You are in the official 2007-2008 General Catalog for California State University, Fresno.
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
COURSES
Environmental Science (ENSC)
ENSC 1. Environmental Science (4)
Prerequisite: G.E. Foundation B4. Introduction to environmental science,
focusing on environmental principles and processes. Topics include human
population and consumption, ecosystems and biodiversity, resource management
and conservation, energy sources and technology use, dynamics, ecosystems,
pollution and wastes, environmental economics and ethics, global changes,
and tomorrow's world. (3 lecture, 2 lab hours) G.E. Breadth B1.
ENSC 10. Environmental Material Sciences (3)
Prerequisite: CHEM 1A. Origin, classification, and identification of materials
of environmental concern, including asbestos, radioactive minerals, clays,
and zeolites. Covers theory related to chemical and structural variations
of mineral species in general as well as specific hazards and environmental
remediation techniques using crystaline materials. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
ENSC 100A. Soil and Water Sciences (4)
Prerequisite: BIOSC 1A, CHEM 1B or CHEM 150, ENSC 1 or GEOL 1, PHYS 4B or
2B, MATH 75. Introduction to the physical, chemical, and biological properties
of soil and water in relation to environmental sustainability. Introduction
to the hydrological cycle and distribution of soil and water sources. Discussion
of soil and water resources management and policy issues. (3 lecture, 3
lab hours; optional field trips)
ENSC 100B. Atmospheric Science (3)
Prerequisite: BIOSC 1A, CHEM 1B or CHEM 150, ENSC 1 or GEOL 1, PHYS 4B or
2B, MATH 75. The structure of the atmosphere and humanity's impact upon
it. The causes and consequences of air pollution. Air quality standards.
Stratospheric and tropospheric ozone. Introduction to the chemistry of air
pollution and air pollution control strategies. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours;
optional field trips)
ENSC 199. Environmental Science Senior Project (2)
Prerequisites: senior standing, selection of an adviser and research topic.
For seniors majoring in geology or earth and environmental sciences. Students
present and defend a scientific paper based on a research project to be
determined between the student and the student's adviser. The defense will
be presented to students, faculty, and guests at the end of the semester.
Geology (GEOL)
GEOL 1. Natural Disasters and Earth Resources (4)
Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation B4 (except for those with declared major
in the College of Science and Mathematics). Recommended: MATH 4R or second-year
high school algebra. Processes and materials that produce the different
geologic resources and hazards (earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, landslides).
Plate tectonic theory (including continental drift) as the unifying model
to explain geologic phenomena. Emphasizes the relationship between geology
and humans. G.E. Breadth B1. (3 lecture, 2 lab hours; optional field trips)
(CAN GEOL 2)
GEOL 2. Historical Geology (3)
Prerequisites: GEOL 1. Origin and evolution of solid earth, life, oceans,
and atmosphere as revealed by the rock record's fossil remains with emphasis
on the evolution of life and the physical environment. (2 lecture, 2 lab
hours)
GEOL 3. Geology Field Trip (1; max total 3)
Extended weekend field trip to areas of geologic interest including Yosemite
National Park, Death Valley, or coastal California. May be repeated. Nonmajors
encouraged. CR/NC grading only. (Weekend field trips required; field trip
fee, $60)
GEOL 9. Introduction to Earth Science (3)
Introduction to earth science emphasizing K-6 teacher preparation. Addresses
topics in earthquakes, volcanoes, rock and mineral formation, oceanography,
astronomy, and meteorology. For liberal studies majors only. (2 lecture,
2 lab hours)
GEOL 12. Mineralogy (3)
Prerequisites: GEOL 1; CHEM 1A (or concurrently). Prerequisite: high school
chemistry. Properties, relationships, uses origin of minerals; determination
of common minerals by physical and other tests. Field trips may be required.
