You are in the official 1998-99 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.
Department of Geology
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. General Education BREADTH, Division 1. (3 lecture, 2 lab hours; optional field trips) (CAN GEOL 2)
2. Evolution of Life and Continents (4)
Prerequisite: Math 4R or second-year high school algebra. Origin and evolution
of the earth as revealed by the rock record and by fossil remains. Special
emphasis on the evolution of life and on the physical development of North
America. General Education BREADTH, Division 1. (3 lecture, 2 lab hours)
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 Man/Woman 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. General Education BREADTH, Division
1. (MNE program field trip fee, $300)
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, $80)
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, $100)
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 2 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)
114. Engineering Geology (3)
Prerequisites: Geol 1 or 15 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)
116. Petroleum Geology (3)
Prerequisite: Geol 106. Theories of origin of petroleum, petroleum structures,
prospecting, extraction methods, techniques used in exploration and development;
selected petroleum fields. 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.
140. Interpretation of Geologic and Topographic Maps (3)
Prerequisite: Geol 105 or 106. Interpretation of geologic and topographic
maps with respect to structure, stratigraphy, and processes. Some aerial
photographs included. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
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, 2 or 15, 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. Weekend or vacation field trips
to geologically important and significant areas such as the Grand Canyon,
Baja California, the Sierra Nevadas, Death Valley. (Field trip fee may be
required.)
168. Geology of California (3)
Prerequisites: prior geology course or equivalent background; Geog 168 recommended.
Emphasis on the evolution of California's diverse geologic provinces and
the geologic environments, hazards, and resources that influence human habitation
of one of the most geologically varied regions of the United States. Not
applicable to the geology major. General Education CAPSTONE Cluster course.
169. Environmental Geology (3)
Prerequisite: Geol 1. Examination of the interaction between man and earth,
with emphasis on earth features and processes that are hazardous to man.
Field trips required. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
171. Igneous Petrography (3)
Prerequisites: Geol 100, 101. Identification, classification, and interpretation
of igneous rocks, using the petrographic microscope and other techniques.
Field trips may be required. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
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)
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 (2; max total 4)
Prerequisite: graduate standing. Seminar covering advanced and evolving
topics in geology and/or faculty research projects. Faculty will lead discussion
at start of semester and graduate students will lead the second part of
semester. Requirements include active discussion participation, oral presentation,
and written research paper. (1 lecture, 3 hours arranged)
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)
215. Hydrothermal Deposits (3)
Prerequisite: Geol 115. Geologic setting and genesis of hydrothermal mineral
deposits of western Cordillera, especially in California, Nevada, and Arizona.
Emphasis on relationships between convective geothermal systems and igneous
activity, prospecting models, and geologic, geochemical, and geophysical
exploration techniques. Required field trip and laboratory project. (2 lecture,
3 lab hours)
217. Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology Seminar (2-3; max total
6)
Prerequisite: Geol 117 or 124 or 169. Topics may include: local water problems,
groundwater contamination, water law, environmental regulations and policies,
hazardous and nuclear waste disposal and management. Readings from technical
books, journals, and government publications. Independent study and oral
presentation required.
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)
272. Metamorphic Petrology (3)
Prerequisites: Geol 101, Chem 1A, 1B. Identification, classification, and
interpretation of metamorphic and metasomatic rocks using the petrographic
microscope and other techniques. Field trips may be required. (2 lecture,
3 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.
