Course Descriptions
GEOL-1 General Geology
(4 units lecture/lab) CR/NC option CSU and UC An introductory
study of physical geology including earth processes, materials,
and changes in these materials through geologic time.
Students will study minerals and rocks in the lab and the field,
and will explore principles of mineral and rock formation,
landform development, plate tectonics, volcanism, folding
and faulting, and related topics. Note: Field trips will be taken to
study our local geology. The College does not provide transportation.
GEOL-2 Historical Geology
(4 units lecture/lab) CR/NC option CSU and UC A study of the
basic principles of historical geology including evolution
of continents, oceans, and mountain systems. Geologic
significance of natural parks and monuments; development
of earth’s animal and plant inhabitants; laboratory studies
of sediments, sedimentary rock, fossils and maps are also
covered. Recommended: GEOL-1 Note: Field trips will frequently be
taken to study local historical geology. The College does not provide
transportation.
GEOL-3 Rocks and Minerals
(3 units lecture/lab) CR/NC option CSU This course studies
common rocks, important rock forming and economic
minerals and considers their occurrences, associations and
uses. Also studied will be minerals, crystals and gemstones
and how to recognize them. Polarizers and spectroscopes are
used.
GEOL-9 Field Studies in Geology
(0.5 - 2 units lab) CR/NC option CSU Repeatable to a maximum of
four enrollments This course is a field trip to various western
locales of particular geologic interest and clarity. Brief field
studies at frequent intervals to demonstrate fundamental
relationships of geology are included. Studies will also include
maps, rocks and the geology of the field trip area. Note: Units
offered may vary by semester. Consult Schedule of Classes for section
information. The College does not provide transportation for field
trips.
GEOL-10 Environmental Geology
(3 units lecture) CR/NC option CSU and UC An introductory
study of how earth materials and processes impact human
activities and how human activities influence the geological
environment. Students will investigate geologic hazards,
including landsliding, earthquakes, and volcanic activity, and
make decisions concerning mitigating action. Students will
also learn about water, mineral, and energy resources and
consider issues of sustainability. Recommended: ENGL-350
GEOL-15 Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics
(3 units lecture) Grade Only CSU and UC An investigation
of plate-tectonic processes and their relationships to faults,
earthquake activity, mountain building, volcanism, and related
geological phenomena. The course explores plate interactions,
historical earthquakes, earthquake predictions, preparedness,
and design of earthquake-resistant structures. Investigations
of Earth’s dynamic systems will be related to energy transfer
and landscape evolution.
GEOL-130E Geology of the North Coast Ranges
(0.5 units lecture/lab) CR/NC option An introduction to the
historical geology and landform development of the North
Coast Ranges of California including important geologic
structures, fossils and sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.
GEOL-130F Geology of the Clear Lake Volcanos
(0.5 units lecture/lab) CR/NC option An introduction to volcanic
activity, its causes and distribution, associated rocks and
minerals and resulting landforms. An all-day field trip to the
Clear Lake area examines volcanic features such as lava flows,
cinder cones and pyroclastic deposits. Note: The College does not
provide transportation.
GEOL-130G Coastal Geology
(0.5 units lecture/lab) CR/NC option The nature of the coastal
environment is examined in terms of landforms, resources,
geologic hazards and problems. Particular attention is paid
to the marine terrace landscape of Northern California, its
geologic development and water resources.
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