Fall 2008

Winter 2009

Spring 2009

Summer 2009

For additional information, contact the instructor or see an advisor

Course Descriptions

The lecture systematically discusses the different classes of minerals such as the native elements, sulfides, carbonates, silicates and so forth.  Structures of minerals are presented and related to the physical properties. In the crystallography part of the course, the lattices, crystal systems and common crystal classes are related to the symmetry and the crystal  forms.  The logic of the possible forms that may be exhibited by a mineral is shown by deriving the distribution of  faces  using the stereographic projection, the crystal system, and the inherent symmetry. The genesis of different groups of minerals is outlined. The laboratory emphasizes the identification of common minerals as well as the recognition of forms, symmetry and crystal  classes exhibited by  these  minerals.

Elementary methods of rock and rock-forming mineral description, identification, and interpretation involving igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.  

Prerequisites: Geology 150, 155, or 158.  This course introduces you to the plate tectonic evolution of continents, oceans, and mountain systems and the geologic history of the Earth.  It includes an introduction to stratigraphy and development of ancient life.  This is a required course for both the BS in Geology and the BS in Natural Science. 

This course introduces the many career opportunities that exist in the geological sciences.  Students learn how to search for career positions, prepare for and handle an interview, prepare a resume, write letters of inquiry and thank yous.  Students learn about internships and the typical path that a career in geology may follow.  Career professions make presentations so that students may meet those practicing in the field.  Graduate school and the importance of professional registrations are also discussed.

Prerequisites: Geology 150.  The course introduces you to the geological structures of southern California including the geological history, structure, rock types, and landforms.  A field laboratory is held on weekends.  This is an elective course for the BS in Geology and a required course for students doing the Geoscience Option of the BS in Natural Science. 

Introduction to the fundamental tools and techniques used by geologists to conduct and communicate the results of field work.  Learn to map geology on a topographic base, create cross-sections from map data, and write a basic geologic report.

This is the basic introductory class in geochemistry required of majors and graduate students in the make-up program.  Provides the basics on topics such as nucleosynthesis, phase diagrams, igneous/metamorphic/sedimentary rock petrogenesis, isotope geochemistry, and organic compounds.

Use computers and software as tools to enhance your skills in the areas of geological problem-solving, report-writing, and presentations.  We will explore a variety of software applications (Windows platform), including word-processing, html editors, spreadsheet calculations and graphing, image manipulation, drawing, presentations, and ARC-GIS. 

This is a survey of the rock forming minerals as seen in thin section through a polarizing petrographic microscope.  The course involves detailed laboratory study of quartz, calcite, the feldspars, amphiboles, pyroxenes, and olivine

A survey of the origins of igneous and metamorphic rocks using examples from California as much as possible.  Basic knowledge of geochemistry from GEOL370 is assumed.  

Prerequisites: Geology 370 & 410.  This is a senior-level course focused on the analysis of sediments and sedimentary rocks.  Students are trained in description, classification, and origin of sedimentary rocks.  Lectures describe the processes of sedimentation and the recognition of sedimentary environments.  The course includes 2 hours of lecture and 6 hours of laboratory and field trips. 

Prerequisites: Geology 360, Math 206.  This course investigates the theory of rock deformation and the structural features of sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks.  Students learn about the deformation of Earth’s crust through applied practice in laboratory methods involving geological problems examined in 3 dimensions. 

Prerequisite: Geology 370. Use of geochemical tracers to investigate environmental problems; identifying sources of pollution; fate and transport of inorganic and organic contaminants via statistical and isotopic tracers; age dating of environmental release.

This course examines the terrestrial planets, the Moon, meteorites, comets, and asteroids.  Remote sensing of the Giant Planets is presented.  Theories regarding the origin of the solar system are discussed. 

Prerequisites: Geology 402.  Students examine modern depositional environments in this course.  You will learn the methods of reconstruction of ancient depositional environments through application of structural, petrologic, stratigraphic, and paleontological principles.  Report writing, field note taking, and analysis of stratigraphic sections is emphasized.  Lecture 2 hours; Laboratory and field activities 6 hours. 

Prerequisite Geology 252.  The history of the Earth during and since the Ice Ages is examined.  Topics include the causes and mechanisms of glaciation and well as the global physical and biological consequences.

This course examines numerous sites of volcanic activity: Hawaii, the Cascades, the Columbia River Plateau, the Mojave Desert, the Andes, East Africa, Indonesia, and other areas.  Lectures are illustrated with photos taken around the world.  A weekend field trip to the Cima Volcanic Field is included. 

