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Policy Manual for the Geology Graduate Program

 

Geology Graduate Student Handbook

WELCOME ! !

Welcome to the Graduate Student Handbook for the Department of Geology at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. This handbook is designed for both new and continuing students. We wish to convey the department's philosophy of graduate education, and to provide information on how to successfully complete the program and receive your degree. If you feel this web site needs additional information, please help us improve it. Contact your advisor or a member of the Geology Department's Graduate Studies Committee (GSC).

For information on policies and regulations affecting graduate students,

please refer to the

Policy Manual for the Geology Graduate Program

(This manual includes various degree requirements)

Geology Graduate Program Goals

Our program aims to help students develop skills and acquire knowledge necessary for work as leaders in research, professional practice, and teaching in geoscience. It centers on three complementary activities:

1. Independent research:
We strive to teach students how to define scientific problems, analyze and interpret data, communicate results, and argue in support of conclusions. 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.

 
2. Coursework:
We strive to offer courses at the graduate and advanced undergraduate levels that efficiently communicate state-of-the-art information on topics in geoscience. 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.
 
3. Teaching:
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. The TA experience helps all geoscientists, not just future teachers -- good presentation quality is important in corporate and government settings, as well as universities.
 

 

Independence: 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.

Even though you have more independence than you did as an undergrad, you will occasionally find yourself in need of advice. Don't hesitate to talk to your advisor, fellow grad students, and staff members. Others with more experience may help you to find the answers you need more quickly.

 

Advising | Welcome/Goals | Orientation/Staff

Faculty | Courses | Geology Dept. Home

Policy Manual for the Geology Graduate Program

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