Changing climate, dwindling energy resources, natural hazards, and deteriorating environmental quality are among the most challenging of societal problems. Geoscientists, who study Earth processes and resources to understand and help address these and related issues, are in high demand. Learning Goals:<br>Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of scholarly literature in the area of study.<br>Form testable hypotheses and articulate research objectives that, when met, will lead to significant contributions to the field of study.<br>Conduct qualitative and/or quantitative research via appropriate acquisition, analysis, and reporting of data.<br>Interpret research results appropriately, integrating them into the existing knowledge in the discipline.<br>Clearly and accurately communicate research findings orally and in writing, and often through the use images (tables, figures, and other forms of imagery) and electronic or other forms of media.