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Geology

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses

Geology is the study of the origin and evolution of the Earth, using the principles of mathematics, chemistry, physics, and biology. Geologists study rocks, minerals, and fossils in an effort to draw conclusions about the Earth’s observable surface processes, as well as those processes taking place inside the Earth. They attempt to determine how the Earth was formed and how it is being changed by natural and man-made activities. Geologists are often involved in remediating environmental problems caused by mining, construction, and manufacturing.

Degrees Offered

A.S.-T. in Geology
A.S. in General Science

Dean Joel Keebler
Department Chair Hugh Howard
Phone (916) 484-8107
Email askhb-STEM@arc.losrios.edu

Associate Degrees for Transfer

A.S.-T. in Geology

Geology is an interdisciplinary science that combines geological observations and concepts with those of biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Its goals are to study rocks, minerals, fossils, energy and water resources, and to understand geologic principles and processes that shape Earth and its environments.

The Associate in Science in Geology for Transfer provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements of the California State University for transfer. Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University system.

The Associate in Science in Geology for Transfer (A.S.-T.) may be obtained by the completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum of a 2.0 GPA, including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program outlined below (earning a C or better in these courses), and (b) the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC).

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
CHEM 400	General Chemistry I	5
CHEM 401	General Chemistry II	5
GEOL 300	Physical Geology	3
GEOL 301	Physical Geology Laboratory	1
GEOL 310	Historical Geology	3
GEOL 311	Historical Geology Laboratory	1
MATH 400	Calculus I	5
MATH 401	Calculus II	5
Total Units:		28

The Associate in Science in Geology for Transfer (AS-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum 2.0 GPA, including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC).

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

evaluate new and accepted ideas about the natural universe using testable methodology.
articulate orally and/or in writing the importance of continuous examination and modification of accepted ideas as a fundamental element in the progress of science.
sort, arrange, and quantify objects using the international system of measurement (metric) as the standard.
analyze a wide variety of natural phenomena using basic definitions and fundamental theories of natural science.
compare the scales at which geologic processes work.
apply knowledge of current geologic processes to the understanding of Earth's past geologic history.

Career Information

The Geology transfer degree is designed to facilitate students' successful transfer to four-year colleges that prepare them for advanced study in a variety of graduate programs as well as a variety of career opportunities in the fields of environmental monitoring, protection and remediation, energy and mineral exploration, paleontology, vulcanology, seismology, climatology, teaching, and research.

