Geology
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Geology is the study earth and its change over time, focusing on earth materials, the structure of those materials, and the processes acting upon them.
Students enrolled in the Geology Program at Skyline College will learn how their environment (including the Earth, the atmosphere, ocean, and biosphere) affects human lives and how human activities affect their environment. The Earth Sciences department offers a wide range of courses that fulfill General Education requirements for a variety of majors.
You can learn about careers based in geology on the U.S. Bureau of Labor employment statistics website.
To succeed in Geology, students will need to display a keen intellectual curiosity that pushes them to ask questions and seek answers about the physical world around them and processes that have created it and continue to effect it. Students should have strong critical thinking and analytical skills along with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Skyline College also offers two Associate of Science Degrees in Geology that can help you create a clear path for transfer to a four-year institution.
Career Outlook
Geologists and Geoscientists spend much of their time working in offices and conducting research in laboratories. Most geoscientists work full time. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Geoscientists in California make an average of $105,280 per year.
Looking for a list of classes offered this semester?
Check out the current class schedule.All Courses
GEOL 100 Survey of Geology (3 units)
An introduction to the principles of geology with emphasis on Earth processes. Includes the study of rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, volcanoes, earthquakes, and surface processes such as landslides, rivers, and glaciers.
GEOL 105 Environmental Earth Science (3 units)
An introduction to the fundamentals of Environmental Earth Science including the interactions between humans and the environment in a geologic context. Emphasizes the Earth system and connections between the geosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere.
GEOL 106 Weather and Climate (4 units)
Introduction to the study of Earth's atmosphere as a system, with an emphasis on the physical processes that change our atmosphere in the short term and throughout Earth's history. Topics include: atmospheric structure and composition, energy balances, seasonal changes, atmospheric moisture, storm systems, climate and climate change. Also listed as GEOG 106.
GEOL 210 General Geology (4 units)
An introduction to the principles of geology with emphasis on Earth processes, focusing on the internal structure and origin of the Earth and the processes that change and shape it. The laboratory component focuses on the identification of rocks and minerals, topographic and geologic map exercises and the identification of geologic landforms and hazards.
GEOL 220 Historical Geology (4 units)
Origin and history of the Earth and its development through geologic time. The formation of continents and ocean basins and their modifications through time. The evolution of plants and animals as seen through the fossil record. Emphasis on the geologic history of North America.
GEOL 695 Independent Study in Geology (0.5- 3 units)
Designed for students who are interested in furthering their knowledge via self-paced, individualized, directed instruction provided in selected areas to be arranged with instructor and approved by the division dean using the Independent Study Form. Varying modes of instruction can be used -- laboratory, research, skill development, etc. For each unit earned, students are required to devote three hours per week throughout the semester. Students may take only one Independent Study course within a given discipline.
| Program | Type | Total Units |
|---|---|---|
| Geology for Transfer | AS-T | 60 Units |
Upon completion of the program students will be able to:
- Apply scientific method of thinking to analyze and critically evaluate relevant literature and information, and the use of evidence for support.
- Recognize and accurately articulate how their environment (including the Earth, the atmosphere, ocean, and biosphere) affects humans’ lives and how human activities affect their environment.
- Communicate effectively in a variety of ways, such as scientific writing, visualization of data and ideas, or through oral communication
- Solve quantitative problems, analyze results from data and measurements, form hypotheses from data, test hypotheses
- Recognize the interdisciplinary nature of science and enjoy the process of learning science
| Type | Status | Title | Days | Time | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
OPEN | GEOL 100 - 52731 - Survey of Geology | TBA | James, B |