Doctor of Philosophy - Geoscience
The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Geoscience is designed to prepare students for demanding research-oriented careers in academia, government service, private consulting, and industry. Working closely with their advisor, students focus on original research in one of three emphasis areas: geology, hydrology, or soil science. Research expectations are high; students are expected to develop original lines of research that will lead to three or more original manuscripts that are suitable for submission to a refereed scientific journal. Students are expected to have strong content knowledge in their area of emphasis and three additional sub-disciplines of the geologic sciences. Fundamental knowledge levels are tested first in a diagnostic exam that is used to guide coursework taken by the student, and then later in a comprehensive exam.
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate the ability to define a research problem by identifying questions and formulating tests of hypotheses.
- Demonstrate an understanding of scientific ethics.
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of scientific literature for work relevant to research projects.
- Demonstrate the ability to conduct field and laboratory research related to dissertation projects.
- Demonstrate a broad knowledge on the subjects closely related to the field of specialization.
- Demonstrate the ability to do original and creative research.
- Demonstrate the ability to design and carry out a substantial independent research project through to completion.
- Demonstrate the ability to present scientific results to the audience of the scientific community and the general public.
- Demonstrate the ability to prepare publications and submit them to peer-reviewed journals.
- Demonstrate an excellent knowledge of at least on field of specialization.
