Geology GEOL

GEOL 1 Introduction to Physical Geology

Units

4

Hours

3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab

Transfers to

CSU, UC

Peralta GE Areas 5;

Survey of materials and structures comprising the outer portion of the earth, and geologic processes responsible for sculpturing the earth: Plate tectonics and mountain building; formation of minerals and igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks; deformation of rocks by folding and faulting; and erosion of the land surface. Two one-day field trips required.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

GEOL 2 Introduction to Mineralogy

Units

4

Hours

3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab

Prerequisite

CHEM 001A or CHEM 030A

Advisory

GEOL 010 and ENGL C1000

Transfers to

CSU, UC

Peralta GE Areas 5;

Introduction to and classification of the origin of minerals through chemical and physical tests: Spectroscopic, optical plus electron microscopic and x-ray diffraction analyses; study of crystal structures with models, natural crystals, computer visualization, and stereographic projections. Course will include one or more field trips.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

GEOL 3 Historical Geology

Units

3

Hours

3 hours lecture

Transfers to

CSU, UC

Introduction to Earth’s history and the life it supports: Geologic dating, global tectonics, stratigraphy, fossils, biological evolution, the planet’s origin and the processes that have influenced paleogeography during the past 4.6 billion years.

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section)

GEOL 3L Historical Geology Laboratory

Units

1

Hours

3 hours lab

Corequisite

Completion of GEOL 003 Historical Geology prior to or concurrent with GEOL 003 Historical Geography Laboratory class or

Transfers to

CSU, UC

Laboratory component of GEOL 003: Exercises in geologic dating, plate tectonics, stratigraphy, fossils, biological evolution, the planet’s origin and the processes that have influenced paleogeography during the past 4.6 billion years.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

GEOL 10 Introduction to Geology

Units

3

Hours

3 hours lecture

Transfers to

CSU, UC

Eligible for credit by examination

Peralta GE Areas 5;

Introduction to Earth structure, materials and how the Earth works with an emphasis on plate tectonics. Topics include deep time, minerals, origin and context of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, volcanism, earthquakes, weathering and erosion, water and environmental issues.

Offered: Fall 2026 (1 section)

GEOL 18 Geology of California

Units

3

Hours

3 hours lecture

Advisory

GEOL 010 and ENGL C1000

Transfers to

CSU, UC

Peralta GE Areas 5;

Introduction to the geology of California and the North American - Pacific plate boundary: Geologic history and present day geology of California in the context of modern plate tectonic theory; tectonic processes, geologic structures, physiographic provinces, local rocks and minerals, landforms, natural resources, geologic history, and natural hazards in the state.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

GEOL 22 California Coast Range Studies

Units

3

Hours

3 hours lecture

Advisory

ENGL C1000

Transfers to

CSU, UC

Peralta GE Areas 5;

Introduction to and field survey of Coast Range geology: Exploration of the San Andreas transform plate boundary and extinct subduction zone, observation of accessible blueschist metamorphic rocks, ophiolites, ophiolitic melange and volcanic rocks; hands on field geology observation experience.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.

GEOL 49 Independent Study in Geology

Units

.5-5

Hours

.5 hours lecture

Transfers to

CSU

In-depth exploration of an area or problem of the student's choice not covered by regular catalog offerings in Geology. Student must obtain approval from an appropriate faculty member. For more details, see the section on independent study in the college catalog.

Not on the Fall 2026 schedule.