Geological Sciences
Associate of Science (AS) Earth and Planetary Sciences · Santa Barbara City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Overview
Geologic science is the science of the earth. It is an organized body of knowledge about the earth or planet on which we live - about the mountains, the plains, the oceans, and the atmosphere. It studies the effects of geologic hazards, such as earthquakes, landslides, floods and volcanic eruptions. It also addresses the ways to conserve and protect the world's fragile geologic environment.
Planetary science concerns itself with the study of the origin of galaxies and the universe, along with the laws which order these systems and bodies.
Note: All courses in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences are not offered each semester.
Requirements
Associate Degree Graduation Requirements
Complete all of the following:
- All Major Requirements listed below with a “C” or better or “P” in each course (at least 20% of the major requirements must be completed through SBCC).
- One of the following General Education options:
- OPTION 1: SBCC General Education pattern OR
- OPTION 2: Cal-GETC pattern
- A minimum of 60 semester units of degree-applicable college credit (SBCC courses numbered 100 and higher and C1000 and higher).
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher in degree-applicable coursework.
- A minimum of 12 units through SBCC.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| Required Core | ||
| CHEM 155 | General Chemistry I | 5 |
| CHEM 156 | General Chemistry II | 5 |
| ERTH 111 | Dynamic Earth - Physical Geology | 3-4 |
| orERTH 111H | Dynamic Earth - Physical Geology, Honors | |
| ERTH 111L | Dynamic Earth - Physical Geology Laboratory | 1 |
| ERTH 112 | History Of The Earth | 3 |
| ERTH 112L | Historical Geology Laboratory | 1 |
| ERTH 125 | Mineralogy and Resources | 5 |
| ERTH 126 | Petrology and Rock-Forming Minerals | 5 |
| MATH 150 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry I | 5 |
| List A - Complete 4 units from the following: | 4-4.5 | |
| ERTH 131 | Geologic Field Studies - Eastern Sierra Nevada | |
| ERTH 132 | Geologic Field Studies - Death Valley | |
| ERTH 133 | Introductory Geologic Field Seminar - Colorado Plateau | |
| ERTH 134 | Geologic Field Studies - Western Sierra Nevada | |
| ERTH 137 | Introductory Field Geology | |
| ERTH 138 | Geology Field Camp | |
| ERTH 231A | Field Study - Mineralogy and Mineral Resources of the Eastern Sierra Nevada | |
| ERTH 231B | Field Study - Energy Resources of the Eastern Sierra Nevada | |
| ERTH 232A | Field Study - Petrology of the Death Valley Region | |
| ERTH 232B | Field Study - Mineral Resources and Plate Tectonic History of the Death Valley Region | |
| ERTH 233 | Advanced Geologic Field Seminar - Colorado Plateau | |
| Total Units | 37.00-38.50 | |
Recommended for Transfer
These additional courses should be considered when planning a program of study for transfer as a geology major:
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 160 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry II | 5 |
| PHYS 102 | Introductory Physics For Science Majors | 4 |
Learning Outcomes
- Evaluate earth processes and/or earth history, using earth materials and geologic principles.
- Classify and interpret rocks, minerals and fossils.
- Recognize and assess geologic processes in the field.
- Read and interpret geologic data.
Recommended Sequence
Make an appointment with your SBCC academic counselor through Starfish to create a Student Education Plan that reflects a recommended course sequence for this program that is tailored to your individual needs.
How to schedule an Academic Counseling appointment.