Geology, B.S.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students who complete the Bachelor of Science in Geology degree a are required to demonstrate:

1. The understanding of geologic terms, concepts, and theories,
2. The ability to collect geologic data through laboratory and field studies, and to formulate logical interpretations and conclusions from those data,
3. The ability to compare, contrast and demonstrate appreciation of competing views within geology, involving both historical and current controversies,
4. A solid understanding of geologic conditions specific to California and the unique global geological context of California, and
5. The ability to identify common rocks and minerals found in any country located anywhere on Earth.

Additionally, students are also expected to acquire the following general skills:

6. Competence in scientific inquiry,
7. Critical thinking abilities,
8. Written and oral communication proficiency, and 
9. Quantitative reasoning skills.    
   
   

Degree Requirements

See the “Degree Requirements ” in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements.

General Education Requirements (48 units). 

See the “General Education Program ” requirements in the University Catalog for information on General Education requirements. Some major requirements may double count for GE requirements.

Major Core Requirements

• GEOL 205 - Mineralogy Unit(s): 4
• GEOL 205A - Mineralogy, Optics Unit(s): 2
• GEOL 303 - Advanced Principles of Geology Unit(s): 4 *
• GEOL 304 - Geologic Mapping and Report Writing Unit(s): 1
• GEOL 307 - Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology Unit(s): 4
• GEOL 308 - Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology Field Course Unit(s): 1
• GEOL 309 - Computer Applications in Geology Unit(s): 4
• GEOL 311 - Sedimentary Geology Unit(s): 4
• GEOL 312 - Sedimentary Geology Field Course Unit(s): 1
• GEOL 313 - Paleontology Unit(s): 4
• GEOL 314 - Paleontology Field Course Unit(s): 1
• GEOL 317 - Structural Geology Unit(s): 4
• GEOL 318 - Structural Geology Field Unit(s): 1
• GEOL 420 - Integrative Field Experience Unit(s): 4
• GEOL 427 - Advanced Field Geology Unit(s): 4

Major Electives

Choose 9 units of upper-division geology electives in consultation with a departmental advisor.

Required Supporting Courses

** GEOL 310 may be substituted.

• CHEM 115A - General Chemistry Unit(s): 5
• CHEM 115B - General Chemistry Unit(s): 5

•  

• PHYS 114 - Introduction to Physics I Unit(s): 4

• OR

• PHYS 210A - General Physics Unit(s): 3

•  

• PHYS 116 - Introductory Laboratory Experience Unit(s): 1 **

• OR

• PHYS 209A - General Physics Laboratory Unit(s): 1 **

•  

• PHYS 214 - Introduction to Physics II Unit(s): 4 **

• OR

• PHYS 210B - General Physics Unit(s): 3 **

•  

• PHYS 216 - Introductory Laboratory Unit(s): 1 **

• OR

• PHYS 209B - General Physics Laboratory Unit(s): 1 **

•  

• MATH 161 - Differential and Integral Calculus I Unit(s): 4 *

Units

Total units in the major core: 41

Total units in major electives: 9

Total units in supporting courses: 22-24

Total units in the major: 72-80

Program Roadmaps