Geology Program

Introduces physical geology, which deals with minerals, rocks, internal structure of the earth and plate tectonics. Includes weekly lab. Prerequisites: RDWR 115, MTH 70 or placement above these levels. Additional supply fee may be required.

Focuses on geologic processes acting on creation of land forms, including mass wasting, streams, glaciers, deserts, beaches, groundwater, and use of topographic maps. Includes a weekly lab. Prerequisites: RDWR 115, MTH 60 or MTH 60Z or placement above these levels. Additional supply fee may be required.

The purpose of this course is to acquaint the student with basic geologic principles and the regional geology of the Pacific Northwest emphasizing Oregon and Washington. This one-term course can be used to partly fulfill General Studies/Discipline Studies graduation requirements for the Associate Degrees, and has been approved for block transfer. Includes basic geologic principles, earth materials and geology of Pacific Northwest provinces. Recommendation: Prior geology experience. Audit available.

Volcanoes and Their Activity is a one-term introductory course in volcanology, which is a branch of the science of geology. The student will develop an understanding of the types, origin, activity, products, and hazards of volcanoes. This includes the geologic time scale and the evolution of the Earth. Audit available.

This is a one-term introductory course in earthquakes/seismology, which is a branch of the science of geology. The student will develop an understanding of the causes, activity, effects, and hazards of earthquakes as well as an understanding of the various methods of measuring the size/energy of an earthquake. The course will use case studies of historical earthquakes to examine ways to minimize earthquake damage, with emphasis on earthquakes in the Pacific Northwest. This includes the geologic time scale and the evolution of the Earth.

Introductory geology emphasizing geologic hazards (volcanoes, earthquakes, landslides, flooding), geologic resources (water, soil, air, mineral, energy), and associated environmental problems and mitigation strategies. This course acquaints students with the use and importance of geological studies as they apply to the interactions between people and the earth. NOTE: Laboratory exercises are included through the mode of virtual field trips, which are meant to immerse students in the environments prone to geological catastrophe. These interactive exercises lead students along prominent field trip routes while questioning them, posing questions that require critical thinking, and providing a review and integration of textbook and lecture concepts and principles. Being in the field is considered paramount by most Earth scientists so that students can comprehend geological changes directly, in-situ.