Geology
17 courses · Cuesta College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026
GEOL 193 GEOLOGY SPECIAL TOPIC
- Hours
- 0 to 0 hours per week: (0.00 - 0.00 lecture hours/0.00 - 0.00 lab hours)
Examines a special topic in the field of study related to the discipline offering this course.
GEOL 210 PHYSICAL GEOLOGY
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 6 hours per week: (3.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours)
- Advisory
- Elementary algebra or eligibility for college-level math using the current college process.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOL 101
Introduces the fundamental principles of geology. Addresses the leading evidence explaining the origin of the Earth, its internal structure, and the internal and surface processes that change and shape it. Characterizes various Earth materials, their physical and chemical properties, and their associated formational processes. Includes a laboratory component to develop skills in identifying Earth materials, reading and interpreting maps (including topographic and geologic maps), classifying geologic structures (faults and folds), assessing earthquake and/or volcanic data, and characterizing how water and/or wind processes shape Earth's surface. Field trips to local areas of geologic interest may be required.
GEOL 211 HISTORY OF THE EARTH
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 6 hours per week: (3.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours)
- Advisory
- GEOL 210 or GEOL 220 and Elementary algebra or eligibility for college-level math using the current college process.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOL 111
Journeys through the dynamic 4.6 billion-year history of Earth from Earth's formation, to the formation of the atmosphere, through simple and complex life, the paleogeography of continents and oceans, orogenies, and global climate change as supported by evidence in the geologic record (rocks, rock deformation, rock features, and fossils). Includes a laboratory component with an emphasis on developing an understanding and application of rock and mineral formation and identification, fossils and modes of fossilization, the process of geologic dating with a focus on stratigraphic principles, and the generation and interpretation of a variety of geologic maps. Field trips to local areas of geologic interest may be required.
GEOL 212 ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours per week: (3.00 lecture hours/0.00 lab hours)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Studies aspects of geology as they relate to human interaction with the environment. Addresses relevant geological aspects of the environment and the problems caused by humans as they use the earth and its resources. Investigates geological processes including earthquakes, volcanoes, mass movements, floods, groundwater and climate change. Emphasis on geological viewpoints concerning waste disposal, pollution, energy resources, and mining. Lectures include strategies for mitigating these issues.
GEOL 220 GEOLOGY OF CALIFORNIA
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours per week: (3.00 lecture hours/0.00 lab hours)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOL 200
Introduces the principles of geology and the tectonic/geologic evolution of California. Emphasizes the processes responsible for shaping the environment including seismology, and volcanology, the fossil record, and the mineral/energy resources of the state.
GEOL 229A GEOSCIENCE FIELD STUDIES IN YOSEMITE AND EASTERN SIERRA
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 2.7 hours per week: (0.50 lecture hours/2.22 lab hours)
- Advisory
- ENVS 200 or GEOL 210 or GEOL 211 or GEOL 212 or GEOL 220 or OCEN 210 or PSCI 211
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Presents an on-site field study of Yosemite, the Sierra Nevada, Mono Basin, Long Valley Caldera, and Owens Valley area.
GEOL 229B GEOSCIENCE FIELD STUDIES IN DEATH VALLEY
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 2.7 hours per week: (0.50 lecture hours/2.22 lab hours)
- Advisory
- GEOL 210 or GEOL 211 or GEOL 212 or GEOL 220 or ENVS 200 or OCEN 210 or PSCI 211
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Presents an on-site field study of the Transverse Ranges, central San Andreas fault, Mojave desert, and the Death Valley area.
GEOL 229C GEOSCIENCE FIELD STUDIES ON COASTS AND COASTAL PROCESSES
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 2.7 hours per week: (0.50 lecture hours/2.22 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Advisory
- ENVS 200 or GEOL 210 or GEOL 211 or GEOL 212 or GEOL 220 or OCEN 210 or PSCI 211
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Provides an on-site field study of coastal features and/or coastal processes. Topics vary on a per-semester basis. Contact the instructor for topic and location specifics.
