GEOLOGY
College of Science and Engineering
(See Geosciences in the Academic Programs section for information on degrees)
Undergraduate Courses
100 Introduction to Geology (3) [GE]
F,S
Basic principles of geological interpretation; earth materials, crustal history of the earth, origin and evolution of life; geologic time, evolution of landscape. Designed for the general student.
101 Introduction to Geology Laboratory (1) [GE]
F,S
Investigating earth phenomena in the field and laboratory including rock and mineral studies, basic geological interpretation in the field, reading topographic maps and the recognition and understanding of local geologic hazards. Landscape interpretation and awareness are stressed. Designed to accompany or follow GEOL 100.
102 Introduction to Oceanography (3) [GE]
Basic principles of oceanography stressing the components of the dynamic ocean system. Topics include formation of ocean basins, oceanic influences on climate; waves and tides; human relationship to and impact on the ocean; source of fresh water and energy. Designed for non-science majors. (Also offered as METR 102.)
103 Introduction to Oceanography Laboratory (1) [GE]
F,S
Basic field and laboratory studies of ocean environment including wave forming and dissipation processes; bottom topography and its meaning; variability in marine life; measurement techniques to discover how the ocean system works and how it relates to human activities. Designed to accompany or follow GEOL 102. (Also offered as METR 103.)
105 History of Life (3) [GE]
F,S
The origin and early development of life, the evolution of life through geologic time, the extinction and replacement of organisms, and the future of life on earth.
109 Exploring California Geology (1)
Prerequisites: grade of B or better in any one of BIOL 230, CHEM 111, CSC 210, ENGR 100, GEOG 101, MATH 220, PHYS 111 or 220, or consent of instructor. Freshmen and sophomores only. A five-day field course investigating areas in California and emphasizing problem-solving approach of professional geologists. For students considering a Geology major. Applications available from Geosciences Department. Field work, one unit. CR/NC grading only.
110 Physical Geology (4) [GE]
F,S
Composition, structure, and evolution of the earth; nature, distribution, processes of formation and recognition of earth materials; investigation of the tectonic and hydrologic systems and their impact on development of landforms of the continents and ocean basins; relation of geologic systems to the human environment. Classwork, three units; laboratory and field work, one unit. [CAN GEOL 2]
115 Historical Geology (4)
F,S
Prerequisite: GEOL 110. The history of the earth: origin of the earth, continents, oceans and atmosphere; origin and evolution of life; methods and concepts utilized in deciphering the geologic record. Classwork, three units; laboratory and field work, one unit. [CAN GEOL 4]
250 Geology of the National Parks (3) [GE]
F,S
Application of geologic principles to understanding and enjoyment of natural environments of North America focusing on geologic history and landscape evolution of the National Parks. Emphasis on appreciating uniqueness of these natural regions and evaluating questions of preservation. Classwork, two units; laboratory and field work, one unit. Designed for non-science majors.
260 Planetary Geology (3)
F,S
Processes that have affected rocky bodies of the solar system; meteorites, moons and planets and their histories. Focus is upon our moon and Mars and upon the processes of impact and volcanism. The enigma of tektites. Designed for non-science majors.
270 Environmental Geology (3) [GE]
F,S
Human interaction with an effect upon the geologic environment. Social and political implications of geologic aspects of natural hazards, resource and energy exploitation, land use planning, waste disposal, and human modification of nature. Bay Area and western case studies are stressed. Classwork, two units; laboratory and field work, one unit. Designed for non-science majors.
272 Earthquakes and the San Andreas Fault (3) [GE]
F,S
Earthquakes as environmental hazards with special emphasis on the San Andreas and other Bay Area faults. The relationship of earthquakes to plate boundaries, earthquake prediction, the inevitability of large quakes in California, and seismic safety procedures. Classwork, two units; laboratory and field work, one unit. Designed for non-science majors.
302 The Violent Earth (3) [GE]
F,S
The catastrophic geological agents that modify the environment. Significance of such processes as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in the development of our planet. The concept of time in evaluating the magnitude of these violent events. Designed for non-science majors.
305 Energy and Its Environmental Issues (3) [GE]
F,S
Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Energy and its conservation; society's challenge for today and the future: petroleum resources are emphasized. Nuclear, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric, and other alternative sources are presented. Designed for non-science majors. Classwork, two units; laboratory, one unit.
352 Geological Excursions (1)
Prerequisite: a Geology G.E. course and consent of instructor. Introduction to the geology of the San Francisco Bay Area and parts of Northern California through field excursions to areas which illustrate basic features and principles of the region's dynamic geologic evolution. Designed for non-science majors. Classwork, one unit; laboratory and field work, one unit.
356 Geology of California (3) [GE]
F
The regional geology of California, with emphasis on the San Francisco Bay Area. Local field trips and extended excursions to areas of geologic interest (i.e., national and state parks) to be arranged. Classwork, two units; laboratory and field work, one unit. Designed for non-science majors.
