Geological Sciences, Department of

College of Natural and Social Sciences

DEPARTMENT OFFICE

Physical Sciences 216

Phone:     (323) 343-2400

E-mail:      geology@calstatela.edu

Website:      www.calstatela.edu/dept/geology/

The Department of Geological Sciences offers the Bachelor of Science degree in Geology with two options: General and Environmental Geoscience. The Department also offers a minor in Geology for students majoring in other fields, as well as the Master of Science degree with options in Geology and Environmental Hydrogeology

Programs in Geology and Environmental Geoscience develop a comprehensive study of Earth materials, structures, and processes. Environmental Geoscience involves the relationship of geology to human activities. Courses to serve both general and professional interests are offered.

The Faculty

Professors: Kim M. Bishop (Chair), Barry Hibbs, Pedro C. Ramirez..

Assistant Professors:  Jennifer Garrison, Andre Ellis.

Emeriti:  Ivan P. Colburn, Alan A. Colville, Terry E. Davis, Perry L. Ehlig, Richard W. Hurst, Gary Novak, Robert F. Meade, Robert J. Stull.

Undergraduate Programs

Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology (180 units)

The Bachelor of Science degree program is designed to provide in-depth study of Earth materials, structures, and processes for professional work in fields such as engineering geology, hydrogeology, and petroleum geology, or graduate study.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Geology requires a total of 180 quarter units of which 112 units are in the major.  Consult with an advisor for the specific number of units required in all areas of the degree including GE and free electives.  

General Option (112 units)

Requirements for Option

A total of 112 units of geology, related physical sciences, and mathematics is required for the Bachelor of Science degree major.  Forty-three units are in lower division courses and 69 are in upper division courses in geology and related fields.

Only courses in the major with a grade of C- or higher are credited toward the major. Successful completion of the major requires a minimum C (2.0) grade point average in upper division required courses and electives in the major.

Select 20 units from the following with adviser approval:

GEOL 321, 398, 411, 422, 433-435, 473, 480-483, 485-487, 490, 491, 497, 499

Students may select up to 4 units of upper division biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics, and physics courses with adviser approval.  Students are advised to consult the Schedule of Classes for special topics courses  (GEOL 490 and 491) which may be used to satisfy the geology elective requirements.

Environmental Geoscience Option (112 units)

Requirements for the Option

A total of 112 units of geology and related physical science courses are required for the environmental Geoscience option. Thirty four or 36 units are in lower division courses and 76 or 78 units are in upper division courses in geology and related fields.

Only courses in the option with a grade of C- or higher are credited toward the major. Successful completion of the option requires a minimum C (2.0) average in upper division required courses and electives in the option.

Select 24 or more units (up to the required 40 or 42 elective units) from the following with adviser approval:

GEOL 321, GEOL 351, BIOL 360, GEOL 370, GEOL 400, GEOL 401, GEOG 407, GEOG 410, GEOL 424, GEOL 430, GEOL 433, GEOL 434, GEOL 460A & B, GEOL 481, GEOL 482, CE 484, GEOL 485, CE 485, CE 486, GEOL 490, GEOL 491, GEOL 497, GEOL 499

Students may select up to 18 units of upper division biology, chemistry, computer science engineering, geology, mathematics, and physics courses not listed above with adviser approval students are advised to consult the Schedule of Classes for special topics courses (GEOL 490 and 491) which may be used to satisfy the Environmental Geoscience elective requirements.

Minor in Geology

This program is designed for students majoring in other fields who wish to broaden their experience in science or prepare for careers such as teaching, public service, or law. The minor requires 32 units in geology. Consultation with a department adviser is required. Students with majors in related physical sciences may substitute other courses with approval of a Geological Sciences adviser. 

Requirements for the Minor (32 units)

GEOL 150, 155, 158, 252

GEOL 301, 321, 357, 435

The Credential Program

The Department of Geological Sciences participates in the Bachelor of Science degree program in Natural Science described later in this chapter, which is also approved for the Single Subject Science credential.  An additional supplementary authorization for the Single Subject credential is described just below this paragraph.  Interested students should consult advisers in both the Department of Geological Sciences and the Charter College of Education.  Refer to the Charter College of Education section in the Academic Programs: College-based and University-wide chapter of this catalog for regulations governing all teaching credential programs.

Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Programs

Master of Science Degree in Geological Sciences 

The objective of the Master of Science degree in Geology is to prepare students for professional level employment in industry and government, teaching positions in community colleges, or advanced study towards the Ph.D. degree.  A student may achieve this objective by completing the program with either a thesis or a comprehensive examination.  The program has two Options: Geology and Environmental Hydrogeology. The Geology option prepares students for careers in areas of traditional geology and engineering geology. The Environmental Hydrogeology option prepares students for careers in hydrogeology and environmental geochemistry.

Cooperative Program

The Department of Geological Sciences participates in a cooperative program with California State University campuses at Long Beach and Northridge.  This cooperative program enables students to apply an unrestricted number of courses from the participating campuses toward the M.S. degree.  Students take part on a voluntary basis and are not required to enroll at the Long Beach or Northridge campuses.  The cooperative program offers students the advantage of utilizing the faculty and equipment of a larger part of the California State University system.

Admission to the Program 

Admission requirements include official results of the Graduate Record Examination, possession of a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology, Earth or Environmental Sciences, related areas of Natural Science, or Engineering from an accredited college or university, with a minimum 2.75 grade point average in the last 90 quarter units and upper division course work substantially equivalent to that required of Cal State L.A. geology majors. Applicants who lack appropriate courses may be admitted to the program but will be expected to remove any deficiencies by completing courses selected through consultation with the graduate adviser.

Application Procedures 

Applications for any quarter should be submitted early in the preceding quarter both to the Department of Geological Sciences and to the University.  In addition to the specific prerequisites stated above, students must meet University requirements for admission to graduate study.

Requirements for the Degree  (45 units) 

The graduate program requires 45 quarter units of work including 22.5 units of 500-level courses chosen with adviser approval.  All students must complete Graduate Research  (GEOL 597) and either a Thesis (GEOL 599) or the Comprehensive Examination (GEOL 596).

With approval of the department graduate adviser, students may substitute appropriate 400 or 500-level courses from related areas in science, mathematics, or engineering in the official program to a maximum of 13.5 quarter units. 

Option 1: Geology (45 units)

All 400-level GEOL courses may be applied toward master's degree requirements except the following, GEOL 400, 401, 402, 410, 430, 460AB, 497, and 499

Subject to limits established by the department and approval of the graduate adviser.

Option 2: Environmental Hydrogeology (45 units)

Required Courses (21-25.5 UNITS)

Electives (19.5-24 UNITS)

Select at least two of the following courses:

Other Recommended Electives:

List of Courses (GEOL) - Undergraduate Level

+There is a special fee associated with registering for classes that carry this designation.  Details appear in the Schedule of Classes.

Lower Division Courses

+GEOL 150 Earth Revealed (4)

Introductory Geology: Origin and nature of earthquakes, volcanoes, plate tectonics, the seafloor, deserts, mountains, and beaches.  Select either classroom or field trip laboratory.  Lecture 3 hours, Laboratory 3 Hours.     GE B2

+GEOL 155 Oceanography  (4)

Introductory Oceanography: Origin of oceans; sea floor features; ocean sediments, life, and circulation; seawater properties; and coastal processes.  Laboratory: One-day ocean cruise and one-day coastal trip.  Lecture 3 hours, Laboratory 3 Hours.      GE B2

GEOL 158 Natural Disasters (4)

Causes, characteristics, and case histories of natural disasters affecting civilization.  Topics include earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, storms and floods, sea waves, meteor impacts, climate change, and mass extinctions. Lecture 4 hours.     GE B3     

GEOL 201 Elementary Mineralogy  (4)

Prerequisites:  CHEM 101, MATH 102.  Nature of crystalline state, crystal chemistry and physical properties of silicate and non-silicate minerals, crystal projections and elementary crystallography.  Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 6 hours.

