Geology Courses

Register for classes using WebAdvisor. Review the Class Schedule for class dates and times. Course descriptions are available in the Catalog. All students are encouraged to meet with a counselor to review academic program requirements and/or have questions answered.

A sampling of courses for this discipline includes (not a complete list):

• GEOL-101 Introduction to Geology
• GEOL-102 Introduction to Oceanography
• GEOL-102L Oceanography Laboratory
• GEOL-103 Paleontology and Dinosaurs
• GEOL-103L Paleontology Laboratory

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the courses in this discipline, the student will have acquired the following knowledge and skills:

• Demonstrate scientific literacy by defining and explaining the major steps in the scientific method of investigation, specifically, the difference between empirical data, interpretation, testable hypothesis, theory, paradigm, speculation, and pseudo-science.
• Apply general math skills such as unit conversion, ratios, and percentages to solving simple rate problems; evaluate data, produce and interpret tables and graphs; apply the metric system of measurement.
• Identify and classify the common earth materials, such as most common minerals, rocks, and fossils in the lab and in the field.
• List, explain, and evaluate global and local (county-wide) geological hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and seismic seawaves.
• List and categorize common natural resources and explain their origin, spatial distribution, appropriate exploration methods, and the resulting products, wastes, and contaminants.