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Home Catalog Programs of Study List of Programs Geology

Geology

Overview

Geology is the study of the origin and evolution of the Earth, using the principles of mathematics, chemistry, physics, and biology. Geologists study rocks, minerals, and fossils in an effort to draw conclusions about the Earth’s observable surface processes, as well as those processes taking place inside the Earth. They attempt to determine how the Earth was formed and how it is being changed by natural and man-made activities. Geologists are often involved in remediating environmental problems caused by mining, construction, and manufacturing.

Degrees Offered

  • A.S.-T. in Geology
  • A.S. in General Science

Associate Degrees for Transfer

A.S.-T. in Geology

The Associate in Science in Geology for Transfer (AS-T) program provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements for transfer to a California State University. Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University system. Students should work closely with their American River College counselor to ensure that they are taking the appropriate coursework to prepare for majoring in Geology at the institution they wish to transfer to because major and general education requirements may vary for each CSU and the degree may only transfer to specific institutions.

Students must complete the following Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) requirements (Pursuant to SB1440, §66746):

• 60 semester or 90 quarter CSU-transferable units
• the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) pattern
• a minimum of 18 semester or 27 quarter units in the major or area of emphasis as determined by the community college district
• obtain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0

ADTs also require that students must earn a “C” or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A “P” (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
CHEM 400 General Chemistry I 5
CHEM 401 General Chemistry II 5
GEOL 300 Physical Geology 3
GEOL 301 Physical Geology Laboratory 1
GEOL 310 Historical Geology 3
GEOL 311 Historical Geology Laboratory 1
MATH 400 Calculus I 5
MATH 401 Calculus II 5
Total Units: 28

The Associate in Science in Geology for Transfer (AS-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum 2.0 GPA, including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) Requirement.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • evaluate new and accepted ideas about the natural universe using testable methodology.
  • articulate orally and/or in writing the importance of continuous examination and modification of accepted ideas as a fundamental element in the progress of science.
  • sort, arrange, and quantify objects using the international system of measurement (metric) as the standard.
  • analyze a wide variety of natural phenomena using basic definitions and fundamental theories of natural science.
  • compare the scales at which geologic processes work.
  • apply knowledge of current geologic processes to the understanding of Earth's past geologic history.

Career Information

The Geology transfer degree is designed to facilitate students' successful transfer to four-year colleges that prepare them for advanced study in a variety of graduate programs as well as a variety of career opportunities in the fields of environmental monitoring, protection and remediation, energy and mineral exploration, paleontology, volcanology, seismology, climatology, teaching, and research.

