Geology
14 courses · Palomar College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
GEOL 100 Physical Geology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOL 100
Geology is the study of Earth and the processes that shape the world around us. Geologic concepts and principles provide a framework for understanding the dynamics of Earth's interconnected cycles and processes. Topics covered will include: the origin and composition of the earth, formation and classification of minerals and rocks, tectonic processes, concept of geologic time, geologic processes that shape Earth's landscape, and the influence of geology on society.
GEOL 100L Geology Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- (Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in): GEOL 100
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- C-ID GEOL 100L
Geology Laboratory provides an opportunity to actively explore and demonstrate an understanding of concepts, principles, and interactions within Earth's systems. Topics will include: identification of minerals and rocks, tectonic processes, interpretation of topographic and geologic maps, geologic time, geologic processes that shape Earth's landscape, and the influence of geology on society.
GEOL 110 General Geology: National Parks and Monuments
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU
Geologic history and processes of formation of our natural landscape. Principles of physical and historical geology as revealed in the structure, stratigraphy, and rock types of the parks and monuments.
GEOL 120 Planets, Moons, and Comets
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
The astronomy and geology of the solar system, observations, dynamics, relativistic ideas, including theories of formation and evolution. Comparative survey of the atmospheres, surface features and interiors of planets and satellites. Minor objects, such as comets and asteroids, will be included.
GEOL 150 Dinosaurs and Earth History
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- GEOL 100
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOL 110
Principles of historical geology. The origin and evolution of Earth and its biosphere, incorporating global tectonics, stratigraphy, fossils, biological evolution, geologic dating, and the processes that have influenced paleogeography during the past 4.6 billion years. Together with GEOL 100, a prerequisite to upper division courses in geology.
GEOL 150L Dinosaurs and Earth History Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- (Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in): GEOL 150
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- C-ID GEOL 110L
Lab component exploring the principles of historical geology. Activities investigate the origin and evolution of Earth and its biosphere, global tectonics, stratigraphy, fossils, biological evolution, geologic dating, and the processes that have influenced paleogeography during the past 4.6 billion years.
GEOL 195A Field Studies in Geology: Regional
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 0.50-1.50 hours lecture, 1.50-4.50 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Extended field studies of the geology of western North America over weekends and during vacation and summer sessions. Emphasis upon field observation and interpretation of rock types, landforms, and structure. Locations will not duplicate those specified in Geology 195B through 195F. Localities visited may vary from year to year.
GEOL 195B Field Studies in Geology: Southern California Coastal Region
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 0.50-1.50 hours lecture, 1.50-4.50 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Extended field studies of the geologic processes that shape the coastal region of Southern California. Emphasis on coastal processes and landforms, oceanographic climate, geologic development of the Continental Borderland and Transverse Ranges, formation and development of oil and gas resources, coastal sediment resource management, geologic hazards and human impacts in the coastal zone.
GEOL 195C Field Studies in Geology: Salton Trough Region
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 0.50-1.50 hours lecture, 1.50-4.50 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Extended field studies of the geologic processes that shape the Salton Trough region of Southern California. Emphasis on the active plate boundary zone, including opening of the Gulf of California and development of the San Andreas Fault system. Specific topics include tectonic-related landforms, earthquake dynamics and history, stratigraphy, evolution of Cenozoic climate and fauna, geothermal resources, and Salton Sea history and environmental management.
GEOL 195D Field Studies in Geology: Colorado Plateau Region
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 0.50-1.50 hours lecture, 1.50-4.50 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Extended field studies of the geologic processes that shape the Colorado Plateau region. Emphasis on stratigraphy and paleogeography, development and hydrology of the Colorado River system, erosional landforms, fossil and mineral resources, regional structural deformation, igneous and volcanic history, and relationship to the ancestral and modern Rocky Mountains.
GEOL 195E Field Studies in Geology: Sierra Nevada Region
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 0.50-1.50 hours lecture, 1.50-4.50 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Extended field studies of the geologic processes and landscape evolution of the Sierra Nevada region. Emphasis on Pleistocene glacial history and glacial landforms, subduction zone processes including pluton emplacement and terrane docking history, Long Valley-Inyo Craters volcanic history, gold mineralization and mining history, regional fault systems, volcanism and uplift of the modern Sierra Nevada range.
GEOL 195F Field Studies in Geology: Death Valley Region
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 0.50-1.50 hours lecture, 1.50-4.50 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Extended field studies of the geologic processes that shape the Death Valley region. Emphasis on the tectonic evolution of the Death Valley and the Basin and Range province, depositional history of stratigraphic units from Proterozoic through Paleozoic, volcanic history, mineral and mining resources, structural landforms including the extensive faulting and folding, water resources, and climate history and development of desert landforms.
GEOL 197 Geology Topics
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 1.00-3.00 hours lecture, 3.00-9.00 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Topics in Geology. See Class Schedule for specific topic offered. Course title will designate subject covered.
GEOL 295 Directed Study in Geology
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 3.00-9.00 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- GEOL 150
- Transfers to
- CSU
Individual study in field, library, or laboratory for interested students.