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Geology

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses

Geology is the study of the origin and evolution of the earth, utilizing the principles of mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology. The concept of geologic time and the principles of uniformitarianism help geologists to understand the processes that shape the earth and its environments. Geologists study rocks, minerals and fossils in an effort to draw conclusions about both the earth's observable surface processes that meet the eye, and the earth's interior.

Degrees Offered

A.S.-T. in Geology
A.S. in General Science
A.S. in Geology

Dean Banafsheh Amini
Department Chair Scott Crosier
Phone (916) 691-7204
Email crosies@crc.losrios.edu

Associate Degrees for Transfer

A.S.-T. in Geology

The Associate in Science in Geology for Transfer Degree (AA-T) is designed to provide a seamless transfer pathway for students interested in pursuing at least one Geology degree option in the California State University (CSU) system. Students must complete the core curriculum and electives to meet a total of 60 transferable units with a minimum 2.0 GPA, which includes the CSU General Education Breadth or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern. Students must also earn a grade of C or better in all the courses for the major as described in the Required Program. Upon successful completion of the degree requirements, students will be guaranteed admission to the CSU system with junior status and will not have to repeat lower division coursework. Students are encouraged to meet with a counselor to develop their educational plans as degree options and general education requirements vary for each university.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
GEOL 300	Physical Geology	3
GEOL 301	Physical Geology Laboratory	1
GEOL 310	Historical Geology	3
GEOL 311	Historical Geology Laboratory	1
CHEM 400	General Chemistry I	5
CHEM 401	General Chemistry II	5
MATH 400	Calculus I	5
MATH 401	Calculus II	5
Total Units:		28

The Associate in Science in Geology for Transfer (AS-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, including (a) a minimum grade of "C" (or "P") for each course in the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

Understand the culture and practice of science. (PSLO 1)
Evaluate how nature and humans exist in various dimensions of space and time. (PSLO 2)
Integrate geoscience technologies and information resources. (PSLO 3)
Analyze critical geoscience issues facing the world today. (PSLO 4)
Communicate geoscience concepts and information effectively in various forms (e.g., verbal, written, graphic). (PSLO 5)
Assess the use and limits of natural resources. (PSLO 6)
Analyze the impacts of natural processes on humanity. (PSLO 7)

Career Information

The AS-T in Geology can provide students with the foundational knowledge necessary for transfer to a 4-year Bachelor of Art or Science (BA or BS) degree program. Career opportunities for students who have earned Bachelor's degrees in Geology include but are not limited to Geologist (for private industry or the government), Environmental Planner or Consultant, Earth Science Educator (middle school through university), Paleontologist, Petrologist, Land Use and Natural Resource Management, Cartographer/Stratigrapher, Park Naturalist, Hydrologist, GIS Specialist, and Oceanographer. Some careers may require additional training. NOTE TO TRANSFER STUDENTS: The Associate Degree for Transfer program is designed for students who plan to transfer to a campus of the California State University (CSU). Other than the required core, the courses you choose to complete this degree will depend to some extent on the selected CSU for transfer. In addition, some CSU-GE Breadth or IGETC requirements can also be completed using courses required for this associate degree for transfer major (known as “double-counting”). Meeting with a counselor to determine the most appropriate course choices will facilitate efficient completion of your transfer requirements. For students wishing to transfer to other universities (UC System, private, or out-of-state), the Associate Degree for Transfer may not provide adequate preparation for upper-division transfer admissions; it is critical that you meet with a CRC counselor to select and plan the courses for the major, as programs vary widely in terms of the required preparation.

Associate Degrees

A.S. in General Science

Areas of Study include:

• Biological Anthropology

• Astronomy

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Engineering

• Physical Geography

• Geology

• Physics

Eighteen (18) units of transfer-level course work in science are required. Two laboratory courses must be included: one in the physical sciences and one in the biological sciences. Courses may be selected from astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, physical geography, biological anthropology, and physics. The student, in consultation with a counselor, should choose science courses to meet their program, transfer, or general education requirements.

