If you feel this web site needs additional information, please help us improve it. Our program aims to help students develop skills and acquire knowledge necessary for work as leaders in research, professional practice, and teaching in geoscience. We expose students to examples of solid research and introduce them to methods for evaluating the research of others. As in most graduate programs, we emphasize research work as the best means for developing skills of critical thinking and self-motivation. Our courses teach students to access and analyze current and classic primary geoscience literature, to think critically, and to develop skills in written and oral presentation.
Most students have the opportunity to serve as teaching assistants.
We view TA's as apprenticeships in teaching. They provide students with the opportunity to refine their own understanding of geoscience, and to organize and present coherent explanations. They also provide experience in public speaking and in developing teaching technique. A Critical Part of the Program Independent thinking and research form a central theme of our grad program. The grad program is as flexible as possible, so that students can devise a plan of study that meets their individual needs.