Geology (GEOL) Courses

GEOL 101  3 Units  
Introduction to Physical Geology  

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Prerequisite: ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H and MATH 095 or MATH 096

Corequisite: ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H

Advisory: GEOL 111

This course is an introduction to the study of the Earth, with emphasis on the materials that make up the Earth. It emphasizes Plate Tectonics, the processes that created the continents and the ocean basins, and the internal and external processes that change the landscape.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: GEOL 100

GEOL 111  1 Unit  
Introduction to Physical Geology Laboratory  

Lab: 54 contact hours

Prerequisite/Corequisite: GEOL 101

This course is a hands-on introduction to the study of the Earth, with an emphasis on the materials that make up the Earth. Students will participate in one or more field trips. This course is recommended for students concurrently enrolled in GEOL 101 or who have successfully completed GEOL 101 within the last two years.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: GEOL 100L

GEOL 112  4 Units  
Historical Geology  

Lecture: 54 contact hours
Lab: 54 contact hours

Prerequisite: ENGL 015 or eligibility for ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H as determined by the SBVC process and MATH 952 or MATH 962 or eligibility for MATH 090 as determined by the SBVC assessment process.

Advisory: GEOL 101 and GEOL 111

This course reviews the geologic history of the Earth. Specific topics include the planet's origin and chronological processes that produce major continental and oceanic features, plate tectonics, stratigraphy, interpretation of Earth history from rock and fossil records, and the evolutionary development of plant and animal life. Students should anticipate participating in one or more field trips.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: GEOL 111

GEOL 122  3 Units  
Environmental Geology  

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Prerequisite: ENGL 015 or eligibility for ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H as determined by the SBVC process. MATH 952 or MATH 962 or eligibility for MATH 090 as determined by the SBVC assessment process.

Advisory: GEOL 101 or GEOG 110

This course introduces the relationships among geologic processes, natural resources, and the needs of society. Topics include natural hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, and mudflows; mineral and energy resources; and the particular problems associated with urbanization, resource use, and pollution. Students should anticipate participating in one or more field trips.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: GEOL 130

GEOL 170  1 Unit  
Geologic History of the Great Basin Province  

Lecture: 9 contact hours
Lab: 27 contact hours

Prerequisite: ENGL 015 or eligibility for ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H as determined by the SBVC assessment process and MATH 952 or MATH 962 or eligibility for MATH 090 as determined by the SBVC assessment process.

Advisory: GEOL 101 or GEOG 110 and GEOL 112

Students will discuss and observe the physical and historical geology of the Great Basin Province of the United States, with special emphasis on the geology of Death Valley National Park. Coursework will involve a series of lectures leading to a three to four-day field trip through the Great Basin in and around Death Valley. Students must attend the field trip for the successful completion of the course. The field trips will emphasize the geological features and anthropological history of the Great Basin Province.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to CSU only

GEOL 201  4 Units  
Mineralogy  

Lecture: 54 contact hours
Lab: 54 contact hours

Prerequisite: GEOL 101 and GEOL 111 and CHEM 101 or CHEM 150 or CHEM 150H.

This course emphasizes the classification and origin of minerals through chemical and physical tests, as well as spectroscopic, optical, and x-ray diffraction analyses. There is an ancillary study of crystal structures with models, natural crystals, and stereographic projections. Students should anticipate participating in one or more field trips.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: GEOL 280

GEOL 222  1-3 Units  
Independent Study in Geology  

DIR: 54 contact hours

Prerequisite: GEOL 101

Students with previous course work in Geology may work on assigned projects involving research and analysis of selected topics. This independent study is for students who are interested in furthering their knowledge of Geology. Prior to registration, a written contract must be prepared jointly by the instructor and the student.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to CSU only

GEOL 250  3 Units  
Geology of California  

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Prerequisite: ENGL 015 and or eligibility for ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H as determined by the SBVC process. MATH 952 or MATH 962 or eligibility for MATH 090 as determined by the SBVC assessment process.

Advisory: GEOL 101 or GEOG 110

This course introduces students to the physical and historical geology of California, emphasizing the distinctive geologic features of each of California's twelve geomorphic provinces. Students should anticipate participating in one or more field trips.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

C-ID: GEOL 200

GEOL 251  3 Units  
Geology of the National Parks and Monuments  

Lecture: 54 contact hours

Prerequisite: ENGL 015 and or eligibility for ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H as determined by the SBVC process; MATH 952 or MATH 962 or eligibility for MATH 090 as determined by the SBVC assessment process.

Advisory: GEOL 101 or GEOG 110 and GEOL 111 or GEOG 111

This course comprises a study of the geology of selected national parks, monuments, seashores, recreational areas, and other public sites of geologic interest within the United States and its territories. There is an emphasis on the geologic processes that formed these notable sites. Students should anticipate participating in one or more field trips.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

GEOL 260  3 Units  
Introduction to Field Geology  

Lecture: 36 contact hours
Lab: 54 contact hours

Prerequisite: GEOL 101 or GEOL 112

Advisory: GIS 130 or GEOG 130

This course emphasizes demonstration, discussion, and practice of field investigations of geologic environments. Activities include describing, mapping, and identifying geologic phenomena using traditional and cutting-edge field survey methods. As this is a hands-on course, students will spend time in the field.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to both UC/CSU

GEOL 270  1 Unit  
Geology of the Eastern Sierra Nevada  

Lecture: 9 contact hours
Lab: 27 contact hours

Prerequisite: ENGL 015 and or eligibility for ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H as determined by the SBVC process. MATH 952 or MATH 962 or eligibility for MATH 090 as determined by the SBVC assessment process.

Advisory: GEOL 101 or GEOG 110 or GEOL 112

This course provides a lecture discussion and field observation of the physical and historical geology of the Eastern Sierra Nevada Province. It includes a three to four-day field trip along the boundary between the Sierra Nevada and Basin and Range Provinces. A three to four-day field trip demonstrates volcanic, glacial, and other geologic or economic processes. This field trip is required for the successful completion of the course.

Associate Degree Applicable

Transfers to CSU only