Department of Earth Science
(formerly Geological Sciences)
Division of Mathematical, Life, and Physical Sciences,
Webb Hall, Room 1006;
Telephone (805) 893-3471
Undergraduate e-mail: gs-undergraduate-assistant@geol.ucsb.edu
Graduate e-mail: gs-graduate-assistant@geol.ucsb.edu
Website: www.geol.ucsb.edu (will open in a new browser window)
Department Chair: James Mattinson
Contents:
- Faculty
- Overview
- Undergraduate Program
- Bachelor of Science-Geological Sciences
- Bachelor of Science-Geological Sciences-Earth Systems Emphasis
- Bachelor of Science - Geological Sciences - Earth and Planetary Science Emphasis
- Bachelor of Science - Geological Sciences - Geohydrology Emphasis
- Bachelor of Science-Geological Sciences-Paleobiology Emphasis
- Bachelor of Arts-Geological Sciences
- Bachelor of Arts-Geological Sciences-Science Education Emphasis
- Bachelor of Science-Geophysics
- Minor-Geological Sciences
- Graduate Program
- Geological Sciences Courses
Ralph J. Archuleta, Ph.D., UC San Diego Institute for Geophysics and Planetary Physics, Professor (seismic source studies, strong motion seismology)
Tanya M. Atwater, Ph.D., Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Professor (plate tectonics, ocean floor spreading)
Stanley M. Awramik, Ph.D., Harvard University, Professor (biogeology, paleobiology)
James R. Boles, Ph.D., University of Otago, Professor (sedimentary petrology)
Douglas Burbank, Ph.D., Dartmouth College, Professor (tectonic geomorphology, collisional orogens, sedimentation and tectonics, surface processes).
Cathy J. Busby, Ph.D., Princeton University, Professor (sedimentology)
Jordan F. Clark, Ph.D., Columbia University, Associate Professor (hydrogeology)
Michael DeNiro, Ph.D., California Institute of Technology, Professor (stable isotopes and geobiology)
Phillip B. Gans, Ph.D., Stanford University, Associate Professor (structural geology, tectonics, geochronology)
Bradley R. Hacker, Ph.D., UC Los Angeles, Professor (metamorphic petrology, structural geology, geochronology)
Rachel M. Haymon, Ph.D., UC San Diego Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Professor (marine geology and geochemistry)
Chen Ji, Ph.D., California Institute of Technology, Assistant Professor (seismology)
Edward A. Keller, Ph.D., Purdue University, Professor (surface processes, hydrology, environmental geology)
David W. Lea, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, Professor (chemical oceanography and paleo-oceanography)
Bruce P. Luyendyk, Ph.D., UC San Diego Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Professor (tectonics, geophysics, paleomagnetism)
Ken C. Macdonald, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Professor (marine tectonics and magnetism)
James M. Mattinson, Ph.D., UC Santa Barbara, Professor (petrology, isotope geology)
Susannah M. Porter, Ph.D., Harvard University, Assistant Professor (paleontology of early life)
Frank J. Spera, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Professor (igneous petrology, magma transport phenomena)
Toshiro Tanimoto, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Professor (seismology, earth structure)
Bruce H. Tiffney, Ph.D., Harvard University, Professor (evolutionary biology, paleobotany)
David L. Valentine, Ph.D., UC Irvine, Associate Professor (biogeochemistry, geomicrobiology, microbial ecology, geochemistry)
Andre R. Wyss, Ph.D., Columbia University, Professor (vertebrate paleontology)
John C. Crowell, Ph.D., UC Los Angeles, Professor Emeritus (tectonics, paleoclimates)
Michael D. Fuller, Ph.D., Cambridge University, Professor Emeritus (geomagnetism)
Clifford A. Hopson, Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University, Professor Emeritus (igneous and metamorphic petrology)
James P. Kennett, Ph.D., Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, Professor Emeritus (paleo-oceanography, marine geology)
Robert M. Norris, Ph.D., UC San Diego Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Professor Emeritus (geomorphology, quaternary geology)
William A. Prothero, Ph.D., UC San Diego, Professor Emeritus (seismology, seismic instrumentation, educational technology)
Arthur G. Sylvester, Ph.D., UC Los Angeles, Professor Emeritus (structural geology, petrofabrics, neotectonics)
George R. Tilton, Ph.D., University of Chicago, Professor Emeritus (geochronology)
Donald W. Weaver, Ph.D., UC Berkeley, Professor Emeritus (stratigraphy, paleontology)
William S. Wise, Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University, Professor Emeritus (mineralogy, geochemistry)
Robert D. Ballard, Ph.D. (Oceanography)
Oliver Chadwick, Ph.D. (Geography and Environmental)
Thomas Dunne, Ph.D. (School of Environmental Science and Management)
John A. Endler, Ph.D. (Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology)