Students interested in transferring to a four-year university with a science major are encouraged to complete a science AS or AS-T degree such as Anthropology, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Geography, Geology, or Physics. This General Science degree may not include the majors-level transfer courses needed for many science majors. Students are strongly recommended to see a counselor for guidance.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
Life Science with Lab :
A minimum of 4 units from the following:		4
ANTH 300	Biological Anthropology (3)
and ANTH 301	Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1)
ANTH 480	Honors Biological Anthropology (3)
and ANTH 482	Honors Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1)
BIOL 308	Contemporary Biology (3)
and BIOL 309	Contemporary Biology Laboratory (1)
BIOL 400	Principles of Biology (5)
BIOL 410	Principles of Botany (5)
BIOL 420	Principles of Zoology (5)
BIOL 430	Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 431	Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 440	General Microbiology (4)
HONOR 387	Biological Anthropology Laboratory-Honors (1)
and HONOR 386	Biological Anthropology-Honors (3)
Physical Science with Lab:
A minimum of 3 units from the following:		3
ASTR 300	Introduction to Astronomy (3)
and ASTR 400	Astronomy Laboratory (1)
CHEM 300	Beginning Chemistry (4)
CHEM 305	Introduction to Chemistry (5)
CHEM 306	Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry (5)
CHEM 309	Integrated General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry (5)
CHEM 400	General Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 401	General Chemistry II (5)
CHEM 420	Organic Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 421	Organic Chemistry II (5)
GEOG 300	Physical Geography: Exploring Earth's Environmental Systems (3)
and GEOG 301	Physical Geography Laboratory (1)
GEOL 300	Physical Geology (3)
and GEOL 301	Physical Geology Laboratory (1)
GEOL 305	Earth Science (3)
and GEOL 306	Earth Science Laboratory (1)
GEOL 310	Historical Geology (3)
and GEOL 311	Historical Geology Laboratory (1)
ENGR 304	How Things Work (3)
PHYS 350	General Physics (4)
PHYS 360	General Physics (4)
PHYS 370	Introductory Physics - Mechanics and Thermodynamics (5)
PHYS 380	Introductory Physics - Electricity and Magnetism, Light and Modern Physics (5)
PHYS 411	Mechanics of Solids and Fluids (4)
PHYS 421	Electricity and Magnetism (4)
PHYS 431	Heat, Waves, Light and Modern Physics (4)
Additional Science Courses :
A minimum of 11 units from the following:		11¹
ANTH 300	Biological Anthropology (3)
ANTH 301	Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1)
ANTH 480	Honors Biological Anthropology (3)
ANTH 482	Honors Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1)
ASTR 300	Introduction to Astronomy (3)
ASTR 400	Astronomy Laboratory (1)
BIOL 308	Contemporary Biology (3)
BIOL 309	Contemporary Biology Laboratory (1)
BIOL 342	The New Plagues: New and Ancient Infectious Diseases Threatening World Health (3)
BIOL 350	Environmental Biology (3)
BIOL 352	Conservation Biology (3)
BIOL 400	Principles of Biology (5)
BIOL 410	Principles of Botany (5)
BIOL 420	Principles of Zoology (5)
BIOL 430	Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 431	Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 440	General Microbiology (4)
CHEM 300	Beginning Chemistry (4)
CHEM 305	Introduction to Chemistry (5)
CHEM 306	Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry (5)
CHEM 309	Integrated General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry (5)
CHEM 400	General Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 401	General Chemistry II (5)
CHEM 420	Organic Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 421	Organic Chemistry II (5)
ENGR 304	How Things Work (3)
GEOG 300	Physical Geography: Exploring Earth's Environmental Systems (3)
GEOG 301	Physical Geography Laboratory (1)
GEOG 305	Global Climate Change (3)
GEOG 306	Weather and Climate (3)
GEOL 300	Physical Geology (3)
GEOL 301	Physical Geology Laboratory (1)
GEOL 305	Earth Science (3)
GEOL 306	Earth Science Laboratory (1)
GEOL 310	Historical Geology (3)
GEOL 311	Historical Geology Laboratory (1)
GEOL 330	Introduction to Oceanography (3)
GEOL 390	Field Studies in Geology (1 - 4)
HONOR 386	Biological Anthropology-Honors (3)
HONOR 387	Biological Anthropology Laboratory-Honors (1)
PHYS 310	Conceptual Physics (3)
PHYS 350	General Physics (4)
PHYS 360	General Physics (4)
PHYS 370	Introductory Physics - Mechanics and Thermodynamics (5)
PHYS 380	Introductory Physics - Electricity and Magnetism, Light and Modern Physics (5)
PHYS 411	Mechanics of Solids and Fluids (4)
PHYS 421	Electricity and Magnetism (4)
PHYS 431	Heat, Waves, Light and Modern Physics (4)
Total Units:		18

