You are in the official 2000-2001 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.
You are in the official 2000-2001 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.
COURSES
Geology (GEOL)
1. Natural Disasters and Earth Resources (4)
Prerequisite: MATH 4R or second-year high school algebra. Processes and
materials which produce the different geologic resources and hazards (earthquakes,
volcanoes, floods, landslides). Plate tectonic theory (including continental
drift) as the unifying model to explain geologic phenomena. Emphasizes the
relationship between geology and humans. G.E. Breadth B1. (3 lecture, 2
lab hours; optional field trips) (CAN GEOL 2)
3. Geology Field Trip (1; max total 3)
Extended weekend field trip to areas of geologic interest including Yosemite
National Park, Death Valley, or coastal California. May be repeated. Nonmajors
encouraged. CR/NC grading only. (Field trip fee may be required.)
12. Mineralogy (3)
GEOL 13 concurrent in the geology major. Prerequisite: high school chemistry.
Properties, relationships, uses origin of minerals; determination of common
minerals by physical and other tests. Field trips may be required. (2 lecture,
3 lab hours)
13. Crystallography (1)
GEOL 12 concurrent in the geology major. Prerequisite: trigonometry. Symmetry,
structure, standard nomenclature, reference systems of crystals. (3 lab
hours)
15. The Earth and Its History (5)
Portion of Humans and the Natural Environment Cluster. Physical and historical
geology, including man's use of the earth and the impact of that use on
the earth. Lecture, lab, and fieldwork. G.E. Breadth B1. (HNE program field
trip fee, $300)
20. Atmospheric Science and Pollution (4)
Physical and chemical principles applied to the study of the atmosphere,
evolution of Earth and its atmosphere, biogeochemical cycles, atmospheric
pollution, and global atmospheric change and the environmental crisis. Field
trips may be required. (3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours.)
30. Introductory Field Methods (2)
Prerequisites: GEOL 1 or 15, MATH 5. Introduction to methods and instruments
used in geologic fieldwork. CR/NC grading only. (6 lab/field hours) (Weekend
field trips required; field trip fee, $30)
100. Optical Mineralogy (2)
Prerequisites: GEOL 12, 13. Optical properties of minerals; identification
of minerals by optical methods. Theory and use of petrographic microscope.
(1 lecture, 3 lab hours)
101. Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (4)
Prerequisites: GEOL 30, 100; CHEM 1B (or concurrently). Origin classification,
textures, structures, and geologic setting of igneous and metamorphic rocks;
examination of samples in outcrop, hand specimen, and thin section. Weekend
field trips required. (3 lecture, 3 lab hours)
102. Sedimentology (3)
Prerequisites: GEOL 30, 100, 101 (or concurrently). Origin, classifications,
textures, and structures of sedimentary rocks; examination of samples in
hand specimen and thin section. Weekend field trips required. (2 lecture,
3 lab hours)
104. Scientific Writing (2)
Prerequisite: A passing grade on the Upper-Division Writing Exam, or completion
of an upper-division writing course. Organizing and writing the scientific
report. Critical evaluation of literature. Presentation of maps, charts,
illustrations. Peer reviews. Oral presentation and term paper required.
(1 lecture, 3 lab hours)
105. Geomorphology (3)
Prerequisite: GEOL 1 or 15. Landforms, climates, geologic processes, and
their interrelation in shaping the earth's surface today and in the geologic
past. Interpretation of topographic maps and aerial photographs. Field trips
required. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
106. Structural Geology (3)
Prerequisites: upper-division writing skills requirement must be satisfied;
GEOL 30, trigonometry, PHYS 2A (or concurrently). Recognition, representation,
and interpretation of structural features of the earth's crust. Includes
consideration of theoretical and mechanical principles involved in deformation
of solid bodies. Study of regional tectonics and major structural provinces.
Field trips required. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
107. Advanced Field Methods (3)
Prerequisites: GEOL 30, 101, 102, 104, 106. Field trips to areas of diverse
geology; observation, description, and mapping of geologic phenomena. Includes
written reports of areas selected for study. Students should contact the
department for details. (9 lab hours usually including fieldwork on weekends
or during January intercession and spring vacation) (Field trip fee may
be required)
108A. Field Geology (4)
Prerequisites: senior standing or permission of instructor; GEOL 107; GEOL
108B concurrently. Geologic reconnaissance and mapping in field groups.
Usually conducted in early summer. When taken concurrently, GEOL 108A and
108B satisfy the senior major requirement for the B.S. in Geology. Approved
for SP grading. (Field trip fee may be required)
108B. Field Geology - Reports (1)
Prerequisites: senior standing or permission of instructor; GEOL 108A concurrently.
Written presentation of fieldwork conducted in GEOL 108A. When taken concurrently,
GEOL 108A and 108B satisfy the senior major requirement for the B.S. in
Geology. Approved for SP grading. (1 lecture hour)
110. Invertebrate Paleontology (3)
Prerequisites: GEOL 112 and ZOOL 10. Invertebrate structures and development
of prehistoric animals; introduction to stratigraphic importance of fossils.