 This course was originally scheduled for Tuesday Thursday evening and that is how is appears in the Schedule of Classes.  This class has been rescheduled for Monday and Wednesday evenings.

Course includes geologic and oceanic processes that operate in the coastal zone with emphasis on southern California: stream erosion, transportation and deposition of sediment, climate change, and its influence on the coast, wave erosion, and coastal geomorphology.  Field observation and report writing is designed to learn to prepare environmental impact reports. 

 The analysis of geologic factors affecting engineering projects is emphasized in this important course for career preparation.  Studies include the mechanical properties of rocks and soils, landslides, slope stability, subsidence, groundwater, erosion and silting, and earthquake effects. 

Prerequisite: GEOL360.  Aerial photos are used to interpret geological structures and lithologies and to develop a better understanding of topographic maps.  Photos are also analyzed for engineering geology projects.  The course includes 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory.

Prerequisite: Math207.  The course addresses the occurrence, movement, and quality of surface water and groundwater emphasizing geologic factors.  Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours.

 This course will be an investigation of the biology, chemistry, and hydrology of watersheds, including the impact of human actions on these systems. Watershed analysis is a framework for collecting and analyzing data to be used in environmental management. We will explore the rationale behind taking a watershed approach and address some of the key issues that arise in applying this framework. In addition to a theoretical understanding, you will also be introduced to a range of specific techniques that can be used to collect and analyze data as part of watershed analysis. By the end of the course, you should have a general understanding of what is involved in watershed analysis, its strengths and limitations and be familiar with some of the most common techniques involved.

 This course is designed to train geology students on the biologic origin of petroleum, the geologic processes by which the biologic matter is altered over time to convert organic matter to petroleum, the geologic character of the rocks in which petroleum is found, the technological methods by which petroleum deposits are discovered under the ground surface, and the technological methods by which petroleum is extracted from deep within the earth.

These goals will be met by lectures on these subjects in the order in which they are listed above. The lectures will be based on my personal experience as a petroleum geologist in years past and by abbreviated reading assignments in selected papers and text material. In addition it is my intention to take the students to various localities in the Los Angeles Basin where we will study oil bearing strata exposed at the ground surface and to localities where drilling and production operations are presently going on to extract oil from deep within the earth.

There will be 3 all-day field trips to localities in southern California where petroleum-bearing strata can be observed at the surface and where extraction operations are underway.

 This is a new course that will include lectures and field trips.  Lecture topics will include evaluation of active faulting, mountain building, tectonic geomorphology, hazard analysis, problems of plate tectonics, and methods of study including field methods, GPS, DEM analysis, and seismic methods.  Field trips will include studies of active strike-slip faulting, and the Santa Barbara fold and thrust belt. 

This course is a critical review of selected topics concerning analysis, interpretation, and origin of geologic structures, mechanics of rock deformation, and of large scale crystal deformation.  Prerequisite: GEOL410 or equivalent upper division structural geology course. 

Geology 531

4.5

Tectonic Problems of Southern California

Prerequisite Geology 410 or upper division structural geology course.   This is a review of the most current topics in the geotectonic evolution of southern California

Geology 561

4.5

Vadose Zone Hydrogeology

Prerequisite Geology 484.  Study of water movement and solute transport in the vadose (unsaturated) zone; including soil physics, infiltration theory, solute movement, noninteracting and interacting solutes, physical measurements, and field instrumentation.  Lecture 3.5 hours, Laboratory 3.0 hours.

Geology 563

4.5

Water Quality Seminar

Prerequisite Geology 484 or instructor's consent.  This seminar style class covers contemporary issues in water quality, including contaminant transport, pollutants in surface and ground water, natural attenuation, engineered bioremediation, monitoring wells, and vadose zone monitoring. Class includes a 2 to 3 day field trip to pertinent water quality sites in the southwestern United States. Seminar 4.5 hours

Geology 584

4.5

Paleoseismology

Prerequisite GEOL481.  Students learn to recognize paleoseismic events in the geologic record, determine Quaternary slip rates and coseismic deformation, model fault-scarp degradation, and understand the behavior of seismogenic faults and seismic-hazard analysis.

Prerequisite GEOL481.  Recognition, mechanics, and analysis of mass wasting features including landslides, rock avalanches, debris flows, rock falls, and lateral flows.  The course includes field mapping and computer stability analysis activities.  Lecture is 3.5 hours and lab is 3 hours.