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.

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.

Field trip. Lecture three hours; laboratory three hours. Fee course.

Prerequisite: GEOL 12, GEOL 12L, and GEOL 100

Description, analysis and interpretation of geologic structures and tectonic settings. Theory of stress and strain as it pertains to the origin of folds, faults, joints, cleavage, and other structural elements. Laboratory includes techniques of structural analysis such as orthographic projections, stereonets, structure contours, Mohr diagrams, interpretation of maps and cross sections.

Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours. Fee Course.

Prerequisite: GEOL 111A and GEOL 111B, PHYS 5A or PHYS 11A, MATH 26A or MATH 30.

Field description, mapping and interpretation of geologic structures. Includes techniques of taking detailed field notes, field photography measurement of structures using a pocket transit, geologic map and cross section construction, stereonet analysis, and report writing. Consists of off-campus fieldwork.

Fee course.

Prerequisite: GEOL 103, GEOL 111A, GEOL 111B, and GEOL 110A. It is recommended that GEOL 110A be taken concurrently.

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.

Lecture one hour; laboratory three hours. Fee course.

Prerequisite: GEOL 12L and GEOL 100

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.

Fee course.

Prerequisite: GEOL 100 and GEOL 103. GEOL 103 may be taken concurrently.

Corequisite: GEOL 111A

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

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.

Regional study of California and certain surrounding areas with regard to geologic development, plate tectonics, economic resources and geologic hazards. Lecture and field trip(s). Fee course.

Prerequisite: GEOL 5 or GEOL 10.

Presents fundamentals of groundwater flow, as influenced by topography and geology; geological aspects of groundwater supply, contamination, remediation, and protection of hydrogeological regions of the U.S. and their critical groundwater issues. Lecture three hours; laboratory three hours. Lecture three hours.

Prerequisite: CHEM 1A, GEOL 10, GEOL 10L, PHYS 5A, and MATH 26A or MATH 30, 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.

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.

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 102, GEOL 103, GEOL 110A, GEOL 110B, GEOL 111A, GEOL 111B and instructor permission.

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 a beginning 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 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.

Advanced study of petrology. Topics may include the origin and evolution of igneous/metamorphic/sedimentary rocks in different tectonic settings; application of advanced petrologic tools to explore current research questions including rock and mineral chemistry, optical analysis, geochronology, thermochronology.

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

Prerequisite: GEOL 102, GEOL 103, graduate-level status in Geology, or instructor permission.

Introduction to quantitative and numerical methods of solving geologic problems using high level programming.

Prerequisite: MATH 31

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.