A broad ranging non-quantitative examination of basic concepts in the physical earth sciences. Subject areas are geology, oceanography, the atmosphere and the Earth’s place in the solar system. 3 lectures and 1 recitation per week.
An introduction to minerals, rocks and geologic features which comprise the Earth; analysis of internal and external processes controlling the features of the planet. 3 lectures per week. Corequisite: GSC 141L.
Changes in continents and ocean basins, fossil populations during successive geological ages, 3 lectures. May be taken without laboratory by non-majors.
A synthesis of our current knowledge of the cosmos and techniques used in its investigation. Primary emphasis is on the composition, history, and dynamics of the solar system (the sun, planets, moons, comets,asteroids, and meteors) and theories of its origin and evolution. The second part of the course examines the nature of stars, galaxies, and theuniverse as interpreted from analysis of starlight. Topics include distance, magnitude, luminosity, temperature, and composition of stars, stellar evolution, other solar systems, and search for extraterrestrial life. Special attention is given to independent stargazing activities, current celestial events, and new information revealed by satellite data or unmanned space missions. 4 hours lecture.
An introduction to the marine sciences. Dealing primarily with the properties of water, ocean currents, waves, tides, beaches, marine life, marine resources and the nature and origin of the sea floor. 4 lectures. Field trip fee required.
Classification of minerals and rocks. Reading and interpreting topographic and geologic maps. 1 three-hour laboratory. Must be taken concurrently with +GSC 111. Laboratory optional for non-majors.
Identification of common igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks, as well as rock-forming minerals in hand sample. Emphasis is placed upon modern classification schemes and recognition of rock textures. Required field trips to collect rock samples and make observations of rock outcrops. 1 three-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: GSC 111 and GSC 141L.
Classification of fossil invertebrates, studies of paleogeographic maps and geologic maps and problems in structural geology. 1 three-hour laboratory. Must be taken concurrently with GSC 112. Optional for nonmajors. Field trips required. Field trip fee required.
Individual or group investigation, research, studies or surveys of selected problems. Total credit limited to 4 units, with the maximum of 2 units per quarter.
Identification, occurrence, origin and uses of the common minerals. Quantitative x-ray diffraction microanalysis, physical and chemical properties of minerals and introductory morphologic crystallography. Three lectures, one three-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: GSC 111, GSC 141L, CHM 121/121L. Field trip fee required.
Techniques of recognizing, mapping, analyzing and interpreting geologic structures and earth features. Surveying with plane table, alidade, Brunton compass and tape. 1 lecture/problem, 3 three-hour laboratories. Prerequisites: GSC 333/333L. Field trips required. Field trip fee required.
Group study of a selected topic, the title to be specified in advance. Total credit limited to 8 units, with a maximum of 4 units per quarter. Instruction is by lecture/problem-solving, laboratory or a combination.
An examination of the interrelationship of geology and chemistry in the near surface environment. The course focuses on low temperature groundwater systems and geothermal fluids. Topics of discussion include the chemistry of meteoric and connate waters, application of EhpH and log fugacity of 02 diagrams to the modeling of aqueous fluids, stable isotopic fractionation in the hydrosphere, chemical reactions at the water-rock interface and dynamics of hydrothermal systems. 3 lectures/problems, one 3-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: 1 year of college-level chemistry.
Framework topics, such as atmospheric structure, composition, heating, pressure, humidity form the base upon which a process-oriented semiquantitative, descriptive survey of major weather phenomena, including winds, clouds, precipitation, and storms is conducted. 4 lecture /discussions. Prerequisites: One GE course from each of the following Sub-areas: A1, A2, A3 and B1, B2, (PHY 121/121L) and B3. GE Synthesis course for Sub-area B4.
Practical techniques for converting traditional coordinate-based geoscience data into digital map layers. Digitizing methods applied to creation of geologic, hydrologic, meteorologic, and oceanographic maps. One hour lecture plus two 3-hour laboratory sessions.
Practical GIS methods for geologic map representation and quantitative analysis of real-world coordinate-based geoscience data. Manipulation and enhancement of digital data layers in contemporary drafting programs. Creation and interpretation of contour maps, isopach maps, and slope stability maps. Three-dimensional analysis of borehole data; construction of cross section images. One hour lecture plus two 3-hour laboratories.
