Geology
8 courses · San Diego City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
GEOL 100 Physical Geology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- Concurrent enrollment in: GEOL 101
This course is an introduction to the science of the earth, the materials of which it is composed, and the processes that are acting upon it. Topics include plate tectonics and Earth's internal structure; the formation and classification of minerals and rocks; geologic structures; and geologic processes of the earth's surface and subsurface. This course is intended for students with a general interest in the geological sciences as well as those majoring in geology, earth science, or geological engineering.
GEOL 101 Physical Geology Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: GEOL 100 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This laboratory course is a practical study of mineral and rock identification; landforms; topographic/geologic map interpretation; and geologic structures. It is intended for students with a general interest in the geological sciences as well as those majoring in geology, earth science, or geological engineering.
GEOL 102 Environmental Geology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course is an introduction to the fundamental principles of environmental geology, focusing on the interaction between Earth processes and human activities. Emphasis is placed on the dynamic relationship between geology, society, and the environment. Topics include natural hazards, land use planning, resource management, and environmental impact assessment. A comprehensive overview of geological processes and their influence on environmental issues, sustainable practices, and the role of geologists in addressing environmental challenges is also explored. This course is intended for students interested in sustainable mining practices and geology.
GEOL 104 Earth Science
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course is a survey of Earth's major physical systems, including the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and Earth's place in the solar system. Emphasis is placed on a synthesis of pertinent topics in geology, physical geography, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. This course is intended for those with a general interest in the Earth sciences.
GEOL 111 Dinosaurs, Mass Extinctions, and Earth History
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ENGL 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and GEOL 100 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or GEOL 104 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course covers the principles of historical geology. Topics include the origin and evolution of the Earth and biosphere, dinosaurs, mass extinctions, fossils, plate tectonics, biological evolution, and geologic dating techniques. This course is intended for students with a general interest in geoscience, as well as those majoring in geology, geography, earth science, or geological engineering.
GEOL 120 Earth Science Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: GEOL 104 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This is a laboratory course related to the essentials of Earth Science including the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and Earth's place in the solar system. This course focuses on the physical and chemical systems of the Earth such as the tectonic cycle, rock cycle, hydrologic cycle, weather, and climate. This course is designed for teacher education students and anyone with a general interest in Earth Science.
GEOL 130 Field Geology of San Diego County
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and GEOL 100 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or GEOL 101 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or GEOL 104 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or GEOL 120 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or OCEA 101 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course explores the geologic history and plate tectonic evolution of San Diego County. Emphasis is placed on the geology of various regions, including the coastal plain, Peninsular Ranges, and Salton Trough. Through lectures, laboratory activities, and field trips, students will gain a deeper understanding of the processes that have shaped these areas. Topics include plate tectonic theory, regional geology, rocks and minerals, map and compass work, geo-spatial data collection, and geologic report writing. This course is intended for those with an interest in field geology.
GEOL 290 Independent Study
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 48 - 162 hours other
- Advisory
- GEOL 100 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and GEOL 101 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is for students who wish to conduct additional research, a special project, or learning activities in the field of geology. It is not intended to replace an existing course in the discipline. In this course students will have a written contract with their instructor for activities such as preparing problem analysis, engaging in primary research, preparing reports, and meeting with the instructor at specific intervals.