2022-2023 Catalog [ARCHIVED]
Geology
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 Return to: Program, Degree and Certificate List
Dean: Lianna Zhao, MD
Academic Chair: Alec Sim, PhD
Faculty: Carolyn Rath; Amy Stinson
Courses
Geology courses at Irvine Valley College provide academic instruction in basic geological concepts and theories, and provide a solid foundation for students’ preparing for further academic study of the discipline.
Introductory courses range from survey courses in earth science, to field geology courses that explore California and our national parks and monuments, to the study of natural hazards. More specialized courses examine the physical and biological evolution of the planet Earth, and rocks and minerals found in its crust. The curriculum also includes a wide range of popular field courses within California and other areas in western North America.
Major
The course requirements for a major in geology are intended to provide a solid foundation for a variety of student needs. Students pursuing the major may meet transfer requirements for a baccalaureate institution by completing the Associate in Arts in Geology. Students pursuing the major may meet transfer requirements for a four-year college or university, may earn an Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) degree, or they may complete an Associate in Science (AS) degree in geology. For those who intend to pursue upper-division or graduate study, introductory courses in the other sciences are recommended and are necessary in addition to the core courses required for the major.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the geology program, students will be able to
- Identify the major rock-forming minerals, and classify the three types of rocks.
- Locate and identify the major lithospheric plates and plate boundaries.
- Evaluate earthquake and volcanic activity on global and local scales, and relate this activity to plate tectonic processes.
- Identify and discuss the major evolutionary changes that define the divisions of the geologic time scale.
Potential Careers (For Non-Transfer Degree Recipients)
Examples of careers for the geology major include the following:
- Local, state and federal government geology positions
- Geophysicists and seismologists
- Engineering geologists
- Environmental geologists
- Exploration geologists with oil or minerals companies
- Geology instructors
- Research and science writers
ProgramsAssociate in ScienceAssociate in Science for Transfer
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