Geology
3 courses · Merced College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
GEOL-01 Physical Geology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process or completion of a course taught at or above the level of intermediate algebra.; ENGL-C1000 (Formerly ENGL-01A)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOL 101
This is a beginning course in geology stressing the beneficial and destructive forces of nature and their causes. The course includes a study of the development of landscapes, origin of minerals and rocks, geologic work of ground water, the phenomena of earthquakes, volcanism, metamorphism and other fundamental concepts of geology. Lab work includes the identification and study of rocks and minerals, study of topographic and geologic maps and aerial photographs, and introduction to cross section and profiles of topographic maps. A field trip is required for this class. (12/19)
GEOL-02 Historical Geology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- GEOL-01; ENGL-C1000 (Formerly ENGL-01A)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOL 111
This course covers the geological history of the earth and the development of plant and animal life as traced through the rock and fossil records. The correlation between geologic changes through time, the uses of the fossil record in determining geologic history, and the formation of economic mineral deposits is emphasized throughout the course. A field trip is required for this course. (03/22)
GEOL-03 Earth Science
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- ENGL-C1000 (Formerly ENGL-01A)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOL 121
An introduction to the essentials of Earth Science including the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and solar system. This course focuses on the interactions between physical and chemical systems of the Earth such as the tectonic cycle, rock cycle, hydrologic cycle, weather and climate. This course is designed to meet the content requirement for earth and space science for the Liberal Studies - Elementary Teaching preparation pathway. (02/20)