(2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
GEOL 30. Introductory Field Methods (2)
Prerequisites: GEOL 1, MATH 5. Introduction to methods and instruments used
in geologic fieldwork. CR/NC grading only. (6 lab/field hours) (Weekend
field trips required)
GEOL 100. Analytical Methods in the Earth Sciences (2)
Prerequisites: GEOL 12 (concurrent enrollment recommended). Covers various
methods for identifying and characterizing crystalline substances. Topics
include crystallography, optical methods for mineral identification, and
powder X-ray diffraction methods for mineral identification and structure
characterization. (1 lecture, 3 lab hours)
GEOL 101. Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (4)
Prerequisites: GEOL 30, 100; CHEM 1B (or concurrently). Origin classification,
textures, structures, and geologic setting of igneous and metamorphic rocks;
examination of samples in outcrop, hand specimen, and thin section. Weekend
field trips required. (3 lecture, 3 lab hours)
GEOL 102. Sedimentology (4)
Prerequisites: GEOL 30, 100, 101. Origin, classifications, textures, and
structures of sedimentary rocks; examination of samples in hand specimen
and thin section. Required field component for field stratigraphy and sedimentology
and for producing a formal field report. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours plus field
project)
GEOL 104. Scientific Writing and Research Techniques (2)
Prerequisites: GEOL 1 or ENSC 1; a passing grade on the Upper-Division Writing
Exam, or completion of an upper-division writing course with a C or higher
(may be taken concurrently). Organizing and writing the scientific report
and thesis. Topics include techniques and conventions in research methods,
evaluation approaches, and presentation of results. Peer reviews. Oral
presentation and term paper required. (1 lecture, 3 lab hours)
GEOL 105. Geomorphology (3)
Prerequisite: GEOL 1; GEOL 30 (or concurrently). Landforms, climates, geologic
processes, and their interrelation in shaping the earth's surface today
and in the geologic past. Interpretation of topographic maps and aerial
photographs. Field trips required. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
GEOL 106. Structural Geology (4)
Prerequisites: GEOL 30, 101; MATH 75 (or concurrently); PHYS 2A. Recognition,
representation, and interpretation of structural features of the earth's
crust. Includes theoretical and mechanical principles. Study of regional
tectonics and major structural provinces of the Cordillera. Required field
component for field mapping, collecting, and producing formal field report.
Field trips required. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours plus field project)
GEOL 107. Advanced Field Methods (3)
Prerequisites: GEOL 102, 104, 106. Field trips to areas of diverse geology;
observation, description, and mapping of geologic phenomena. Includes written
reports of areas selected for study. Students should contact the department
for details. (9 lab hours usually including fieldwork on weekends or during
January intercession and spring vacation)
GEOL 110. Invertebrate Paleontology (3)
Prerequisites: GEOL 1 or BIOL 1A and 1B, or ZOOL 10, and BOT 10. Invertebrate
structures and development of prehistoric animals; introduction to stratigraphic
importance of fossils. Field trips may be required. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
GEOL 112. Planet Earth through Time (3)
Credit not allowed after completion of GEOL 2. Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation
and Breadth Area B. Principles of geology used in the interpretation of
the history of Earth as revealed in rocks and their fossils. Includes origin
of the solar system, evolution of atmosphere and oceans, origin of life,
rise and fall of the dinosaurs, plate tectonics, and ice ages. G.E. Integration
IB. Does not satisfy Division 1 pre-1999 G.E. curriculum.
GEOL 113. Stream Habitat Restoration (3)
Prerequisites: GEOL 1 or BIOL 10 or BIOSC 1A or instructor's consent. Investigation
of stream geology, hydrology, and biology relevant to restoring stream habitat.
Includes collecting and interpreting lab and field data. Field trips required.
(2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
GEOL 114. Engineering Geology (3)
Prerequisites: GEOL 1 and MATH 5 or 72 or 75. Introduction to techniques
and theory of geotechnical investigations. Includes field and lab techniques
in soil and rock mechanics, rock logging, geophysics, slope stability, engineering
hydrogeology, stereo analysis, seismic engineering. Recommended for students
in geology or civil engineering. Field trips required. (2 lecture, 3 lab
hours)
GEOL 117. Hydrogeology (3)
Prerequisites: GEOL 1; MATH 72 or 75; and GEOL 124 and MATH 76 recommended.
The hydrologic cycle; surface water processes; stream flow and hydrograph;
properties of porous geologic materials; principles of groundwater flow;
water wells; geology of groundwater occurrence; water quality and pollution.
Field trip required. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
GEOL 118. Applied Geophysics (3)
Prerequisites: GEOL 1, PHYS 2A and completion of or concurrent enrollment
in PHYS 2B. Presents an overview of geophysics as applied to problems in
exploration, engineering, and environmental geology. Emphasizes hands-on
methods of data acquisition and interpretation that entry-level geologists
will most likely encounter including gravity, magnetics, seismic refraction,
ground-penetrating radar, down-hole surveys, and electrical resistivity.
