Department of Geological Sciences

18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge
CA 91330-8266

Phone: (818) 677-3541
E-mail: geology@csun.edu

Hours:
Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm

Description of Geology Courses


LOWER-DIVISION

Geol 101. Geology of Planet Earth (3)

Studies of the geologic materials and processes that shape our earth and environment are explored as they relate to our everyday lives. Topics include: global tectonics; earthquakes and other geologic hazards; glacial, river and coastal processes that form our landscapes; water, mineral and energy resources; and waste disposal and pollution. Students using this course to satisfy the Natural Sciences section of General Education may satisfy the corresponding lab requirement by completing GEOL 102. Students may not receive credit for both GEOL 100 and 101. Lecture 3 hours, field trip.

Geol 102. Geology of Planet Earth Lab (1)

Recommended Corequisite or Preparatory: GEOL 100 or 101. Identification of rocks and minerals. Introduction to topographic maps and how they are used to interpret geologic processes and geologic history. Interpretation of geologic maps and data relating to earthquakes and plate tectonics. Satisfies the lab requirement in Natural Sciences of General Education provided either GEOL 100 or 101 is completed. Lab 3 hours, field trips.

Geol 106LRS. earth and space science for liberal studies majors (3)

Prerequisites: Completion of the lower-division writing requirement. Analysis of Earth systems (atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere), the solar system, and the universe. Selected topics include structure and composition of the Earth; minerals and rocks; plate tectonics; landforms and surface processes; natural hazards, such as floods, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions; physical oceanography, the water cycle, weather and climate; formation of the universe and solar system, and evolution of stars and galaxies. Three hours of lecture per week. Available for Earth Science credit for Liberal Studies

Geol 110. Earth History (3)

Introduction to the dynamic study of the Earth’s evolution, including changes in its crust, oceans, atmosphere, and climate, and how these changes, woven into the fabric of geologic time, affected major groups of plants and animals, including dinosaurs and humans. Students using this course to satisfy a General Education requirement in Natural Sciences may satisfy the corresponding lab requirement by completing GEOL 112.

Geol 112. Earth History Lab (1)

Recommended Corequisite or Preparatory: GEOL 100 or 101. Course content includes introduction to fossil, relative-age relationships, and construction and interpretation of maps and cross-sections that emphasize paleogeography and sedimentary rocks. May be used to satisfy the lab requirement in Natural Sciences of General Education provided GEOL 110 is completed. Lab 3 hours, a 1-day field trip.

Geol 122. The World Ocean (3)

Introduction to the oceans. Evolution of the ocean basins, their environment and resources. Aspects of biological, chemical, geological and physical oceanography. Students using this course to satisfy a General Education requirement may satisfy the corresponding lab requirement by completing GEOL 123. Lecture 3 hours, field trips.

Geol 123. World Ocean Lab (1)

Recommended Corequisite or Preparatory: GEOL 122. Introduction to oceanographic data, its collection and interpretation. May be used to satisfy the lab requirement in the Natural Sciences of General Education provided GEOL 122 is also completed. Lab 3 hours, field trips.

Geol 130. Geologic Hazards (3)

Study of geologic conditions that pose a potential danger to life and property such as earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, floods, beach erosion and waste disposal. Included are cause and effect relationships and mitigation and control measures. (Available for General Education, Natural Sciences) Credit cannot be received for both GEOL 130 and 300. Lecture 3 hours, field trips.

Geol 207/L. Mineralogy and lab (2/1)

Corequisite: 207L. Preparatory: GEOL 101 and 102 and CHEM 101 or 105. Study of the nonsilicate and silicate minerals with emphasis on crystallography, mineral chemistry, physical properties, occurrence, origin and associations. Lecture 2 hours, lab 3 hours, field trips. (Offered fall semester)

Geol 235. Field Geology I (2)

Preparatory: GEOL 102. Study of and practice in techniques and methods of geologic field studies, including note taking, mapping, analysis of geologic history and structures, and introduction to geologic illustration and report writing. Approximately 6 days of field work (including overnight weekend trips), associated with a weekly 3 hour instructional and advisement meeting designed to develop skills in field techniques and to use GIS in creating geologic illustrations.