Associate Degrees

A.S. in General Science

This program provides a broad study in the fields of biological and physical sciences in preparation for transfer to a four-year program and continuation of studies in upper division science courses.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
A minimum of 18 units from the following:		18¹
Physical Science Courses
ASTR 300	Introduction to Astronomy (3)
ASTR 310	The Solar System (3)
ASTR 320	Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology (3)
ASTR 330	Introduction to Astrobiology (3)
ASTR 400	Astronomy Laboratory (1)
ASTR 481	Honors Astronomy: Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology (4)
ASTR 495	Independent Studies in Astronomy (1 - 3)
ASTR 499	Experimental Offering in Astronomy (0.5 - 4)
CHEM 305	Introduction to Chemistry (5)
CHEM 306	Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry (5)
CHEM 309	Integrated General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry (5)
CHEM 310	Chemical Calculations (4)
CHEM 338	Chemistry In Your World (3)
CHEM 400	General Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 401	General Chemistry II (5)
CHEM 420	Organic Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 421	Organic Chemistry II (5)
CHEM 423	Organic Chemistry - Short Survey (5)
CHEM 495	Independent Studies in Chemistry (1 - 3)
CHEM 499	Experimental Offering in Chemistry (0.5 - 4)
GEOG 300	Physical Geography: Exploring Earth's Environmental Systems (3)
GEOG 301	Physical Geography Laboratory (1)
GEOG 305	Global Climate Change (3)
GEOG 306	Weather and Climate (3)
GEOG 307	Environmental Hazards and Natural Disasters (3)
GEOG 308	Introduction to Oceanography (3)
GEOG 309	Introduction to Oceanography Lab (1)
GEOG 391	Field Studies in Geography: Mountain Landscapes (1 - 4)
GEOG 392	Field Studies in Geography: Coastal Landscapes (1 - 4)
GEOG 393	Field Studies in Geography: Arid Landscapes (1 - 4)
GEOG 394	Field Studies in Geography: Volcanic Landscapes (1 - 4)
GEOG 495	Independent Studies in Geography (1 - 3)
GEOG 499	Experimental Offering in Geography (0.5 - 4)
GEOL 300	Physical Geology (3)
GEOL 301	Physical Geology Laboratory (1)
GEOL 305	Earth Science (3)
GEOL 306	Earth Science Laboratory (1)
GEOL 310	Historical Geology (3)
GEOL 311	Historical Geology Laboratory (1)
GEOL 320	Global Climate Change (3)
GEOL 325	Environmental Hazards and Natural Disasters (3)
GEOL 330	Introduction to Oceanography (3)
GEOL 331	Introduction to Oceanography Lab (1)
GEOL 345	Geology of California (3)
GEOL 392	Field Studies in Mountain Landscapes (1 - 4)
GEOL 393	Field Studies in Coastal Landscapes (1 - 4)
GEOL 394	Field Studies in Volcanic Landscapes (1 - 4)
GEOL 495	Independent Studies in Geology (1 - 3)
GEOL 499	Experimental Offering in Geology (0.5 - 4)
PHYS 310	Conceptual Physics (3)
PHYS 311	Basic Physics (3)
PHYS 312	Conceptual Physics Laboratory (1)
PHYS 350	General Physics (4)
PHYS 360	General Physics (4)
PHYS 410	Mechanics of Solids and Fluids (5)
PHYS 421	Electricity and Magnetism (4)
PHYS 431	Heat, Waves, Light and Modern Physics (4)
PHYS 495	Independent Studies in Physics (1 - 3)
PHYS 499	Experimental Offering in Physics (0.5 - 4)
Biological Science Courses
ANTH 300	Biological Anthropology (3)
ANTH 301	Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1)
ANTH 303	Introduction to Forensic Anthropology (3)
ANTH 370	Primatology (3)
ANTH 480	Honors Biological Anthropology (3)
ANTH 495	Independent Studies in Anthropology (1 - 3)
ANTH 499	Experimental Offering in Anthropology (0.5 - 4)
BIOL 300	The Foundations of Biology (3)
BIOL 301	Evolution (3)
BIOL 303	Survey of Biology (4)
BIOL 305	Natural History (4)
BIOL 310	General Biology (4)
BIOL 322	Ethnobotany (3)
BIOL 332	Introduction to Ornithology (4)
BIOL 342	The New Plagues: New and Ancient Infectious Diseases Threatening World Health (3)
BIOL 352	Conservation Biology (3)
BIOL 370	Marine Biology (4)
BIOL 375	Marine Ecology (3)
BIOL 390	Natural History Field Study (0.5 - 4)
BIOL 400	Principles of Biology (5)
BIOL 410	Principles of Botany (5)
BIOL 415	Introduction to Biology: Biodiversity, Evolution, and Ecology (5)
BIOL 420	Principles of Zoology (5)
BIOL 430	Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 431	Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 440	General Microbiology (4)
BIOL 442	General Microbiology and Public Health (5)
BIOL 482	Honors Marine Biology (4)
BIOL 495	Independent Studies in Biology (1 - 3)
BIOL 499	Experimental Offering in Biology (0.5 - 4)
BIOT 301	Biotechnology and Human Health (3)
BIOT 305	Introduction to Bioinformatics (1)
BIOT 307	Biotechnology and Society (2)
BIOT 311	Biotechnology Laboratory Methods - Molecular Techniques (2)
BIOT 312	Biotechnology Laboratory Methods - Microbial and Cell Culture Techniques (2)
BIOT 499	Experimental Offering in Biology (0.5 - 4)
NATR 300	Introduction to Natural Resource Conservation and Policy (4)
NATR 301	Introduction to Ornithology (4)
NATR 302	Introduction to Wildlife Biology (4)
NATR 303	Energy and Sustainability (3)
NATR 304	The Forest Environment (3)
NATR 305	Fisheries Ecology and Management (4)
NATR 306	Introduction to Rangeland Ecology and Management (3)
NATR 307	Principles of Sustainability (4)
NATR 310	Study Design and Field Methods (4)
NATR 320	Principles of Ecology (4)
NATR 322	Environmental Restoration (2)
NATR 324	Field Studies: Birds and Plants of the High Sierra (1.5)
NATR 330	Native Trees and Shrubs of California (4)
NATR 332	Wildflowers of California (3)
NATR 346	Water Resources and Conservation (3)
NATR 495	Independent Studies in Natural Resources (1 - 3)
NATR 499	Experimental Offering in Natural Resources (0.5 - 4)
PSYC 310	Biological Psychology (3)
PSYC 311	Biological Psychology Laboratory (1)
PSYC 495	Independent Studies in Psychology (1 - 3)
PSYC 499	Experimental Offering in Psychology (0.5 - 4)
Total Units:		18

¹must be transfer-level and must include one laboratory course in a physical science and one laboratory course in a biological science

The General Science Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

evaluate new and accepted ideas about the natural universe using scientific methods.
analyze a wide variety of natural phenomena using basic definitions and fundamental theories of biological or physical sciences.
apply appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods to interpret and analyze pertinent data.
outline the basic concepts and fundamental theories of a natural science.
articulate orally and/or in writing the importance of continuous examination and modification of accepted ideas as a fundamental element in the progress of science.
discuss ethical components of scientific decision making and apply personal and social values within the process of decision making in scientific endeavors.

