Credit
43 courses · Santa Barbara City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
ERTH 101 Introductory Astronomy
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
Non-mathematical presentation of knowledge of the universe. Includes birth and death of stars, formation of the solar system, black holes, quasars, the fourth dimension, and the fate of the universe. Also considered are common phenomena such as eclipses, the motion of the planets and their moons, comets, and meteors.
ERTH 101H Introductory Astronomy, Honors
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 72 (72 lecture)
- Advisory
- ERTH 102.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
Introduces students to the universe throughout its history. It emphasizes astronomical knowledge from Earth, as a planet in the solar system, to quasars at the edge of the known universe. The motions of objects within the galaxy are also examined.
ERTH 102 Observational Astronomy Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 (54 lab)
- Corequisite
- ERTH 101 or 101H.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Emphasizes night-time observation of the stars, galaxies and constellations with real-time observations. Simulation programs are used to graphically examine astronomical phenomena. Celestial navigation, motions of the earth and moon, and study of the celestial sphere emphasized.
ERTH 103A Adv Observational Astronomy Lab - FALL
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 (54 lab)
- Prerequisite
- ERTH 102.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
Follow-up course to ERTH-102. Use of planetarium and observatory to illustrate constellations, celestial motions, and to observe stars, planets, and deep sky objects. Emphasis for continuing students is on stars & constellations of the FALL sky, use of larger and more advanced telescopes, and in-depth observations of deep sky objects of the FALL sky.
ERTH 103B Adv Observational Astronomy Lab - SPRING
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 (54 lab)
- Prerequisite
- ERTH 102.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
Follow-up course to ERTH-102. Use of planetarium and observatory to illustrate constellations, celestial motions, and to observe stars, planets, and deep sky objects. Emphasis for continuing students is on stars & constellations of the SPRING sky, use of larger and more advanced telescopes, and in-depth observations of deep sky objects of the SPRING sky.
ERTH 103C Adv Observational Astronomy Lab - SUMMER
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 (54 lab)
- Prerequisite
- ERTH 102.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
Follow-up course to ERTH-102. Use of planetarium and observatory to illustrate constellations, celestial motions, and to observe stars, planets, and deep sky objects. Emphasis for continuing students is on stars & constellations of the SUMMER sky, use of larger and more advanced telescopes, and in-depth observations of deep sky objects of the SUMMER sky.
ERTH 104 Introductory Astrophysics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introductory astronomy course that integrates mathematics of physics in the study of objects in the universe.
ERTH 105A Planetary Geology of Recent NASA Missions
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 (18 lecture)
- Transfers to
- CSU
Designed for students wanting to go beyond the regular introductory astronomy courses. Lectures, discussions, guest speakers, activities and field trips help students explore specific topics in physics and astronomy. This semester's topic is on recent discoveries from planetary space flight missions to Mercury, Mars, Saturn, Saturn's moon titan and comets.
ERTH 106 Black Holes and the Universe
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
- Advisory
- ERTH 101 or 101H.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Basic introduction to relativity, cosmology, quantum mechanics, string theory, black holes, time travel, higher dimensions and other abstract theories of the universe. Provides students with a broad-based overview of these physics theories and allows them to explore various current topics in astronomy.
ERTH 111 Dynamic Earth - Physical Geology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
- Advisory
- ERTH 111L and 131 or 132.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
- C-ID
- GEOL 100
Introduction to the physical development of the Earth. Emphasis on earth materials (rocks and minerals), hydrologic processes, tectonic process (plate tectonics, earthquakes, mountain building and volcanism) and structures (folds, faults). Current theories on structure and evolution of the earth are discussed. Designed for both non-science majors and earth science majors. Required of all Geology majors.
ERTH 111H Dynamic Earth - Physical Geology, Honors
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 72 (72 lecture)
- Advisory
- ERTH 111L or ERTH 131.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
- C-ID
- GEOL 100
Introduction to the physical development of the earth. Emphasis on earth materials (rocks and minerals), hydrologic processes (weathering, streams, glaciers, beaches and ground water), tectonic processes (plate tectonics, earthquakes, mountain building and volcanism), and structures (folds, faults). Current theories on structure and evolution of the earth are discussed.
ERTH 111L Dynamic Earth - Physical Geology Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 (54 lab)
- Corequisite
- ERTH 111 (prior to or concurrently) or ERTH 111H (concurrently).
