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Geology

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Sacramento City College Geology

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AA-T/AS-T Transfer Degrees

Geology AS-T Degree Map

Dean Devin Horton
Department Chair Douglas Copely
Meta Major Science, Math, and Engineering
Phone (916) 650-2759
Email copelyd@scc.losrios.edu

Associate Degree for Transfer

A.S.-T. in Geology

Geology is an interdisciplinary science that seeks to study and understand the physical processes of Earth and other planets, including plate tectonics, rocks, minerals, earthquakes, volcanoes, the fossil record and Earth's history and past climate, and natural geological resources.

The Associate in Science in Geology for Transfer provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements of the California State University for transfer. Students with this degree will transfer with junior standing to the California State University system.

The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) student completion requirements (as stated in SB1440 law):

(1) Completion of a minimum of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:

(A) The Intersegmental GE Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University GE-Breadth Requirements (CSU GE-Breadth).

(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.

(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

ADTs also require that students must earn a “C” or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A ”P” (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
GEOL 300	Physical Geology	3
GEOL 301	Physical Geology Laboratory	1
GEOL 310	Historical Geology	3
GEOL 311	Historical Geology Laboratory	1
CHEM 400	General Chemistry I	5
CHEM 401	General Chemistry II	5
MATH 400	Calculus I	5
MATH 401	Calculus II	5
Total Units:		28

The Associate in Science in Geology for Transfer (AS-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, including (a) a minimum grade of "C" (or "P") for each course in the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

evaluate ideas about the natural universe using testable methodology, differentiate between scientific and non-scientific information, and demonstrate understanding of the scientific method by designing a valid scientific inquiry.
examine and enumerate orally and/or in writing the importance of continuous examination and modification of accepted ideas as a fundamental element in the progress of science.
analyze a wide variety of natural phenomena using basic definitions and fundamental theories of natural science.
apply knowledge of current geologic processes to the understanding of Earth's past geologic history.
synthesize diverse geological terminology and concepts and be able to explain them to a diverse audience.
evaluate and analyze contemporary geologic problems including the implications of human activities on geologic resources.
integrate information about the rate and scale of simple geologic processes and be able to convert between them.

Career Information

The Geology transfer degree is designed to facilitate students' successful transfer to four-year colleges that ultimately prepare them for advanced study in a variety of graduate programs as well as a variety of career opportunities in the fields of environmental monitoring, protection and remediation, energy and mineral exploration, paleontology, vulcanology, seismology, climatology, teaching, and research.

Geology (GEOL) Courses

GEOL 300 Physical Geology

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:ENGRD 310 and ENGWR 300 with grades of "C" or better. Concurrent enrollment in GEOL 301 is recommended.
Transferable:UC
General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; IGETC Area 5A
C-ID:C-ID GEOL 100
Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

This course provides an understanding of the dynamic nature of the planet through the study of Earth processes, with a focus on real-world examples of the scientific method and the relevance of geology to our everyday lives. Topics include global plate tectonics and related processes such as earthquakes and volcanic activity. Other topics include mineral and rock formation, surface water and groundwater, glaciers, coastal environments, natural resources, and global climate change. Successful completion of physical geology prepares the student to recognize, understand, and appreciate the physical processes that continually change Earth over geologic time.