Program Summary
GEOLOGY - Associate in Science
2022 - 2023, 2023 - 2024, 2024 - 2025
Geology entails the study of the formation and evolution of Earth, Earth's materials, and Earth processes using the scientific method. The Cuesta College Geological Sciences program is designed to provide students with an appreciation of both the large-scale and small-scale processes as well as both the internal and external processes that created the landscapes of Earth, and how a fundamental understanding of geology is applicable to the environment, construction, engineering, and daily life such as health, economics, politics, and foreign relationships. The program consists of a sequence of courses, including field studies, that prepare students for a variety of career opportunities.
Career Opportunities
Research Assistant, Quality Control Inspector, GIS Technician, Petroleum Supply Specialist, Environmental Field Technician, Geological Technician (petroleum)
Required Courses (14 credits)
Units: 14.0
GEOL 210
PHYSICAL GEOLOGY
4.0
GEOL 220
GEOLOGY OF CALIFORNIA
3.0
3.0
GEOL 212
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY
3.0
OR
GEOL 230
INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
3.0
OCEN 210
OCEANOGRAPHY
3.0
OCEN 210L
OCEANOGRAPHY LABORATORY
1.0
Plus 2 credits from the following:
Units: 2.0
GEOL 229A
GEOSCIENCE FIELD STUDIES IN YOSEMITE AND EASTERN SIERRA
1.0
GEOL 229B
GEOSCIENCE FIELD STUDIES IN DEATH VALLEY
1.0
GEOL 229C
GEOSCIENCE FIELD STUDIES ON COASTS AND COASTAL PROCESSES
1.0
GEOL 229D
GEOSCIENCE FIELD STUDIES
1.0
Plus 10 credits from the following:
Units: 10.0
CHEM 201A
GENERAL COLLEGE CHEMISTRY I
5.0
CHEM 201B
GENERAL COLLEGE CHEMISTRY II
5.0
MATH 265A
CALCULUS I
5.0
MATH 265B
CALCULUS II
5.0
PHYS 208A
PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS 1
5.0
PHYS 208B
PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS 2
5.0
Total: 26.0
Program Outcomes
Utilize the principles of the scientific method as it relates to Earth science.
Application in a lab or lecture activity.
Classify, identify, and interpret earth materials such as minerals, igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic rocks, and fossils.
Topical identification labs for the earth materials. Lecture and/or lab exams for their formation conditions and processes.
Evaluate earth processes and/or earth history, using earth materials and geologic principles.
Lecture and lab activities. Lecture and lab exams.
Recognize and assess earth materials and geologic processes in the field.
Evaluation of field notes.
Read and interpret geologic data to think critically about geologic processes.
Lab activities. Individual or group projects on areas of study.