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You are in the official 1995-96 General Catalog for California State University, Fresno.

Geology

The Department of Geology at California State University, Fresno offers courses leading to Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees, as well as a Minor in Geology, which is especially well suited for primary and secondary teachers.

Coursework and research emphasize field and laboratory investigations of geologic problems. Our field orientation takes advantage of the university's proximity to the Sierra Nevada, the California Coast Ranges, coastal California, and the desert provinces. This unique location gives faculty and students access to an unparalleled geologic laboratory all within one to five hours driving time from the university.

The department's close relationship with state agencies and the private sector enables many students to pursue internships or part-time work in geology while they complete their degrees.

The Bachelor of Science degree prepares students for employment in petroleum geology, mineral exploration, land-use planning, environmental investigation, hydrology, and engineering geology, or for teaching earth science or physical science at the secondary level. The Master of Science program provides a graduate degree for students who want to work in industry or government on the professional level, for students who want to teach earth science in junior college, or for students who wish to pursue further graduate study.

Our applied geology option specializes in engineering geology, hydrogeology (physical or chemical) or exploration geology fields, which have the strongest employment potential.

Students may also participate in coursework and research in marine geology and oceanography offered through Moss Landing Marine Laboratories in Monterey Bay. Consult the chairs of the Geology and Biology departments. See Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, Biology Department. Facilities and Support

Department equipment includes X-ray fluorescence spectrometer and X-ray diffractometer; polarizing microscopes for transmitted and reflected light petrography; cathode luminoscope for microscopic study of textures; heating-freezing stage for microscopic study of fluid inclusions; rock preparation laboratory, which includes crushing and mineral separation facilities, as well as diamond saws and lapping machines for preparing thin and polished sections; microcomputers and peripherals; IBM and SUN engineering workstations; and field and laboratory equipment for water chemistry studies. Also available are field geophysical instruments: 12 channel seismograph, single channel seismograph DC resistivity meter, magnetometer/gradiometer, laptop computer. There are two four-wheel drive vehicles and three other field vehicles.

Equipment available elsewhere on campus includes:

• Atomic absorption-flame emission spectrometers
• Ion and gas chromatographs
• Electron microscopes
• Mass and magnetic resonance spectrometers

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