GEOL 203 Introductory Petrology  (2)

Prerequisite:  GEOL 201.  Elementary methods of rock and rock-forming mineral description, identification, and interpretation involving igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.  Lecture 1 hour, laboratory 3 hours.

GEOL 220 Environmental Geoscience (4)

Prerequisite: GEOL 150. Current environmental issues concerning natural resources, water and soil use, energy resources, alternative energy, air and water pollution. Environmental laws, reclamation, and the human impact on global climate change. Lecture 4 hours.

GEOL 252 Historical Geology  (4)

Prerequisites:  GEOL 150, 155, or 158.  Plate tectonic evolution of continents, oceans, and mountain systems and geologic history of Earth;  introduction to stratigraphy and development of ancient life.  Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 6 hours.

Upper Division Courses

GEOL 300 Geoscience Careers  (2)

Prerequisite GEOL 150. Geoscience careers in government, industry, and education (K12, community college, university), preparing for graduate school, importance of professional registration. Finding employment, preparing resumes, and interviewing techniques.  Career option paper required. Lecture 2 hours.

GEOL 301 Mineralogy and Petrology (4)

Prerequisites: CHEM 101, MATH 102, GEOL 150. Nature of crystalline material, crystal formation, mineral groups, physical properties and identification, crystallography, crystal symmetry, association of minerals with igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic environments, introduction to rock classification and identification. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 6 hours.

GEOL 312 Global Climate Change and the Developing World (4) (also listed as GEOG 312)

Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block B. Investigates the causes and impacts of global climate change on developing countries, as well as mitigation schemes. Students explore current climate change and its impact on the poor, and they gather evidence from the past and formulate scenarios of the future. GE Theme A

GEOL 321 Geology of Southern California  (4)

Prerequisite:  GEOL 150. Geologic provinces of southern California including geologic history, structure, rock types, and landforms.  Field laboratory on weekends.  Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours.

GEOL 341 Evolution of Earth and Life through Time (4)  (also listed as BIOL 341N)

Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block B.  Evolution of pre-historic life and geological features of the Earth.  Catastrophic extinctions of dinosaurs and other life forms.  The drifting, rifting, colliding continents.  Ice ages, volcanoes, earthquakes, and mountain building. (No credit for Biology major or minor).  Lecture 4 hours.

GEOL 350 Evolution of Universe and Earth  (4)  (also listed as PHYS 350N)

Prerequisite:  GE natural science requirement.  Origin and evolution of the universe, elements, stars, Sun, the Earth, and life upon it. Lecture 4 hours.

GEOL 351 Environmental Geology of Developing Nations (4)

Prerequisites: Completion of Basic subjects (Block A) and one course from Block B. Geologic hazards and natural resources of developing nations.  Topics include impact and mitigation of natural disasters and the role of natural resources in advancement of the human condition.  Lecture 4 hours.

     GE Theme A

GEOL 355 Scientific Perspectives on Global Change (4)  (Course also listed at BIOL 355N and CHEM 355N)

Prerequisites: Completion of GE Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block B.  Natural and human-induced origins of global change.  Alterations of Earth’s natural cycles; impacts of climate change and loss of physical and biological resources; achieving a sustainable future.  Lecture 4 hours.

GEOL 357 Urban Geology (4)

Prerequisites: Completion of Basic Subjects (Block A) and one course from Block B. Geologic conditions and processes (earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, landslides, coastal processes, etc.)  as they affect urbanized areas around the world.  Urban governmental planning and regulation for mitigation of geologic problems.  Lecture 4 hours.      GE Theme D

GEOL 360 Geological Mapping  (4)

Prerequisite:  GEOL 252.  Prerequisites or corequisite: GEOL 201, 203. Geological field methods; geological mapping on topographic base; cross-sections and stratigraphic columns from field data; geological interpretation and report writing.  Lecture 2 hours; laboratory and field activities 6 hours.