Patricia A. Holden, Ph.D. (Donald Bren School of Environmental Science and Management)
Craig Nicholson, Ph.D.,(Marine Science Institute)
Richard H. Sibson, Ph.D.,(Earth Science)
Samuel S. Sweet, Ph.D. (Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology)
Douglas Wilson, Ph.D. (Marine Science Institute)
Alone in the solar system, the Earth is a water-rich rocky planet that has given rise to abundant and diverse life. In the Department of Earth Science, we study the whole Earth system, focusing on interactions between the solid earth, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere, and on the historical evolution of the Earth system throughout geologic time. We explore ongoing terrestrial, marine, and interior Earth processes that are taking place today, and we examine the geologic record to illuminate the past behavior and changing properties of our planet over timescales ranging from centuries to billions of years. We use knowledge about active processes to read the rocky record of the past and seek clues to the origins of Earth’s features and life. From the record of the past, we extrapolate to predict global changes that will affect people in the future. We discover the marvels of our home planet at spatial scales ranging from the atomic scale to the global scale, through observations, measurements, experiments, and models.
The Department of Earth Science at UCSB conducts many field studies in geographic areas ranging from the tallest mountain peaks of the Himalayas, the wilderness of Antarctica, to the vast undiscovered depths of the ocean floor. Our graduate and undergraduate students participate directly in the excitement of exploring unknown terra incognita. Taught by a distinguished and dedicated faculty (including several members of the National Academy of Sciences and winners of the UCSB Distinguished Teaching Award), students in Earth Science experience the wonder of discovery and come to appreciate and connect to the unfolding planetary drama of which they are part. Because Earth Science students acquire such diverse tools and skills in mapping, analyzing, visualizing, computing, and problem-solving, they are well-prepared for a broad range of careers in the private sector, government, K-12 education, academia, and the industry.
The faculty and facilities of the Department of Earth Science exist to support and further instruction and research in geological sciences. These endeavors involve the creation and dissemination of knowledge by involving students in conducting research both at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
The goal of the graduate program is to equip young scientists for their future roles as research scientists, teachers, scholars, and productive employees by teaching them to be engaged in lifelong learning and experience, as well as professional and public service. The goal of the undergraduate program is to produce graduates with a broad education in the sciences, a firm grasp of geologic principles and ideas, and an arsenal of intellectual and communication skills. Departmental requirements and goals are organized toward acquisition of basic fundamentals, skills of observation, techniques of data collection and analysis, and training in objective reasoning, writing, and computer literacy. The main vehicle for this training is a strong emphasis on field experience through three field courses and numerous trips attached to other courses.
Students with outstanding academic records in earth science are encouraged to apply for the senior honors program. The honors program centers on an independent research project which must represent a significant advanced undertaking in an area of academic or applied research. It must be approved by the department chair and by a faculty member who serves as the project supervisor. Program requirements include a 3.2 grade-point average in the major and overall, maintenance of the 3.2 grade-point average through the duration of the project, completion of a Geology 196H senior honors thesis under the direction of the faculty supervisor, and the preparation and oral defense of a written thesis. Distinction in the Major will be awarded at graduation to those students whose projects are evaluated as acceptable. Applications are available in the department office and are due by November 1. Students whose projects require funding should apply to the President’s Undergraduate Research Fund before November 1, or the National Science Foundation in early October.
Five-Year Combined Bachelor's/Master's Program
The Department of Earth Science offers a program allowing students to earn combined bachelor of science and master of science degrees in geological sciences or geophysics. See the description below under “Graduate Program.”