410 Volcanology (3)
Prerequisite: GEOL 110 or consent of instructor. Volcanic processes, landforms, structures and rocks; origin and differentiation of magma and relation to place boundaries; case studies of volcanic events on earth and other planets ranging from quiet outpourings to catastrophic eruptions; applications to archaeology and other disciplines. Classwork, two units; laboratory and field work, one unit.
415 Computer Techniques in Geology (2)
Prerequisite: GEOL 110 or consent of instructor. Macintosh spreadsheets, data bases, graphing, graphics, macros, and simple programming applied to the geological sciences. No previous computer experience is necessary. Classwork, one unit; laboratory, one unit.
420 Mineralogy (4)
F
Prerequisites: GEOL 110, CHEM 111/112, and satisfactory standing in the geology major, or consent of instructor. (CHEM 111/112 may be taken concurrently with consent of instructor). Properties, relationships, origin of minerals; form and structure of crystals; determination of common minerals by physical and chemical tests. Classwork, two units; laboratory and field work, two units.
425 Optical Mineralogy (2)
F
Prerequisite: GEOL 420 (may be taken concurrently) and satisfactory standing in the geology major, or consent of instructor. Use of the petrographic microscope in the determination of optical properties of minerals; identification and classification of rock-forming minerals. Laboratory.
426 Petrography and Petrology (4)
S
Prerequisites: GEOL 420, 425, CHEM 111/112, and satisfactory standing in the geology major, or consent of instructor. The occurrence and classification of common igneous sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Emphasis is divided between megascopic and microscopic identification of rocks and consideration of their origin. Classwork, two units; laboratory and field work, two units.
430 Structural Geology (4)
F
Prerequisites: GEOL 115, 426, MATH 107, and satisfactory standing in the geology major, or consent of instructor. Mechanical aspects of rock deformation. Description, classification and genesis of folds, faults and other structures of the earth's crust. Fundamental concepts of evolution of regional structures. Classwork, two units; laboratory and field work, two units.
440 Paleontology (4)
S
Prerequisites: GEOL 115 and satisfactory standing in the geology major or consent of instructor. General paleontology including invertebrates, vertebrates, and plant groups. Classwork, two units; laboratory and field work, two units.
450 Geomorphology (4)
F
Prerequisites: GEOL 110 or consent of instructor. Landscapes, their geologic evolution, and the processes which create and modify them. Classwork, three units; laboratory and field work, one unit.
452 Coastal Processes (3)
A
Prerequisites: GEOL 102 and 103 or 110 or consent of instructor. Analytical and descriptive study of the physical processes responsible for the development and evolution of coastal landforms. Major coastal environments throughout the world are investigated with an emphasis placed on local conditions. Classwork, two units; laboratory and field work, one unit.
457 Geology of North America (3)
A
Prerequisite: GEOL 110 or consent of instructor. The physical and historical geology and economic resources of North America. Classwork, two units; laboratory and field work, one unit.
460 Stratigraphy (4)
F
Prerequisites: GEOL 115, 426, and satisfactory standing in the geology major, or consent of instructor. Stratigraphic units; principles of correlation; an analysis of regional stratigraphic problems. Classwork, two units; laboratory and field work, two units.
461 Sedimentology (4)
A
Prerequisite: GEOL 420 and satisfactory standing in the geology major, or consent of instructor. Sources, weathering, erosion, transportation, deposition, diagenesis, and lithification of sediments; provenance and paleocurrent determinations; sampling techniques; analyses of sedimentary structures and the size, texture, mineralogy, and chemistry of sediments. Classwork, two units; laboratory and field work, two units.
462 Petroleum Geology (3)
Prerequisite: GEOL 460 and satisfactory standing in the geology major, or consent of instructor. Stratigraphic and structural principles in petroleum geology, origin and occurrence of hydrocarbons, regional analysis of the world's oil fields and techniques of exploration and evaluation.
465 Introductory Physical Oceanography (3)
Prerequisite: GEOL/METR 103, MATH 221, PHYS 141 (may be concurrent), or consent of instructor. The dynamic character of the ocean environment with emphasis on the properties of sea water, surface heat transfer, Cooriolis force, surface and deep ocean circulation, deep and shallow wave phenomena, and underwater sound and optics. Designed for both the physical scientist and marine biologist. Classwork, three units; laboratory and field work, one unit. (Also offered as METR 465.)
470 Ore Deposits (3)
Prerequisite: GEOL 426 and satisfactory standing in the geology major, or consent of instructor. An introduction to the origin of ore deposits emphasizing the mineralogic, petrologic, and plate tectonic environments of major deposits from around the world; chemical and physical controls on ore transport and deposition; techniques of mineral exploration and mining. Classwork, three units; laboratory and field work, one unit.
474 Engineering Geology (3)
A
Prerequisite: GEOL 110 or an upper division engineering course or consent of instructor. Investigations into mechanical properties of earth materials and application of geologic principles to engineering problems. Classwork, two units; laboratory and field work, one unit.
