Associate of Science - Geology

Designed for students who desire a general background in the field of geology in preparation for transfer to another college or university. Some of the courses listed below require the completion of prerequisites, and students should begin with the study of biology and mathematics.

Geology majors are advised to give first priority to lower-division requirements for the major as they are prerequisites for most upper-division courses. Only as many general education courses should be taken as can be included in the 70-unit transfer limitation, and these must be chosen with care to ensure that they fit into the general education pattern at the transfer school.

Program Student Learning Outcomes: • Students will have basic knowledge and understanding of the content of modern geology. Specifically, they will be able to explain the nature of tectonic forces in the Earth’s crust and their effects on most geological processes, understand and be able to explain geologic time and fossil record, and understand and be able to explain basic surficial processes and human interrelationships with Earth’s surface. • Students will acquire knowledge and demonstrate skills to collect and analyze Earth’s minerals and rocks. Specifically, they will demonstrate the skills necessary to gather and interpret field and other types of geologic data, identify samples of basic mineral and rock material found on Earth’s surface, understand and be able to explain the basic physical and chemical attributes of Earth’s minerals and rocks, and explain how Earth’s basic minerals and rocks form chemically and physically. • Students will understand the philosophical, mathematical and physical science foundations of geology. Specifically, they will demonstrate a basic understanding of the physical science foundations of geology.