Geography
12 courses · Yuba College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026
GEOG-1 Physical Geography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOG 110
A spatial study of Earth’s dynamic physical systems and processes. Topics include maps, earth-sun relations, weather, climate, water, landforms, soils, and the biosphere. Emphasis is on interrelationships among systems and processes and their resulting patterns and distributions. (L)
GEOG-1L Physical Geography Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours
- Corequisite
- GEOG-1
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Application of the concepts, techniques, tools, and materials of physical geography. Practical exercises, experiments, observations, data analyses, and computer applications/simulations which augment understanding of geographic processes, interrelationships, spatial patterns and distributions. Use of maps, remotely-sensed imagery, and geographic information systems. Includes locational reference systems, time-space relationships, weather, climate, soils, vegetation, and landforms. Field trips/field projects may be included.
GEOG-5 World Regional Geography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Survey of the world’s culture regions and nations as interpreted by geographers, including physical, cultural, and economic features. Emphasis on spatial and historical influences on population growth, transportation networks, and natural environments. Identification and importance of the significant features of regions.
GEOG-6 Introduction to Weather and Climate
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- GEOG 130
Introduction to the Earth’s atmosphere: topics include atmospheric structure and composition, solar radiation and energy balances, temperature, seasonal changes, atmospheric moisture, clouds and fog, precipitation, air pressure, winds, air masses and fronts, cyclones, weather forecasting, climate and climate change. Grades are P/NP Option.
GEOG-10 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 50 lecture hours, 12 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Study of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) science and its applications to spatial data management. Identification and acquisition of GIS data. This course provides an introduction the concepts, methods, and applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). It emphasizes the techniques used to capture, store, query, analyze and display spatial data. Specific topics include applications of GIS, geographic information and scale, coordinate systems, geospatial data models, data classification and symbolization, query and selection, cartographic design, data quality, geoprocessing, relational databases, metadata, spatial analysis and GIS software. Grades are P/NP Option.
GEOG-11 Spatial Analysis and Modeling in GIS
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours, 81 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- GEOG-10
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides the conceptual and practical foundations for using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software. It emphasizes basic GIS software functionality including map display, attribute and spatial query, address geocoding, spatial database management, spatial analysis, cartographic presentation, and spatial data management. Also, it provides a survey of the various concepts, approaches, and tools involved in the analysis and modeling of spatial data using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). It emphasizes the use of spatial and statistical analysis, geoprocessing, and spatial modeling to investigate spatial distributions and relationships, answer spatial questions, and solve spatial problems. Specific topics include attribute and spatial query, geoprocessing, model building, distance and density surfaces, cluster analysis, network analysis, map algebra, surface interpolation and resampling, hydrologic analysis, 3D display/animation, and regression analysis. Grades are P/NP Option.
GEOG-12 Cartographic Design for GIS
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Prerequisite
- GEOG-10
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides an introduction to map design and production in the context of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). It emphasizes the concepts and methods associated with designing and producing thematic maps. Specific topics include data standardization and classification, symbolization, map projections, map elements, typography, cartographic design, thematic mapping techniques (choropleth, proportional symbol, dot, isarithmic, and multivariate), color in cartography, history of cartography, and map reproduction. Map critique sessions are also held. Grades are P/NP Option.
GEOG-13 Introduction to Web GIS Applications
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 50 lecture hours, 12 lab hours
- Advisory
- GEOG-10 and computer skills to include: use the mouse as navigational tool to select menus, text, and screen options; manipulate and manage files using a file manager; use basic operating system commands to list, copy, move, and erase files, create subdirectories, and change default drives; and know basic functions of Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course introduces the development of Web-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) solutions. Map authoring and Web service management tools are used to teach the techniques of creating, managing, maintaining, and deploying Web map services. It also introduces several options for using published Web map services for Web-based and mobile mapping applications. Grades are P/NP Option.
GEOG-40 Regional Field Studies in Mountain Landscapes
- Units
- 1-2
- Hours
- 14 lecture hours, 12 lab hours (1 units), 28 lecture hours, 24 lab hours (2 units)
- Advisory
- Activities may involve walking on uneven terrain over several miles. Appropriate fitness levels are advised.
- Transfers to
- CSU
A field course focused on mountain regions, exploring their geological features, processes, and environmental impacts. This course includes field-based observations of mountain formations, hydrology, and soils associated with mountain terrains. Field studies will include weekend trips or week-long expeditions, with potential camping in designated campgrounds. Students will engage in identifying mountain features, interpreting processes, and analyzing the interaction of mountainous systems with ecosystems and human activity. Designed to complement other geography courses and deepen understanding of Earth's dynamic systems. Grades are P/NP Option.
GEOG-41 Regional Field Studies in Geography
- Units
- 1-2
- Hours
- 14 lecture hours, 12 lab hours (1 units), 28 lecture hours, 24 lab hours (2 units)
- Advisory
- Activities may involve walking on uneven terrain over several miles. Appropriate fitness levels are advised.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides students with an immersive exploration of California’s diverse physical and cultural geography. Through lectures and field experiences, students will examine the interplay between the state's physical features—such as landforms, hydrology, and climate—and its cultural history, including Indigenous populations and subsequent human settlements. The course investigates how natural resources shaped human activities, settlements, and economies over time, offering insights into the dynamic relationship between people and their environment. The course is suitable for students in geography, environmental studies, natural resources, history, and anthropology. Grades are P/NP Option.
GEOG-42 Regional Field Studies in Coastal Geography
- Units
- 1-2
- Hours
- 14 lecture hours, 12 lab hours (1 units), 28 lecture hours, 24 lab hours (2 units)
- Advisory
- Activities may involve walking on uneven terrain over several miles. Appropriate fitness levels are advised.
- Transfers to
- CSU
A field course focused on coastal regions, exploring their geographical features, processes, and environmental impacts. This course includes guided field-based observations of coastal formations, hydrology, and ecosystems associated with various coastal terrains. Field excursions may involve weekend trips or week-long expeditions, with potential camping in designated areas. Students will engage in identifying coastal features, interpreting processes, and analyzing the interaction of coastal systems with ecosystems and human activity. Designed to complement other geography courses and deepen understanding of Earth's dynamic coastal systems. Grades are P/NP Option.
GEOG-43 Regional Field Studies in Arid Landscapes
- Units
- 1-2
- Hours
- 14 lecture hours, 12 lab hours (1 units), 28 lecture hours, 24 lab hours (2 units)
- Advisory
- Activities may involve walking on uneven terrain over several miles. Appropriate fitness levels are advised.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course immerses students in the arid landscapes of California, focusing on their physical and cultural geography. Through lectures and fieldwork, students will examine the interplay between the state’s arid landforms, hydrology, climate, and their influence on ecosystems and human activities. The course emphasizes the unique challenges and adaptations of Indigenous populations, early settlers, and modern communities in these harsh environments. It is suitable for students in geography, environmental studies, natural resources, history, and anthropology. Grades are P/NP Option.