475 Geohydrology (3)
Prerequisite: GEOL 110 or an upper division engineering course or consent of instructor. Study of the geological occurrence, distribution, storage, movement, and quality of water, in rocks of the earth's surface. Introduction to hydrological processes on the earth's surface including an evaluation of the chemical, geochemical, and physical changes produced during the hydrologic cycle. Classwork, two units; laboratory, one unit.
476 Soils Geology (3)
Prerequisite: GEOL 110 or an upper division biology, geography, or engineering course, or consent of instructor. An investigation into the factors controlling the formation and evolution of soils. Physical properties, soil types and profile development and the role of soils in land form evolution. Soil profile interpretation as an aid to the unraveling recent geologic processes and their environmental implications. Classwork, two units; laboratory and field work, one unit.
480 Geochemistry (3)
A
Prerequisites: GEOL 420, CHEM 111 and 113, or consent of instructor. Application of chemical principles to geologic problems. Distribution of the elements in the earth. Geologic history of seawater and the atmosphere. Chemical aspects of weathering and sedimentation.
485 Geophysics (3)
A
Prerequisites: GEOL 110 and PHYS 111 or 220 or consent of instructor. General study of gravitational, magnetic, seismic, electrical, and thermal properties of the earth.
528 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (3)
Prerequisite: GEOL 426 and satisfactory standing in the geology major, or consent of instructor. Origin of the igneous and metamorphic rocks in term of classic and modern petrologic theory; basic principles of physical chemistry and their application to natural rock systems. Classwork, two units; laboratory and field work, two units.
535 Plate Tectonics (3)
A
Prerequisite: GEOL 430 and satisfactory standing in the geology major, or consent of instructor. Basic principles and modern concepts of the plate tectonics hypothesis. Emphasis on paleomagnetism, spreading centers, transform systems, subduction zones, ophiolite sequences and continental separation, collision and accretion. Current research in plate tectonics. Classwork, two units; laboratory and field work, one unit.
547 Paleoecology (3)
Prerequisite: GEOL 440 or consent of instructor. Principles of paleoecology; interpretation of life habit of fossil organisms from skeletal morphology and associated depositional features; reconstruction of depositional environments from the study of fossil assemblages. Classwork, two units; laboratory and field work, one unit.
590 Seminar in Geology (2-3)
A
Prerequisite: GEOL 110 or an upper division science course or consent of instructor. Topic to be specified in Class Schedule. Seminar in a selected area in geology. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
592 Topics in Geomorphology (2)
Topic to be specified in the Class Schedule. In-depth exploration of specific geomorphological processes, landforms, and environments. Content varies with student needs and interest. Seminar includes field component.
595 Senior Project (1-3)
A
Prerequisite: satisfactory standing in the major or consent of instructor. Topics and units of credit to be specified in Class Schedule. Independent field and laboratory research in selected areas of modern geology under faculty supervision.
690 Scientific Writing, Research Methods, and Professional Preparation (1)
Prerequisites: GEOL 426 and satisfactory standing in the geology major, or consent of instructor. Designed to prepare students for successful completion of the senior thesis in Geology, and to offer guidance in preparing for graduate school and professional work. Introduction to scientific writing and research methods in the Geosciences.
693 Cooperative Education Program (6 or 12)
Prerequisite: ENG 114, SPCH 150, and consent of faculty of the Department of Geosciences. Intended for geology majors. Supervised employment in an academically relevant field of study. Objectives are career development, occupational experience, and educational subsidy. Units do not count toward the degree. Limited free elective credit available. CR/NC grading only.
695 Field Methods in Geology (2)
S
Prerequisites: GEOL 426 and 430, and satisfactory standing in the geology major, or consent of instructor. Geologic field methods, emphasis on plotting geologic features on topographic maps and aerial photographs, use of field instruments, mapping sections, and preparation of geologic reports. Laboratory and field work.
696 Field Geology (5)
Prerequisites: GEOL 426, 430, 460, 695, and satisfactory standing in geology major, or consent of instructor. A five-week field course in geologic mapping emphasizing detailed interpretations of a range of geologic environments.
697 Senior Project (1-3)
Prerequisites: senior standing in geology, 3.0 GPA in major course work, and consent of geology faculty adviser. Directed advanced research in the solution of a specific geological problem. Product of semester's work to be an original contribution of limited scope but of publication quality.
698 Senior Research and Thesis (2)
Prerequisites: GEOL 426 and satisfactory standing in geology major, or consent of instructor. An independent research project involving study in the laboratory or field. A detailed written report of the work accomplished must be submitted to and approved by department faculty.
699 Special Study (1-3)
F,S
Prerequisites: approval of the geology staff and the instructor concerned. Special study in the laboratory, field, or library under the direction of a member of the geology staff. The student must present a written report of the work accomplished to the geology staff.