Undergraduate Program
Bachelor of Science - Geological Sciences
Preparation for the major. Students must complete the following courses: Geology 1 or 2 or 4; Geology 3; Mathematics 3A, 3B, 3C; Chemistry 1A-AL, 1B-BL, 1C-CL; Physics 1, 2, 3, 4 or Physics 6A-AL, 6B-BL, 6C-CL. Recommended: Geology 15, 18 (fall and spring field trips); Mathematics 5B, 5C; PSTAT 5A. A grade of C- or better is required in all courses in the preparation for the major.
Upper-division major. A minimum of 56 upper division units is required, selected in consultation with the undergraduate advisor. Students must complete core courses: Geology 104A, 114A, 114B, 134, 160 (total of 2 units) and Writing 109 ST. In addition, the following courses must be completed: Geology 103, 104B, 118 and 14 units from: Geology 102A, 102B, 102C, 109, 113, 117, 122 123 124, 156, 157, 160, 164B, 173 .
Concentration in Engineering Geology: Students desiring this concentration must include Geology 100, 113, 117, 168, and 173 (or Geography 116) in their 20 upper-division units of electives. Also recommended for the concentration: Geography 176B, Geology 124AA-ZZ, 169, and Environmental 144.
Note: The concentration will not be specified on the transcript or diploma.
Bachelor of Science - Geological Sciences - Earth Systems Emphasis
Earth systems science emphasizes an integrated view of the earth as a dynamically linked system. Students in this major take traditional geology courses while also pursuing course work in related disciplines, such as ocean, atmospheric, and earth-surface sciences. The program provides broad preparation for both postbaccalaureate employment (especially in environmental fields) and graduate studies in geosciences.
Preparation for the major. Students must complete the following courses: Geology 1 or 2 or 4; Geology 3; Mathematics 3A, 3B, 3C; Chemistry 1A-AL, 1B-BL, 1C-CL; Physics 1, 2, 3, 4 or Physics 6A-AL, 6B-BL, 6C-CL. Recommended courses: Geology 18 (fall and spring field trips), statistics, and a course in computer programming. A grade of C- or better is required in all courses in the preparation for the major.
Upper-division major. A minimum of 56 upper division units is required, selected in consultation with the undergraduate advisor. The core requirements are as follows: Geology 104A, 114A, 114B, 134, 160 (total of 2 units) and Writing 109 ST. The emphasis requirements are: 4 units from Geology 124AA-ZZ, 164A , 130, 164B, 8 units of Senior research experience (Geology 118, 181,182) and 10 units from: Geology 104B, 102A, 102B, 102C, 117, 123, 157, 160, 161, 168, 169, 171, 198, 199; Chemistry 113A; Geography 104, 110, 115A, 115B, 116 OR other UCSB course with permission from faculty advisor.
Bachelor of Science - Geological Sciences - Earth and Planetary Science Emphasis
Preparation for the major: : Students must complete the following courses: Geology 1 or 2 or 4; Geology 3; Mathematics 3A, 3B, 3C; Chemistry 1A-AL, 1B-BL, 1C-CL; and Physics 1, 2, 3, 4 or Physics 6A-AL, 6B-BL, 6C-CL; Astro 1.
Upper-division major: A minimum of 56 upper division units is required, selected in consultation with the undergraduate advisor. The core requirements are: Geology 104A, 114A, 114B, 134, 160 (total of 2 units), and Writing 109ST. The emphasis requirements are: Geography 110, Geology 123, Geology 135, Chemistry 113A and 18 units from the list: Geology 102A, 102B, 103, 124G, 157, 159A, 159B, 164B; Geography 157, 176A, 176B; Chemistry 113B, 113C.
