysics). (1.4)
60 or better in
all of the 9
Learning
Outcomes)
Students will have the
ability to apply
mathematics including
differential equations,
calculus based physics
and chemistry to
geological engineering.
(1.5)
Exam
questions,
Design
reports (80%
of students
required to
get a grade of
B or better)
Instructor
Students will have a
fundamental knowledge
of principles associated
with geological
engineering and closely
related disciplines, and to
design solutions to
geological engineering
and geomechanics
problems. (2.1)
Problems sets
(80% of
students
required to
get a grade of
B or better)
Instructor
Students will have an
applied specific
knowledge of aspects of
geological engineering
and closely related
disciplines, including
specialization in one or
more emphasis area of
geological engineering.
(2.2)
Attend 1 hour
lectures from
each faculty
member
(85%
attendance
rate required)
Students will have the
ability to understand how
to use non-invasive
imaging technologies for
geotechnical,
environmental,
hydrologic, and structural
investigations. (3.6)
Students will have the
Met (2)
-
Not met
(1)
Re-assess next year
Instructor,
Program
Head,
ABET
committee
Met (2)
-
Instructor
Instructor,
Program
Head,
ABET
committee
Met (1)
-
Oral
presentations
(All students
required to
get a grade of
B or better)
Instructor
Instructor,
Program
Head,
ABET
committee
Met (1)
-
Assignments
Instructor
Instructor,
Met (1)
-
7
Instructor,
Program
Head,
ABET
committee
ability to use state of the
practice accepted field
methods and equipment.
(3.8)
Outcome
IV
Outcome V
(80% of
students
required to
get a grade of
B or better)
Program
Head,
ABET
committee
Not done
(1)
Require assessment
of instructor next
year
Instructor,
Program
Head,
ABET
committee
Not met
(1)
Re-assess next year
Instructor
Students will be able to
successfully work in
design teams. (3.3)
Group
participation/
collaboration
grading (80%
of students
required to
get a grade of
satisfactory
or better)
Instructor
Instructor,
Program
Head,
ABET
committee
Met
-
Students will have the
ability to function on
multi-disciplinary teams.
(3.4)
Course
requirement
(all students
required to
get a grade of
C or better)
Students will learn the
importance of
professional licensure and
the appropriate path to
professional licensure.
(2.3)
Quiz, Essay
(80% of
students
required to
get a grade of
B or better)
Instructor
Instructor,
Program
Head,
ABET
committee
Not met
(4)
Re-examine our
approach for this
outcome
Instructor
Students will learn
practical professional
skills required of
practicing engineers. (2.4)
Assignment
(80% of
students
required to
get a passing
grade)
Instructor,
Program
Head,
ABET
committee
Not done
(1)
Require assessment
of instructor next
year
Students will learn what
some practicing
professionals in our field
do as a part of their job.
(2.5)
Attend
seminars
(100%
attendance
rate required)
ABET
committee
Program
Head,
ABET
committee
Met (2)
-
Professional
Society
membership
survey (50%
participation
ABET
committee
Program
Head,
ABET
committee
Met (1)
-
Students will be
encouraged to join a
professional society. (4.5)
8
Not done
(2)
Require assessment
of instructor next
year
rate)
Outcome
VI
Outcome
VII
Students will be
encouraged to become
leaders. (4.7)
Leadership
survey (50%
participation
rate)
ABET
committee
Program
Head,
ABET
committee
Met (3)
-
Assignment
(80% of
students
required to
get a grade of
C or better)
Instructor
Instructor,
Program
Head,
ABET
committee
Met (2)
-
Students will gain
exposure to international
engineering situations.
(2.6)
Not met
(1)
Re-assess next year
Students will have broad
knowledge of
environmental, economic,
social, political and
professional issues
relevant to the practice of
engineering in today’s
world. (4.2)
Weekly logs
(all students
must pass at
least 60% of
these
assignments)
Instructor
Instructor,
Program
Head,
ABET
committee
Met (3)
-
Students will understand
the need for and attain the
skills to develop life-long
learning. (5.1)
Assignment
(80% of
students
required to
get a passing
grade)
Instructor
Instructor,
Program
Head,
ABET
committee
Met (3)
-
5. Results and Changes Implemented or Planned
a. Findings
The majority of program outcomes were met. Some outcomes were not met. Many of
these were the results of very small class sizes (less than 5-10) in which 1 or 2
students failing to meet the outcome could cause the entire class to fail to meet the
outcome. Some assessments were not completed, including those of a retiring faculty
member that refused to do the assessments.
b. Use of results
The assessment results will be used in the following manner:
9



A renewed effort will conducted to encourage all faculty to complete the
assessments.
Some of the failures to meet outcomes which were caused by 1 or 2 students
in a small class will be re-evaluated next year when we expect larger class
sizes.
In a few classes our teaching methods and resources are being re-evaluated.
c. Results Brought by the Changes
These will be evaluated during the next annual assessment.
10