College of the Redwoods
Geology Courses & Information

Geology (geol) Course Offerings

GEOL 1----------CSU and UC
General Geology

4 units - 3 hours lecture/3 hours lab
Grade-CR/NC option
Prerequisite: none
Corequisite: none
Recommended preparation: none
A study of the basic principals of physical geology including the development of natural landscapes, earthquakes and volcanos. An introduction to rocks and minerals, planetary geology, plate tectonics, geologic time, landslides, formation of caves, geysers, etc. will also be covered.
(CAN GEOL 2)

GEOL 2----------CSU and UC
Historical Geology

4 units - 3 hours lecture/3 hours lab
Grade-CR/NC option
Prerequisite: none
Corequisite: none
Recommended preparation: GEOL 1
A study of the basic principles of historical geology including evolution of continents, oceans and mountain systems. Geologic significance of natural parks and monuments; development of earth's animal and plant inhabitants; laboratory studies of sediments, sedimentary rock, fossils and maps are also covered.
Note: Field trips will frequently be taken to study local historical geology. The College does not provide transportation.

GEOL 3----------CSU
Rocks and Minerals

3 units - 2 hours lecture/3 hours lab
Grade-CR/NC option
Prerequisite: none
Corequisite: none
Recommended preparation: none
This course studies common rocks, important rock forming and economic minerals and considers their occurrences, associations and uses. Also studied will be minerals, crystals and gemstones and how to recognize them. Polarizers and spectroscopes are used.

GEOL 9----------CSU
Field Studies in Geology

0.5-2 units
Grade-CR/NC option
Prerequisite: none
Corequisite: none
Recommended preparation: none
This course is a field trip (the College does not provide transportation) to various western locales of particular geologic interest and clarity, including national parks and monuments. Brief field studies at frequent intervals to demonstrate fundamental relationships of geology are included. Studies will also include maps, rocks and the geology of the field trip area. Variable 0.5-2 units; 27- 108 lab hours per course.
Note: Repeatable to a maximum of 4 enrollments/8 units.

GEOL 10----------CSU and UC
Environmental Geology

3 units - 3 hours lecture
Grade-CR/NC option
Prerequisite: none
Corequisite: none
Recommended preparation: none
This course deals with the study of earth materials, rocks, minerals and their structure and how they are impacted by humans. Geologic hazards and processes associated with earthquakes and faulting, volcanic activity, soils, landslides, coastal processes, ground water and fossil fuels will also be covered.

GEOL 40----------CSU and UC
Independent Study

0.5-1 unit
Grade-CR/NC option
Prerequisite: none
Corequisite: none
Recommended preparation: none
Advanced laboratory and or field problems in geological science. Projects are arranged upon consultation with instructor. Outside reading and written reports are required as a part of the research. Variable 0.5-1 unit, 1.5 to 3 lab hours per week.
Note: Repeatable to a maximum of 4 enrollments/6 units. Students taking independent study courses must have a contract on file.

GEOL 130E
Geology of the North Coast Ranges

0.5 unit - 7 hours lecture/6 hours lab total
Grade-CR/NC option
Prerequisite: none
Corequisite: none
Recommended preparation: none
An introduction to the historical geology and landform development of the North Coast Ranges of California including important geologic structures, fossils and sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.
Mendocino Coast campus only

GEOL 130F
Geology of the Clear Lake Volcanos

0.5 unit - 7 hours lecture/6 hours lab total
Grade-CR/NC option
Prerequisite: none
Corequisite: none
Recommended preparation: none
An introduction to volcanic activity, its causes and distribution, associated rocks and minerals and resulting landforms. An all-day field trip (the College does not provide transportation) to the Clear Lake area examines volcanic features such as lava flows, cinder cones and pyroclastic deposits.
Mendocino Coast campus only

GEOL 130G
Coastal Geology

0.5 unit - 7 hours lecture/6 hours lab total
Grade-CR/NC option
Prerequisite: none
Corequisite: none
Recommended preparation: none
The nature of the coastal environment is examined in terms of landforms, resources, geologic hazards and problems. Particular attention is paid to the marine terrace landscape of Northern California, its geologic development and water resources.


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