Earth Sciences
11 courses · Santiago Canyon College · 2025-2026 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026
ERTH 100 Physical Geology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 contact hours total
- Advisory
- ERTH 100L (Physical Geology Laboratory) concurrent enrollment
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to physical geology with an emphasis on the processes that change and shape Earth both internally and externally. Appropriate for students in any major. Field trips may be required.
ERTH 100L Physical Geology Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 contact hours total
- Prerequisite
- ERTH 100 (Physical Geology) or concurrent enrollment
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Identification of common minerals and rocks, topographic and geologic map exercises demonstrating the work of water, wind, ice, gravity, and effects of tectonic activity. Content correlates to Earth Science 100 lecture material. Field trips may be required.
ERTH 111 Historical Geology
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 108 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to historical geology, investigating the history of Earth as preserved in the rock record with an emphasis on North America. Appropriate for students in any major. Field trips may be required.
ERTH 120 Earth Sciences
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Investigating the processes that shape and form Earth and define its place in the solar system through the sciences of geology, oceanography, meteorology and astronomy. Appropriate for students in any major. Field trips may be required. Not open to students who are enrolled in or have credit in Earth Science 121.
ERTH 121 Earth Sciences for Educators
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 108 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Investigating the processes that shape and form Earth and define its place in the solar system through the sciences of geology, oceanography, meteorology and astronomy. This course is appropriate for students in any major, but oriented towards enhancing the Earth sciences knowledge of future teachers. Field trips may be required. Not open to students who are enrolled in or have credit in Earth Sciences 120.
ERTH 130 Environmental Geology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introductory geology course emphasizing the fundamentals of environmental geology and the Earth system, including the interaction between, and impacts of, humans with the geological environment. Also emphasized are the interconnections among the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. Appropriate for students in any major. Field trips may be required.
ERTH 160 Oceanography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to oceanography and the processes that form, shape and change Earth’s oceans. Appropriate for students in any major. Field trips may be required.
ERTH 200 Geology of California
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 contact hours total
- Advisory
- ERTH 100 (Physical Geology) or ERTH 120 (Earth Sciences) or ERTH 121 (Earth Sciences for Educators) or GEOG 101 (Introduction to the Natural Environment) or GEOG 101H (Honors Introduction to the Natural Environment)
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to the geology of California emphasizing tectonic processes, geologic structures, physiographic provinces, landforms, natural resources, geologic history, rocks and minerals, and the natural hazards of our state. Appropriate for students in any major. Field trips may be required.
ERTH 212 San Andreas Fault System Geology Field Study
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introductory exploration of the geology and tectonic history of the San Andreas Fault in California. Appropriate for students in any major. Mandatory orientation along with two, one-day field trips.
ERTH 214 Orange County Geology Field Study
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 contact hours total
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introductory exploration of the geology of Orange County, California. Included are its geologic history such as mountain building, volcanic activity, faulting, coastal processes, stratigraphy and mineral resources. Appropriate for students in any major. Mandatory orientation along with two, one-day field trips.
ERTH 220 Introduction to Work Experience
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 180 contact hours total
- Advisory
- ERTH 100 (Physical Geology) and ERTH 100L (Physical Geology Laboratory)
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is an introduction to work experience with an off campus, supervised volunteer experience in the geosciences including an introduction to new or expanded responsibilities. 180 hours of work equals three unit of course credit. Student repetition is allowed per Title 5,Section 55253. Students may earn a maximum of 14 units of credit for work experience. Field trips may be required.