Bachelor of Science - Geological Sciences - Geohydrology Emphasis
Preparation for the major: Students must complete the following courses: Geology 1 or 2 or 4; Geology 3; Mathematics 3A, 3B, 3C; Chemistry 1A-AL, 1B-BL, 1C-CL; and Physics 1, 2, 3, 4 or Physics 6A-AL, 6B-BL, 6C-CL. Recommended: Geology 19
Upper-division major: A minimum of 56 upper division units is required, selected in consultation with the undergraduate advisor. The core requirements are: Geology 104A, 114A, 114B, 134, 160 (total of 2 units), and Writing 109ST. The emphasis requirements are: Geology 117, 168, 173 and 21 units from the list: Geology 100, 104B, 122, 130, 164B, 164C, 169, 171; Environmental Studies 144; Environmental Studies/Geography 114A; Geography 112, 162A, 176B, 176BL.
Bachelor of Science - Geological Sciences - Paleobiology Emphasis
Paleobiology is the study of fossils as evidence for the patterns and processes of evolution over geological time. Fossils embody some, but not all, of the traits of the animals they represent. The paleobiologist seeks to understand the geological context in which a fossil is found and to interpret the biology of the fossil from a sound knowledge of living organisms. Students in paleobiology take most of the traditional Geology courses in addition to their coursework in biology and related fields.
Preparation for the major. Recommended: Geology 18. A grade of C- or better is required in all courses in the preparation for the major. Students must complete the following courses: Geology 1 or 2 or 4; Geology 3; Mathematics 34A, 34B; Chemistry 1A-AL, 1B-BL, 1C-CL; Physics 1,2,3,4, or 6A-AL, 6B-BL, 6C-CL; MCDB 1A-1AL, MCDB 1B; EEMB 2-2L, EEMB 3-3L, EEMB 30 or Psychology 5
Upper-division major. A minimum of 56 upper division units is required, selected in consultation with the undergraduate advisor. The core requirements are: Geology 104A, 114A, 114B, 134, 160 (total of 2 units) and Writing 109 ST. The emphasis requirements are: Geology 111-111L; EEMB 120, Geology 121; two courses from: Geology 141, 148, 149, 159C; and 12 units from the list. Anthropology 105, 153ST, 180A, 180B; EEMB 102, 103A, 105, 106, 107, 108, 112, 114, 115, 116, 134, 140, 150, 161, 173, 174, 112; Geography 167, 170; Geology 122, 130, 157, 159A, 159B, 161, 164B, 164C, 189, 190. Students are encouraged to consider a senior research project in paleobiology (Geology 199).
Bachelor of Arts - Geological Sciences
Preparation for the major. Students must take Mathematics 3A-B-C; Chemistry 1A-AL-B-BL-C-CL (or 2 series); Physics 1-2-3-4 or Physics 6A-AL-B-BL-C-CL or Physics 6A-B-C plus Geology 100 or 134; Geology 2 and 3; Geology 114A. Highly recommended: Geology 18 (fall and spring field trips); PSTAT 5A; and a course in computer programming. A grade of C- or better is required in all courses in the preparation for the major.
Every student must be certified for technical writing competence. Certification may be achieved by submitting acceptable writing in Geology 104A, by writing acceptable term papers in other geoscience courses, or by completing a technical writing course with a grade of C or better. Writing 109ST is strongly recommended
Upper-division major. A minimum of 43 upper-division units in Geology are required, selected in consultation with the undergraduate advisor. These units must include Geology 103, 104A, 111, 2 units of Geology 160, eight units from 102A-B-C, and 21 units of upper-division electives in geological sciences.
Bachelor of Arts - Geological Sciences - Science Education Emphasis
The geological sciences major naturally lends itself to preparation for careers in science education, because it requires a broad background in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and geology. The emphasis in science education is designed for students who plan to earn a California Teaching Credential after graduation. Students in this major should consult early with the Graduate School of Education to ensure completion of all requirements for admission to the desired credential program.
Preparation for the major. Students must complete the following courses: Geology 1 or 2 or 4; Geology 3; Mathematics 3A, 3B, 3C; Chemistry 1A-AL, 1B-BL, 1C-CL; Physics 1, 2, 3, 4 or Physics 6A-AL, 6B-BL, 6C-CL; MCDB 1A-1AL, MCDB 1B; EEMB2-2L, EEMB3-3L. Recommended: Geology 18 (fall and spring field trips). A grade of C- or better is required in all courses in the preparation for the major.
