You are in the official 2002-2003 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
COURSES
Environmental Science (ENSC)
1. Environmental Science (4)
Introduction to environmental science, focusing on environmental
principles and processes. Topics include global systems and change,
resource management and conservation, energy and mineral resources,
population dynamics, ecosystems and biodiversity, environmental
degradation and pollution, and environmental economics and ethics.
Geology (GEOL)
1. Natural Disasters and Earth Resources (4)
Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation B4 (except for those with declared
major in the College of Science and Mathematics). Recommended:
MATH 4R or second-year high school algebra. Processes and materials
that 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: MATH 5
or 72 or 75. Symmetry, structure, standard nomenclature, reference
systems of crystals. (3 lab hours)
15. The Earth and Its History (5)
Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation B4 (except for those with declared
major in the College of Science and Mathematics). 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 (may be taken concurrently). 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 with a C or
higher (may be taken concurrently). Organizing and writing the
scientific report. Critical evaluation of literature. Presentation
of maps, charts, and 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: GEOL 30, MATH 5, PHYS 2A (or concurrently); GEOL
104 (concurrently). Recognition, representation, and interpretation
of structural features of the earth's crust. Includes theoretical
and mechanical principles. 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. Prerequisites:
G.E. Foundation and Breadth Area B. 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.
Does not satisfy Division 1 pre-1999 G.E. curriculum.
113. Stream Habitat Restoration (3)
Prerequisites: GEOL 1 or BIOL 10 or BIOSC 1A or instructor's consent.
Investigation of stream geology, hydrology, and biology relevant
to restoring stream habitat. Includes collecting and interpreting
lab and field data. Field trips required. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
(Formerly GEOL 150T)
114. Engineering Geology (3)
Prerequisites: GEOL 1 and MATH 5 or 72 or 75. 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, CHEM 1A. 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 (may be taken concurrently). 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
include 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 instructor's permission. 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 include energy in the earth system,
geochemical cycles, dynamic interactions between the lithosphere,
atmosphere, and hydrosphere, and origin/evolution of the earth.
(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, Atmosphere, and Climate Change (3)
Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation and Breadth Area B. Integrated
introduction to oceans, atmosphere, and climate change: 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. Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation
and Breadth Area B. 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 Science (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: G.E. 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.
GRADUATE COURSES
(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; may be taken more than once
if no topic is repeated)
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; may be taken more
than once if no topic is repeated)
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, human
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.
Earth and Environmental Sciences Degrees