Geological Sciences, Associate of Science (AS)
Geologic science is the science of the earth. It is an organized body of knowledge about the earth or planet on which we live - about the mountains, the plains, the oceans, and the atmosphere. It studies the effects of geologic hazards, such as earthquakes, landslides, floods and volcanic eruptions. It also addresses the ways to conserve and protect the world's fragile geologic environment.
Planetary science concerns itself with the study of the origin of galaxies and the universe, along with the laws which order these systems and bodies.
Note: All courses in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences are not offered each semester.
Associate Degree Graduation Requirements
Complete all of the following:
- All Department Requirements listed below with a “C” or better or “P” in each course (at least 20% of the department requirements must be completed through SBCC).
- One of the following three General Education options:
- OPTION 1: A minimum of 18 units of SBCC General Education Requirements (Areas A-D) and Institutional Requirements (Area E) and Information Competency Requirement (Area F) OR
- OPTION 2: IGETC Pattern OR
- OPTION 3: CSU GE Breadth Pattern
- A total of 60 degree-applicable units (SBCC courses numbered 100 and higher).
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better in all units attempted at SBCC.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better in all college units attempted.
- A minimum of 12 units through SBCC.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Department Requirements | ||
| ERTH 111 | Dynamic Earth - Physical Geology | 3-4 |
| or ERTH 111H | Dynamic Earth - Physical Geology, Honors | |
| ERTH 111L | Dynamic Earth - Physical Geology Laboratory | 1 |
| ERTH 112 | History Of The Earth | 3 |
| ERTH 112L | Historical Geology Laboratory | 1 |
| ERTH 125 | Mineralogy and Resources | 5 |
| ERTH 126 | Petrology and Rock-Forming Minerals | 5 |
| CHEM 155 | General Chemistry I | 5 |
| CHEM 156 | General Chemistry II | 5 |
| MATH 150 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry I | 5 |
| Complete 4 units from the following: | 4-4.5 | |
| Geologic Field Studies - Eastern Sierra Nevada | ||
| Geologic Field Studies - Death Valley | ||
| Introductory Geologic Field Seminar - Colorado Plateau | ||
| Geologic Field Studies - Western Sierra Nevada | ||
| Introductory Field Geology | ||
| Geology Field Camp | ||
| Field Study - Mineralogy and Mineral Resources of the Eastern Sierra Nevada | ||
| Field Study - Energy Resources of the Eastern Sierra Nevada | ||
| Field Study - Petrology of the Death Valley Region | ||
| Field Study - Mineral Resources and Plate Tectonic History of the Death Valley Region | ||
| Advanced Geologic Field Seminar - Colorado Plateau | ||
| Total Units | 37.00-38.50 | |
Recommended for Transfer
These additional courses should be considered when planning a program of study for transfer as a geology major:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 160 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry II | 5 |
| PHYS 102 | Introductory Physics For Science Majors | 4 |
- Evaluate earth processes and/or earth history, using earth materials and geologic principles.
- Classify and interpret rocks, minerals and fossils.
- Recognize and assess geologic processes in the field.
- Read and interpret geologic data.