Upper-division major. A minimum of 48 upper division units is required, selected in consultation with the undergraduate advisor. The core requirements are: Geology 104A, 114A, 114B, 134, 160 (total of 2 units) and Writing 109 ST. The emphasis requirements are: Geology 123; Geography 110 and 13 units from: Geology 100, 104B, 109, 111, 113, 117, 157, 160, 164A, 164B, 164C; Geography 116, 176A, 176B, Environmental Studies 114A, 114B, 144. The following courses are highly recommended: Geology 187; Geography 104, 112, 162A.
Bachelor of Science - Geophysics
Preparation for the major. Students must take the following: Mathematics 3A-B-C and Mathematics 5A-B-C; Chemistry 1A-AL-B-BL-C-CL (or 2 series); Geology 2, 3, and 114A and 114B; Physics 1-2-3-3L-4-4L-5-5L or 21-22-23-3L-24-4L-25-5L; one course from Computer Science 5AA-ZZ or 10. A grade of C- or better is required in all courses in the preparation for the major.
Every student must be certified for technical writing competence. Certification may be achieved by submitting acceptable writing in Geology 104A, by writing acceptable term papers in other geoscience courses, or by completing a technical writing course with a C or better. Writing 109ST is highly recommended.
Upper-division major. At least 44 upper-division units in geology, physics, and mathematics are required, chosen in consultation with an advisor. These units must include Geology 104A, 135, 136, 157; two courses from Geology 100, 103, 123, 134; 2 units of 160. In addition, one sequences plus one course must be completed from the following: Mathematics 104A-B, 122A-B, 124A-B, 144A-B; Physics 100A-B, 105A-B, 110A-B; ECE 130A-B. Additional upper-division geology courses to bring the upper-division geology total to 35 units and the overall total in the major to 44 units.
Recommended electives: statistics, advanced mathematics, Geology 18, 102A-B-C, 104B, 113, 124AA-ZZ, 173, and 199RA, and Geography 176A-B.
Up to 5 units of Geology 160 (graded P/NP only) may apply to the minor. All other courses to be applied to the minor must be completed on a letter-grade basis. This includes both courses offered in earth science and those offered by other departments and applied to
the minor.
Preparation for the minor. No specific courses are required. Note, however, that most upper-division courses in geology have prerequisites of lower-division geology and often mathematics, chemistry, or physics. Consult departmental advisors for assistance in planning.
Upper-division major. Eighteen units of upper-division geology courses. No more than 5 units of Geology 160 will be accepted.
Note: Substitutions and waivers are subject to approval by the chair of the department. Please see "Academic Minors" for special conditions governing minors in the College of Letters and Science.
Graduate Program
In addition to departmental requirements, candidates for graduate degrees must meet university degree requirements found in the section "Graduate Education at UCSB.”
Admission
In addition to departmental requirements for admission, applicants must also meet the university requirement for admission described in the section "Graduate Education at UCSB.” The deadline for applications is January 1. Applicants are informed of acceptance or denial by mid-March. Students normally are not accepted into the graduate program during winter and spring quarters unless approved in early March of the previous year.
In addition to students with undergraduate majors in earth science, the department also encourages students with bachelor’s degrees in sciences other than earth science to apply for admission.
Five Year Combined Bachelor of Science/Master of Science - Geological Sciences or Geophysics
The Department of Earth Science offers a five-year B.S./M.S. degree program in geological sciences and a five-year B.S./M.S. degree program in geophysics. The five-year B.S./master’s programs are targeted to provide the very best undergraduates with the opportunity to obtain a master’s degree in combination with their work towards a bachelor’s degree.
Requirements for the master’s portion of the combined BS/MS programs are as follows: preparation of one research paper; oral comprehensive examinations; completion of 30 units (including at least 20 in graduate courses and no undergraduate units which will be used for completion of the bachelor’s degree); completion of Geology 201A and 201B; completion of Geology 260 each quarter while in residence; completion of 1 unit of Geology 268 (Oral Presentation and Research); preparation of a satisfactory thesis. Geology 260, 268, and all 500-series courses (except 596) are excluded from these graduate course units.