GEOL 229D GEOSCIENCE FIELD STUDIES
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 2.7 hours per week: (0.50 lecture hours/2.22 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Advisory
- ENVS 200 or GEOL 210 or GEOL 211 or GEOL 212 or GEOL 220 or OCEN 210 or PSCI 211
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Provides an on-site field study of geological features and/or geological processes. Topics vary on a per-semester basis. Contact the instructor for topic and location specifics.
GEOL 230 INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 5 hours per week: (2.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- C-ID GEOG 155
Introduces the concepts, techniques, and tools of a Geographic Information System (GIS), including data acquisition, management, manipulation, spatial analysis, and cartographic output. Emphasizes training in the use of technology and software in order to provide students with skills and a conceptual base on which they can build further expertise in GIS. Includes exercises using GIS as a tool for solving real-world problems across a wide spectrum of disciplines. Focuses on development of spatial reasoning skills with applications in fields such as natural hazards, environmental assessment, and resource management.
GEOL 231 ADVANCED GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 5 hours per week: (2.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Prerequisite
- GEOL 230 or
- Corequisite
- GEOL 230
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduces students to problem-solving and decision making using spatial analysis techniques, applicable to a range of disciplines. Directed at developing more advanced analysis tools in GIS software including but not limited to network analysis, geodatabases, and overlay analysis. Reinforces replication of methods and results through graphical scripting tools. Culminates in independent research project to apply skills and build a map portfolio.
GEOL 232 WEB APPLICATIONS IN GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 5 hours per week: (2.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Prerequisite
- GEOL 230
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduces the design and development, publishing, and maintenance of basic geospatial web services and applications. Includes an introduction to browser and mobile enabled interactive application.
GEOL 233 DATA ACQUISITION AND MANAGEMENT IN GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 5 hours per week: (2.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Prerequisite
- GEOL 230
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduces the fundamental concepts of data creation, database creation, and data management in geospatial analysis. Discusses quantitative techniques for the collection, classification, integration, and management of geospatial data.
GEOL 234 INTRODUCTION TO REMOTE SENSING
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 5 hours per week: (2.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours/0.00 activity hours)
- Prerequisite
- GEOL 230
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduces remote sensing of the Earth. Topics include the physical principles on which remote sensing is based, history and future trends, sensors and their characteristics, image data sources, and image classification, interpretation and analysis techniques.
GEOL 253 WORK EXPERIENCE IN GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
- Units
- 0.5 to 4
- Hours
- 1.5 to 12 hours per week: (0.00 - 0.00 lecture hours/0.00 - 0.00 lab hours/1.50 - 12.00 work experience hours)
- Transfers to
- CSU
Provides opportunities for students in Geographic Information Systems to connect academic curricula to experiential learning in the workplace as an internship, Service Learning placement or general employment. Allows students to develop and work on learning objectives in workplace competencies and technical skills relevant for their course of study and career pathway. Students must work 54 hours for each unit of credit earned, in half-unit increments (27 hours), up to a maximum of 4 units. Employment can be paid or unpaid.
GEOL 254 WORK EXPERIENCE IN GEOLOGY
- Units
- 0.5 to 4
- Hours
- 1.5 to 12 hours per week: (0.00 - 0.00 lecture hours/0.00 - 0.00 lab hours/1.50 - 12.00 work experience hours)
- Transfers to
- CSU
Provides opportunities for students in Geology to connect academic curricula to experiential learning in the workplace as an internship, Service Learning placement or general employment. Allows students to develop and work on learning objectives in workplace competencies and technical skills relevant for their course of study and career pathway. Students must work 54 hours for each unit of credit earned, in half-unit increments (27 hours), up to a maximum of 4 units. Employment can be paid or unpaid.
GEOL 730 INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 5 hours per week: (2.00 lecture hours/3.00 lab hours)
Introduces the concepts, techniques, and tools of a Geographic Information System (GIS), including data acquisition, management, manipulation, spatial analysis, and cartographic output. Emphasizes training in the use of technology and software in order to provide students with skills and a conceptual base on which they can build further expertise in GIS. Includes exercises using GIS as a tool for solving real-world problems across a wide spectrum of disciplines. Focuses on development of spatial reasoning skills with applications in fields such as natural hazards, environmental assessment, and resource management.