Learn some fundamental skills in preparation to conduct research and ultimately write research papers in other classes, including:

1. Using online databases (GEOREF, Web of Science) to obtain information on a particular topic.

2. Using online resources (Refworks) to manage and format references.

3.  Reading articles in the primary geologic literature and drawing out primary information such as the topic of and article and its conclusions even if the student is not prepared (at this stage) to understand the methodology employed.

4.  Appreciate the need to properly format cited literature in a research paper.

5.  Learn the content and proper voice for the abstract of a research paper.

1. Demonstrate competence in data collections.

2. Become familiar with the analytic techniques germaine to the Honor's thesis.