The Department of Geological Sciences participates in the General Education Program both at the Lower and the Upper Division levels. Lower Division courses satisfy both the B2 and B3 Block requirements and are scheduled on a quarterly basis. The Department schedules two courses that meet requirements in two Upper Division themes. Offerings of Theme classes are listed in the Schedule of Classes.  To find the Schedule of Classes go to the University's homepage and select Schedule of Classes under Attend Cal State L.A.  All Geology General Education courses are taught by experienced and enthusiastic instructors.

GEOLOGY INTRODUCTORY GE COURSES

    GEOLOGY 150

Earth Revealed

4 units in the B2 Block of the GE Requirements

The fundamentals of geology are introduced in Earth Revealed. Topics include the origin and nature of earthquakes, volcanoes, plate tectonics, the seafloor, deserts, mountains, and beaches. Students develop a basic understanding and appreciation for the evolution of the Earth and the origin of landscapes that are seen on a daily basis. Enrolling students may select either a classroom or a field trip experience to satisfy the laboratory requirement. The classroom laboratories are 2.5 hours long and involve active learning in the areas of rock and mineral identification, interpretation of earthquake recordings, and maps. Students participating in the field trip have a 1.5 hour weekly classroom laboratory plus one 1-day field trip.   The field trip may visit areas such as the San Gabriel Mountains, the San Andreas Fault, or the California coast.  For photos and more information go to Earth Revealed.

Geology 155

Oceanography

4 units in the B2 Block of the GE Requirements

    Oceanography is presented in an interesting and nonmathematical way. Topics include the origin of oceans, development of seafloor features, circulation of ocean water, deposition of sediments, and life in the ocean. Development of beaches and their response to human activity is presented. The course includes 3 hours of lecture and one laboratory. The laboratory requirement is met through 100 minutes of  in-class instruction and  a one-day cruise on the Yellowfin oceanographic vessel.  For photos and more information go to Oceanography.

GEOLOGY 158

Natural Disasters

4 units in the B3 Block of the GE Requirements

This exciting course reviews the causes, characteristics, and case histories of the natural disasters that have plagued human history. Topics include earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, storms, floods, giant sea waves, meteor impacts, climate changes, and mass extinctions. Suggestions are made for avoiding geologic hazards. Lectures are illustrated with photos that demonstrate the severity of natural disasters. Students are introduced to WEB sites that enable them to pursue any topic in greater detail in order to more fully evaluate and prepare for natural events.  For photos and more information go to Natural Disasters.

GEOLOGY 351

Environmental Geology of Developing Nations

A 4-unit GE Theme Course

Geological hazards and natural resources of developing nations are examined with the objective of understanding how the consequences of disasters and resource loss can be reduced in developing nations. As the human population expands beyond 6 billion, the need to preserve the world environment becomes more and more important. This course examines the response of developing nations to challenges to the physical environment. The result is a sense of community and awareness of the global interdependence of the human experience.  For photos and more information go to Environmental Geology of Developing Nations.

            The Otavalo people of Ecuador are typical of native people in many developing countries.  They live in a rapidly growing country with valuable natural resources and geological hazards that are often ignored or not recognized.
More Photos

GEOLOGY 357

Urban Geology

A 4-unit GE Theme Course

The geologic conditions and processes that affect the urban environment are examined with emphasis on the Los Angeles area. Urban planning to avoid geological hazards is investigated. Students learn to use government resources and the WEB to investigate the geological setting of their own home. The role of resources in urban development is presented.  For photos and more information go to Urban Geology.

Contact us for more information about General Education Courses in Geology

Geology Office Physical Sciences Room 216
Telephone (323) 343-2400

                     General Education Courses in Geology
B2 Block Courses in Geology
              Geology 150 Earth Revealed       Geology 155 Oceanography       
B3 Block Courses in Geology       
              Geology 158 Natural Disasters
Under Division Theme Courses in Geology
        Theme A: The Challenge of Change in the Developing World
              Geology 351 Environmental Geology of Developing Nations
        Theme D: Urban Life and Environment
              Geology 357 Urban Geology 
 

      Would you like to meet with an undergraduate advisor to assist you with your course selection or, perhaps, even discuss a major in Geology or Natural Science?  Our faculty are easy to talk to and eager to meet you.  Please click on one of these links.

Undergraduate Advisor for Geological Science

Undergraduate Advisor for Natural Science