Field trips may be required. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
112. Planet Earth through Time (3)
Credit not allowed after completion of GEOL 2. Prerequisite: MATH 4R or
second-year high school algebra. Principles of geology used in the interpretation
of the history of Earth as revealed in rocks and their fossils. Includes
origin of the solar system, evolution of atmosphere and oceans, origin of
life, rise and fall of the dinosaurs, plate tectonics, and ice ages. G.E.
Integration IB.
113. Stream Habitat Restoration (3)
Prerequisites: GEOL 1 and/or BIOL 10 or instructor consent. Investigation
of stream geology, hydrology, and biology relevant to restoring stream habitat.
Includes collecting and interpreting lab and field data as well as a service
project restoring local stream. Recommended for students in biology, geography,
ecology, range management, civil engineering, and environmental science.
Service-learning course. Field trips required. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
(Formerly GEOL 150T)
114. Engineering Geology (3)
Prerequisites: GEOL 1 and trigonometry. Introduction to techniques and theory
of geotechnical investigations. Includes field and lab techniques in soil
and rock mechanics, rock logging, geophysics, slope stability, engineering
hydrogeology, stereo analysis, seismic engineering. Recommended for students
in geology or civil engineering. Field trips required. (2 lecture, 3 lab
hours)
115. Ore Deposits (3)
Prerequisites: GEOL 101, 106, college chemistry. Geology, mineralogy, distribution,
and occurrence of common ore minerals essential in industry; genesis and
localization of metallic minerals. Field trips may be required. (2 lecture,
3 lab hours)
117. Hydrogeology (3)
Prerequisites: GEOL 1 or 15; MATH 72 or 75; and GEOL 124 and MATH 76 recommended.
The hydrologic cycle; surface water processes; stream flow and hydrograph;
properties of porous geologic materials; principles of groundwater flow;
water wells; geology of groundwater occurrence; water quality and pollution.
Field trip required. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
118. Applied Geophysics (3)
Prerequisites: GEOL 1, PHYS 2A and completion of or concurrent enrollment
in PHYS 2B. Presents an overview of geophysics as applied to problems in
exploration, engineering, and environmental geology. Emphasizes hands-on
methods of data acquisition and interpretation that entry-level geologists
will most likely encounter including gravity, magnetics, seismic refraction,
ground-penetrating radar, down-hole surveys, and electrical resistivity.
Field instrumentation is used throughout. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
122. Stratigraphy (3)
Prerequisites: GEOL 30, 102. Stratigraphic principles and recognition of
stratigraphic units. Emphasis on tectonostratigraphic concepts. (2 lecture,
3 lab/field hours)
124. Geochemistry (3)
Prerequisites: CHEM 1A and 1B and GEOL 1 or 15; GEOL 12 and 101 recommended.
Chemistry applied to earth processes and evolution. Reactions involved in
origin and transformations of natural waters, rocks, and minerals. Crystal
chemistry and behavior of elements and isotopes. Field trip required; laboratory
project. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
130T. Advanced Problems in Geology
(1-3; max total 6 if no topic repeated)
Prerequisite: senior standing in geology. Topics or problems in the following
fields: engineering geology, geology of North America, field geology, micropaleontology,
advanced ground water geology, sedimentation and sedimentary rocks, geochemistry,
geophysics, volcanic geology and marine geology. Some topics may have labs.
150T. Studies in Earth Science (1-3; max total 6)
Applicable to the geology major only with prior departmental approval. Prerequisite:
GEOL 1. Earth science topics designed for students minoring in geology,
with an interest in earth science, in teacher training, and for elementary
and secondary teachers.
154. Introductory Earth Science (3)
Not applicable to the B.S. in Geology. Appropriate for liberal studies majors
and K-6 teachers. Earth systems interactions demonstrated through hands-on
activities, experiments, and field work. Topics based on state and local
science content frameworks, including recognition, origin, and use of rocks
and minerals; geologic time and fossils; interpretation of landscapes and
the rock record; and plate tectonics. (2 lecture, 2 lab hours, 1 hour arranged)
(Formerly GEOL 151)
155. Discovering Earth Science (3)
Not applicable to the B.S. in Geology. Prerequisites: GEOL 1, 15, or 112,
or permission of instructor. Appropriate for students and 7-12 teachers
seeking a secondary school science credential. Activity-based discovery
of earth science and its integration with other sciences. Topics based on
national standards, and state and local science content frameworks, including
energy in the earth system; geochemical cycles; the dynamic interactions
between the lithosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere; and the origin and
evolution of the earth system and its place in the universe. (2 lecture,
2 lab hours, 1 hour arranged)
160. Field Studies (1-4; max total 4)
Prerequisite may be specified by instructor. Field trips during weekends
or winter/spring recess to geologically important and significant areas
such as the Grand Canyon, Baja California, the Sierra Nevada, Death Valley.
(Field trip fee may be required.)
167. Oceans and Atmosphere (3)
Integrated introduction to sciences of oceans and atmosphere: their
origin and evolution; plate tectonics; ocean currents, waves, and tides;
atmospheric circulation and El Niño; production and life; and environmental
issues and concerns. G.E. Integration IB.
