2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog

GEOL 111. Physical Geology. (3).

A systematic analysis of the Earth, inside and out, its rocks, minerals, soils and water. This involves the study of the processes by which these materials are formed and are constantly changed, including how mountains are created and then eroded by streams, wind and glaciers. Volcanoes, earthquakes and plate tectonics are also covered. Field trips. Lecture, 3 hours/week.

GEOL 111L. Physical Geology Lab. (1).

Hands-on study of rocks and minerals, topographic and air photo interpretation and a variety of geologic exercises that help understand the geologic processes and landforms studied in GEOL 111. Laboratory, 2 hours/week. Prerequisite or corequisite: GEOL 111.

GEOL 112. Historical Geology. (3).

The study of the ancient distribution of land and sea and change in life through geologic time. Lecture, 3 hours/week. Prerequisite: GEOL 111.

GEOL 112L. Historical Geology Lab. (1).

Includes fossil identification, geologic map interpretation and paleogeographic problems. Prerequisite or corequisite: GEOL 112.

GEOL 118. The Oceans. (4).

A general survey of geological and biological processes in the oceans with a strong environmental emphasis. Laboratory exercises and field trips complement lecture material. (cross-listed with BIOL 118).

GEOL 118L. The Oceans Lab. (0).

GEOL 152. Introduction to Environmental Science. (3).

An examination of the relationship between people and the physical environment. Topics include geologic hazards such as volcanoes and earthquakes; pollution of land, air and water; park conservation; energy alternatives; and global challenges such as ozone depletion and human-induced climate change. Lecture, 3 hours/week; Laboratory, 2 hours/week.

GEOL 152L. Intro Environmental Science Lab. (1).

GEOL 212. Dinosaurs. (4).

A survey of the non-avian dinosaurs includes: anatomical comparisons of the major dinosaur groups, plus flying and swimming vertebrates of the Mesozoic Era: new discoveries such as dinosaur eggs and nesting sites, the emergence of birds, soft tissue preservation, and the search for genetic material; a review of the process of fossilization; the paleogeography of the Mesozoic world; and the geological background relevant to dinosaur studies. Lab activities are integrated into the meeting times of the lecture course.

GEOL 224/224L. Planetary Geology. (4,0).

This course will focus on the Earth and its local planetary neighbors utilizing the vast amount of information that has been and continues to be acquired by space probes as well as manned lunar missions. Exposure to comparisons with other nearby planets and planetary objects will allow a better understanding of the Earth, especially our impact on climate and resources. New discoveries and observations in planetary geology demonstrate how the field of geology has changed dramatically since the inception of the "space age". This class will provide students with new insights into planetary evolution, the impact of the space program on our societal needs, and challenge them to critically evaluate data. Lecture, 3 hours/week; Laboratory, 2 hours/week.

GEOL 282C. ST: Select Topic (core). (1-4).

Select Topic approved for core requirement.

GEOL 282L. Sel Top Lab. (0).

GEOL 311. Crystallography and Mineralogy. (5).

Covers morphological crystallography, crystal chemistry, relation of mineral properties to their internal structure, recognition of selected minerals in hand specimen and optical techniques used for mineral identification (use of the polarizing microscope). Lecture, 3 hours/week; Laboratory, 6 hours/week. Prerequisites or corequisites: GEOL 112; CHEM 151.

GEOL 311L. Crystallography and Mineralogy Lab. (0).

GEOL 312. Petrology. (5).

The study of the origin, occurrence, classification and identification of igneous and metamorphic rocks in hand specimen. Lecture, 4 hours/week; Laboratory, 3 hours/week. Prerequisite: GEOL 311.

GEOL 312L. Petrology Lab. (0).

GEOL 331. Invertebrate Paleontology. (4).

A survey of the study of ancient life as revealed in the fossil record. Lecture stresses evolutionary theory and the history of life; lab surveys major invertebrate fossil taxa with emphasis on taxonomy and functional morphology. Lecture, 3 hours/week; Laboratory, 3 hours/week. Prerequisite: GEOL 112.

GEOL 331L. Invertebrate Paleontology Lab. (0).

GEOL 332. Stratigraphy and Sedimentation. (4).

The study of sedimentary rocks, sites of deposition, postdepositional changes and sedimentary tectonics. Lecture, 3 hours/week; Laboratory, 3 hours/week.

GEOL 332L. Stratigraphy and Sedimentation Lab. (0).

GEOL 335. Structural Geology. (5).

The discussion of primary and secondary rock structures, with particular reference to crustal deformation. Lecture, 3 hours/week; Laboratory, 6 hours/week.

GEOL 335L. Structural Geology Lab. (0).

GEOL 390. Introduction to Soils. (4).

Soil Science encompasses a broad spectrum of integrated sciences that include biology, chemistry, earth/geological sciences, physics, horticulture and ecology. Lectures will introduce you to many of the subdivisions of soil science that include: agriculture and nutrient management, soil formation and pedology, soil classifications, soil biology, soil physics and soil chemistry. Lab exercises are designed to provide you with some hands on experience pertinent to the subdivisions of Soil Science.

GEOL 390L. Intro to Soils Lab. (0).

GEOL 395. Water Resources. (3).

An introduction to the principles of surface and groundwater hydrology and to problems related to water utilization. Includes water distribution and availability, alternatives for increasing future water supply, water pollution and mitigation, and water rights law.

GEOL 395L. Lab & Field Studies Water Resources. (1).

Water sampling and testing; simulation of groundwater movement and contaminant migration; stream-table modeling of fluvial landforms. Field trips to study geologic and hydrologic characteristics of areas important to water supply in California and the Southwest.

GEOL 421. Field Geology. (4).

Studies the field methods used in geology, including surveying, plane tabling, geologic mapping and section measuring. Prerequisite: GEOL 335.

GEOL 482. Selected Topics. (1-4).

GEOL 482C. ST: Select Topic. (1-4).

Select Topic approved for core requirement.

GEOL 482L. Selected Topics Lab. (0).

GEOL 485. Seminar. (2-4).

GEOL 490. Independent Study. (1-4).

GEOL 492. Internship. (1-4).

(graded P/NC only).

GEOL 496. Directed Research. (1-3).