¹Courses used in A or B above will not count towards C, except units exceeding the 4 or 3 unit minimum in A and B. For example, a student completing the 5 unit CHEM 309 under B could apply 2 of those units towards C. A total of 18 science units is required.

The General Science Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See CRC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

explain the core perspectives of the scientific method and apply it to at least one scientific discipline. (PSLO 1)
solve introductory problems of a conceptual and/or numerical nature of at least one scientific discipline. (PSLO 2)
accurately apply the basic vocabulary and concepts of at least one scientific discipline verbally and in writing. (PSLO 3)
recognize the use and misuse of scientific concepts in society including politics and the media. (PSLO 4)

A.S. in Geology

This degree is designed to meet common lower division requirements for a major in Geology.

All CRC Geology courses satisfy lower division General Education requirements for the A.A., A.S., B.A., and B.S. degrees. For transfer students earning a Baccalaureate Degree in Geology, satisfactory completion of the CRC Geology curriculum provides a solid foundation and the standard prerequisites for upper division coursework. Geology majors planning to transfer to four-year institutions should take GEOL 300, 301, 310, and 311.

HIGHLIGHTS

*Comprehensive lower division course offerings, including a Physical Laboratory, Mineral Laboratory, and Field Course

*Dynamic geologic environment near the Sierra Nevada, San Andreas Fault, and Sacramento Delta

*Internships available with State of California, County of Sacramento, and Federal Land Management Agencies

*A Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA) program

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
CHEM 400	General Chemistry I	5
CHEM 401	General Chemistry II	5
GEOL 300	Physical Geology	3
GEOL 301	Physical Geology Laboratory	1
GEOL 310	Historical Geology	3
GEOL 311	Historical Geology Laboratory	1
MATH 400	Calculus I	5
MATH 401	Calculus II	5
Total Units:		28

The Geology Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See CRC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

SLO 1: Understand the culture and practice of science.
SLO 2: Evaluate how nature and humans exist in various dimensions of space and time.
SLO 3: Integrate geoscience technologies and information resources.
SLO 4: Analyze critical geoscience issues facing the world today.
SLO 5: Communicate geoscience concepts and information effectively in various forms (e.g., verbal, written, graphic).
SLO 6: Assess the use and limits of natural resources.
SLO 7: Analyze the impacts of natural processes on humanity.

Career Information

Geologist (for private industry or the government); Environmental Planner or Consultant; Earth Science Educator (middle school through university); Paleontologist; Petrologist; Land Use and Natural Resource Management; Cartographer/Stratigrapher; Park Naturalist; Hydrology; GIS Specialist; Oceanographer Most career options require additional college study.

Geology (GEOL) Courses

GEOL 300 Physical Geology

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:Concurrent enrollment in GEOL 301.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; IGETC Area 5A
C-ID:C-ID GEOL 100
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

Physical Geology introduces the composition and dynamics of Earth from the atomic scale of minerals to the global scale of plate tectonics. Major themes include the composition of minerals and rock, volcanism, Earth structures, earthquakes, erosion and surface processes, geologic time, geologic hazards, and plate tectonics. This course analyzes human interactions with geologic processes and the physical environment. Successful completion of physical geology prepares the student to recognize, understand, and appreciate the physical processes which continually change Earth over geologic time.