UPPER-DIVISION

Geol 300. Environmental Geology (3)

Preparatory: Completion of the lower-division writing requirement. Study of the relationship between humans and the earth and the application of geology to environmental problems. Topics include geological hazards, pollution, mineral and energy resources, land use planning, and environmental impact. Students using this course to satisfy a General Education requirement in the Natural Sciences may satisfy the corresponding lab requirement by completing GEOL 301. Credit cannot be received for both GEOL 130 and 300. Lecture 3 hours, field trips.

Geol 301. Environmental Geology Lab (1)

Recommended Corequisite or Preparatory: GEOL 300. Introduction to geologic materials and processes as they are applicable to the human environment. Included are practical exercises on rocks, minerals, geologic maps, and water, mineral and energy resources. Earthquake, volcanic, landslide, and flood hazard evaluations are also performed. Lab 3 hours, field trips. May be used to satisfy the lab requirement in the Natural Sciences of General Education provided GEOL 300 is also completed.

Geol 307/L. Petrology and lab (2/2)

Corequisite: GEOL 307L. Preparatory: GEOL 207/L. Introduction to the classification and origin of igneous and metamorphic rocks, including the optical properties of minerals. Lab study of these rocks utilizes hand-specimen characteristics and the petrographic microscope. Lecture 2 hours, lab 6 hours, field trips. (Offered spring semester)

Geol 310/L. Structural Geology and lab (2/2)

Corequisite GEOL 310L. Recommended Corequisite or Preparatory: GEOL 307. Study of rock deformational processes and resulting structures in the Earth’s crust. Lab work emphasizes the use of graphic methods to assist in the geometric and kinematic interpretation of rock structures. Lecture 2 hours, lab 6 hours.

Geol 322/L. Introductory Oceanography and lab (3/1)

Corequisite: GEOL 322L. Preparatory: GEOL 101 and completion of the lower-division writing requirement. Designed for the engineering or science major who requires a general background in oceanography. Study of biological, chemical, geological, and physical oceanography. Lecture 3 hours, lab 3 hours, field trips.

Geol 335. FIELD GEOLOGY II (2)

Preparatory: GEOL 235. Recommended Corequisite: GEOL 341. Emphasizes the observation and interpretation of sedimentary rocks and stratigraphic problems in the field and techniques used to measure stratigraphic sections. 6 days of study in the field (including overnight weekend trips), associated with a weekly 3-hour instructional and advisement meeting designed to develop skills in field techniques and report writing and illustration.

Geol 341/L. Sedimentation and Stratigraphy and lab (2/2)

Corequisite: 341L. Preparatory: GEOL 307; instructor consent. Introduction to the processes of sedimentation; the texture, composition, and classification of sedimentary rocks; depositional environments; and stratigraphic sequences and correlation techniques. Lecture 2 hours, lab 6 hours.

Geol 345. Geology of California (2)

Preparatory: Completion of the lower-division writing requirement. Study of the geologic history, structure, minerals, rocks, fossil, and modern geologic processes of California. Lecture 2 hours, field trips.

Geol 351/L. Fundamentals of Paleontology and lab (3/1)

Corequisite: GEOL 351L. Preparatory: 2 courses in either Geology or Biology. Survey of past life on the earth, including fossil cyanobacteria, macroscopic algae, protoctists, plants (also spores and pollen), invertebrate, and vertebrates, their evolution, distribution, and paleontology, with emphasis on methods used by paleontologists, especially for environmental studies. Lecture 3 hours, lab 3 hours, field trips.

Geol 370/L. Computer Applications in Geology and lab (1/1)

Corequisite: 370L. Introduction to computer applications in geology. Subjects include graphical presentation of geological data, introductory statistics and data analysis, geologic data base acquisitions and data base management, computer contouring and geologic maps and cross sections with computers. Term projects are required. Lecture 1 hour, lab 3 hours.

GeoL 406LRS. liberal studies science experience capstone (1)

Prerequisites: BIOL 100, 101 or 102; PHSC 170; GEOL 106LRS or GEOG 106LRS. This laboratory course serves as a culminating science experience for Liberal Studies majors in the pre-credential and ITEP options. An interdisciplinary blend of biology, physics, chemistry, and earth and space sciences from Lower-Division courses will be integrated into the course as various topics are explored through the broad lens of earth science. Hands-on investigations will include topics linked to California K-6 State Science Standards such as the nature of science, astronomy and the solar system, solar energy and meteorology, the water cycle, fossils and the evolution of life, rocks and minerals, natural resources, plate tectonics and Earth's structure, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and geomorphology. Three-hour laboratory.

