Geology Classes

GEOLOGY CLASSES

GEOL 1 - Physical Geology

3 units
3 hours lecture
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 1 or eligibility for ENGL 1A or qualification by appropriate assessment
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU, UC

This course provides an introduction to geology, including the scientific method and the history of geology. It examines the materials, structures, and processes that compose and shape the earth. It includes a survey of minerals, rocks, and soils a study of plate tectonics and the forces that create volcanoes, earthquakes, and mountains and a study of surface features due to weathering and erosion, streams, mass wasting, ground water, glaciers, wind, desert processes, and ocean waves. The course examines concepts of geologic time, relative and absolute age dating, and fossils. The course also investigates renewable and non-renewable resources as well as mining provinces that produce metals important for industry and technology.

Note: 1 unit of laboratory science credit will be granted with concurrent or subsequent enrollment in a geology laboratory course.

GEOL 2 - History of Planet Earth

3 units
3 hours lecture
Recommended Preparation: GEOG 1 and eligibility for ENGL 1A
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU, UC

This course is a study of the history of the Earth since the time of its formation to the present day. It integrates plate tectonics into a detailed investigation of the dynamics of the Earth’s geologic forces and their effect on the atmospheric, oceanic, and biologic realms. The effect of extraterrestrial events such as asteroid impacts that have shaped our habitable world are also covered.

Note: 4 units of laboratory science credit will be granted with concurrent or subsequent enrollment in GEOL 4 or GEOL 30 or GEOL 32.

GEOL 3 - Physical Geology Laboratory

1 unit
3 hours lab
Prerequisite: GEOL 1 with a minimum grade of C or concurrent enrollment
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU, UC

This course is a laboratory study of geologic exercises and the use of topographic maps. Laboratory exercises will include identification of rocks and minerals, map exercises, structure problems, field studies and recognition of land forms created by various processes working on and in the earth.

GEOL 4 - History of Planet Earth Laboratory

1 unit
3 hours lab
Prerequisite: GEOL 2 with a minimum grade of C or concurrent enrollment
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU, UC

This course utilizes laboratory exercises and field study to apply geologic principles in identification of minerals, igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks and fossils and their use in interpreting earth history, age relationships, and paleogeography of selected regions.

GEOL 6 - Earth Science in Education

4 units
3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
Recommended Preparation: eligibility for ENGL 1A
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU

This course is a broad-based introductory study of earth science for future educators and will include teaching techniques to engage students in science. The topics covered are part of the California science standards and are designed to introduce geology, oceanography, meteorology, and solar system astronomy. It includes the study of earth materials, geologic history, ocean basins and coastlines, weather and climate, pollution and earth resources, planetary geology, and the scientific method. The laboratory component includes study of rocks, maps, scientific instruments, earthquakes, and local geologic features.

Note: GEOG 6 is not designed for geology or earth science majors.

GEOL 7 - Environmental Science I

3 units
3 hours lecture
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 84
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU

This course is a multidisciplinary introduction to environmental and natural resource issues, with an emphasis on how they can be understood in terms of physics, chemistry, and biology. This course examines human population growth through history, resources, pollution, and sustainability, and relates them to how humans use and affect the hydrosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere.

GEOL 15 - Natural Disasters

3 units
3 hours lecture
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 82
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU, UC

This course presents a study of natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanism, hurricanes, landslides and floods and how we can prepare for and possibly mitigate these phenomena in order to lessen their impact on society. In addition, this course will address global climate change and associated earth science processes, as well as the misuse and pollution of vital natural resources such as freshwater.

GEOL 30 - Geology Laboratory of Death Valley

1 unit
3 hours lab per week to be arranged
Prerequisite: GEOL 1 with a minimum grade of C or concurrent enrollment
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU, UC*

This course is a field and laboratory study of the geologic history, rock types, and structural and geomorphic features of the Death Valley region, with special emphasis on seismic activity and desert processes.

Note: Credit may be earned in Geology 30, GEOL 32, GEOL 34, and GEOL 36; however, only one course will be UC transferable.

Note: Some labs will be held in the field on weekends at arranged times. UC does not accept Geology 30, GEOL 32, GEOL 34, or GEOL 36 for the Physical Science laboratory requirement.

GEOL 32 - Geology Laboratory of Owens Valley and Sierra Nevada

GEOL 34 - Geology Laboratory of Southeastern California

GEOL 36 - Geology Laboratory of Coastal California

1 unit
3 hours lab per week to be arranged
Prerequisite: GEOL 1 with a minimum grade of C or concurrent enrollment
Recommended Preparation: ENGL 84
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU, UC*

This course is a field and laboratory study of the geologic history, rock types, structural and geomorphic features and mountain building processes along the central and southern California coast with special emphasis on the geologic history of the Salinian Block, the subsequent impact of the San Andreas Fault, and coastal erosional processes.

Note: Credit may be earned in GEOL 30, GEOL 32, GEOL 34, and Geology 36; however, only one course will be UC transferable. Note: Some labs will be held in the field on weekends at arranged times. UC does not accept GEOL 30, GEOL 32, GEOL 34, or 36 for the Physical Science laboratory requirement.

GEOL 99 - Independent Study

1-3 units
hours to be arranged
Enrollment Limitation: two earth sciences courses with a minimum grade of B in each and acknowledgment by the instructor with whom student will work
Credit, degree applicable
Transfer CSU*

This course provides special advanced studies in a subject field of Earth Sciences not covered in the regular departmental offerings. Regular conferences with the instructor are coordinated with assigned Earth Science projects (54 hours per unit).

Note: *Transfer limitations apply. For eligibility requirements, go to www.elcamino.edu/admissions/credit.asp
(formerly Geology 99abc)