Degrees & Certificates
Geology
Associate in Science for Transfer
2022-2023
About the Program
Geology is the study of the Earth, its features and processes. Geology affects populations worldwide through earthquakes, volcanic events, natural resource mining and management, soils, water resources, and more. Geologic areas of study include volcanoes; earthquakes and seismology; the Geologic Time Scale and the formation of the earth; petrology (rocks) and minerals; hydrology; erosion; oceanography, including beach systems; environmental geology (resources, hazards, etc.); glaciers and Ice Ages; groundwater; deserts, and extra-terrestrial planets. The Las Positas College Geology Program features lectures and laboratories for both Geology majors and non-science majors.
Completion Requirements
Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
-
- The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or CA State University General Education - Breadth Requirements.
- A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
- Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT’s) also require that students must earn a "C " (or "P'') or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.
About the Degree
The Las Positas College Geology program offers courses that lead to an Associate in Science in Geology for Transfer degree. The major requirements for the Associate in Science in Geology for Transfer degree align with the Intersegmental Transfer Model Curriculum (TMC) for Geology. Students will have guaranteed admission to a California State University (CSU) campus upon successful completion of the program requirements. Students should consult with a counselor to determine whether this degree is the best option for their transfer goals. General education requirements should be selected carefully based on the intended transfer institution.
Career Opportunities
With further study, students can pursue geologic specialties which include geologic mapping, earthquakes and seismology, volcanology, hydrology, earth resources and environmental impacts, paleontology, glaciology, petrology and mineralogy, mass wasting (landslides and slope stability), marine geology, paleoclimatology, soil science, the geology of other planets, etc. Geologic and engineering firms have geologists on staff working on geologic mapping, hazard assessment/evaluation, water resource planning, etc. At research facilities such as Sandia and LLNL, geologists work on projects such as modeling the earth’s interior, studying climate change, groundwater remediation, etc. The USGS, CGS, NOAA, NASA, EPA, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have geologists on staff, as do museums, colleges, and universities.
Program Outcomes
- Upon completion of the AS-T in Geology, students are able to demonstrate proficiency in basic earth processes (e.g., plate tectonics).
- Upon completion of the AS-T in Geology, students are able to demonstrate proficiency
in the evaluation and identification of basic earth materials (e.g., rocks and minerals).
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
| CHEM 1A General College Chemistry I | 5 |
| CHEM 1B General College Chemistry II | 5 |
| GEOL 1 Physical Geology | 3 |
| GEOL 1L Physical Geology Laboratory | 1 |
| GEOL 2 Historical Geology with Lab | 4 |
| MATH 1 Calculus I | 5 |
| MATH 2 Calculus II | 5 |
| Units Category | Units |
|---|---|
| Total Units in the Major | 28 |
| Additional General Education and Elective Units | 32 |
| Total Units | 60 |
See the Las Positas College California State University General Education-Breadth or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (for CSU) patterns for a listing of areas and courses. Double counting courses in GE and the major is permissible. The number of units that may be double counted will depend on the entry point to the degree program and the optional course(s) taken. Elective units are CSU transferable. Consult with an adviser or a counselor to plan the courses necessary to achieve your academic goal.
Updated: July 2022