Geology
5 courses · College of the Desert · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026
G 001 Physical Geology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54, Lab Hours: 54
- Advisory
- ENG 001A & MATH 054.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOL 101
This course serves as an introduction to the study of the origin and composition of Earth. Subject matter for this course includes Earth materials and processes such as minerals, rocks, plate tectonics, earthquakes, and volcanoes. Physical Geology provides a broad understanding and appreciation of Earth and its evolution over time. The laboratory component studies aspects of geology on a practical and applied basis with possible field trips that emphasize the study of local geological systems. (C-ID GEOL 101)
G 002 Historical Geology with Laboratory
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54, Lab Hours: 54
- Advisory
- BI 004 & G 001.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOL 111
An introduction to Earth's history and the life it supports with a laboratory. Subjects include 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. (C-ID GEOL 111)
G 005 Environmental Geology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54, Lab Hours: 54
- Advisory
- ENG 001A & MATH 054.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOL 131
This course surveys geologic hazards such as flooding, landslides, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions that affect humanity and studies means by which they may be mitigated. Geologic resources such as groundwater, surface water, and soil are studied to assess supply, conservation practices, and contamination mitigation. Mineral, fossil fuel, and alternate energy resources are examined for potential and for environmental assessment of production and consumption. Land-use planning and environmental impact analysis integrate the foregoing. The laboratory portion applies, on a practical basis, aspects of the above in the classroom and in approximately 16 hours in the field. This course is suggested for students in any major which deals with human interactions with the physical environment, such as architecture, engineering, environmental studies, city planning, natural resources, geology, and geography. (C-ID GEOL 131)
G 010 The Earth Sciences
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54, Lab Hours: 54
- Advisory
- ENG 001A & MATH 040.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOL 121
This course is intended for students with a strong science background. This rigorous, fast-paced course is a survey of astronomy, meteorology, climatology, oceanography, and geology. The Earth Sciences provides a general understanding and appreciation of the physical, chemical, and historical evolution of our planet and the universe. Explore the interrelationship of the Earth Sciences and the influences of humanity upon the Earth's systems. The laboratory portion studies aspects of each area on a practical and applied basis. Potential field trips emphasize the study and interaction of local Earth systems. (C-ID GEOL 121)
G 022 Introduction to Environmental Sciences
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Advisory
- MATH 054 & ENG 061.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course covers the physical, biological and chemical systems that constitute the Earth's environment. Topics include geological processes, hydrology, climatology and weather, air and water pollution, population biology, ecosystems, and biodiversity. This course will include analyses of how human behavior and institutions affect the environment. C-ID: ENVS 100