Geology
6 courses · Palo Verde College · 2026-2027 Catalog
GEL 101 Physical Geology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 72 hours total, 4 hours lecture weekly
- Corequisite
- GEL 102
- Advisory
- ENG 100 (now ENGL C1000)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course focuses on the internal structure and origin of the Earth and the processes that change and shape it. Topics include plate tectonics, rocks and minerals, volcanoes, earthquakes, faults and folds, erosion, surface water, groundwater, desert landforms, and glaciers. The course may include extra credit field trips to areas of interest or alternative assignments as noted in syllabus.
GEL 102 Physical Geology Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 hours total, 3 hours lab weekly
- Corequisite
- GEL 101
- Advisory
- ENG 100 (now ENGL C1000)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course supplements GEL 101 lectures with exercises in rock and mineral identification, reading and construction of topographic maps and profiles, interpretation of geologic maps and diagrams, and the recognition and evaluation of landforms from topographic maps and aerial photos. 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. The course includes field trips (video, online, or in-person) during class time. There is a kit cost for online students.
GEL 103 Environmental Geology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 72 hours total, 4 hours lecture weekly
- Advisory
- ENG 100 (now ENGL C1000), GEL 104, MAT 095
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An introduction to the fundamentals of Environmental Geology including the interactions between and impacts of humans with the environment in a geologic context. Course emphasizes the Earth system and connections between the geosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere. The course may include extra credit field trips to areas of interest or alternative assignments as noted in syllabus. (GEOL 130)
GEL 104 Environmental Geology Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 hours total, 3 hours lab weekly
- Advisory
- ENG 100 (now ENGL C1000), GEL 103, MAT 095
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
The laboratory component to an introduction to the fundamentals of Environmental Geology including the interactions between and impacts of humans with the environment in a geologic context. Field and laboratory techniques are introduced through examination of case studies. Course emphasizes the Earth system and connections between the geosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere. The course includes field trips (video, online, or in-person) during class time. (GEOL 130L)
GEL 105 Natural Hazards and Disasters
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 72 hours total, 4 hours lecture weekly
- Corequisite
- GEL 106
- Advisory
- ENG 100 (now ENGL C1000)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course examines the physical forces responsible for Earth's destructive natural processes and the impacts on humans and the environment. Course emphasizes the Earth system and connections between the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. The course may include extra credit field trips to areas of interest or alternative assignments as noted in syllabus.
GEL 106 Natural Hazards and Disasters Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 hours total, 3 hours lab weekly
- Corequisite
- GEL 105
- Advisory
- ENG 100 (now ENGL C1000) or student meets with an English tutor for extra help on reading comprehension and writing.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
The laboratory component to an introduction of Natural Hazards and Disasters including the interactions between and impacts of humans with the environment. Course emphasizes the Earth system and connections between the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere (life). The course may include field trips (video, online, or in-person) during class time.