Science-based issues related to the ocean-atmosphere system which directly impact Humankind are examined. Global environmental change, El Niño/La Niña, ozone depletion, sea level changes, coastal development, alternative energy sources and satellite monitoring of earth are investigated. Four lecture/discussions per week. Prerequisites: One GE course from each of the following Sub-areas: A1, A2, A3 and B1, B2, B3. GE Synthesis course for Sub-area B4.
Fundamentals of geology applied to engineering problems. Includes rock types, structure, erosion, sedimentation, seismic explorations, rock/soil movements, and dam site evaluations. Individual and group study of selected engineering geology problems. Instruction is carried out in the field and laboratory. 3 hours lecture/discussion, 1 laboratory. Prerequisites: one course from each of the following Sub-areas: A1, A2, A3 and B1, B2, B3. GE Synthesis course for Sub-area B4.
Practical/Empirical Geomorphology of Landforms and Terrain analysis of Surficial Geology. The systematic description and analysis of landscapes and processes that change them - processes of landform development, analysis of modern surfaces, recognition of older landforms obscured by modern erosional overprinting; use of remote sensing techniques in landform analysis; quantitative measures of landform evolution. 3 lecture discussions and 1 three-hour laboratory per week. Required field trips. Field trip fee required. Prerequisite: GSC 111, GSC 141L.
The chemistry (primarily phase relationships) of the common rockforming minerals. The description, composition, texture and origin of the common rock-forming minerals according to their optical properties as determined with the petrographic microscope. 2 lectures/problemsolving, 2 three-hour laboratories. Prerequisite: GSC 215/215L, CHM 122/122L.
Morphology and evolution of fossil invertebrates. Includes discussion of ancient environments and changes in life forms with time. 3 lectures/problem-solving, 1 three-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: GSC 112 and GSC 151L. Field trips required. Field trip fee required.
Investigation of the deformation of the earth’s lithosphere. Solution of geologic field problems. 3 lectures/problem-solving, 1 three-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: GSC 111, GSC 141L, GSC 145L, and GSC 255/255L. Field trips required. Field trip fee required.
Geophysical techniques. Gravity, magnetic, electrical and seismic methods applied to the solution of geologic problems. 3 lectures/problem-solving, 1 three-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: GSC 111, GSC 141L, PHY 132 and PHY 132L or PHY 122 and PHY 122L. Field trips required. Field trip fee required.
Fundamental ocean processes emphasizing physical, chemical, and geological oceanography. Topics include currents, tides, waves, beaches, chemistry of ocean water, ocean basin evolution and physiography, and sedimentation as well as specific, relevant biological processes. Research vessel cruise. Lecture/discussion/demonstration. Prerequisites: one course from each of the following Sub-areas: A1, A2, A3 and B1, B2, B3 (BIO 110/111L or BIO 115/115L or equivalent). GE Synthesis course for Sub-area B4.
Geologic development of and the hydrologic and geologic processes acting within beach, deltaic and estuarine environments. Field trip required. 4 lectures/problem-solving. Prerequisites: GSC 111, GSC 120 or 335. Upper division standing. Field trips required. Field trip fee required.
The physiography, sedimentology, structure, origin and evolution of the ocean basins and continental margins. Facts, data, speculation derived from a variety of texts, journals, maps. 4 lectures/problem-solving. Prerequisites: GSC 335 or 120, and GSC 111, upper division standing. Field trips required. Field trip fee required.
Scientific description, measurement, and observation of geologic catastrophes resulting from active plate tectonic phenomena. Emphasis on earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and climate-related sealevel changes. Floods and associated erosion/deposition may also be addressed. Case histories of past geologic catastrophes. 4 lecture/ discussions. Prerequisites: one GE course from each of the following Subareas: A1, A2, A3 and B1, B2, B3. GE Synthesis course for Sub-area B4.
Origin and occurrence of petroleum and related products. Study of the geologic structure and stratigraphy of major oil and gas fields. 3 lectures/problem-solving, 1 three-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: GSC 141L and GSC 151L. Field trips required. Field trip fee required.