Geology (GEOL) Courses

GEOL 300 Physical Geology

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:Successful completion of Prealgebra and the skills needed to read and write college-level texts.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; IGETC Area 5A
C-ID:C-ID GEOL 100
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course provides an introduction to the dynamic nature of Earth through the study of Earth processes. Topics include global plate tectonics and related processes such as seismic and volcanic activity. It also covers mineral and rock formation, and those processes related to the development of fluvial, glacial, desert, and coastal environments. The occurrence, use, and abuse of renewable and non-renewable resources such as air, ground and surface water, and fossil fuels are also covered. Field experiences may be required.

GEOL 301 Physical Geology Laboratory

Units:1
Hours:54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Corequisite:GEOL 300
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5C
C-ID:C-ID GEOL 100L
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is a laboratory study of the basic principles of geology and their applications to everyday life. It encompasses the study and identification of common rocks and minerals, the interpretation and recognition of geologic structures and landforms, interpretation of maps, aerial photographs, remote sensing images, seismic information, and analysis of geologic hazards. Field experiences may be required.

GEOL 305 Earth Science

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:Successful completion of Prealgebra and the skills needed to read and write college-level texts.
Transferable:CSU; UC (UC Credit Limitation: No credit if taken after a college level course in Astronomy, Geology, Oceanography or Meteorology)
General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; IGETC Area 5A
C-ID:C-ID GEOL 120
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This is an introductory science course covering major topics in geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. It focuses on Earth as a dynamic and continually evolving planet and emphasizes the relationships between human-Earth interactions. Field trips may be required.

GEOL 306 Earth Science Laboratory

Units:1
Hours:54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Corequisite:GEOL 305
Advisory:Successful completion of Prealgebra and the skills needed to read and write college-level texts.
Transferable:CSU; UC (UC credit limitation: No credit if taken after GEOL 300 or 301)
General Education:CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5C
C-ID:C-ID GEOL 120L
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course emphasizes scientific methods, critical thinking skills, and systematic Earth science laboratory procedures. Topics include weather analysis, rock and mineral identification, study of topographic and geologic maps, and exercises in astronomy and oceanography.

GEOL 310 Historical Geology

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:(GEOL 300 or GEOL 305) and successful completion of Prealgebra and the ability to read and write college-level English.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; IGETC Area 5A
C-ID:C-ID GEOL 110
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course covers the geologic history of the Earth as shown by the rock record and by the succession of fauna and flora through the processes of evolution and extinction. Plate tectonics and its driving mechanisms are used to understand the assembly and breakup of supercontinents, growth and erosion of mountains, and changing sea levels. The evolution of species, ecosystems, climates, and landscapes is placed in a plate tectonics context. Stratigraphic, mineralogic, geochemical, and petrographical techniques for interpreting the sequence of past geological events are studied. Field experiences may be required.

GEOL 311 Historical Geology Laboratory

Units:1
Hours:54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Corequisite:GEOL 310
Advisory:GEOL 300 and 301
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5C
C-ID:C-ID GEOL 110L
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is a laboratory study in historical geology. It applies principles of physical geology and paleontology in the reconstruction of the history of the Earth. Exercises in stratigraphy, paleontology, and interpretation of geologic maps are utilized. Field experiences may be required.

GEOL 320 Global Climate Change

Same As:GEOG 305
Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:Successful completion of Prealgebra and the skills needed to read and write college-level texts.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; IGETC Area 5A
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course explores the history and mechanisms of climate change in Earth’s past, as well as the methods that scientists use to investigate climate change. It also focuses on climate change in Earth’s recent history (the past few million years) and the role that humans have had in climate change, especially since the industrial revolution. Additionally, it investigates the effects of climate change in today’s world and discusses possible technological and political solutions to this vast and increasingly important problem, and how societies may adapt to the changes. Field experiences may be required. This course is not open to students who have completed GEOG 305.