Associate Degrees

A.S. in General Science

This program provides a broad study in the fields of biological and physical sciences in preparation for transfer to a four-year program and continuation of studies in upper division science courses.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 18 units from the following: 181
Physical Science Courses
ASTR C1001 Introduction to Astronomy (3)
ASTR 310 The Solar System (3)
ASTR 320 Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology (3)
ASTR 330 Introduction to Astrobiology (3)
ASTR C1001L Introduction to Astronomy Lab (1)
ASTR 481 Honors Astronomy: Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology (4)
ASTR 495 Independent Studies in Astronomy (1 - 3)
ASTR 499 Experimental Offering in Astronomy (0.5 - 4)
CHEM 305 Introduction to Chemistry (5)
CHEM 306 Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry (5)
CHEM 309 Integrated General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry (5)
CHEM 310 Chemical Calculations (4)
CHEM 338 Chemistry In Your World (3)
CHEM 400 General Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 401 General Chemistry II (5)
CHEM 420 Organic Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 421 Organic Chemistry II (5)
CHEM 423 Organic Chemistry - Short Survey (5)
CHEM 495 Independent Studies in Chemistry (1 - 3)
CHEM 499 Experimental Offering in Chemistry (0.5 - 4)
GEOG 300 Physical Geography: Exploring Earth's Environmental Systems (3)
GEOG 301 Physical Geography Laboratory (1)
GEOG 305 Global Climate Change (3)
GEOG 306 Weather and Climate (3)
GEOG 307 Environmental Hazards and Natural Disasters (3)
GEOG 308 Introduction to Oceanography (3)
GEOG 309 Introduction to Oceanography Lab (1)
GEOG 391 Field Studies in Geography: Mountain Landscapes (1 - 4)
GEOG 392 Field Studies in Geography: Coastal Landscapes (1 - 4)
GEOG 393 Field Studies in Geography: Arid Landscapes (1 - 4)
GEOG 394 Field Studies in Geography: Volcanic Landscapes (1 - 4)
GEOG 495 Independent Studies in Geography (1 - 3)
GEOG 499 Experimental Offering in Geography (0.5 - 4)
GEOL 300 Physical Geology (3)
GEOL 301 Physical Geology Laboratory (1)
GEOL 305 Earth Science (3)
GEOL 306 Earth Science Laboratory (1)
GEOL 310 Historical Geology (3)
GEOL 311 Historical Geology Laboratory (1)
GEOL 320 Global Climate Change (3)
GEOL 325 Environmental Hazards and Natural Disasters (3)
GEOL 330 Introduction to Oceanography (3)
GEOL 331 Introduction to Oceanography Lab (1)
GEOL 345 Geology of California (3)
GEOL 392 Field Studies in Mountain Landscapes (1 - 4)
GEOL 393 Field Studies in Coastal Landscapes (1 - 4)
GEOL 394 Field Studies in Volcanic Landscapes (1 - 4)
GEOL 495 Independent Studies in Geology (1 - 3)
GEOL 499 Experimental Offering in Geology (0.5 - 4)
PHYS 310 Conceptual Physics (3)
PHYS 311 Basic Physics (3)
PHYS 312 Conceptual Physics Laboratory (1)
PHYS 350 General Physics (4)
PHYS 360 General Physics (4)
PHYS 410 Mechanics of Solids and Fluids (5)
PHYS 421 Electricity and Magnetism (4)
PHYS 431 Heat, Waves, Light and Modern Physics (4)
PHYS 495 Independent Studies in Physics (1 - 3)
PHYS 499 Experimental Offering in Physics (0.5 - 4)
Biological Science Courses
ANTH 300 Biological Anthropology (3)
ANTH 301 Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1)
ANTH 303 Introduction to Forensic Anthropology (3)
ANTH 370 Primatology (3)
ANTH 480 Honors Biological Anthropology (3)
ANTH 495 Independent Studies in Anthropology (1 - 3)
ANTH 499 Experimental Offering in Anthropology (0.5 - 4)
BIOL 300 The Foundations of Biology (3)
BIOL 301 Evolution (3)
BIOL C1000 Introduction to Biology with Lab (4)
BIOL 304 Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology (4)
BIOL 305 Natural History (4)
BIOL 310 General Biology (4)
BIOL 322 Ethnobotany (3)
BIOL 332 Introduction to Ornithology (4)
BIOL 342 The New Plagues: New and Ancient Infectious Diseases Threatening World Health (3)
BIOL 352 Conservation Biology (3)
BIOL 370 Marine Biology (4)
BIOL 375 Marine Ecology (3)
BIOL 390 Natural History Field Study (0.5 - 4)
BIOL 400 Principles of Biology (5)
BIOL 410 Principles of Botany (5)
BIOL 415 Introduction to Biology: Biodiversity, Evolution, and Ecology (5)
BIOL 420 Principles of Zoology (5)
BIOL 430 Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 431 Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 440 General Microbiology (4)
BIOL 442 General Microbiology and Public Health (5)
BIOL 482 Honors Marine Biology (4)
BIOL 495 Independent Studies in Biology (1 - 3)
BIOL 499 Experimental Offering in Biology (0.5 - 4)
BIOT 301 Biotechnology and Human Health (3)
BIOT 305 Introduction to Bioinformatics (1)
BIOT 307 Biotechnology and Society (2)
BIOT 311 Biotechnology Laboratory Methods - Molecular Techniques (2)
BIOT 312 Biotechnology Laboratory Methods - Microbial and Cell Culture Techniques (2)
BIOT 499 Experimental Offering in Biology (0.5 - 4)
NATR 300 Introduction to Natural Resource Conservation and Policy (4)
NATR 301 Introduction to Ornithology (4)
NATR 302 Introduction to Wildlife Biology (4)
NATR 303 Energy and Sustainability (3)
NATR 304 The Forest Environment (3)
NATR 305 Fisheries Ecology and Management (4)
NATR 306 Introduction to Rangeland Ecology and Management (4)
NATR 307 Principles of Sustainability (4)
NATR 310 Study Design and Field Methods (4)
NATR 320 Principles of Ecology (4)
NATR 322 Environmental Restoration (3)
NATR 324 Field Studies: Birds and Plants of the High Sierra (2)
NATR 330 Native Trees and Shrubs of California (4)
NATR 332 Wildflowers of California (4)
NATR 346 Water Resources and Conservation (3)
NATR 495 Independent Studies in Natural Resources (1 - 3)
NATR 499 Experimental Offering in Natural Resources (0.5 - 4)
PSYC 310 Biological Psychology (3)
PSYC 311 Biological Psychology Laboratory (1)
Total Units: 18