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOL 100L
Laboratory approach to earth materials and processes, including rock and mineral identification and interpretation, plate tectonic rock cycle, topographic map and aerial photo interpretation, structural geology (folds and faults), geologic cross sections and geologic maps. Activities include four field trips to local areas of geologic interest. Required of all Geology majors.
ERTH 112 History Of The Earth
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
- Advisory
- concurrent enrollment in ERTH 112L and ERTH 131 or ERTH 132.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOL 110
Introduction to the geologic history of the earth, using plate tectonic concepts, stratigraphy, geologic dating, fossils and evolution. Emphasis on the origin and evolution of continents, oceans, the atmosphere and life on earth. Designed to accommodate both non-science and science majors. Required of Geology majors.
ERTH 112L Historical Geology Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 (54 lab)
- Corequisite
- ERTH 112.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOL 110L
Laboratory approach to understanding the scientific method as it applies to deciphering earth history. Topics include sedimentary rock identification and interpretation, stratigraphy, paleogeographic maps and fossil identification. Activities include field trips to local areas of geologic interest. Required of Geology majors.
ERTH 114 The Geology of California
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- (54 lecture)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Landscapes of California interpreted by introductory plate tectonics. Volcanism, earthquakes, and other processes are studied in relation to features of the geomorphic provinces of the state. Provinces include the Sierra Nevada, Coast Ranges, Transverse Ranges, Cascades, Klamath Mountains, Modoc Plateau, Central Valley, Mojave, and the Basin and Range. Appropriate for science and non-science majors.
ERTH 115 Environmental Geology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
- Advisory
- Concurrent enrollment in ERTH 115/ENVS 115L and ERTH 131 or ERTH 132.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOL 130
Introduction to the problems of volcanism, earthquakes, fire, floods, landslides, and other geologic hazards; air and water pollution, hazardous materials and land use planning. Applications to the Santa Barbara area emphasized. Required of Environmental Studies majors.
ERTH 115L Environmental Geology Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 (54 lab)
- Corequisite
- ERTH 115/ENVS 115.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOL 130L
Laboratory approach to topics covered in ENVS 115, with emphasis on rock and mineral identification, hazard assessment, geologic resource management, and land use planning. In-lab field trips.
ERTH 116 Energy and Natural Resources
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Study of formation, exploration, development and judicious use of natural resources in relation to present and future energy requirements, including electricity, conservation, fossil fuels, solar, geothermal, nuclear and hydrogen. Required of Environmental Studies majors.
ERTH 122 Dinosaurs
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to the science of dinosaurs, stressing their evolution, ecology, bone structures and extinction. Emphasizes dinosaurian diversity, rise of dinosaurs, and their extinction in a Mesozoic world. Provides for a better perspective on the patterns and trends of all life, living and extinct. Scientific videos and fossil material used in the course.
ERTH 125 Mineralogy and Resources
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 162 (54 lecture, 108 lab)
- Advisory
- ERTH 111 or ERTH 112 and CHEM 101.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
Introduction to the identification and basic concepts of mineralogy, emphasizing crystallography, crystal chemistry, mineral chemistry, paragenesis of economic minerals and plate tectonics of mineral resources. A portion of the course is devoted to optical mineralogy. Hand-identification of minerals stressed.
ERTH 126 Petrology and Rock-Forming Minerals
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 162 (54 lecture, 108 lab)
- Advisory
- ERTH 111 or ERTH 112 and CHEM 101.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
Designed to familiarize students with the basic fundamentals and classification of rock-forming mineralogy, textures, origins and occurrences of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Use of the polarizer, X-ray and field identification procedures stressed.
ERTH 130V Geologic Field Studies - Hawaii Volcanology
- Units
- 2.5
- Hours
- 117 (9 lecture, 108 lab)
- Corequisite
- ERTH 111 or 111H or 112 or 113 or 114 or 115 or ENVS 115 or ERTH 125 or 126 or 131 or 132 or 133 or 141 or GEOG 101 or ERTH 151.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A twelve-day field-studies course with an emphasis on the structural, plutonic and volcanic features of Kilauea volcano, Hawaii. Kilauea’s long-documented eruptive history and easy accessibility make it a training ground for USGS volcanologists. Focuses on the history and features of the volcano and its interactions with the people that live on it.