Interested undergraduates are advised to consult with a faculty undergraduate advisor during the fall of their junior year to determine whether they are well matched with the program, and then apply to the graduate program, along with all other prospective graduate students, prior to January 1. Requirements for admission are submission of a graduate application and all supporting documentation and a minimum grade-point average of 3.3 in classes required for the major. Admission is determined during winter quarter of the student’s junior year by the department graduate admissions committee, and admitted students are notified during that quarter.
The student then completes the research and coursework for the B.S./M.S. in the senior and following year. The coursework required for the undergraduate major is unchanged; graduate-level classes are chosen in consultation with the student’s placement committee. Upon completion of the requirements for a B.S. degree, students admitted to the joint B.S./M.S. are awarded a B.S. degree. Student progress is monitored to encourage timely completion of the undergraduate degree. The student is awarded the master’s degree upon completion of the requirements for the M.S. in the final year of study.
Master of Science - Geological Sciences or Geophysics
Degree Requirements
M.S. candidates follow an integrated course of study recommended by a placement committee and the graduate advisor.
The student must demonstrate, by coursework and by preparation of one research paper and by oral comprehensive examination, superior competence in the field of specialization, broad knowledge in the earth sciences, and satisfactory knowledge of sciences other than earth science that are relevant to the fields of interest.
In addition to the above composition requirements, the M.S. degrees are normally earned by preparation of a satisfactory thesis; completion of Geology 201A and 201B; Geology 260 each quarter while in residence; completion of 1 unit of Geology 268, Oral Presentation of Research; and completion of 30 units (at least 20 units in graduate courses). Geology 260, 268, and all 500-series courses (except 596) are excluded from these graduate course units.
M.S. degree candidates in geophysics must complete research in geophysics under faculty supervision. Master of science degree candidates may also be required to present a defense of the thesis in open forum.
Doctor of Philosophy - Geological Sciences
The Ph.D. in geological sciences encompasses study in any of the branches of geology and geophysics. To earn the Ph.D., a student must prepare a satisfactory doctoral dissertation; complete Geology 201A and 201B; enroll in Geology 260 each quarter while in residence; complete 1 unit of Geology 268, Oral Presentation of Research; and complete 30 units of geology (at least 20 units in graduate courses) while in residence at UCSB. Geology 260, 268, and all 500-series courses (except 596) are excluded from these graduate course units.
In addition, students must successfully complete the following:
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Comprehensive exam. The student must demonstrate, by coursework and by preparation of one research paper and by oral comprehensive examination, superior competence in the field of specialization, broad knowledge in the geological sciences, and satisfactory knowledge of sciences other than geology that are relevant to the fields of interest.
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Advancement to candidacy. After completion of (1) above, but before being formally admitted to doctoral candidacy, the student must pass a oral qualifying examination administered by the dissertation committee.
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Dissertation defense. A dissertation must be prepared in a professional style and approved by the committee. The candidate is required to present its principal conclusions in an open forum.
Optional Graduate Degree Emphasis in Computational Science and Engineering
The Departments of Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Earth Science, Mathematics, and Mechanical and Environmental Engineering offer an interdisciplinary master’s and Ph.D. degree emphasis in computational science and engineering (CSE).
CSE is a rapidly growing multidisciplinary area with connections to the sciences, engineering, Mathematics, and computer science. Computer models and simulations have become an important part of the research repertoire, supplementing (and in some cases replacing) experimentation. Going from application area to computational results requires domain expertise, Mathematics modeling, numerical analysis, algorithm development, software implementation, program execution, analysis, validation, and visualization of results. CSE addresses these issues.
Although CSE includes elements from computer science, applied Mathematics, engineering, and science, it focuses on the integration of knowledge and methodologies from all of these disciplines and, as such, is a subject distinct from any of them.
All students pursuing an emphasis in CSE must complete the following:
- Numerical Methods: Geological Sciences 251A-B-C-D (students must take at least three)
- Applied Mathematics: Students must take a two-course sequence from Mathematics 214A-B or Mathematics 215A-B
The specific requirements for the M.S. in Geological Sciences or geophysics with the CSE emphasis are as follows:
- Completion of the requirements for an M.S. degree
- A master’s thesis in CSE
The thesis must be written under the supervision of a CSE ladder faculty member. The thesis committee must include a minimum of three permanent ladder faculty members, at least two from geological sciences and one from CSE (may be CSE faculty member from another department).
