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.

Introductory course to the basic computing needs to be successful in the geosciences. Topics include Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite and reference software.

Prerequisite: GEOL 5 or GEOL 10/10L. GEOL 10L can 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 12; and GEOL 5 or GEOL 10 and GEOL 10L. GEOL 12 may be taken concurrently.

Properties and identification of minerals and rocks; rock formation and the rock cycle. Lecture three hours; laboratory three hours; field trip.

Prerequisite: CHEM 1A, GEOL 5 or GEOL 10/10L, and GEOL 12 (GEOL 12 can be taken concurrently)

Field Trip.

Introduction to advanced mineral identification by physical and optical properties. Techniques and theory of optical mineral analysis and crystallography.

Lecture 1 hour; laboratory 3 hours.

Prerequisites: CHEM 1A, GEOL 5 or GEOL 10 + GEO 10L, GEOL 100 (GEOL 100 can be taken concurrently)

Study of the origin, evolution, occurrence, geochemistry, dynamics and physical characteristics of igneous and metamorphic systems. The laboratory will focus on both hand-specimen and petrographic-microscope studies.

Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours. Fee course.

Prerequisite: GEOL 100 and GEOL 103

An advanced exploration of physical volcanic processes, chemistry of magmas, interpretation of volcanic deposits, historic eruptions and volcanic hazard assessment.

Note: Field trip. Weekend field trip to volcanic areas (typically in California. Fee course. Field trip student fee.

Prerequisite: GEOL 100; May be taken concurrently.

An introductory to volcanoes including volcanic landforms, eruption styles, properties of magma, and volcanic hazards/ mitigation.

Hydrology research and professional development experience. Students will learn hypothesis development and testing, data interpretation, and science communication skills focusing on data collected during a summer Hydrology field experience. Students will also learn about Hydrology career paths, apply for internships, and present research findings. Students must participate in the summer Hydrology field experience prior to taking this class.

Field analysis of the local environment, including soil and water systems. Students will learn monitoring design, sample collections, sample analysis, data interpretation, and presentation methodologies for environmental geology applications.

Prerequisite: GEOL 10 or GEOL 10L or instructor permission.

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.

Prerequisite: GWAR certification before Fall 09; or WPJ score of 80+; or 3-unit placement in ENGL 109M or ENGL 109W; or 4-unit placement in ENGL 109M or ENGL 109W and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X; or WPJ score 70 or 71 and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X.

This course is designed to enhance the mapping skills of geology majors by providing them an opportunity to learn modern computer aided mapping techniques - methods and tools widely used across industry, government, and academe. The course is designed to teach students how to effectively use various tools and mapping software by applying their developing skills in solving a variety of geological problems. This course strategy will help develop both student technical map making and innovative problem solving skills.

Prerequisite: GEOG 109 or instructor permission

Applies to the fundamental principles of geology, biology, and ecology to understanding the evolution of the Mesozoic world. Emphasis is placed on the nature and evolution of dinosaurs in the context of global regional changes in the Mesozoic ecosystem. Included are considerations of the data, methods, and uncertainties in paleontology and other historical sciences.

10-day field trip to a region of outstanding geology. Attendance at preliminary meetings is required. Analyzes and interpretation of geologic features is emphasized. Fee course.

Note: Student should consult the Geology Department during the semester before planning to take the course. May be taken more than once for credit.

Students will attend and participate in the joint Geology, Environmental Studies, Ecology weekly colloquium series and will be exposed to a variety of geologic and environmental topics. Speakers include those from CSUS, the USGS, government and professional organizations, and other academic institutions. Topics and speakers vary each semester.

Note: This course must be taken twice.

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 at an intermediate level, including fieldwork, lab work, library study, or other learning activities.

Note: Open only to students judged competent to carry on individual work. Credit/noncredit grading also available.

Individual projects or special studies at an advanced level, including fieldwork, lab work, library study, or other learning activities.

Note: Open only to students judged competent to carry on individual work. Credit/noncredit grading also available.

Developing a research proposal, library and internet searches, seeking external funding, presentation graphics, and publication formats. Students will develop a research project in preparation for thesis requirement. Seminar three hours.

Note: Graduate Writing Intensive (GWI).

Advanced treatment of deformation of the lithosphere of the Earth over short and long timescales. Topics may include structural analysis, tectonic geochemistry, field studies, geochronology, use of technical analytical software, and interpretation of geologic mapping; review of published literature, collection and analysis of data, and preparation of technical manuscript.

Note: This course requires one or more field trips. May be repeated for credit if covering different topics.

Prerequisite: GEOL 110A, MATH 30, graduate-level status in geology, or instructor permission.

Advanced study of hydrogeology. Topics may include: water budgets, groundwater flow to wells, aquifer testing, fracture flow, dewatering, salt water intrusion, groundwater chemistry and dating, tracers, and contaminant transport and remediation.

Note: May be taken for credit multiple times if covering different topics.

Prerequisite: GEOL 127, graduate-level status in geology, or instructor permission.

Graduate research. Independent research in geology that may include library research, short-term original research, technique development, fieldwork, or laboratory research. May include research toward thesis proposal. Culminating experience will be in the form of a written report, oral presentation, or scientific paper.

Prerequisite: Graduate-level status in geology, approval of project by a faculty sponsor and Department Chair; instructor permission.

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.

A written comprehensive examination administed by a committee of three faculty members. Assesses the student's ability to integrate knowledge from core and elective courses, show critical and independent thinking, and demonstrate mastery of the subject matter. Required for the non-thesis option. Graded: CR/NC. May be retaken one time after 4 calendar months. Units: 0.