Groundwater occurrence and movement. Role in hydrologic cycle and geologic processes. Groundwater resource evaluation, geotechnical problems and contamination. 3 lectures/problem-solving, 1 three-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: GSC 111, GSC 141L, MAT 105 or higher.
Individual or group investigation, research, studies or surveys of selected problems. Total credit limited to 4 units, with a maximum of 2 units per quarter.
Geologic site investigations; field mapping; subsurface investigations. Geologic analysis of slope stability; subsidence; geology of dam and tunnel construction; ground water geology; seismicity and active fault tectonics; urban geology and engineering geologic reports. 3 lectures/problem-solving, 1 three-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: GSC 111, GSC 141L, or GSC 321/321L. Field trips required.
Stratigraphic procedures, correlation, depositional environments, classification and origin of stratigraphic units, chemical, mineralogic and textural studies of sedimentary rocks, using petrographic, mechanical and x-ray techniques. Theory of the classification and origin of these rocks. Field trips. 3 lectures, 2 three-hour laboratories. Prerequisite: GSC 325/325L. Field trips required. Laboratory fee required.
Theory of the origin, classification, chemistry and mineralogy of igneous and metamorphic rocks. 3 lectures. Prerequisites: GSC 325/325L. Corequisite: GSC 425L.
Mineralogy, texture and description of igneous and metamorphic rocks with the petrographic microscope, mineral separation techniques and xray diffraction. Field trips. Prerequisite GSC 325. Corequisite GSC 424. 2 three-hour laboratories. Field trips required. Field trip fees required.
A systematic study of the deposition of metallic ores. Preparation of comprehensive ore deposit models is stressed requiring the integration of mineralogy, petrology and structural geology. Discussions and practical exercises on wall rock alteration, paragenesis, metal zoning and fluid inclusion geothermometry are important components of the course. Laboratory examination of polished sections and thin sections from "classic" mining districts throughout the world and field trips to important mining districts compliment the lecture. Three lectures and one 3 hour lab.
Planning and implementation of mineral exploration programs, resource extraction and ore-processing. Course topics include mineral economics, exploration planning, exploration techniques, ore deposit valuation and mining and processing systems. Special emphasis is placed on the economic theory and practical aspects of development of precious metal properties. Laboratory exercises focus on all aspects of exploration from field exercises involving claim staking, geochemical/geophysical prospecting and underground mine mapping to on-campus work with computer generated ore reserve models and automated data base literature searches. 3 lectures, 1 three-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: GSC 111, GSC 215/215L.
Morphology, classification and evolution of major plant and animal microfossil groups with emphasis on the Foraminiferida. Use of microfossils in petroleum exploration and paleoenvironmental reconstruction. 3 lectures/problem-solving, 1 three-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: GSC 112, GSC 151L and GSC 331/331L.
Study of the major tectonic elements of the Earth, their geometry, kinematics and dynamics with special emphasis on the Cordillera of Western North America. All of the tectonic features will be analyzed in the context of plate tectonics. Prerequisites: GSC 145L and GSC 333/333L. Field trips required. 3 lectures/problem-solving, 1 three-hour laboratory.
Independent research study into a geologic problem of scientific merit following standard scientific methodology. Topic selection, research techniques, data analysis and formal write up are done under close guidance and supervision of a GSC faculty research advisor. Successful completion of GSC 461 and 462 requires submission of a formal, written report in appropriate scientific style. In certain cases, publication of research results in appropriate scientific journal or as an abstract may be accepted in lieu of report.
A formal, oral presentation of senior thesis results. This presentation will be judged on clarity, organization, scientific merit and the presenter’s ability to discuss and to respond to faculty and student questioning in an effective and persuasive manner. Students should not enroll in GSC 463 until senior thesis is near completion.
A six-week course in geological field methods. Preparation of geological maps of metamorphic, igneous and sedimentary rock areas. Geologic report on areas mapped. Prerequisite: GSC 455/455L. Field trip fee required.
Group study of a selected topic, the title to be specified in advance. Total credit limited to 8 units with a maximum of 4 units per quarter. Instruction is by lecture, laboratory or a combination.