GEOL 370 Geochemistry  (4)

Prerequisite:  GEOL 201.  Prerequisite or corequisite:  MATH 206.  Application of chemical and mathematical principles to studies of earth systems including major and trace element distribution in rocks; isotopic tracers; radiometric dating; aqueous, organic, and environmental chemistry. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours.

GEOL 372 Computers in Geology  (4)

Prerequisite:  MATH 103.  Workstation operating system, electronic mail, applied word processing, spreadsheet tables and graphs, descriptive and inferential statistics including Chi Square analysis, tools and resources of the Internet, and computer-aided illustration.  Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 6 hours.

GEOL 398 Geology Cooperative Education  (4)

Prerequisites: Courses appropriate to the work experience: approval by major department Cooperative Education coordinator. Integration of work experience with academic program, individually planned through coordinator. Minimum of 10 hours per week required for each unit. May be repeated to maximum of 12 units; combined units of 398 and 399 may not exceed 12. Graded CR/NC.  For more information see Cooperative Education

GEOL 400-level Courses

All 400-level courses may be applied towards master’s degree requirements except the following, subject to limits established by the department and approval of the graduate adviser:  GEOL 400, 401, 402, 410, 430, 460AB, 497, 499

GEOL 400 Optical Mineralogy  (4)

Prerequisite:  GEOL 201.  Optical properties of crystals in polarized light and determination of minerals in thin sections with the petrographic microscope.  Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 6 hours.

GEOL 401 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology  (5)

Prerequisites:  GEOL 360, 370, 400.  Origin, occurrence, and characterization of igneous rocks and metamorphic rocks; their mineralogy, petrology, geochemistry, and plate tectonic setting.  Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 6 hours.

GEOL 402 Sedimentary Petrology  (4)

Prerequisites:  GEOL 370, 410.  Analysis of sediments and sedimentary rocks involving their description, classification, and origin.  Principles of sedimentation, recognition of environments of deposition.  Lecture 2 hours, laboratory and field trips 6 hours.

GEOL 410 Structural Geology  (4)

Prerequisites:  GEOL 360, MATH 206. Prerequisite or corequisite:  PHYS 101.  Theory of rock deformation, structural features of sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks;  deformation of the Earth’s crust, applied practice in laboratory methods dealing with geologic problems in three dimensions.  Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 6 hours.

GEOL 411 Geotectonic Development of California (4)

Prerequisites:  GEOL 410, 430, Tectonic development of California in chronological order from Proterozoic to modern time.  Topics include Proterozoic rifting, Antler, Sonoman, Nevadan, Sevier, and Laramide Orogenies, and tectonic origin of present day features.

GEOL 422 Environmental & Forensic Geochemistry (4)

Prerequisite: GEOL 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 environmental release.

GEOL 424 Low Temperature Geochemistry  (4)

Prerequisite:  GEOL 370,  CHEM 103. Low Temperature minerals and their formation; diagenetic reactions; role of fluids in mineral paragenesis; fate and transport of inorganic and organic chemicals in the environment.

GEOL 426 Astrogeology  (4)

Prerequisite:  GEOL 401.  Terrestrial planets;  meteorites, the moon, asteroids, comets;  remote sensing of the Giant Planets;  origin of the solar system.

GEOL 430 Stratigraphy and Sedimentology  (4)

Prerequisite:  GEOL 402.  Examination of modern depositional environments. Reconstruction of ancient depositional environments through application of structural, petrologic, stratigraphic, and paleontologic principles; report writing and field note taking; analysis of stratigraphic sections. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory and field activities 6 hours.

GEOL 433 Quaternary Geology  (4)

Prerequisite:  GEOL 252.  History of the Earth during and since Ice Ages;  causes, mechanisms, and global, physical and biological effects of glaciation.

GEOL 434 Volcanology  (4)

Prerequisites:  GEOL 360, 370.  Tectonic setting;  petrogenesis;  interpretation of volcanic rocks.

GEOL 435 Coastal Processes and Environments (4)

Prerequisite: GEOL 252 or consent of instructor.  Interpretation and identification of the origin of coastal features and environments through analysis of fluvial, wave, tidal, sea level, tectonic, and urbanization processes.  Lecture 3 hours and field activities 3 hours.