GEOL 325 Environmental Hazards and Natural Disasters

Same As:GEOG 307
Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:Successful completion of Prealgebra and the skills needed to read and write college-level texts.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; IGETC Area 5A
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course covers the environmental effects and applications of Earth-related processes. It focuses on earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, flooding, hurricanes, and related current events. Additional topics include the availability and exploitation of natural resources, waste disposal, and global climate change. Humans as a force in environmental change are emphasized. This course addresses geology, engineering, environmental studies, natural resources, geography, and science education. Field experiences may be required. This course is not open to students who have completed GEOG 307.

GEOL 330 Introduction to Oceanography

Same As:GEOG 308
Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:Successful completion of Prealgebra and the skills needed to read and write college-level texts.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; IGETC Area 5A
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is an integrated study of the world's oceans, including the physical, chemical, biological, and human-made processes that affect the oceans. Topics include plate tectonics, ocean basins and sediments, water chemistry, waves, tides, shoreline processes, ocean currents, and biosystems. Human impacts on oceans will also be discussed. Regional oceanographic features are emphasized and field experiences may be required. This course is not open to students who have completed GEOG 308.

GEOL 331 Introduction to Oceanography Lab

Same As:GEOG 309
Units:1
Hours:54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Corequisite:GEOG 308 or GEOL 330
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5C
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course is a laboratory investigation of Earth's oceans, emphasizing coastal processes of California. Topics include plate tectonics, ocean basins and sediments, water chemistry, waves, tides, shoreline processes, ocean currents, and biosystems. Field experiences may be required. This course is not open to students who have completed GEOG 309.

GEOL 345 Geology of California

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:Successful completion of Prealgebra and the skills needed to read and write college-level texts.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; IGETC Area 5A
C-ID:C-ID GEOL 200
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course provides a survey of the physical and historical aspects of California geology, emphasizing the linkage of geology and people through economic and social impacts. It is recommended for non-majors and majors in geology and is of particular value to science, engineering, environmental studies, education, and economics majors. Field experiences may be required.

GEOL 392 Field Studies in Mountain Landscapes

Units:1 - 4
Hours:6 - 24 hours LEC; 36 - 144 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU; UC
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course explores the geologic processes that form mountains, as well as the importance of mountains as sources of water, energy, mineral resources, and biodiversity. The environmental hazards posed by mountains are studied, along with the human impacts on mountains. Course content varies by destination and may include topics in geologic processes, geomorphology, meteorology, and plant and animal habitats. This course also introduces geologic field techniques such as geologic map interpretation, and use of compass, rock hammers, and GPS. Field trips are required.

GEOL 393 Field Studies in Coastal Landscapes

Units:1 - 4
Hours:6 - 24 hours LEC; 36 - 144 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU; UC
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course explores the dynamics of the coastal ocean environment, the array of geomorphic processes, and the range of landforms found on the ocean's edge, as well as offshore. Topics include the work of waves and tides and resultant changes to coastal features, types of beach materials, storm impacts, and coastal responses to climate change. Coastal impacts on humans and human impacts on coasts are also examined including engineering solutions to coastal hazards. Field trips are required. A field trip expense fee may be required to cover camping fees, lodging, or other incidentals. The instructor should be contacted for details prior to the first meeting.

GEOL 394 Field Studies in Volcanic Landscapes

Units:1 - 4
Hours:6 - 24 hours LEC; 36 - 144 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU; UC
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course studies geologic principles, processes, and features in volcanic environments. Course content varies by destination and will include topics in physical geology (plate tectonics, volcanic eruption types, volcanic products, climatic and other environmental effects of volcanoes, including natural hazards as well as human interactions with volcanoes). It also introduces tools and techniques used for geologic field work such as maps, map reading, compass, and the Global Positioning System (GPS). Field trips are required. A field trip expense fee may be required to cover camping fees, lodging, or other incidentals. The instructor should be contacted for details prior to the first meeting.

GEOL 495 Independent Studies in Geology

Units:1 - 3
Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

Independent Study is an opportunity for the student to extend classroom experience in this subject, while working independently of a formal classroom situation. Independent study is an extension of work offered in a specific class in the college catalog. To be eligible for independent study, students must have completed the basic regular catalog course at American River College. They must also discuss the study with a professor in this subject and secure approval. Only one independent study for each catalog course will be allowed.

GEOL 499 Experimental Offering in Geology

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

Field trips to selected locations of geologic interest in California and bordering areas. This course provides a general geologic understanding of a particular region of California and/or bordering areas. Course content may include pate tectonics, earthquakes and seismicity, geomorphology, recent volcanic activity, glacial features, ore deposits, mining, regional geology, and structural geology (faulting). Intended for those with a general interest in geology, earth science, environmental studies, civil engineering, science education, or the outdoors. Field trips(s) required.