GEOL 301 Physical Geology Laboratory

Units:1
Hours:54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Corequisite:GEOL 300 (may be taken previously)
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5C
C-ID:C-ID GEOL 100L
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course provides "hands-on" experience with the tools and skills discussed in Physical Geology (GEOL 300). Lab topics include mineral and rock identification, map and air photograph interpretation and landform identification, and introduction to the study of geologic maps and cross-sections.

GEOL 305 Earth Science

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU; UC (No transfer credit for GEOL 305 or 306, if taken after GEOL 300, 301, 310, or 311)
General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; IGETC Area 5A
C-ID:C-ID GEOL 120
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is an introductory course covering major topics in geology, oceanography, meteorology, astronomy, scientific method, and philosophy of science. This course is designed for non-science majors. This course is not open to students who have received credit for GEOL 300 or GEOL 310.

GEOL 306 Earth Science Laboratory

Units:1
Hours:54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Corequisite:GEOL 305
Transferable:CSU; UC (No transfer credit for GEOL 305 or 306, if taken after GEOL 300, 301, 310, or 311)
General Education:CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5C
C-ID:C-ID GEOL 120L
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course emphasizes scientific methods and systematic laboratory procedures. Topics include weather analysis, rock and mineral identification, study of geologic concepts by means of topographic maps, and exercises in astronomy and oceanography. One field trip may be required. Not open to students who have received credit for GEOL 300 or GEOL 301.

GEOL 310 Historical Geology

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:GEOL 300 or 305; An introductory geology or earth science course.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; IGETC Area 5A
C-ID:C-ID GEOL 110
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course explores the origin and geologic history of Earth and the evolution of its plant and animal inhabitants. Plate tectonic theory is used to explain changes in composition and structure of rocks in Earth's crust from the formation of Earth to the present. Emphasis is placed on the formation of sedimentary rocks for the purpose of understanding how they and the fossils contained within them record changes in Earth environment and processes. Evolution and extinction are studied to understand how they reflect environmental changes in Earth's ocean, atmosphere, and surface. Present day Earth processes are used as a model to understand past activity.

GEOL 311 Historical Geology Laboratory

Units:1
Hours:54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Corequisite:GEOL 310
Advisory:GEOL 300 and 301
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5C
C-ID:C-ID GEOL 110L
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

Laboratory studies will accompany and complement GEOL 310, Historical Geology. Use of sedimentary rocks, fossils, geologic maps, and cross sections will aid in interpreting ancient environments, tectonic settings, and geologic history. Other concepts addressed include age relations and correlation of rock and time units, and introduction to fossil identification and biostratigraphy. At least one field trip or an appropriate alternative activity will be required as an introduction to sedimentary environments and field methods in geology.

GEOL 330 Introduction to Oceanography

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; IGETC Area 5A
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

The course will provide an introduction to the basic principles and practices of oceanography. Topics will be presented in terms of the applications of physics, geology, chemistry, and biology to a study of the world's oceans. Specific topics will include planetary science and earth origin, the geologic timescale, geography and location systems, matter, marine provinces, sediments, seismology, plate tectonics, seawater composition, geochemical distributions, deep ocean circulations, winds and surface circulation, waves, tides, estuarine environment, biological production, nekton, plankton, and benthic organisms.

GEOL 390 Field Studies in Geology

Units:1 - 4
Hours:6 - 24 hours LEC; 36 - 144 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:GEOL 300 or 305
Transferable:CSU; UC
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course covers the study of geologic principles and processes of specific areas (mountains, deserts, great valley, coastal region, etc.). A multi-day field trip and camping may be required. For specific details, see the course description(s) listed in the schedule.

GEOL 495 Independent Studies in Geology

Units:1 - 3
Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

An independent studies project involves an individual student or small group of students in study, research, or activities beyond the scope of regularly offered courses. See the current catalog section of "Special Studies" for full details of Independent Studies.

GEOL 499 Experimental Offering in Geology

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is the experimental courses description.