GEOL 460A Summer Field Geology   (5)

Prerequisites:  GEOL 401, 410, 430.  Corequisite:  GEOL 460B.  First seven weeks of quarter:  five weeks in a field camp, off campus, investigating area of sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks and geologic structure; sixth and seventh weeks on campus preparing maps and reports.

GEOL 460B Report for Field Geology  (3)

Prerequisite:  Satisfactory completion of the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR).  Corequisite:  GEOL 460A.  Preparation of geologic map, cross sections and report about entire area covered by class in GEOL 460A.

GEOL 473 Clay Mineralogy  (4)

Prerequisite:  GEOL 370.  Crystal structures, classification, origin, occurrence, and physicochemical properties of clay minerals;  identification by x-ray diffraction and DTA techniques.

GEOL 480 Principles of Geophysics  (4)

Prerequisites:  PHYS 103 or 203;  MATH 207;  GEOL 150 recommended.  Internal physics of the Earth, interpretation of data and theories concerning the geodetic, tectonic, isostatic, thermal, seismic, gravity, magnetic, radioactive, and electrical phenomena of the Earth.

GEOL 481 Engineering Geology  (4)

Prerequisite:  GEOL 460AB.  Analysis of geologic factors affecting engineering projects;  includes mechanical properties of rocks and soils, landslides, slope stability, subsidence, groundwater, erosion and silting, and earthquake effects.

GEOL 482 Engineering Geology Laboratory  (1)

Prerequisite or corequisite:  GEOL 481.  Methods of laboratory soil testing used in engineering geology, including compaction, grain size, shear strength, expansion, and Atterberg Limits tests.  Laboratory 3 hours.

GEOL 483 Photogeology  (4)

Prerequisite:  GEOL 360.  Use of aerial photographs to interpret geological structures and lithologies shown on topographic maps;  analysis of photos for engineering projects.  Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours.

GEOL 484 Hydrogeology  (4)

Prerequisite:  MATH 207.  Occurrence, movement, quality of surface water and groundwater emphasizing geologic factors.  Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours.

GEOL 485 Groundwater Management and Models  (4)

Prerequisite:  GEOL 484.  Mathematical models as tools of groundwater management;  case histories of various levels of groundwater management;  laboratory includes verification and prediction using finite difference models on computer systems.  Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours including one field trip.

GEOL 486 Environmental and Engineering Geophysics (4)

Prerequisite: GEOL 484 or instructor’s consent.  Study of geophysical methods with special application to environmental and engineering problems, including seismic refraction/reflection, electrical methods, gravity, ground-penetrating radar, and borehole geophysics.  Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours.

GEOL 487 Watershed Analysis (4)

Prerequisite: GEOL 484 or instructor's consent.  Includes basic surface hydrology, surface-groundwater interactions, hyporheic zone processed, wetlands for water treatment, agricultural and urban runoff, and urban corridor stream restoration. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory and field activities 3 hours.

GEOL 490 Special Topics in Geology  (1–4)

Prerequisites:  As needed for a specific topic.  Current topics of special interest in advanced geology and related fields as announced in Schedule of Classes.  May be repeated to a maximum of 16 units as subject matter changes.

GEOL 491 Special Laboratory Topics in Geology  (1–3)

Prerequisite:  As needed for specific topics. Laboratory activities for current topics of special interest in geology as announced in Schedule of Classes.  May be repeated to a maximum of 12 units as subject matter changes.

GEOL 497 Senior Problem  (3)

Prerequisites:  Senior standing in geology, prior instructor consent to act as sponsor.  Individual study of an applied geologic field or laboratory problem;  progress reports, final oral and written report required.

GEOL 499 Undergraduate Directed Study  (1–4)

Prerequisites:  Consent of an instructor to act as sponsor, ability to assume responsibility for independent work and to prepare written and oral reports.  Project selected in conference with sponsor before registration;  progress meetings held regularly.  May be repeated to a maximum of 4 units.