1must be transfer-level and must include one laboratory course in a physical science and one laboratory course in a biological science

The General Science Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • evaluate new and accepted ideas about the natural universe using scientific methods.
  • analyze a wide variety of natural phenomena using basic definitions and fundamental theories of biological or physical sciences.
  • apply appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods to interpret and analyze pertinent data.
  • outline the basic concepts and fundamental theories of a natural science.
  • articulate orally and/or in writing the importance of continuous examination and modification of accepted ideas as a fundamental element in the progress of science.
  • discuss ethical components of scientific decision making and apply personal and social values within the process of decision making in scientific endeavors.

Geology (GEOL) Courses

GEOL 300 Physical Geology

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:GENSCI 90
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A
  • C-ID:C-ID GEOL 100
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides an introduction to the dynamic nature of Earth through the study of Earth processes. Topics include global plate tectonics and related processes such as seismic and volcanic activity. It also covers mineral and rock formation, and those processes related to the development of fluvial, glacial, desert, and coastal environments. The occurrence, use, and abuse of renewable and non-renewable resources such as air, ground and surface water, and fossil fuels are also covered. Field experiences may be required.

GEOL 301 Physical Geology Laboratory

  • Units:1
  • Hours:54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Corequisite:GEOL 300
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Cal-GETC Area 5C
  • C-ID:C-ID GEOL 100L
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is a laboratory study of the basic principles of geology and their applications to everyday life. It encompasses the study and identification of common rocks and minerals, the interpretation and recognition of geologic structures and landforms, interpretation of maps, aerial photographs, remote sensing images, seismic information, and analysis of geologic hazards. Field experiences may be required.


























GEOL 305 Earth Science

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:GENSCI 90
  • Transferable:CSU; UC (UC credit imitation: No credit if taken after a college level course in Astronomy, Geology, Oceanography or Meteorology)
  • General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A
  • C-ID:C-ID GEOL 120
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course covers major topics in geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. It focuses on Earth as a dynamic and continually evolving planet and emphasizes the relationships between human-Earth interactions. Field trips may be required.

GEOL 306 Earth Science Laboratory

  • Units:1
  • Hours:54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Corequisite:GEOL 305
  • Advisory:Successful completion of Prealgebra and the skills needed to read and write college-level texts.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Cal-GETC Area 5C
  • C-ID:C-ID GEOL 120L
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course emphasizes scientific methods, critical thinking skills, and systematic Earth science laboratory procedures. Topics include weather analysis, rock and mineral identification, study of topographic and geologic maps, and exercises in astronomy and oceanography.

GEOL 310 Historical Geology

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:(GEOL 300 or GEOL 305) and successful completion of Prealgebra and the ability to read and write college-level English.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A
  • C-ID:C-ID GEOL 110
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course covers the geologic history of the Earth as shown by the rock record and by the succession of fauna and flora through the processes of evolution and extinction. Plate tectonics and its driving mechanisms are used to understand the assembly and breakup of supercontinents, growth and erosion of mountains, and changing sea levels. The evolution of species, ecosystems, climates, and landscapes is placed in a plate tectonics context. Stratigraphic, mineralogic, geochemical, and petrographical techniques for interpreting the sequence of past geological events are studied. Field experiences may be required.

GEOL 311 Historical Geology Laboratory

  • Units:1
  • Hours:54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Corequisite:GEOL 310
  • Advisory:GEOL 300 and 301
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Cal-GETC Area 5C
  • C-ID:C-ID GEOL 110L
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is a laboratory study in historical geology. It applies principles of physical geology and paleontology in the reconstruction of the history of the Earth. Exercises in stratigraphy, paleontology, and interpretation of geologic maps are utilized. Field experiences may be required.

GEOL 320 Global Climate Change

  • Same As:GEOG 305
  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:GENSCI 90
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course explores the history and mechanisms of climate change in Earth’s past, as well as the methods that scientists use to investigate climate change. It also focuses on climate change in Earth’s recent history (the past few million years) and the role that humans have had in climate change, especially since the Industrial Revolution. Additionally, it investigates the effects of climate change in today’s world and presents possible technological and political solutions to this vast and increasingly important problem, and how societies may adapt to the changes. Field experiences may be required. This course is not open to students who have completed GEOG 305.