Geol 431A-R. Advanced Field Studies (1)

Preparatory: GEOL 435. Advanced techniques of field observation, recording, analysis, and report writing in various fields of geology. A- Minerals; B-Igneous Rocks; C-Metamorphic Rocks; D-Sedimentary Rocks; E-Sedimentary Environments; F-Invertebrate Paleontology; G-Micropaleontology; H -Oceanography; I-California Geology; J- Environmental Geology; K-Engineering Geology; L-Hydrogeology; M-Geophysics; N-Remote Sensing; O-Geochemistry; P-Structural Geology; Q-Quaternary Geology; R-General Geology. Individual courses may not be repeated. (Requires 6 days of field work, usually on weekends.)

Geol 435. FIELD GEOLOGY III (2)

Preparatory: GEOL 335 and 341. Recommended Corequisite or Preparatory: GEOL 310. Geologic field mapping of moderately deformed sedimentary rocks. At least 6 days of field work (including overnight weekend trips), associated with a weekly 3-hour instructional and advisement meeting designed to provide extensive practice in writing and illustrating geologic reports.

Geol 460. THEORETICAL GEOPHYSICS (3)

Preparatory: PHYS 225, 226, and 227 and MATH 250, or instructor consent. Application of classical physics to the study of the Earth. Topics include origin of earth, its gravitational, geomagnetic, and geothermal characteristics, seismicity and the dynamics of the Earth’s crust, plate tectonics, and continental drift. Lecture 3 hours, field trips.

Geol 464/L. Applied Geophysics and LAB (2/1)

Corequisite: GEOL 464L. Preparatory: GEOL 235, 307, MATH 150A or 255A or instructor consent. Introduction to the basic principles and techniques of geophysics. Includes study of seismic reflection and refraction, earthquakes, gravity, magnetic, electrical resistivity, ground penetrating radar, and global positioning system satellites. Lecture 2 hours, lab 3 hours, field trips.

Geol 497. Research Methods and Design (1)

Preparatory: Junior or senior standing and instructor consent. Students are advised and guided in research methods and design. Students use critical reasoning and the scientific method to develop and write their own research proposal, to execute the project for their Senior thesis. The written proposal is patterned after those required by the National Science Foundation.

Geol 498. Senior Thesis (1)

Preparatory: GEOL 497 and instructor consent. Following approval by the thesis advisor of a written proposal, the student completes an original research project in consultation with the faculty advisor. Results of the research is presented orally to the Department of Geological Sciences.

Geol 499. Independent Study (1-3)

See Independent Study under Courses of Study. Cannot be used for General Education credit.

GRADUATE COURSES

Geol 500. Environmental Geology Seminar (3)

Prerequisite: Upper-division standing in Geology or consent of instructor. Seminar on current literature and research dealing with contemporary problems in environmental geology. Suggested topics are: environmental impact analysis; hazard evaluation for earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, landslides; coastal erosion; surface and subsurface water resources and pollution; mineral and energy resources and waste disposal. Seminar 3 hours.

Geol 505. The Evolution of Global Systems (3)

Preparatory: GEOL 351. The impact of biological, physical, and astronomical forces on the evolution of Earth systems throughout all of geologic time are studied. Combination of lecture/discussion and student seminars on material from the scientific literature including use of internet resources.

Geol 508/L. Invertebrate Paleontology and lab (3/1)

Corequisite: 508L. Preparatory: GEOL 351 or BIOL 313 and 392B. Detailed study of mega-invertebrate fossils including their taxonomy, morphology, skeletal chemistry, fossil record, evolutionary trends, ecology, and paleoecology. Lecture 3 hours, lab 3 hours, field trips.

Geol 510. Advanced Topics in Paleontology (3)

Preparatory: GEOL 341, 351 and 508. Seminars in various topics in Invertebrate Paleontology, such as biostratigraphy, paleoecology, functional morphology, etc. May be repeated for credit as topic changes. Seminar 3 hours.

