Geosciences
14 courses · Antelope Valley College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Winter 2027 · Spring 2027
GEOG 101 Physical Geography: Earth's Surface Landscapes
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of Intermediate Algebra or higher or placement by multiple measures.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOG 110
This course is an introduction to the spatial analysis of Earth’s dynamic processes and systems. Students will learn about the planet’s position in the solar system and the sun’s effects on our atmosphere and surface environments. Students will explore the role of plate tectonics, volcanism and earthquakes in building Earth’s surface as well as the forces that erode and modify landforms. The interactions between climates, water, soils, and ecosystems will also be explored. Tools of geographic inquiry are also briefly covered, such as maps, remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Global Positioning System (GPS).
GEOG 101L Physical Geography Lab: Earth's Surface Landscapes
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in GEOG 101 and completion of Intermediate Algebra or higher or placement by multiple measures.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOG 111
Provides students with a hands-on introduction to the processes at work shaping Earth's surfaces. This class provides an introduction to the methods used to present spatial relationships found in our physical environment. Students will identify, explore, analyze, and compare methods used in mapping and expressing spatial relationships. Students will develop fundamental geographic skills that can be used in variety of professional situations.
GEOG 102 Physical Geography: Earth's Weather & Climate
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Advisory
- Eligibility for ENGL C1000 or ENGL C1000H, Completion of Intermediate Algebra or higher or placement by multiple measures.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOG 130
This course examines Earth’s weather and climate patterns from a geographic perspective. Students explore the basic principles of weather and climate as well as causes and effects. Emphasis is placed on understanding various elements and controls of weather and climate as well as interpreting weather maps and charts. Techniques and principles involved in interpreting weather data, weather charts and maps and weather forecasting will also be introduced.
GEOG 102L Physical Geography Lab: Earth's Weather & Climate
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in GEOG 102.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course provides hands-on experience in understanding, defining and interpreting the basic principles of weather and climate topics presented in GEOG 102. Emphasis is placed on understanding various elements and controls of weather and climate, making and interpreting weather maps and charts. Techniques and principles involved in interpreting weather data, weather charts and maps and weather forecasting will also be introduced.
GEOG 105 Cultural Geography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOG 120
An introduction to the fundamental concepts of human geography allowing students to explore the spatial patterns created by the interactions of diverse ethnic groups. Students will use basic geographic concepts to explore relationships between human cultures and their environments, race and ethnicity, diffusion of languages, religions and social customs. Students will explore issues in human population dynamics and migrations and investigate impacts of patterns created by political boundaries and economic development. NOTE: Does not meet Physical Science requirement.
GEOG 106 California Geography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOG 140
This course explores California's diverse physical, cultural, and economic geography. We will be exploring the many relationships between the State's past, present and future physical, historical, cultural and economic landscapes as we examine California's modern landscapes. We also explore issues faced by all Californians including but not limited to growing population, limited resources, water, urbanization, and agriculture. This course will be valuable for geography majors, future teachers, transfer students, and anyone with an interest in California.
GEOG 110 World Regional Geography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOG 125
Survey of the world's culture regions and nations as interpreted by geographers, including physical, cultural, economic features. Emphasis on spatial influences on population growth, transportation networks, and natural environments. Identification and importance of the significant features of regions.
GEOG 201 Map Interpretation and GPS
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 72 lecture hours, 72 contact hours total
- Advisory
- Eligibility for ENGL C1000 (ENGL 101) or placement by multiple measures.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOG 150
This course will provide students with the skills necessary to interpret maps. Projection and reference systems, scale concepts, coordinate systems, topographic maps, air photo interpretation, use of compasses and clinometers will be explored. Students will also cover the basics of how GPS works and examine some of the ways GPS technologies can be used to solve real-world problems. Students will gain hands-on experience mapping field-collected data and importing the data to computer mapping software. Students will be required to participate in a minimum of 18 hours of supervised off-campus field application sessions. This class will meet needs of geography, geology, archaeology, wildlife biology and fire technology students.
GEOG 205 Introduction to Geographic Information Science (GIS)
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOG 155
This course introduces the fundamentals of Geographic Information Science (GIS) and its applications to spatial data management. Students will learn about GIS data, assessment of vector and raster systems, scale, resolution, map projection, coordinate systems, georeferencing and Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Spatial analysis and modeling with GIS will also be introduced. This course is intended for Geography/GIS majors and persons interested using GIS in professional settings. NOTE: Does not meet Physical Science requirement.
GEOG 220 Data Acquisition and Management in Geographic Information Science (GIS)
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, GEOG 205.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides a general survey of basic methods of data acquisition, database design and management for Geographic Information Science (GIS). This course focuses on the specific data requirements of GIS. Students will examine methods of digitizing pre-existing data and explore database development and management. Students will use their knowledge to complete GIS projects. BEFORE ENROLLING, students must have the computer skills, knowledge of georeferencing, coordinate systems, processes of data capture, data management and analysis and the skills necessary to produce a GIS map gained in GEOG 205. This course is intended for geography/ GIS majors and persons using GIS in professional settings.
GEOG 221 Spatial Analysis in Geographic Information Science (GIS)
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, GEOG 205.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course provides a general survey of the fundamentals of spatial information systems and a survey of quantitative techniques applicable to spatial data. This course is focused on the functionality of GIS as an effective tool for modeling and analyzing complex spatial relationships. The applications of a variety of quantitative methods will be explored using GIS software including ArcGIS and ArcInfo. Students will use their knowledge to complete a GIS project. BEFORE ENROLLING, students must have computer skills, knowledge of georeferencing, coordinate systems, processes of data capture, data management and analysis and the skills necessary to produce a GIS map. This course is intended for Geography/GIS majors and persons using GIS in professional settings. NOTE: Does not meet Physical Science Requirement.
GEOG 222 Cartography for Geographic Information Science (GIS)
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, GEOG 205.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides a general survey of basic methods used for the presentation of geographic information science (GIS) data and analysis. Students will examine methodology used in the presentation of spatial data. Students will use their cartographic skills to complete their GIS projects. BEFORE ENROLLING, students must have the computer skills, knowledge of geo-referencing, coordinate systems, processes of data capture, data management and analysis and the skills necessary to produce a GIS map gained in GEOG 205. This course is intended for Geography/GIS majors and persons using GIS in professional settings.
GEOG 298C Special Studies in Geographic Information Science (GIS)
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours, 108 lab hours, 126 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- Completion of GEOG 205.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides students with the opportunity to work independently on a geographic information science (GIS) project. Students will use GIS skills to collect data, model, analyze, and visualize complex spatial relationships. In GEOG 298C, students will create a project major in scope that will be the equivalent of a 3 unit course. BEFORE ENROLLING students must have computer skills, knowledge of georeferencing, coordinate systems, process of data capture, data management and analysis, and the skills necessary to produce a GIS map. This course is intended for Geography/GIS majors and persons interested in using GIS in professional settings. Students will enroll in the section that will match their specific project time commitment and be awarded units accordingly.
GEOG 299 Special Topics-Field Geography
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours, 18 contact hours total
- Advisory
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in GEOG 101, GEOG 102, GEOG 106, GEOL 101 or ERSC 101.
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- GEOG 160
This course will allow students opportunities to observe geographic phenomenon in field setting covered in classroom lectures. Students will become familiar with some of the basic techniques used in observing, identifying, describing, mapping and recording field data. Specific features to be observed will be chosen for each trip based on destinations and themes. This course will be valuable for all geography, science, natural resource and planning majors, future teachers and anyone interested in our natural environment.