Overview
GEOL 495 is based on contracted study arrangements between the student and an approved supervisor. Students improve their skills to choose and define problems, obtain information from libraries or experiments, organize facts and ideas, and report ideas and conclusions in written form.
This course is for students who wish to carry out science-related projects in geology, or to obtain formal recognition of science-related skills and training they have received on the job. A student may do one three-credit project (GEOL 495) or two three-credit projects (GEOL 495 and GEOL 496). Before registering, the student must submit an acceptable project proposal.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to
- formulate research questions to address geological/scientific problems.
- develop hypotheses and provide possible explanations for observed phenomena.
- review existing literature on pertinent topics and illustrate familiarity with current ideas.
- propose a research plan to address one or more scientific questions.
- conduct a study or experiments to generate new data that test the hypothesis.
- examine research results critically to ensure their validity.
- present research results and demonstrate ability to communicate research findings.
Evaluation
To receive credit for GEOL 495, you must complete successfully written reports and other prepared materials based on guidelines derived from the learning contract, and a course composite grade of at least C− (60 percent). Typically, the evaluation will be based on the scientific merit of the project, the rigor of the investigation conducted, and a demonstration of familiarity with current ideas on the topic under investigation. The presentation of the report, including the question under investigation, methods used, as well as the results obtained, are also very important.
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
This course either does not have a course package or the textbooks are open-source material and available to students at no cost. This course has a Course Administration and Technology Fee, but students are not charged the Course Materials Fee.
Special Course Features
This course may involve library, field, or lab work as agreed to by the student and supervisor. Students are expected to obtain and pay for all materials used in the projects. A project supervisor can be a faculty member at Athabasca University or, alternatively, someone external who is appropriately qualified. Students must submit an acceptable project proposal and receive approval from the course coordinator before registering.