ERTH 131 Geologic Field Studies - Eastern Sierra Nevada
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 72 (18 lecture, 54 lab)
- Corequisite
- ERTH 111 or 111H or 112 or 113 or 114 or 115 or ENVS 115 or ERTH 122 or 125 or 126 or 132 or 141 or GEOG 101 or 106 or ERTH 151.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
Five-day field course to study and interpret the geologic features and history of the Eastern Sierra Nevada region. Topics include faults, volcanoes, glaciers, mining and tectonic history of the region. Fee required.
ERTH 132 Geologic Field Studies - Death Valley
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 72 (18 lecture, 54 lab)
- Corequisite
- ERTH 111 or ERTH 111H or ERTH 112 or ERTH 113 or ERTH 114 or ERTH 115 or ENVS 115 or ERTH 122 or ERTH 125 or ERTH 126 or ERTH 131 or ERTH 141 or GEOG 101 or 106 or ERTH 151.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
Five-day field course to study and interpret the geologic features and history of the Death Valley region. Topics include the volcanic, tectonic and hydrologic history of the region. Fee required; see department for information.
ERTH 133 Introductory Geologic Field Seminar - Colorado Plateau
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 180 (18 lecture, 162 lab)
- Corequisite
- ERTH 111 or ERTH 112 or ERTH 113 or ERTH 114 or ERTH 115 or ENVS 115 or ERTH 125 or ERTH 126 or ERTH 131 or ERTH 132 or ERTH 141 or GEOG 101 or ERTH 151.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
Fifteen-day intensive field study of the geology of the Colorado Plateau region. Emphasis on the geologic processes and features of the parks of the Southwest, including the Grand Canyon, Canyonlands, Arches, Capitol Reef, Bryce and Zion National Parks. Designed for students with previous geologic background. Fee required-see department for information.
ERTH 134 Geologic Field Studies - Western Sierra Nevada
- Units
- 2.5
- Hours
- 81 (27 lecture, 54 lab)
- Transfers to
- CSU
Fee required; contact department for information. Eight-day field course to study and interpret the geologic features and history of the western Sierra Nevada region. Topics include plutonism, landform evolution, glaciation, tectonic and geologic history, and uplift processes of the modern Sierra Nevada.
ERTH 137 Introductory Field Geology
- Units
- 4.5
- Hours
- 153 (45 lecture, 108 lab)
- Prerequisite
- ERTH 111 or ERTH112 or ERTH 125 or ERTH 126 or ERTH 131 or ERTH 132 or ERTH 133.
- Advisory
- ERTH 111L or ERTH 112L.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
Provides intensive field experience in application of field geology equipment, methods, techniques and maintenance procedures. “Hands-on” approach includes use of Brunton compass and tape, aerial photos, plane table and alidade, and geographical mapping.
ERTH 138 Geology Field Camp
- Units
- 4.5
- Hours
- 189 (27 lecture, 162 lab)
- Corequisite
- ERTH 137.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
Summer Session that consists of 14 consecutive days at a geologic field camp, followed by five eight-hour days in an on-campus laboratory. Provides for rigorous work experience in field geology for Earth Science majors. Includes field mapping of a “badlands” area, using aerial photographs, topographic maps, geological surveying equipment and earth materials.
ERTH 141 Physical Geography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOG 110, GEOG 115
A spatial study of the Earth’s dynamic physical systems and processes. Tools of geographic data collection and analysis are briefly covered including, maps, Geographic Information systems (GIS), and remote sensing. Major topics covered include: Earth-sun relations, weather and climate, water, landforms, soil, and the biosphere. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationships among environmental and human systems and processes and their resulting patterns and distributions.
ERTH 141L Physical Geography Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 (54 lab)
- Corequisite
- ERTH 141/GEOG 101.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOG 111, GEOG 115
Laboratory approach to the basic principles of physical geography. Significance of earth-related distribution patterns with reference to their effect on human activities, including the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere.
ERTH 142 Economic Geography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Explores the impact humans have on their environment and on each other through resource exploitation and economic activity. Investigates the development and global impact of diverse geographies, the effect of place on economic sectors, and the role of place in strengthening or weakening economies. Also addresses regional patterns of principal economic activities of the world, with an emphasis on economic development, urbanization, transportation and the environment.
ERTH 151 Introductory Physical Oceanography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
Designed for students desiring a broadly-based analysis of the physical aspects of the oceans. Study of the origin of the continents and oceans, marine geology, chemistry of seawater, currents, waves, tides and the ocean environment. Required of Marine Science majors.