Geol 513/L. MICROPALEONTOLOGY and LAB (2/2)

Corequisite: 513L. Preparatory: GEOL 351 or BIOL 313. Study of microfossils, especially Foraminifer and Radiolara; their classification, common genera, morphology, evolutionary trends, ecology, paleoecology, and use as indicators of present and past environments. Students are required to work and report on unknown material. Lecture 2 hours, lab 6 hours.

Geol 520/L. Advanced Stratigraphic Analysis and lab (1/1)

Corequisite: 520L. Preparatory: GEOL 341 or instructor consent. Principles and techniques of stratigraphic analysis with emphasis on interpreting the stratigraphic record to aid in reconstruction of environment of deposition and paleogeography. Revolves around a field problem and includes application of methods from physical stratigraphy, biostratigraphy, and sedimentary petrology to solution of the problem. Lecture 1 hour, lab 3 hours.

Geol 521. Sedimentary Environments (3)

Preparatory: GEOL 341 or instructor consent. Study of the characteristics of modern sedimentary environments and how these characteristics are used to recognize ancient sedimentary environments. Seminar 3 hours.

Geol 523/L. Sedimentation and Tectonics and lab (2/2)

Corequisite: GEOL 523L. Preparatory: GEOL 310, 335, and 341, or instructor consent. Lecture topics include a review of plate tectonic theory, followed by detailed discussions of the sedimentary and structural histories of basins from assorted tectonic settings. Labs include study of thin sections of sediments and sedimentary rocks, particularly clastic sedimentary rocks from basin types discussed in lecture, and the collection and analysis of field data used in basin studies. Lecture 2 hours, lab 6 hours, field trips.

Geol 525/L. Seismic Stratigraphy Seminar and Lab (1/2)

Corequisite: GEOL 525L. Preparatory: GEOL 464. Introduction to the fundamentals of seismic stratigraphy, emphasizing the interpretation of seismic reflection profiles. Seminar 1 hour, lab 6 hours, field trip.

Geol 528/L. Sedimentary Petrology and lab (2/2)

Corequisite: 528L. Preparatory: GEOL 341 or instructor consent. Lecture topics include review of the depositional characteristics and classification of sedimentary rocks, followed by discussion of diagenesis and its impact on rock properties. Lab study emphasizes common techniques used in the study of sedimentary rocks, such as standard and cathodoluminescence petrography, scanning-electron microscopy, heavy-mineral separation, and X-ray diffraction. Lecture 2 hours, lab 6 hours.

Geol 530. Seminar in Structural Geology and Tectonics (3)

Prerequisite: GEOL 310. Critical review of selected topics concerning the analysis, interpretation, and origin of geologic structures, and the mechanics of rock deformation and of large scale crustal deformation. Seminar 3 hours.

Geol 533/L. GEOLOGY OF EARTHQUAKES (2/1)

Preparatory: Geol 310. Lecture topics will include a review of plate tectonics, rock mechanics, seismology, tectonic geodesy, paleoseismology, tectonic geomorphology, and seismic hazard assessment. Detailed discussions will include study of recent major earthquakes that have occurred in strike-slip, thrust/reverse, megathrust (subduction zone), and normal-fault tectonic settings. Labs will include study of air photos, geologic maps, trench logs, and core descriptions from studies of recent earthquakes; and the collection and analysis of field data used in earthquake studies. Lecture 2 hours, lab 3 hours, field trips.

Geol 535. Field GEOLOGY IV (2)

Preparatory: GEOL 310 and 435. Advanced geologic field mapping of structurally complex sedimentary, igneous, and/or metamorphic rocks. At least 6 days of field work (including overnight weekend trips), associated with a weekly 3-hour instructional and advisement meeting designed to provide extensive practice in writing and illustrating geologic reports and analysis of field data.

Geol 536/L. IGNEOUS PETROLOGY and lab (3/1)

Corequisite: 536L. Preparatory: GEOL 307. Study of the more important kinds of igneous rocks, emphasizing distribution, origin, causes of compositional variation, and relation to tectonic factors. Representative rock suites and computer techniques are studied in the lab. Lecture 3 hours, lab 3 hours, field trips.

Geol 538/L. Metamorphic Petrology and lab (1/1)

Corequisite: 538L. Preparatory: GEOL 307. Study of the various facies of metamorphic rocks with emphasis on classification, mineralogy, and environments of formation. Mineral assemblages and textural relationships are studied in thin sections. Lecture 1 hour, lab 3 hours, field trips.

