GEOLOGY CLASSES
Geology 1
Physical Geology
3 units; 3 hours lecture
Recommended Preparation: eligibility for English 2R
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU, UC; (CAN GEOL 6; Geology 1, 3 = CAN GEOL 2)
This course provides an introduction to the materials, structures, and processes that shape the earth. The course includes a survey of minerals and rocks, a study of plate tectonics and the forces that create volcanism and earthquakes, and a study of topographic features created by streams, landslides, ground water, glaciers, wind, and ocean waves.
Note: 4 units of laboratory science credit will be granted with concurrent or subsequent enrollment in a geology laboratory course.
Geology 2
History of Planet Earth
3 units; 3 hours lecture
Recommended Preparation: eligibility for English 2R
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU, UC; (Geology 2, 4 = CAN GEOL 4)
This course presents a study of the history of the Earth since the time of its formation to the present day. The course will integrate plate tectonics into a detailed investigation of the dynamics of the Earth’s geologic forces and their effect on the atmospheric, oceanic and biologic realms. The effect of extraterrestrial events such as asteroid impacts that have shaped our habitable world will also be covered.
Note: 4 units of laboratory science credit will be granted with concurrent or subsequent enrollment in Geology 4 or 30 or 32.
Geology 3
Physical Geology Laboratory
1 unit; 3 hours lab
Prerequisite: Geology 1 with a minimum grade of C or concurrent enrollment
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU, UC; (Geology 1, 3 = CAN GEOL 2)
This course is a laboratory study of geologic exercises and the use of topographic maps. Laboratory exercises will include identification of rocks and minerals, map exercises, structure problems, field studies and recognition of land forms created by various processes working on and in the earth.
Geology 4
History of Planet Earth Laboratory
1 unit; 3 hours lab
Prerequisite: Geology 2 with a minimum grade of C or concurrent enrollment
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU, UC; (Geology 2, 4 = CAN GEOL 4)
This course utilizes laboratory exercises and field study to apply geologic principles in identification of sedimentary rocks and fossils and their use in interpreting earth history, age relationships and paleogeography of selected regions.
Geology 6
Earth Science in Education
4 units; 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
Recommended Preparation: eligibility for English 2R
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU
This course is a broad-based introductory study of earth science for future kindergarten through 8th grade teachers and will include teaching techniques to engage students in science. The topics covered are part of the California science standards and are designed to introduce geology, oceanography, meteorology, and solar system astronomy. It includes study of earth materials, geologic history, ocean basins and coastlines, weather and climate, pollution and earth resources, planetary geology, and the scientific method. The laboratory component includes study of rocks, maps, scientific instruments, and earthquakes.
Note: Geology 6 is not designed for geology or earth science majors.
Geology 15
Geologic Hazards
3 units; 3 hours lecture
Recommended Preparation: eligibility for English 2R
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU, UC
This course presents a study of geologic processes such as earthquakes, volcanism, landslides and floods and how we can prepare for and possibly control these hazards in order to lessen their impact on people. In addition, this course will study energy and mineral resources of the earth and the control of pollution of water resources.
Geology 30 (formerly 30B)
Geology Laboratory of Death Valley
1 unit; 3 hours lab to be arranged
Prerequisite: Geology 1 with a minimum grade of C or concurrent enrollment
Recommended Preparation: English 2R
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU, UC*
This course is a field and laboratory study of the geologic history, rock types, and structural and geomorphic features of the Death Valley region, with special emphasis on seismic activity and desert processes.
*Note: Credit may be earned in Geology 30, Geology 32, Geology 34, and Geology 36; however, only one course will be UC transferable.
Note: Some labs will be held in the field on weekends at arranged times.
Note: UC does not accept Geology 30, 32, 34, or 36 for the Physical Science laboratory requirement.
Geology 32 (formerly 30A)
Geology Laboratory of Owens Valley and Sierra Nevada
1 unit; 3 hours lab to be arranged
Prerequisite: Geology 1 with a minimum grade of C or concurrent enrollment
Recommended Preparation: English 2R
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU, UC*
This course is a field and laboratory study of the geologic history, rock types, and structural and geomorphic features of the Sierra Nevada and Owens Valley with special emphasis on volcanic and glacial processes.
*Note: Credit may be earned in Geology 30, Geology 32, Geology 34, and Geology 36; however, only one course will be UC transferable.
Note: Some labs will be held in the field on weekends at arranged times.
Note: UC does not accept Geology 30, 32, 34, or 36 for the Physical Science laboratory requirement.
Geology 34
Geology Laboratory of Southeastern California
1 unit; 3 hours lab
Prerequisite: Geology 1 with a minimum grade of C or concurrent enrollment
Recommended Preparation: English 2R
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU, UC*
This course is a field and laboratory study of the fault history, rock types, and structural and landform features of the deserts of Southeastern California with a focus on volcanic processes and desert landforms in the Mojave Desert region.
*Note: Credit may be earned in Geology 30, Geology 32, Geology 34, and Geology 36; however, only one course will be UC transferable.
Note: Some labs will be held in the field on weekends at arranged times.
Note: UC does not accept Geology 30, 32, 34, or 36 for the Physical Science laboratory requirement.
Geology 36
Geology Laboratory of Coastal California
1 unit; 3 hours lab
Prerequisite: Geology 1 with a minimum grade of C or concurrent enrollment
Recommended Preparation: English 2R
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU, UC*
This course is a field and laboratory study of the geologic history, rock types, structural and geomorphic features and mountain building processes along the central and southern California coast with emphasis on the geologic history of the Salinian Block, the subsequent impact of the San Andreas Fault, and coastal erosional processes.
*Note: Credit may be earned in Geology 30, Geology 32, Geology 34, and Geology 36; however, only one course will be UC transferable.
Note: Some labs will be held in the field on weekends at arranged times.
Note: UC does not accept Geology 30, 32, 34, or 36 for the Physical Science laboratory requirement.
Geology 50
Special Topics in Geology
Units determined by individual course; lecture/ lab hours determined by individual course
Credit status determined by individual course
This course is designed to explore topics in Geology more specific than provided in other courses in the regular departmental curriculum. Students are referred to the current schedule of classes for details of specific courses.
Geology 99abc
Independent Study
1-3 units; hours to be arranged
Enrollment Limitation: two earth sciences courses with a minimum grade of B
in each and acknowledgment by the instructor with whom student will work
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU, UC - limitations apply
This course provides the student an opportunity to explore research problems in Earth Sciences not covered in the regular departmental offerings through library, laboratory, or field projects. Regular conferences with the instructor are coordinated with assigned laboratory work and research projects (60 hours per unit).
Note: Refer to page 11 of the College Catalog for eligibility requirements.
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