ERTH 151L Introductory Physical Oceanography Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 56 (56 lab)
- Corequisite
- ERTH 151.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Designed for students desiring a broadly-based analysis of the physical aspects of the oceans. Study of the origin of the continents and oceans, marine geology, chemistry of seawater, currents, waves, tides and the ocean environment. Required of Marine Science majors.
ERTH 152 Weather and Climate
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 (54 lecture)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOG 130
Fundamentals of meteorology, including the nature of the atmosphere, solar radiation and energy balances, circulation of the atmosphere, air masses and fronts, atmospheric moisture, clouds and fog, precipitation, cyclones, weather analysis and forecasting, climate, and climate change.
ERTH 152L Weather and Climate Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 (54 lab)
- Corequisite
- ERTH 152 or GEOG 152.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Laboratory approach to topics covered in the Weather and Climate lecture (ERTH 152/GEOG 152). Exercises introduce fundamentals of meteorology, including the nature of the atmosphere, circulation of the atmosphere, air temperature and humidity, and weather analysis and forecasting. Students collect and analyze a variety of environmental data.
ERTH 171 Introduction To Geographic Information Systems And Maps
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 (36 lecture)
- Corequisite
- ERTH 172 or GEOG 172.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOG 155
Techniques, tools and theories used to examine geographic information. Includes the structure, uses, and basic operations of a Geographic Information System (GIS). Cartography and cartographic design are incorporated, as well as overviews of aerial photography, remote sensing, and global positioning systems. Includes uses of GIS software in business, urban planning, resource management and scientific research.
ERTH 172 Geographic Information Systems: Software Applications
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 54 (27 lecture, 27 lab)
- Corequisite
- GEOG 171 or ERTH 171.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOG 155
Extensive practice with a GIS package, accompanied by exploration of the range of applications in which GIS is used (resource management, public works, business, planning, scientific research). Covers key skills for operating GIS software packages, including geographical data acquisition, creation, management, analysis and output.
ERTH 231A Field Study - Mineralogy and Mineral Resources of the Eastern Sierra Nevada
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 72 (18 lecture, 54 lab)
- Corequisite
- ERTH 125.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Concurrent Five-day field course to study and interpret the mineralogy and resources of the Eastern Sierra Nevada region. Topics include metallic and industrial mineral resources, energy resources and mining of the region. Fee required - see department for information.
ERTH 231B Field Study - Energy Resources of the Eastern Sierra Nevada
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 72 (18 lecture, 54 lab)
- Prerequisite
- ERTH 131 or ERTH 231A.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Fee required - see department for information. Five-day field course to study and interpret the energy resources of the Eastern Sierra Nevada region. Topics include wind, solar-thermal electric, solar photovoltaic, micro hydropower, hydropower and geothermal energy resources of the region.
ERTH 232A Field Study - Petrology of the Death Valley Region
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 72 (18 lecture, 54 lab)
- Prerequisite
- ERTH 126 or
- Corequisite
- ERTH 126.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
Five-day field course to study and interpret the petrology of the Death Valley region. Topics include field recognition and interpretation of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, and mining of the region. Fee required - see department for information.
ERTH 232B Field Study - Mineral Resources and Plate Tectonic History of the Death Valley Region
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 72 (18 lecture, 54 lab)
- Prerequisite
- ERTH 132 or ERTH 232A.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
Five-day field course to study and interpret the mineral resources and tectonic history of the Death Valley region. Topics include field recognition and interpretation of rocks, mineral deposits, and structures of the region. Fee required - see department for information.
ERTH 233 Advanced Geologic Field Seminar - Colorado Plateau
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 170 (23 lecture, 147 lab)
- Prerequisite
- ERTH 133.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with unit limitation)
15-day intensive field study of the geology of the Colorado Plateau region. Emphasis on the stratigraphy, tectonic evolution and geologic history of the parks of the Southwest, including the Grand Canyon, Canyonlands, Arches, Capitol Reef, Bryce and Zion National Parks. Designed for second-year geology students. Fee required - see department for information.
ERTH 299 Independent Study In Earth Science
- Units
- 1-4
- Hours
- 192 (192 lab)
- Transfers to
- CSU
For complete information, see "Independent Study" in the Catalog Index. Course restricted to 3 repetitions