Geology, AS

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. 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 Science in Geology. Students pursuing the major may meet transfer requirements for a four-year college or university; or they may complete an Associate in Science 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.

Career Options

Examples of careers in geology include the following:

City or County Geologist
Engineering Geologist
Environmental Geologist
Exploration Geologist with an oil or mineral’s company
Geology Teacher

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this 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.

Complete the following courses:

CHEM 1A GENERAL CHEMISTRY I 5 Units
CHEM 1B GENERAL CHEMISTRY II 5 Units
GEOL 1 PHYSICAL GEOLOGY 4 Units
OR
GEOL 23 NATURAL DISASTERS 4 Units
OR
ERTH 20 INTRODUCTION TO EARTH SCIENCE 4 Units
OR
MS 20 INTRODUCTION TO OCEANOGRAPHY 4 Units
GEOL 2 HISTORICAL GEOLOGY 4 Units
MATH 3A ANALYTIC GEOMETRY AND CALCULUS I 5 Units
OR
MATH 3AH ANALYTIC GEOMETRY AND CALCULUS I HONORS 5 Units
MATH 3B ANALYTIC GEOMETRY AND CALCULUS II 5 Units
OR
MATH 3BH ANALYTIC GEOMETRY AND CALCULUS II HONORS 5 Units

Complete two of the following courses:

PHYS 2A INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS 4 Units
AND
PHYS 2B INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICS 4 Units
OR
PHYS 4A GENERAL PHYSICS 4 Units
AND
PHYS 4B GENERAL PHYSICS 4 Units

Complete one of the following courses:

GEOL 65 GEOLOGY FIELD STUDIES: YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK 1 Unit
GEOL 69 GEOLOGY FIELD STUDIES-ZION NATIONAL PARK, UTAH 1 Unit
GEOL 60 GEOLOGY FIELD STUDIES: NATIONAL PARKS AND MONUMENTS 1 Unit
GEOL 61 GEOLOGY FIELD STUDIES: COASTAL AND OFFSHORE GEOLOGY 1 Unit
GEOL 66 GEOLOGY FIELD STUDIES: GEOLOGY OF CALIFORNIA 1 Unit

Total Units Required: 37

Recommended Electives:

GEOL 3 GEOLOGY OF CALIFORNIA 3 Units
GEOL 23 NATURAL DISASTERS 4 Units
ENGR 23 ENGINEERING GRAPHICS AND DESCRIPTIVE GEOMETRY 3 Units

To earn the associate degree:

See Earning an Associate Degree for associate degree graduation requirements.

To transfer:

Courses required for the associate degree major at IVC may not be the same as those required for the major at a four-year school. If you plan to transfer, consult a counselor to identify the courses needed for the major at your transfer school and to develop a plan that will best meet your goals. View more information about transferring at Transfer to a Four-Year Institution .

Catalog and Student Handbook

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