Geology (GEOL Courses)
GEOL 100 Physical Geology
4.0 units.
Acceptable for credit: Transfer to UC, CSU
C-ID Course Number: GEOL 101
Course Offered:
Fall, Spring
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
Physical Geology explores the processes that are shaping Earth today. It examines
the formation of rocks and mineral resources, the volcanic and tectonic activity that
accompany release of Earth's internal heat, and the sculpting of the planet's surface
that occurs as air, water and ice move in response to gravity and energy from the
Sun. Lab activities include identification of rocks and minerals, interpretation of
topographic and geologic maps, and field studies of regional geologic features.
GEOL 111 Historical Geology
4.0 units.
Advisories: ENGL 100 - Writing in Career/Tech Fields ; or ENGL 101 - Freshman Composition: Exposition ; or ENGL 110 - Grammar for College and Career
Acceptable for credit: Transfer to UC, CSU
C-ID Course Number: GEOL 111
Course Offered:
Spring
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
Historical Geology explores how Earth and the life it supports have changed through
time. Geologic principles are used to reconstruct the planet's origin and the events
that have modified the physical environment, whereas fossils are used to trace the
history of life and discover how natural selection and environmental change have shaped
living communities. Lab exercises include the identification of rocks and fossils,
map interpretation, and field study of regional geologic history.
GEOL 114 Oceanography
3.0 units.
Acceptable for credit: Transfer to UC, CSU
C-ID Course Number: none
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
An introduction to the physical and biological aspects of the marine environment,
including processes of heat transfer, tides, currents, waves, life in the marine ecosystem,
geological processes of shorelines, deep sea geology, plate tectonics, and marine
economic resources. Includes field trips to local Coastal areas.
GEOL 115 Oceanography Lab
1.0 unit.
Corequisite: GEOL 114 - Oceanography or completion of GEOL 114
Acceptable for credit: Transfer to UC, CSU
C-ID Course Number: N/A
Course Offered:
Fall, Spring
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
This course introduces the student to laboratory and field methods in oceanography.
Topics include physical, chemical and geological processes along with human impacts
on the ocean environment. The course includes field trips to locations on the central
California coast.
GEOL 131 Geology Of California
3.0 units.
Acceptable for credit: Transfer to UC, CSU
C-ID Course Number: GEOL 200
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
An overview of the geologic features and history of California emphasizing an understanding
of California's past and present plate tectonic setting, unique landscape features,
resources and hazards.
GEOL 141 Environmental Geology
3.0 units.
Acceptable for credit: Transfer to UC, CSU
C-ID Course Number: GEOL 130
Course Offered:
Fall, Spring
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
A study of humankind's scientific, social, and ethical interactions with earth systems.
Topics include earth processes, geologic hazards, the earth's renewable and non-renewable
resources, and the earth's ability accept the products of human waste. This course
is not open to students who have received credit for Environmental Studies 102.
GEOL 189 Independent Projects in Geology
1.0 - 3.0 units.
Acceptable for credit: Transfer CSU
C-ID Course Number: none
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
Courses for students capable of independent work who demonstrate the need or desire
for additional study beyond the regular curriculum. Enrollment allows students to
pursue activities such as directed field experience, research, or development of skills
and competencies under faculty advisement and supervision. Independent projects may
be earned in most discipline. Students wishing to enroll in Independent Projects
should contact the appropriate instructor identified in the class schedule. If the
project proposed is acceptable to that instructor, a contract will be developed. All
contracts for these classes must be completed and submitted to the Records Office
no later than the end of the second week of the semester. Units are awarded depending
upon satisfactory performance and the amount of time committed by the student to the
course. Allowable units vary according to discipline, and are based on the following
formula: 1 unit- 48 hours per semester 2 units - 96 hours per semester 3 units
- 144 hours per semester
GEOL 199A Topics in Geology: CA Deserts
2.0 units.
Acceptable for credit: D - Credit - Degree Applicable
Grading Method: Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass
A 90 hour field trip which will explore geologic features and geologic history of
selected portions of California's deserts. The course is divided into two field trips:
first to the Mojave Desert and to Death Valley National Monument (prior to and partly
during spring recess), and second to the southern California desert near the Salton
Sea and Anza-Borrego State Park (in the latter part of May).