Geology (GEOL)

Contact the Earth Sciences Department for further information, (760)

744-1150, ext. 2512

Associate in Arts degree requirements are listed in Section 6

of the catalog.

PROGRAM OF STUDY

Geology

Provides the student with sufficient background to begin

upper division coursework and will prepare the student for

entry-level jobs that require geologic knowledge. The

student is advised to check with the school to which he/she

may wish to transfer for additional courses which may be

required.

A.A. Degree Major

Program Requirements Units

Group One

GEOL 100 Basic Geology 3

GEOL 100L Basic Geology Laboratory 1

GEOL 150 Dinosaurs and Earth History 3

GEOL 150 Dinosaurs and Earth History Laboratory 1

GEOL 195 Regional Field Studies in Geology 2

Group Two (Select at least two sets of courses listed below)

Set l

MATH 140 and Calculus/Analytic Geometry, First Course 5

MATH 141 Calculus/Analytic Geometry, Second Course 4

Set 2

PHYS 120 and 121 General Physics 8

or

PHYS 230 and 231 Principles of Physics 10

Set 3

CHEM 110 General Chemistry 3

CHEM 115 General Chemistry 3

CHEM 110L General Chemistry Laboratory 2

CHEM 115L General Chemistry Laboratory 2

Group Three (Select at least 8 units)

Any other courses in Group Two not taken above 8-10

GEOL 110 General Geology: National Parks 3

GEOL 125 California Geology and Geography 3

GEOL 197 Geology Topics 1-3

GEOL 195 Regional Field Studies in Geology 1,2,3

GEOL 295 Directed Study in Geology 1,2,3

ASTR 100 Principles of Astronomy 3

BIOL 100 General Biology 4

OCN 100 Oceanography 3

OCN 100L Oceanography Laboratory 1

OCN 115 Coastal Oceanography 3

MATH 205 Calculus/Analytic Geometry, Third Course 4

MATH 206 Calculus/Differential Equations 4

PHYS 232 Principles of Physics 4

TOTAL UNITS 35-38

COURSE OFFERINGS

GEOL 100 Basic Geology (3)

3 hours lecture

Note: Together with GEOL 150, a prerequisite to upper division

courses in Geology.

Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC; CAN GEOL 6

Principles of physical geology. Plate tectonics, rocks and minerals,

weathering, mass-wasting, surface and ground water, wind, waves

and currents, glaciation, mountain building, volcanoes and other

igneous activity, deformation and resulting structures, earthquakes,

Earth's interior, geologic time, and earth resources.

GEOL 100L Basic Geology Laboratory (1)

3 hours laboratory

Prerequisite: Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, GEOL 100

Note: May be offered as a field laboratory; satisfies lab requirement

in Physical Science

Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC

Laboratory and field identification of rocks and rock forming minerals.

Study of geologic processes by means of geologic and topographic

maps.

GEOL 110 General Geology: National Parks and

Monuments (3)

3 hours lecture

Transfer acceptability: CSU

Geologic history and processes of formation of our natural landscape.

Principles of physical and historical geology as revealed in the

structure, stratigraphy, and rock types of the parks and monuments.

GEOL 120 Planets, Moons, and Comets (3)

3 hours lecture

Note: Dually listed as ASTR 120

Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC – ASTR/GEOL 120 and ASTR 205

combined: maximum credit, one course

The astronomy and geology of the solar system, observations,

dynamics, relativistic ideas, including theories of formation and

evolution. Comparative survey of the atmospheres, surface features,

and interiors of planets and satellites. Minor objects, such as comets

and asteroids, will be included.

GEOL 125 California Geology and Geography (3)

3 hours lecture

Note: Dually listed as GEOG 125

Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC

Emphasizes the physical geographic and geologic factors that have

combined to form the varied landscapes of California. Climate and

vegetation patterns, as well as the various geomorphic processes will

be studied.

GEOL 150 Dinosaurs and Earth History (3)

3 hours lecture

Prerequisite: GEOL 100, 110 or 125

Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC

Principles of historical geology. The origin and evolution of Earth and

its biosphere, incorporating plate tectonics, stratigraphy,

paleontology, and geologic dating. Together with GEOL 100, a

prerequisite to upper division courses in geology.

GEOL 150L Dinosaurs and Earth History Laboratory(1)

3 hours laboratory

Prerequisite: Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, GEOL 150

Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC

Laboratory and field identification of rocks and fossils. Elements of

stratigraphic methods and of vertebrate and invertebrate

paleontology. Study of geologic and topographic maps in relation to

earth history.

GEOL 195 Regional Field Studies in Geology (1,2,3)

2, 4, or 6 hours lecture/laboratory

Prerequisite: GEOL 100 or GEOL 110 or GEOL 125 or GEOG 100

Note: May be taken 4 times with different content for a maximum of

6 units

Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC – credit pending UC evaluation

Extended field studies of the geology of western North America over

weekends and during vacation and summer sessions. Emphasis upon

field observation and interpretation of rock types, landforms, and

structure. Localities visited may vary from year to year.

GEOL 197 Geology Topics (1-3)

Units awarded in topics courses are dependent upon the number of

hours required of the student. Any combination of lecture, laboratory,

or lecture/laboratory may be scheduled by the department. Refer to

Class Schedule.

Note: May be taken 3 times for a maximum of 6 units

Transfer acceptability: CSU

Topics in Geology. See Class Schedule for specific topic offered.

Course title will designate subject covered

GEOL 295 Directed Study in Geology (1,2,3)

Arrange 3, 6, or 9 hours laboratory with department chairperson

Prerequisite: GEOL 150

Note: May be taken 4 times for a maximum of 6 units

Transfer acceptability: CSU – UC credit pending UC evaluation

Individual study in field, library, or laboratory for interested students.