Introduction to Geology through examination of aspects of the geology of Mexico. Emphasizes problem-based approach to learning Geology and the process of scientific investigation. Topics include a wide range of geological concepts including plate tectonic setting of Mexico, living with volcanoes: the Mexican volcanic belt, the Mexico City earthquake, issues of water supply, flooding and atmospheric pollution in Mexico City, the Chicxulub crater and geologic time, ore deposits of Mexico. Lecture three hours; laboratory three hours.

Examination of earth materials and earth processes through the study of natural disasters. Topics include earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, floods, tsunamis, hurricanes, tornadoes and meteorite impacts. Examination of causes, effects and mitigation of natural disasters.

Earth and its neighbors in space. Scientific method and discovery in the study of stars, planets, weather, rivers, glaciers, oceans, rocks, volcanoes, earthquakes, landslides, mountains, drifting continents, the earth in time.

Note: Students contemplating a geology major or minor in geology should enroll in GEOL 10, not in GEOL 8. No credit for those who have taken GEOL 10 or equivalent.

Emphasizes scientific methods and systematic laboratory procedures. Includes weather analysis, rock and mineral identification, study of geologic concepts by means of topographic maps, and exercises in astronomy and oceanography. Laboratory three hours.

Prerequisite: GEOL 8; may be taken concurrently.

Exploration of the solid Earth, its atmosphere and oceans, and the Earth's place in the solar system. Emphasizes learning Earth science through investigation, and uses Earth science to understand the processes of science. Laboratory three hours.

Prerequisite: GEOL 8; may be taken concurrently.

Rocks and their mineral constituents, geological processes such as weathering, erosion, glaciation, mountain building, etc., volcanoes, earthquakes, folds, faults, the earth's interior, plate tectonics and earth resources. Field trip. Fee course.

Laboratory supplement to GEOL 10. Emphasizes scientific method and systematic laboratory procedures. Identification of common minerals and rocks. Introduction to and analysis of topographic and geologic maps. Field trip. Laboratory three hours. Fee course.

Prerequisite: GEOL 10; may be taken concurrently.

Origin and geological history of the earth and the evolution of its animal and plant inhabitants. Fee course.

Note: Lecture 3 hours.

Prerequisite: GEOL 5 or GEOL 10 and GEOL 10L.

Supplements GEOL 12. Use of sedimentary rocks, fossils, geologic maps, and structural sections in interpreting ancient environments, tectonic settings, and geologic history. Age relations and correlation of rock and time-rock units. Introduction to fossil identification and biostratigraphy. Laboratory three hours.

Prerequisite: GEOL 5 or GEOL 10 and GEOL 10L.

Compositions, textures, classification, origins and structures of sediments and sedimentary rocks. Hand specimen observation and interpretation. Facies models, classification and correlation of stratigraphic units, subsurface techniques. Lab emphasizes hand specimen and microscope identification and subsurface techniques.

Note: Field trip. Lecture 3 hours; laboratory 3 hours. Fee course.

Prerequisite: GEOL 10, GEOL 10L, GEOL 12, GEOL 100; ENGL 1A or demonstrated writing ability.

Science and art of recognizing, describing and interpreting geologic features in the field. Lecture and laboratory course on the preparation and use of topographic and geologic maps, stratigraphic and cross sections, compass and GPS instrument.

Note: Lecture one hour; laboratory three hours. Fee course.

Prerequisite: GEOL 5 or GEOL 10 and GEOL 10L, GEOL 12 and GEOL 12L; GEOL 100 with a grade of C- or better.

Corequisite: GEOL 111B.

Introduction to geologic field methods including descriptions of rocks, geologic mapping, observation, interpretation and geologic report writing. Detailed mapping techniques will also be covered; these may include the use of plane table, total station theodolite and global position systems. Consists of off-campus fieldwork.

Note: Fee course.

Prerequisite: GEOL 10, GEOL 10L, GEOL 12, GEOL 12L, GEOL 100.

Corequisite: GEOL 103, GEOL 111A.

Focused study on the basic forces that drive surficial processes such as wind water and gravity and the role of weathering, sediment transport and deposition on landform and landscape development. A laboratory component will enhance student understanding by solving applied problems as well as develop proficiencies with various geologic tools.

Note: 150 minutes Lecture = 3 units, 150 minutes Lab = 1 unit. Fee Course.

Prerequisite: GEOL 5 or GEOL 10 and GEOL 10L; GEOL 12, GEOL 12L.

Origin, geology, and distribution of metallic ore deposits. Introduction to ore minerals. Exploration methods. Field trip. Fee course.

Prerequisite: GEOL 100, CHEM 1A.

Survey of geological, physical, chemical and biological oceanography including the sea floor; waves, tides, currents; the physical and chemical properties of seawater and their distribution in the sea; planktonic life and its relation to nutrients.

Applies geologic data and principles to situations affecting our environment. The geologic study of earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, landslides, groundwater and similar topics supplies the background data for lectures on land use and other social choices. Topics such as geopolitics and mineral supply provide a basis for understanding international politics, social costs, and world economics. Fee course.

Advanced principles/methods of geologic mapping, interpretation and geologic report writing for selected field areas in the western United States. Mapping techniques include the use of aerial photographs and global position systems. Consists of on-campus field preparation and off-campus fieldwork. Fee course.

Prerequisite: GEOL 110B, GEOL 111A, GEOL 111B, instructor permission.

Seminar in the geologic and tectonic development of California.

Prerequisite: GEOL 5 or GEOL 10, GEOL 12; GEOL 110A recommended.

Selection and design of an independent research project. A final written report is required and includes: research proposal, bibliography, and results of preliminary review of the literature. Student must choose a supervising instructor.

Prerequisite: Senior status and appropriate courses as determined by a Departmental faculty committee. The proposed project must be approved by a Department committee; instructor permission.

Completion of an independent research project. A final written report is required. Progress reports may be required by the supervision instructor. Presentation of an oral report on the research project during the same semester is required.

Prerequisite: Senior status and appropriate courses as determined by a Departmental faculty committee. The proposed project must be approved by the Department committee; instructor permission.

Individual projects or special studies. The advisor and the faculty member concerned must approve the course.

Note: Open only to students judged competent to carry on individual work.

Dynamics of geological processes and the landscapes they carve. System thresholds, linked processes, data generation and evaluation that characterize landscape development.

Prerequisite: GEOL 120 or equivalent.

Reading, analysis and discussion of the geologic literature on selected topics in geology. Student presentations and reports are required.

Note: May be taken twice for credit.

Completion of a thesis approved for the Master's degree. Should be taken in the final semester prior to the completion of all requirements for the degree.

Prerequisite: Advanced to candidacy and chair permission of his/her thesis committee.