Geol 552. Geochemistry (3)

Preparatory: GEOL 307 or instructor consent. Application of the principles of chemistry to geological problems. Topics include nucleosynthesis, origin of the solar system, elemental distribution, and stable and unstable isotopes. Lecture 3 hours.

Geol 553. Analytical Geochemistry (1)

Preparatory: CHEM 102 and GEOL 307, or instructor consent. Instrumental analysis of rocks and minerals. Includes theory and practical application of X-ray spectrography, X-ray diffraction, atomic absorption spectrophotometry, mass-spectrometry, and electron microprobe. Lab 3 hours.

Geol 563. Marine Geology (3)

Preparatory: GEOL 307 and 322, or instructor consent. Plate tectonics and evolution of the ocean, geomorphology and structure of the ocean floor, classification, distribution, and environment of marine sediments, paleo-oceanography. Field trips, class participation, and research paper required. Lecture and seminar 3 hours.

Geol 567/L. Geological Remote Sensing and lab (1/2)

Corequisite: 567L. Preparatory: Upper-division standing in Geology or instructor consent. By using multiple types of airborne and satellite remote sensing imagery, including analog and digital photography, radar (SAR) and satellite thematic mapper and SPOT images, students will learn to identify and map geologic and environmental features and conditions. Field trips to JPL and a geologic/ environmental site. Lecture 1 hour, lab 6 hours.

Geol 570VLA. VOLCANOLOGY (3)

Preparatory GEOL 307 and GEOL 341, or consent of Instructor. Course topics include styles of volcanic eruptions, volcanic landforms, physicochemical controls on eruptions, characteristics and interpretation of volcanic deposits, emplacement of pyroclastic density currents, volcanic hazards, and impacts of volcanism on Earth’s environment. Lecture 3 hours.

Geol 575/L. Hydrogeology and lab (3/1)

Corequisite: 575L. Preparatory: Upper-division standing in Geology, Engineering, or other related areas; MATH 255A. Study of groundwater, emphasizing geologic controls, occurrence, movement, development, management, and quality. Lab: Mapping and interpretation of hydrogeologic data. Field and lab methods are used to characterize and quantify aquifer properties, geometry and input and output. Lecture 3 hours, lab 3 hours, field trips. (Offered fall semester)

Geol 578. Groundwater Modeling (3)

Preparatory: GEOL 575 and computer literacy. Approximation of groundwater equations by finite-difference and finite-element methods. Practical exercises on calibration, verification, and prediction of groundwater behavior and solute movement under various initial and boundary conditions.

Geol 580/L. Engineering Geology and lab (2/1)

Corequisite: 580L. Preparatory: Upper-division standing in Geology or consent of instructor. Application of geologic factors to engineering projects such as residential developments, buildings, dams, bridges, tunnels and waste disposal sites. Topics include an introduction to soil mechanics, groundwater in engineering geology, landslides, earthquakes, subsidence, waste disposal and engineering geologic site investigations, maps and reports. Lecture 2 hours, lab 3 hours, field trips.

Geol 595a-z. Experimental topics courses in Geological Sciences (1-3)

Preparatory: Instructor consent. Experimental topics in the geological sciences with the course content to be determined.

A—Crystallography; B—Mineralogy; C—Geochemistry; D—Igneous Petrology; E—Sedimentary Petrology; F—Metamorphic Petrology; G— Structural Geology; H—Economic Geology; I—Stratigraphy; J—Seismic Stratigraphy; JL—Seismic Stratigraphy Lab; K—Engineering Geology; L—Isotope Geology; M—Paleontology; N—Field Problems; R—Current Research; S—Groundwater Modeling; T—Advanced Hydrogeology; U—Hydrogeochemistry; V—Geologic Evolution of California; W—Remote Sensing and the Environment; X—Marine Paleoecology and Sedimentation; Y—Geological Sciences Teacher Enhancement; YG—General Geology for the K-12 Teacher; ZOL—Global Geologic Issues for the K-12 Teacher (on-line). Topics may be repeated with advisor approval.

Geol 696. Directed Graduate Research (1-3)

Geol 698. Thesis or Graduate Project (1-6)

Geol 699. Independent Study (1-3)

See independent study under courses of study