Field instrumentation is used throughout. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
GEOL 122. Stratigraphy (3)
Prerequisites: GEOL 2, 30, 102 (may be taken concurrently). Stratigraphic
principles and recognition of stratigraphic units. Emphasis on tectonostratigraphic
concepts. (2 lecture, 3 lab/field hours)
GEOL 124. Geochemistry (3)
Prerequisites: CHEM 1A and 1B and GEOL 1 or 15; GEOL 12 and 101 recommended.
Chemistry applied to earth processes and evolution. Reactions involved in
origin and transformations of natural waters, rocks, and minerals. Crystal
chemistry and behavior of elements and isotopes. Field trip required; laboratory
project. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
GEOL 130T. Advanced Problems in Geology
(1-3; max total 6 if no topic repeated)
Prerequisite: senior standing in geology. Topics or problems in the following
fields: engineering geology, geology of North America, field geology, micropaleontology,
advanced ground water geology, sedimentation and sedimentary rocks, geochemistry,
geophysics, volcanic geology and marine geology. Some topics may have labs.
GEOL 150T. Studies in Earth Science (1-3; max total
6)
Applicable to the geology major only with prior departmental approval. Prerequisite:
GEOL 1. Earth science topics designed for students minoring in geology,
with an interest in earth science, in teacher training, and for elementary
and secondary teachers.
GEOL 154. Introductory Earth Science (3)
Not applicable to the B.S. in Geology. Appropriate for liberal studies majors
and K-6 teachers. Earth systems interactions demonstrated through hands-on
activities, experiments, and field work. Topics include recognition, origin,
and use of rocks and minerals; geologic time and fossils; interpretation
of landscapes and the rock record; and plate tectonics. (2 lecture, 2 lab
hours, 1 hour arranged)
GEOL 155. Discovering Earth Science (3)
Not applicable to the B.S. in Geology. Prerequisites: GEOL 1 or 112, or
instructor's permission. Appropriate for students and 7-12 teachers seeking
a secondary school science credential. Activity-based discovery of earth
science and its integration with other sciences. Topics include energy in
the earth system, geochemical cycles, dynamic interactions between the lithosphere,
atmosphere, and hydrosphere, and origin/evolution of the earth. (2 lecture,
2 lab hours, 1 hour arranged)
GEOL 160. Field Studies (1-4; max total 4)
Prerequisite may be specified by instructor. Field trips during weekends
or winter/spring recess to geologically important and significant areas
such as the Grand Canyon, Baja California, the Sierra Nevada, Death Valley.
GEOL 167. Oceans, Atmosphere, and Climate Change
(3)
Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation and Breadth Area B. Integrated introduction
to oceans, atmosphere, and climate change: their origin and evolution; plate
tectonics; ocean currents, waves, and tides; atmospheric circulation and
El Niño; production and life; and environmental issues and concerns.
G.E. Integration IB.
GEOL 168. California's Earth System (3)
Not applicable to B.S. in Geology. Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation and
Breadth Area B. Interaction of earth, water, air, and life in California's
earth system over geologic time. Human interaction with the environment.
G.E. Integration IB.
GEOL 177. Quantitative Methods for Earth Science (3)
Prerequisites: GEOL 1; MATH 75. Applications of mathematical techniques
and quantitative methods in earth science; introduction to basic skills,
including statistical methods, numerical techniques, matrix operations,
and spatial analysis. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
GEOL 178. Geostatistics (3)
Prerequisites: GEOL 1 or ENSC 1; MATH 75 recommended. Principles and application
of geostatistics and visualization techniques in geo-environmental sciences.
Topics include spatial and temporal correlation, variograms, kriging, and
factor analysis. Techniques are used for evaluation of mineral deposits
and characterization of an environment with limited sampling data. (2 lecture
, 3 lab hours, 1 day required field tests)
GEOL 180. Computer Applications in Geology (3)
Use of computers in geology, focusing on such applications as multi-dimensional
graphics, desktop mapping, communications, on-line resources, modeling.
