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- 2011-2012: Catalog [ PDF / 1.53 MB ]
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Catalog: 2011–2012 Catalog Year
Course Descriptions
Geology (GEOL)
Science, Mathematics & Engineering Division
GEOL 100: Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Natural Disasters
Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none
Investigates geology of the dynamic earth: natural hazards and catastrophes, and geology of natural resources. Includes four laboratory experiences.
GEOL 101: Physical Geology
Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: MATH 120, MATH 126 or higher or consent of instructor
Covers fundamental principles of geology: tectonics; minerals; igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary processes; and geologic time.
GEOL 102: Earth and Life Through Time
Units (Credits): 4; Prerequisites: GEOL 101 & GEOL 103
Studies the history of the earth and the origins of its landforms from the far past to the present time, age dating, evolution of organisms, times of extinction, mountain building episodes, and periods of glaciation.
GEOL 103: Physical Geology Laboratory
Units (Credits): 1; Prerequisites: GEOL 101 & MATH 120, MATH 126 or higher, or consent of instructor (GEOL 101 may be taken concurrently)
Offers experimental and in-depth investigations designed to illustrate fundamental principles of geology.
GEOL 105: Introduction to Geology of National Parks
Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none
Studies geologic processes through the lens of the national park system. Concepts of geologic time, plate tectonics, and the rock cycle will be explored by studying national parks and monuments that highlight geologic examples of the material presented.
GEOL 111: Geology of Death Valley National Park
Units (Credits): 1–2; Prerequisites: none
Provides a general field experience in geology for students with little or no earth science background. Teaches the basics of rock identification, landform analysis and identification, and interpretation of modern and ancient geologic events through field study of Death Valley National Park. Note: Non-transferable for an NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.
GEOL 112: Geology of Eastern Sierra
Units (Credits): 1–2; Prerequisites: none
Provides a general field experience in geology for students with little or no earth science background. Teaches the basics of rock identification, landform analysis and identification, and interpretation of modern and ancient geologic events through field study of the Eastern Sierra Nevada. Field study will include Mono Lake, Long Valley caldera, White Mountains, faults, and past glaciation in the area. Note: Non-transferable for an NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.
GEOL 113: Geology of Lassen Volcanic National Park
Units (Credits): 1–2; Prerequisites: none
Provides a two-and-a-half day field experience in geology for students with little or no earth science background. Teaches the basics of volcanic rock identification, history of the Cascade Range, and interpretation of modern and ancient geologic events through field study of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Note: Non-transferable for an NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.
GEOL 114: Geology of Lava Beds National Monument
Units (Credits): 1; Prerequisites: none
Provides a general field experience in geology for students with little or no earth science background. Teaches the basics of rock identification, landform analysis and identification, and interpretation of modern and ancient geologic events through field study of Lava Beds National Monument. Note: Non-transferable for an NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.
GEOL 127: Prehistoric Life
Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none
Surveys the history and the classification of fossil plants and animals, methods of interpretation of the fossil records, evolution of form and structure and the sequence of fossils in rocks.
GEOL 132: Rocks & Minerals
Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none
Focuses on the identification of rocks and minerals. Includes an introduction to the crystallography and chemistry of minerals as well as the petrology of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. Concludes with an overview of ore deposits.
GEOL 201: Geology of Nevada
Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: GEOL 101 or consent of instructor
Covers important geological developments in Nevada that have occurred throughout geologic time. At least one field trip will be required.
GEOL 299: Special Topics in Geology
Units (Credits): 1–5; Prerequisites: none
Provides a study of selected topics in geology for students with little or no earth science background. Can include field experiences. Note: Non-transferable for an NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.