Graduate Level Courses (GEOL)

All 400-level courses may be applied towards master’s degree requirements except the following, subject to limits established by the department and approval of the graduate adviser:  GEOL 400, 401, 402, 403, 410, 430, 460AB, 497, 499.

Classified graduate standing is required for admission to all  500-level courses. 

GEOL 525 Sedimentary Processes, Environments, and Structures  (4.5)

Prerequisites: GEOL 402, 430. Identification and analysis of sedimentary structures and hydrodynamically generated bedforms to determine sedimentary processes and environments of deposition.

GEOL 530 Seminar:  Structural Geology and Tectonics  (4.5) 

Prerequisite:  GEOL 410 or upper division structural geology course.  Critical review of selected topics concerning analysis, interpretation, and origin of geologic structures, mechanics of rock deformation and of large scale crystal crustal deformation. 

GEOL 531 Tectonic Problems of Southern California  (4.5)

Prerequisite:  GEOL 410 or upper division structural geology course.  Current topics in the geotectonic evolution of southern California.

GEOL 560 Hydrogeology  (4.5) 

Prerequisite: GEOL 484.  Advanced study of groundwater topics including aquifer testing, regional groundwater flow, water chemistry mass transport, and groundwater models. Lecture 3.5 hours, laboratory 3.0 hours.

GEOL 561 Vadose Zone Hydrogeology (4.5)

Prerequisite: GEOL 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.

GEOL 562 Contaminant Hydrogeology (4.5)

Prerequisite: GEOL 484.  Mass transport of contaminants in groundwater, principles of groundwater hydrology applied to organic and inorganic chemical migration, monitoring groundwater contamination, geochemical tracers of groundwater contamination, and groundwater remediation.

GEOL 563 Water Quality Seminar (4.5)

Prerequisite: GEOL 484 or instructor's consent. Contemporary issues in water quality, including contaminant transport, pollutants in surface and ground water, natural attenuation, engineered bioremediation, monitoring wells, soil sampling procedures, and vadose zone monitoring. Seminar 4.5 hours.

GEOL 570 Special Topics  (1.0–4.5) 

Prerequisite:  Instructor consent.  Discussion of selected topics in geology.  May include up to 2 units of laboratory.  May be repeated for credit as subject matter changes. 

GEOL 581 Seminar:  Engineering Geology  (4.5) 

Prerequisite:  GEOL 481 or senior engineering geology course.  Advanced study relating geologic factors to engineering projects, with emphasis on slope stability, subsidence, engineering seismology, and construction problems related to engineering geology. 

GEOL 584 Paleoseismology (4.5)

Prerequisites: GEOL 481.  Recognition of paleoseismic events in the geologic record, Quaternary slip-rates and coseismic deformation, modeling fault-scarp degradation, behavior of seismogenic faults, and seismic-hazard analysis.

GEOL 585 Landslides, Avalanches, and Debris Flows (4.5)

Prerequisite: GEOL 481.  Recognition, mechanics, and analysis of mass wasting features including landslides, rock avalanches, debris flows, rock falls, and lateral flows.  Field mapping and computer stability analysis activities.  Lecture 3.5 hours, laboratory 3.0 hours.

GEOL 596 Comprehensive Examination  (0)

See the Comprehensive Examination in the requirements for the Masters Degree section of this chapter.

GEOL 597 Graduate Research  (1.5–4.5) 

Prerequisites:  Instructor consent to act as sponsor, approval of project by student’s graduate advisory committee.  Independent research under guidance of faculty.  Graded CR/NC. 

GEOL 598 Graduate Directed Study  (1.5–4.5) 

Prerequisite:  Instructor consent to act as sponsor.  Directed research on subjects selected in consultation with faculty.  May be repeated to maximum of 6 units. 

GEOL 599 Thesis  (1.5–4.5) 

Prerequisites:  Advancement to candidacy, instructor consent to act as sponsor.  Presentation of independent research work in a written thesis, which is defended orally.  Graded CR/NC.