The Geology program prepares students for a broad range of careers that involve the Earth. Nearly all of these careers are well-paid – including some of the highest paid careers for those with a bachelor’s degree (EX: petroleum geologist and engineering geologist). Some careers help us gain the rescores vital to humanity’s survival (EX: hydrologist and mining geologist) and others help us forecast and mitigate the effects of natural hazards (EX: geophysicist, volcanologist, and seismologist). A geology education is also excellent preparation for working for public lands management organizations such as the National Park Service, US Forest Service, or NGOs. For those who wish to increase environmental literacy in our culture, geology coursework provides valuable training for careers in education, science journalism, or activism.

Introduces geologic materials and processes that shape the Earth and its environments. Examines global plate tectonic processes and their relationship to earthquakes, volcanoes, mountain-building, formation of rocks, minerals and natural resources, and rock structures (folds and faults). Includes a study of mass movements and glacial, river, and coastal processes that form the Earth's landscapes. Emphasizes the relationships between humans and geologic processes.

When Offered: Every semester

Prerequisites: None

Class Hours: 3 lecture

Applies to Associate Degree

Transfer credit: CSU; UC

Provides hands-on experience in identifying minerals, fossils, as well as igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. Introduces topographic and geologic map interpretation and requires students to practice using remote sensing, aerial photographs, and maps to recognize landforms and geologic structures. Emphasizes laboratory and field observation and scientific analysis of geologic data. Field trips required.

When Offered: Every semester

Prerequisites: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in GEOL M02

Class Hours: 3 lab

Applies to Associate Degree

Transfer credit: CSU; UC

Examines the geologic history of the Earth including changes in the continents, oceans, atmosphere, climate, and life as recorded by fossils. Emphasizes global plate tectonics, changes in paleogeography, and biological evolution. Reviews concepts of geologic dating. Field trips required. There will be a weekend-long field trip to a location of relevance to the history of Earth where students will assess stratigraphy, identify fossils, and/or make geologic maps. Possible locations include Cadiz, Bishop, or Deep Springs (all in southern/ eastern California.)

When Offered: Spring semester

Prerequisites: None

Class Hours: 3 lecture

Applies to Associate Degree

Transfer credit: CSU; UC

Provides hands-on experience identifying fossils, minerals, and rocks. Introduces geologic time, relative age relations in rocks, construction of paleogeographic maps, interpretation of geologic maps and cross sections, and fossil evidence of evolutionary trends throughout geologic time.

When Offered: Spring semester

Prerequisites: GEOL M03 or concurrent enrollment

Class Hours: 3 lab

Applies to Associate Degree

Transfer credit: CSU; UC

Introduces the field of oceanography including a study of the features of the ocean floor, how ocean basins are made and destroyed, the chemical and physical aspects of seawater, ocean-atmosphere interactions, ocean circulation, waves, tides, and beaches with emphasis on the Southern California marine environment. Studies interactions between human society, marine life, and the ocean.

When Offered: Every semester

Prerequisites: None

Class Hours: 3 lecture

Applies to Associate Degree

Transfer credit: CSU; UC

Provides hands on experience for the field of oceanography including a study of the features of the ocean floor, how ocean basins are made and destroyed, the chemical and physical aspects of seawater, ocean-atmosphere interactions, ocean circulation, waves, tides, and beaches with emphasis on the Southern California marine environment. Studies interactions between human society, marine life, and the ocean.

When Offered: Fall semester

Prerequisites:  Completion of or concurrent enrollment in GEOL M05

Class Hours: 3 lab

Applies to Associate Degree

Transfer credit: CSU; UC

Explores the rich geology of California through field investigation. Focuses on the following topics: faults, earthquakes, volcanoes, mountain building, and tectonics. Weekend field trips required.

When Offered: Fall semester, even years

Prerequisites: GEOL M02 or GEOL M02H or GEOL M03 or GEOL M121

Class Hours: 3 lab

Applies to Associate Degree

Transfer credit: CSU; UC

Surveys natural phenomena that have extreme environmental effects on the earth: earthquakes, volcanoes, and mass movements; severe weather events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and droughts, tsunamis and storm surges; and impacts by meteors and comets. Emphasizes effects on human populations and includes strategies to mitigate and avoid disasters.

When Offered: Every semester

Prerequisites: None

Class Hours: 3 lecture

Applies to Associate Degree

Transfer credit: CSU; UC

Introduces the essentials of earth science including the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and solar system. Examines the interactions between physical and chemical systems of the earth such as the tectonic cycle, rock cycle, hydrologic cycle, weather and climate.

When Offered: Fall semester

Prerequisites: None

Class Hours: 3 lecture, 3 lab

Applies to Associate Degree

Transfer credit: CSU; UC