(2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
GEOL 185. Remote Sensing for the Natural Sciences
(3)
Prerequisite: G.E. Breadth, Area B; GEOG 105 recommended. Introduction to
remote sensing techniques, including ultraviolet, visible, and infrared
electromagnetic sensors, both space and aircraft based, and acoustic methods.
Laboratory exercises will use examples from geology, agriculture, and society.
Familiarity with computers required. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
GEOL 186. Earth Science Applications of GIS (3)
Prerequisite: GEOG 107 recommended. Spatial information management, analysis,
interpretation, and display using computer methods. Map concepts, spatial
relationships, database design, and spatial analysis of data. Laboratory
exercises using geologic map data, faults, earthquake epicenters, stream
habitats and restoration, and endangered species. Familiarity with computers
required. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
GEOL 190. Independent Study (1-3; max total 6)
See Academic Placement - Independent
Study. Approved for RP grading.
GEOL 199. Undergraduate Thesis (3)
Prerequisites: GEOL 102, 104, 106; senior standing. Independent research
project in any geologic topic supervised by a faculty member and leading
to completion of baccalaureate degree.
GRADUATE COURSES
(See Catalog Numbering System.)
Geology
GEOL 201. Seminar in Geology (3)
Prerequisite: graduate standing. Seminar covering advanced and evolving
topics in the earth sciences. Requirements include active discussion participation,
frequent oral presentation, and written research papers. Satisfies Graduate
Writing Skills requirement. (3 seminar hours)
GEOL 202. Geology Laboratory Teaching Techniques
(1)
Laboratory safety, lab lecture techniques, earth and environmental science
activity design, equipment setups, student evaluation methods and grading,
peer teaching assessment, leading field trips, etc. Primarily for teaching
associates in geology. CR/NC grading only. (One 2-hour lab)
GEOL 210. Analysis of Faults and Earthquakes (3)
Prerequisites: GEOL 106 and 107. Includes plate tectonic theory; kinematics
and dynamics of fracturing and faulting; formation and propagation of seismic
waves; recognizing and quantifying seismic potential; remote sensing and
geophysics in applied fault studies. Field projects and oral presentations
required. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
GEOL 217T. Topics in Hydrogeology and Environmental
Geology (2-3; max total 6)
Prerequisite: major in geology and/or permission of instructor. Studies
of current issues and recent research topics which may include groundwater
contamination, environmental pollution, and hazardous and nuclear waste
management. Readings from books, journals, and government publications.
Independent research and oral presentation required. Laboratory activities
may be required.
GEOL 220. Groundwater Hydrology (3)
Prerequisites: GEOL 117. MATH 77 recommended. Principles of flow through
porous and fractured media; groundwater hydraulics in the saturated and
unsaturated zones; contaminant transport; introduction to groundwater models.
(2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
GEOL 231. Depositional Systems (3)
Prerequisites: GEOL 102 and 105. Investigation of modern and ancient depositional
systems. Field trip required. (2 lecture, 3 lab hours)
GEOL 232. Basin Analysis Seminar (3)
Prerequisites: GEOL 102 and 106. Topics may include: basin styles, tectonics
and sedimentation, seismic stratigraphy, subsidence and thermal history,
and petroleum plays. Research paper and oral presentation required.
GEOL 250T. Topics in Geology (1-3; may be taken more
than once if no topic is repeated)
Prerequisite: major in geology and/or permission of instructor. Advanced
studies of such areas as petrology, marine geology, and regional stratigraphy.
Some topics may have labs and field trips.
GEOL 251T. Topics in Engineering Geology (1-3; may
be taken more than once if no topic is repeated)
Prerequisites: major or minor in geology; permission of instructor. Advanced
studies in areas such as slope stability, ground water monitoring, drilling
and core logging, water sampling, hazardous waste site investigations, and
geophysical instrumentation.
GEOL 271. Volcanology (3)
Prerequisite: GEOL 101. A study of volcanic activity, including classification,
characteristics, products of eruptions, human interactions with volcanoes
and related phenomena. Field trips required. (1 lecture, 6 lab hours)
GEOL 290. Independent Study (1-3; max total 6)
See Academic Placement - Independent
Study. Approved for RP grading.
GEOL 299. Thesis (2-6; max total 6)
Prerequisite: See Criteria for Thesis
and Project. Preparation, completion, and submission of an acceptable
thesis for the master's degree. Approved for RP grading.
Earth and Environmental Sciences Degrees