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Geology Courses
GEOL110 Physical Geology 4 units, Lecture & Lab	Study of processes responsible for the origin and ongoing physical development of Earth. Geologic concepts and principles are explored in the context of selected U.S. national parks and monuments. Laboratory emphasizes hands-on experience in mineral/rock identification, topographic and geologic map interpretation and field trips. No prerequisite. (Lecture three hours, laboratory two hours).
GEOL 130 Environmental Geology 4 Units, Lecture and Lab	Introduction to the interactive relationship between humans and their geologic environment. Emphasizes causes and effects of natural and technologic (human related) hazards, as well as topics related to public awareness, hazard prediction, risk assessment, and remediation. Analysis of case studies, outside readings and field trips are an integral part of the course. No prerequisite. (Lecture three hours, laboratory two hours).
GEOL 170 Earth Science 3 Units, Lecture and Lab	Broad survey of basic concepts and principles of astronomy, geology, oceanography and meteorology. Emphasizes the relationship between Earth processes and the fundamentals chemistry, physics and biology. Designed especially for prospective elementary teachers. Does not meet the General Education requirement for a laboratory science. (Lecture two hours, laboratory two hours.)
GEOL 300 Watershed Hydrogeology 4 Units, Lecture and Lab	A descriptive and quantitative analysis of the hydrologic cycle at global and drainage basin scales. Emphasizes a characterization of the physical, chemical and biological factors impacting fluvial, lacustrine, wetland, coastal and groundwater systems. Case studies and hands-on experience and field trips are an integral part of the course. Recommended for science students interested in the environmental sciences and/or securing a position in the environmental field. Prerequisite: GEOL 110 or 130, and CHEM 105, or permission of instructor. (Lecture three hours, laboratory two hours.)
GEOL 350 Physical Oceanography 3 Units, Lecture	A course that emphasizes the physical and chemical processes that operate in the world's oceans. The course includes an overview of the history of oceanography, the origin of water on the planet, plate tectonics of the ocean basins, ocean basin sedimentation, ocean water physical and chemical characteristics, ocean currents, waves and tides, as well as environmental issues of concern to marine scientists. Weekly special topics and problem sets are presented to apply the concepts presented in lecture. A term project in an area of a student's oceanographic interest is required. Prerequisites: GEOL 110 and/or GEOL 130, upper level science major standing and/or instructor permission are required.
GEOL 360 Surficial Processes and Soils 4 Units, Lecture and Lab	Study of soils as products of surface geological agents and biological processes in varying geomorphic, climatic and weathering environments. Includes an overview of the following topics: soil genesis; soil mineralology, composition and geochemistry; soil colliod properties; soil classification; soil physics; soil/vadose zone hydrology, contaminate transport processes in the soil zone; soil contamination/remediation strategies; and soil engineering applications. Includes field-oriented projects and field trips. Prerequisites: GEOL 100 and/or GEOL 130.
GEOL 491 Undergraduate Research 1-4 Units, Independent Study	SPARKS PROGRAM. State Parks As Resources for Knowledge and Science.
GEOL 496 Internship 1-4 Units, Field Studies	On-the-job experience with local agencies and research laboratories to provide students with practical knowledge of careers in the field of geology. Designed to provide students with realistic opportunities to apply their skills to practical problems. Registration for credit can only be made after all supervisory and support requirements have been made.
Physical Environmental Science Minor	Interdisciplinary minor for Biology, Chemistry and Broad Field Science majors seeking a background in Environmental Geology, Hydrogeology, Surface Processes. Soils and GIS!