Iupui Application Form for Minors

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.

1 IUPUI APPLICATION FORM FOR MINORS

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. 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 CHEM-C126 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. 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. 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.

IUPUI Principles of Undergraduate Learning Addressed by Geochemistry Minor 1A: 1B: 1C: 2: 3: 4: 5: 6: Lan Quantit Informa Critical Integrat Intellect Underst Valu gua ative tion Thinkin ion and ual anding es ge Skills Resourc g Applicat Depth, Society and Skil es Skills ion of Breadth and Ethic ls Knowle and Culture s dge Adaptiv Course eness GEOL-G406 x x x GEOL-G482 x x GEOL-G483 x x GEOL-G486 x x x GEOL-G488 x

CHEM-C310 CHEM-C311 x x

CHEM-C341 x CHEM-C360 x x CHEM-C361 x x CHEM-C410 x CHEM-C411 x x BIOL-K411 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.

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-by-course 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. 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.

How will Where will student In what setting will students learn Relationship to Student Outcome achievement of the assessment take this knowledge Mission, PULs the outcome be place? or skill? assessed? Develop a basic GEOL-G406 Problem sets, Assignments and Specific courses listed understanding of how GEOL-G482 exams, research evaluation primarily in the minor biogeochemical cycles GEOL-G483 project grades address PULs 1a, operate at local and global GEOL-G486 1b, 2, and 3 scales and how these cycles GEOL-G488 change with time BIOL-K411 Examine the human GEOL-G406 Problem sets, Assignments and Specific courses listed impact and feedbacks on GEOL-G482 exams, research evaluation in the minor natural biogeochemical GEOL-G483 project grades primarily address PULs 1a, 1b, 2, cycles GEOL-G486 and 3 GEOL-G488 BIOL-K411 Use fundamental GEOL-G406 Problem sets, Assignments and Specific courses listed methodology and GEOL-G483 exams, research evaluation in the minor instrument analysis GEOL-G486 project grades, primarily address CHEM-C310/C311 laboratory PULs 1b, 2, and 3 assignments CHEM-C341 CHEM-C360 CHEM-C361 CHEM-C410/C411 Summative outcome Completed Minor Students will have a minor that has emphasis on PUL 1, 2 and 3

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 7 IUPUI APPLICATION FORM FOR MINORS 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 [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.