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Geology

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

Associate Degrees for Transfer

A.S.-T. in Geology

Geology is an interdisciplinary science that combines geological observations and concepts with those of biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Its goals are to study rocks, minerals, fossils, energy and water resources, and to understand geologic principles and processes that shape Earth and its environments.



The Associate in Science in Geology for Transfer(AS-T) provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements of the California State University for transfer. Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University system.



The AS-T may be obtained by the completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum of a 2.0 GPA, including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program outlined below (earning a C or better in these courses), and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education‐Breadth Requirements.



The GEOL AS-T degree does not require coursework in Physics but it is recommended that Geology students take physics coursework as they pursue their Geology degree.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
GEOL 300 Physical Geology 3
GEOL 301 Physical Geology Laboratory 1
GEOL 310 Historical Geology 3
GEOL 311 Historical Geology Laboratory 1
CHEM 400 General Chemistry I 5
CHEM 401 General Chemistry II 5
MATH 400 Calculus I 5
MATH 401 Calculus II 5
Total Units: 28

The Associate in Science in Geology for Transfer (AS-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, including (a) a minimum grade of "C" (or "P") for each course in the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • evaluate new and accepted ideas about the natural universe using testable methodology.
  • articulate orally and/or in writing the importance of continuous examination and modification of accepted ideas as a fundamental element in the progress of science.
  • sort, arrange, and quantify objects using the international system of measurement (metric) as the standard.
  • analyze a wide variety of natural phenomena geological using basic definitions and fundamental theories of natural science.
  • compare the scales at which geologic processes work.
  • apply knowledge of current geologic processes to the understanding of Earth's past geologic history.

Career Information

The Geology AS-T degree is designed to facilitate students' successful transfer to four-year institutions that prepare them for advanced study in a variety of graduate programs as well as a variety of career opportunities in the fields of environmental monitoring, protection and remediation, energy and mineral exploration, paleontology, vulcanology, seismology, climatology, teaching, and research.

Associate Degrees

A.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Math and Science

The Interdisciplinary Studies degree is designed for students who wish to obtain a broad knowledge of arts and sciences plus additional coursework in a prescribed “Area of Emphasis”. This program is a good choice for students planning on transferring to the California State University or University of California. The student will be able to satisfy general education requirements, plus focus on transferable course work that relates to a specific major and/or individual interest. This degree will have an "Area of Emphasis" in Math and Science. These courses emphasize the natural sciences which examine the physical universe, its life forms and its natural phenomena. Courses in math emphasize the development of mathematical and quantitative reasoning skills beyond the level of intermediate algebra. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the methodologies of science as investigative tools. Students will also examine the influence that the acquisition of scientific knowledge has on the development of the world's civilizations. Possible majors at a four-year institution include, but are not limited to: mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physical science.





It is highly recommended that students consult a counselor to determine the classes within each area that will best prepare them for their intended transfer major.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 18 units from the following: 18
You must select courses from at least three different disciplines and complete courses from both math and science. If a course is cross-listed with another on the list, only one may apply to the degree.
ANTH 300 Biological Anthropology (3)
ANTH 301 Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1)
ANTH 303 Introduction to Forensic Anthropology (3)
ASTR 300 Introduction to Astronomy (3)
ASTR 400 Astronomy Laboratory (1)
BIOL 300 The Foundations of Biology (3)
BIOL 307 Biology of Organisms (4)
BIOL 310 General Biology (4)
BIOL 323 Plants and People (4)
BIOL 350 Environmental Biology (3)
BIOL 400 Principles of Biology (5)
BIOL 410 Principles of Botany (5)
BIOL 420 Principles of Zoology (5)
BIOL 430 Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 431 Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 440 General Microbiology (4)
BIOL 442 General Microbiology and Public Health (5)
CHEM 305 Introduction to Chemistry (5)
CHEM 400 General Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 401 General Chemistry II (5)
CHEM 420 Organic Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 421 Organic Chemistry II (5)
GEOG 300 Physical Geography: Exploring Earth's Environmental Systems (3)
GEOG 301 Physical Geography Laboratory (1)
GEOG 306 Weather and Climate (3)
GEOL 300 Physical Geology (3)
GEOL 301 Physical Geology Laboratory (1)
GEOL 305 Earth Science (3)
GEOL 306 Earth Science Laboratory (1)
GEOL 310 Historical Geology (3)
GEOL 311 Historical Geology Laboratory (1)
GEOL 330 Introduction to Oceanography (3)
GEOL 345 Geology of California (3)
MATH 300 Introduction to Mathematical Ideas (3)
MATH 310 Mathematical Discovery (3)
MATH 333 Introduction to College Algebra (3)
MATH 335 Trigonometry with College Algebra (5)
MATH 341 Calculus for Business and Economics (4)
MATH 343 Modern Business Mathematics (4)
MATH 355 Calculus for Biology and Medicine I (4)
MATH 356 Calculus for Biology and Medicine II (4)
MATH 370 Pre-Calculus Mathematics (5)
MATH 400 Calculus I (5)
MATH 401 Calculus II (5)
MATH 402 Calculus III (5)
MATH 410 Introduction to Linear Algebra (3)
MATH 420 Differential Equations (4)
NUTRI 300 Nutrition (3)
NUTRI 340 Nutrition and Metabolism (3)
PHYS 310 Conceptual Physics (3)
PHYS 311 Basic Physics (3)
PHYS 350 General Physics (4)
PHYS 360 General Physics (4)
PHYS 411 Mechanics of Solids and Fluids (4)
PHYS 421 Electricity and Magnetism (4)
PHYS 431 Heat, Waves, Light and Modern Physics (4)
PS 302 Introduction to Physical Science (4)
PSYC 312 Biological Psychology (4)
PSYC 330 Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3)
STAT 300 Introduction to Probability and Statistics (4)
Total Units: 18

The Interdisciplinary Studies: Math and Science Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See FLC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • reason quantitatively and empirically (Math and Science).