Degrees & Certificates
Geology
Certificate of Achievement
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.
About the Certificate
This Certificate of Achievement in Geology signifies that students have received basic knowledge in geological sciences and skills, which facilitate paraprofessional employment such as geology technician and geology field assistant. The certificate also provides a good foundation for continued study in the field of geology.
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 Certificate of Achievement in Geology, students are able to demonstrate proficiency in fundamental global earth processes (e.g., plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, etc.)
- Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Geology, students are able to
demonstrate proficiency with geologic analysis and/or geologic tools (e.g., unraveling
the chronology of geologic events, earth materials identification/evaluation, etc.)
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
| GEOL 1 Physical Geology | 3 |
| GEOL 2* Historical Geology with Lab | 4 |
| GEOL 5 Environmental Geology: Hazards & Disasters | 3 |
| GEOL 7 Environmental Geology: Resources, Use Impact & Pollution | 3 |
| GEOL 12 Introduction to Oceanography | 3 |
| GEOL 20* Earth Sceince for Educators | 4 |
*If GEOL 2 or GEOL 20 is selected, List A is not required
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
| GEOL 1L Physical Geology Laboratory | 1 |
| GEOL 12L Intro to Oceanography Lab | 1 |
| Units Category | Units |
|---|---|
| Total Units | 13 |
Updated: July 2022