GEOL 325 Environmental Hazards and Natural Disasters

  • Same As:GEOG 307
  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Successful completion of Prealgebra and the skills needed to read and write college-level texts.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course covers the environmental effects and applications of Earth-related processes. It focuses on earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, flooding, hurricanes, and related current events. Additional topics include the availability and exploitation of natural resources, waste disposal, and global climate change. Humans as a force in environmental change are emphasized. This course addresses geology, engineering, environmental studies, natural resources, geography, and science education. Field experiences may be required. This course is not open to students who have completed GEOG 307.

GEOL 330 Introduction to Oceanography

  • Same As:GEOG 308
  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Successful completion of Prealgebra and the skills needed to read and write college-level texts.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an integrated study of the world's oceans, including the physical, chemical, biological, and human-made processes that affect the oceans. Topics include plate tectonics, ocean basins and sediments, water chemistry, waves, tides, shoreline processes, ocean currents, and biosystems. Human impacts on oceans will also be discussed. Regional oceanographic features are emphasized and field experiences may be required. This course is not open to students who have completed GEOG 308.

GEOL 331 Introduction to Oceanography Lab

  • Same As:GEOG 309
  • Units:1
  • Hours:54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Corequisite:GEOG 308 or GEOL 330
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Cal-GETC Area 5C
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is a laboratory investigation of Earth's oceans, emphasizing coastal processes of California. Topics include plate tectonics, ocean basins and sediments, water chemistry, waves, tides, shoreline processes, ocean currents, and biosystems. Field experiences may be required. This course is not open to students who have completed GEOG 309.

GEOL 345 Geology of California

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Successful completion of Prealgebra and the skills needed to read and write college-level texts.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A
  • C-ID:C-ID GEOL 200
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides a survey of the physical and historical aspects of California geology, emphasizing the linkage of geology and people through economic and social impacts. It is recommended for non-majors and majors in geology and is of particular value to science, engineering, environmental studies, education, and economics majors. Field experiences may be required.

GEOL 392 Field Studies in Mountain Landscapes

  • Units:1 - 4
  • Hours:6 - 24 hours LEC; 36 - 144 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course explores the geologic processes that form mountains, as well as the importance of mountains as sources of water, energy, mineral resources, and biodiversity. The environmental hazards posed by mountains are studied, along with the human impacts on mountains. Course content varies by destination and may include topics in geologic processes, geomorphology, meteorology, and plant and animal habitats. This course also introduces geologic field techniques such as geologic map interpretation, and use of compass, rock hammers, and GPS. Field trips are required.

GEOL 393 Field Studies in Coastal Landscapes

  • Units:1 - 4
  • Hours:6 - 24 hours LEC; 36 - 144 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course explores the dynamics of the coastal ocean environment, the array of geomorphic processes, and the range of landforms found on the ocean's edge, as well as offshore. Topics include the work of waves and tides and resultant changes to coastal features, types of beach materials, storm impacts, and coastal responses to climate change. Coastal impacts on humans and human impacts on coasts are also examined including engineering solutions to coastal hazards. Field trips are required. A field trip expense fee may be required to cover camping fees, lodging, or other incidentals. The instructor should be contacted for details prior to the first meeting.

GEOL 394 Field Studies in Volcanic Landscapes

  • Units:1 - 4
  • Hours:6 - 24 hours LEC; 36 - 144 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course studies geologic principles, processes, and features in volcanic environments. Course content varies by destination and will include topics in physical geology (plate tectonics, volcanic eruption types, volcanic products, climatic and other environmental effects of volcanoes, including natural hazards as well as human interactions with volcanoes). It also introduces tools and techniques used for geologic field work such as maps, map reading, compass, and the Global Positioning System (GPS). Field trips are required. A field trip expense fee may be required to cover camping fees, lodging, or other incidentals. The instructor should be contacted for details prior to the first meeting.

GEOL 495 Independent Studies in Geology

  • Units:1 - 3
  • Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

Independent Study is an opportunity for the student to extend classroom experience in this subject, while working independently of a formal classroom situation. Independent study is an extension of work offered in a specific class in the college catalog. To be eligible for independent study, students must have completed the basic regular catalog course at American River College. They must also discuss the study with a professor in this subject and secure approval. Only one independent study for each catalog course will be allowed.

GEOL 499 Experimental Offering in Geology

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

Field trips to selected locations of geologic interest in California and bordering areas. This course provides a general geologic understanding of a particular region of California and/or bordering areas. Course content may include pate tectonics, earthquakes and seismicity, geomorphology, recent volcanic activity, glacial features, ore deposits, mining, regional geology, and structural geology (faulting). Intended for those with a general interest in geology, earth science, environmental studies, civil engineering, science education, or the outdoors. Field trips(s) required.

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