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Bachelor of Science in Earth Science (120 units)

The bachelor of science degree in Earth Science is designed for those students considering a professional career in environmental, geotechnical, or engineering geology. The program also provides a fundamental education in geology that prepares students for graduate studies in the geological sciences. The required curriculum includes surficial geology courses (geomorphology, hydrology) not required as part of the B.S. in Geology. Students interested in pursuing a career in geophysics must consult the undergraduate advisor to construct an appropriate program.

Earth Science majors must receive a grade of "C" or better in all courses required for the major. A minimum of 120 units is required for the bachelor of science degree. Transfer students should attempt to fulfill, prior to transferring, the appropriate lower division curricular requirements as outlined below. In particular students should take prior to transferring the equivalent of GEOL 102 and 104, and at least three of the following four: CHEM 111A , CHEM 111B , MATH 122, and MATH 123.

GEOL 420 (Geological Writing) and GEOL 450 (Summer Field), both required courses for the major, are also capstone General Education courses, and GEOL 420 fulfills the GWAR requirement for a writing intensive course. Earth Science majors should take these two courses, and one other course to fulfill their upper division GE and GWAR requirements.

Lower Division:

Take all of the following:

  • GEOL 102 General Geology (3)
    Prerequisites/Corequisites: A course that fulfills the A.1 GE requirement and three years of high school mathematics including algebra, geometry, and intermediate algebra or the equivalent.
  • GEOL 104 Geology Laboratory (1)
    Prerequisites/Corequisites: A course that fulfills the A.1 GE requirement and three years of high school mathematics including algebra, geometry, and intermediate algebra or the equivalent, and concurrent or prior enrollment in GEOL 102.
  • GEOL 240 Historical Geology (4)
    Prerequisite: GEOL 106 or both GEOL 102, GEOL 104.
  • GEOL 250 Introduction to Field Petrology and Geological Field Techniques (3)
    Prerequisites: GEOL 102 with GEOL 104 or GEOL 105; or GEOL 106; all with grades of "C" or better. Corequisite: GEOL 240.
  • CHEM 111A General Chemistry (5)
    Prerequisites: A passing score on the Chemistry Placement Examination. 
    Corequisite:  MATH 109 or higher.
  • CHEM 111B General Chemistry (5)
    Prerequisite: CHEM 111A with a grade of "C" or better.
  • MATH 122 Calculus I (4)
    Prerequisite: Appropriate MDPT placement or a grade of "C" or better in MATH 111 and MATH 113.
  • MATH 123 Calculus II (4)
    Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in MATH 122.
  • PHYS 151 Mechanics and Heat (4)
    Prerequisite/Corequisite: MATH 122.
  • PHYS 152 Electricity and Magnetism (4)
    Prerequisite: PHYS 151; Prerequisite/Corequisite: MATH 123.

Upper Division:

Take all of the following:

  • GEOL 322 Crystallography and Mineralogy (3)
    Prerequisites: GEOL 250; CHEM 101 or CHEM 111A.
  • GEOL 339 Geomorphology (3)
    Prerequisites: GEOL 102 with GEOL 104 or GEOL 105; or GEOL 106; or GEOG 140.
  • GEOL 350 Spring Field Geology (2)
    Prerequisites: GEOL 250 and GEOL 443 with grades of "C" or better. Prerequisite/Corequisite: GEOL 433.
  • GEOL 420 Geological Writing (3)
    Prerequisites: GE Foundation completed, upper division standing, GEOL 102, GEOL 104, GEOL 240, GEOL 250; and at least 6 units of Geology courses at 300-level or above. Students must have scored 11 or higher on the GWAR Placement Examination or completed necessary portfolio course that is a prerequisite for a GWAR Writing Intensive Capstone.
  • GEOL 428 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology and Petrography (3)
    Prerequisites: GEOL 322; CHEM 111A, B.
  • GEOL 433 Structural Geology (4)
    Prerequisites: GEOL 250, GEOL 322; PHYS 151.
  • GEOL 443 Stratigraphy/Sedimentology (4)
    Prerequisites: GEOL 240, GEOL 322.
  • GEOL 450 Summer Field Geology (4)
    Prerequisites: GEOL 350, GEOL 428, GEOL 433, and GEOL 443.
  • GEOL 460 Introduction to Geophysics (3)
    Prerequisites: PHYS 151, PHYS 152; and MATH 123, all with a grade of "C" or better.
  • GEOL 461 Introduction to Geochemistry (3)
    Prerequisites: CHEM 111A,CHEM 111B and MATH 123.
  • GEOL 474 Physical Hydrology (3)
    Prerequisites: GEOL 102, Math 122; PHYS 151

In addition, nine units of electives (normally at upper division) approved in advance by the undergraduate advisor. At least one elective must be chosen from the following list:

  • GEOL 477./577. Hydrogeology (4)
    Prerequisites: GEOL 102, 104; CHEM 111B; PHYS 152; MATH 123. (Undergraduates enroll in GEOL 477; (graduates enroll in GEOL 577).
  • MATH 370A. Applied Mathematics I (3)
    Prerequisites: MATH 123. Not open to Freshmen.

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