Geology Concentration:

CAUTIONS:

(1) You must take concentration classes for a letter grade.

(2) You cannot count the same class in your concentration and also in another place (such as Area B4) on your curriculum.

1. GSC 111 (4) Principles of Geology OR GSC 350 (4) Natural Disasters

2. GSC 116 (4) Astronomy

3. GSC 120 (4) Introduction to Oceanography OR GSC 335 (4) Exploring the Oceans: Oceanography

4. GSC 304 (4) Meteorology OR GSC 320 (4) Studies of a Blue Planet

Course Descriptions:

GSC 111 Principles of Geology (4) FWSp(Su) An introduction to minerals, rocks and geologic features which comprise the Earth; analysis of internal and external processes controlling the features of the planet. 3 lectures per week. Corequisite: GSC 141L (optional for non-majors).

GSC 116 Introduction to Astronomy (4) FWSp(Su) A non-quantitative synthesis of the current knowledge of the cosmos and analysis of the techniques used in its investigation. The class is composed of two major components. The first considers our solar system. Topics include the sun, planets, moons, comets, asteroids and meteors, their place in the universe and discussion of theories of their origin and evolution. The second part of the class looks beyond our solar system to examine such subjects as stars, galaxies, nebulae, black holes, pulsars, and quasars. Additionally, the class will study the broader nature of the universe, how it may have started, its present state, its future evolution and its ultimate destiny. Special emphasis will be given throughout the course to new information revealed by satellite data and unmanned space missions. 4 lecture discussions per week.

GSC 120 Introduction to Oceanography (4) FWSp(Su) An introduction to the marine sciences. Dealing primarily with the properties of water, ocean currents, waves, tides, beaches, marine life, marine resources and the nature and origin of the sea floor. 4 lectures. Field trip fee required.

GSC 304 Meteorology (4) W Framework topics, such as atmospheric structure, composition, heating, pressure, humidity form the base upon which a process-oriented semi-quantitative, descriptive survey of major weather phenomena, including winds, clouds, precipitation, and storms is conducted. 4 lecture /discussions. Prerequisites: One GE course from each of the following Sub-areas: A1, A2, A3 and B1, B2, (PHY 121/121L or consent of instructor) and B3. GE Synthesis course for Sub-area B4.

GSC 320 Studies of a Blue Planet (4) FSp Science-based issues related to the ocean-atmosphere system which directly impact Humankind are examined. Global environmental change, El Niño/La Niña, ozone depletion, sea level changes, coastal development, alternative energy sources and satellite monitoring of earth are investigated. Four lecture/discussions per week. Prerequisites: One GE course from each of the following Sub-areas: A1, A2, A3 and B1, B2, B3. GE Synthesis course for Sub-area B4.

GSC 335 Exploring the Oceans: Oceanography (4) Fundamental ocean processes emphasizing physical, chemical, and geological oceanography. Topics include currents, tides, waves, beaches, chemistry of ocean water, ocean basin evolution and physiography, and sedimentation as well as specific, relevant biological processes. Research vessel cruise. Lecture/discussion/demonstration. Prerequisites: one course from each of the following Sub-areas: A1, A2, A3 and B1, B2, B3 (BIO 110/111L or BIO 115/115L or equivalent). GE Synthesis course for Sub-area B4.

GSC 350 Natural Disasters (4) FWSp (Su) Scientific description, measurement, and observation of geologic catastrophes resulting from active plate tectonic phenomena. Emphasis on earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and climate-related sea-level changes. Floods and associated erosion/deposition may also be addressed. Case histories of past geologic catastrophes. 4 units lecture/discussion. Prerequisites: One GE course from each of the following Sub-areas: A1, A2, A3 and B1, B2, B3. GE Synthesis course for Sub-area B4.