168. California's Earth System (3)
Not applicable to B.S. in Geology. Interaction of earth, water, air,
and life in California's earth system over geologic time. Human interaction
with the environment. G.E. Integration IB.
169. Environmental Geology (3)
Prerequisite: GEOL 1. Examination of the interaction between humans and
earth, with emphasis on earth features and processes that are hazardous
to humans. Field trips required. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
177. Quantitative Methods for Earth (3)
Prerequisites: GEOL 1; MATH 75. Applications of mathematical techniques
and quantitative methods in earth science; introduction to basic skills,
including statistical methods, numerical techniques, matrix operations,
and spatial analysis. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours) (Formerly GEOL 150T section)
180. Computer Applications in Geology (3)
Use of computers in geology, focusing on such applications as multi-dimensional
graphics, desktop mapping, communications, on-line resources, modeling.
(2 lecture, 3 lab hours) (Formerly GEOL 130T section)
185. Remote Sensing for the Natural Sciences (3)
Prerequisite: General Education Breadth, Area B; GEOG 105 recommended. Introduction
to remote sensing techniques, including ultraviolet, visible, and infrared
electromagnetic sensors, both space and aircraft based, and acoustic methods.
Laboratory exercises will use examples from geology, agriculture, and society.
Familiarity with computers required. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
186. Earth Science Applications of GIS (3)
Prerequisite: GEOG 107 recommended. Spatial information management, analysis,
interpretation, and display using computer methods. Map concepts, spatial
relationships, database design, and spatial analysis of data. Laboratory
exercises using geologic map data, faults, earthquake epicenters, stream
habitats and restoration, and endangered species. Familiarity with computers
required. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
190. Independent Study (1-3; max total 6)
See Academic Placement - Independent
Study. Approved for SP grading.
(See Course Numbering System.)
Geology
201. Seminar in Geology (3)
Prerequisite: graduate standing. Seminar covering advanced and evolving
topics in the earth sciences. Requirements include active discussion participation,
frequent oral presentation, and written research papers. Satisfies Graduate
Writing Skills requirement. (3 seminar hours)
202. Geology Laboratory Teaching Techniques (1)
Laboratory safety, lab lecture techniques, earth and environmental science
activity design, equipment setups, student evaluation methods and grading,
peer teaching assessment, leading field trips, etc. Primarily for teaching
associates in geology. CR/NC grading only. (One 2 hour lab)
210. Analysis of Faults and Earthquakes (3)
Prerequisites: GEOL 106 and 107. Includes plate tectonic theory; kinematics
and dynamics of fracturing and faulting; formation and propagation of seismic
waves; recognizing and quantifying seismic potential; remote sensing and
geophysics in applied fault studies. Field projects and oral presentations
required. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
217T. Topics in Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology (2-3; max total
6)
Prerequisite: major in geology and/or permission of instructor. Studies
of current issues and recent research topics which may include groundwater
contamination, environmental pollution, and hazardous and nuclear waste
management. Readings from books, journals, and government publications.
Independent research and oral presentation required. Laboratory activities
may be required. (Formerly GEOL 217)
220. Groundwater Hydrology (3)
Prerequisites: GEOL 117. MATH 77 recommended. Principles of flow through
porous and fractured media; groundwater hydraulics in the saturated and
unsaturated zones; contaminant transport; introduction to groundwater models.
(2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
224. Geochemistry of Natural Waters (3)
Prerequisite: GEOL 124. Chemical evolution of natural waters through water-rock
interactions, mixing, evaporation, and contamination. Modeling using solution
chemistry, equilibrium thermodynamics, and kinetics. Field methods, laboratory
analysis, and computer manipulation of data. Field trip required; library
and laboratory projects. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
231. Depositional Systems (3)
Prerequisites: GEOL 102 and 105. Investigation of modern and ancient depositional
systems. Field trip required. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours) (Formerly GEOL 206)
232. Basin Analysis Seminar (3)
Prerequisites: GEOL 102 and 106. Topics may include: basin styles, tectonics
and sedimentation, seismic stratigraphy, subsidence and thermal history,
and petroleum plays. Research paper and oral presentation required. (Formerly
GEOL 250T)
250T. Topics in Geology (1-3)
Prerequisite: major in geology and/or permission of instructor. Advanced
studies of such areas as petrology, marine geology, and regional stratigraphy.
Some topics may have labs and field trips.
251T. Topics in Engineering Geology (1-3)
Prerequisites: major or minor in geology; permission of instructor. Advanced
studies in areas such as slope stability, ground water monitoring, drilling
and core logging, water sampling, hazardous waste site investigations, and
geophysical instrumentation.
271. Volcanology (3)
Prerequisite: GEOL 101. A study of volcanic activity, including classification,
characteristics, products of eruptions, man's interactions with volcanoes
and related phenomena. Field trips required. (1 lecture, 6 lab hours)
290. Independent Study (1-3; max total 6)
See Academic Placement - Independent
Study. Approved for SP grading.
299. Thesis (2-6; max total 6)
Prerequisite: See Criteria for Thesis
and Project. Preparation, completion, and submission of an acceptable
thesis for the master's degree. Approved for SP grading.