Students pursuing a Ph.D. with an emphasis in CSE must:
- Complete the requirements for a Ph.D. in geological sciences.
- Write and defend a dissertation in CSE.
The student’s dissertation must be written under the supervision of an earth sciences ladder faculty member. The doctoral examination committee must include at least one CSE ladder faculty member and at least one ladder faculty member from another department.
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Earth Science Courses
(formerly Geological Sciences)
1. Geology and Environment
(4) Keller
Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 1 hour.
Introduction to geology and environment including: human population and sustainability; physical geologic processes; use, pollution and management of water, mineral, and soil resources; process and mitigation of natural hazards; global climate change; waste management; environmental health; and environmental planning.
2. Principles of Physical Geology
(4) Staff
Course materials fee required. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 2 hours.
Introduction to the science of the Earth; properties and processes of its surface and interior, including plate tectonics, volcanism, earthquakes, glaciation, mountain building, formation of rocks, minerals, and the structural basis of landforms.
2H. Principles of Physical Geology (Honors)
(1) Staff
Prerequisites: concurrent enrollment in Geology 2; honors standing. Discussion, 1 hour.
A supplement to Geology 2 focusing on properties and processes of the Earth’s surface and interior, including plate tectonics, volcanism, earthquakes, glaciation, mountain building, formation of rocks, minerals, and the structural basis of landforms.
3. Principles of Historical Geology
(4) Awramik
Prerequisite: Geology 2 or 4 or 7 or 20. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours.
Antiquity and history of the Earth from an Earth system history approach. Focus is on processes and changes over time of the Earth’s lithosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere.
3H. Principles of Historical Geology (Honors)
(1) Awramik
Prerequisites: concurrent enrollment in Geology 3; honors standing. Discussion, 1 hour.
A supplement to Geology 3 focusing on Earth system history. (S)
3LX. Principles of Historical Geology (Laboratory)
(1) Awramik
Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Laboratory, 3 hours.
Elementary problems in paleontology and stratigraphy. (S)
4. Introduction to Oceanography
(4) Staff
Not open for credit to students who have taken Geology 4S or 4W. Course materials fee required. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 1 hour.
An introduction to oceanography covering the major physical, chemical, and geological features of the oceans, their role in earth history, and potential use as a natural resource. (F,W,S)
4H. Introduction to Oceanography (Honors)
(1) Staff
Prerequisites: concurrent enrollment in Geology 4.
Course materials fee required. Discussion, 1 hour.
A supplement to Geological Sciences 4 focusing on major physical, chemical, and geological features of the oceans, their role in earth history, and potential use as a natural resource. (F,W,S)
4S. Introduction to Oceanography
(4) Lea, Macdonald
Not open to students who have completed
Geology 4. Course materials fee required. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 2 hours.
Similar to Geological Sciences 4, but designed for students with an interest in science desiring a small, more intensive class format. Topics include a survey of ocean basins, plate tectonics, seawater, the atmosphere, ocean climate and circulation, oceanic productivity and biota.
4W. Introduction to Oceanography
(4) Staff
Not open to students who have completed
Geology 4 or 4S. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory 2 hours.
Focussing on ocean basins and their formation, atmosphere and ocean circulation and its effect on climate, global warming, waves and beaches, world fisheries, science and society. Online materials are used extensively.
6. Mountains, Boots, and Backpacks: Field Study of the High Sierra
(4) Hacker, Burbank
Prerequisites: not open to freshmen; consent of instructor.
Need ability to hike 1-2 hours/day. Fee charged. Fieldwork, 96 hours total.
Ten-day, off-campus, field-based investigation of faults, volcanoes, glaciers, rivers, and related geologic processes in the Sierra Nevada and nearby mountains. Emphasis on observations; analysis of geologic and environmental field data. Class takes place in September prior to Fall quarter.
7. Dinosaurs
(4) Wyss, Porter
Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.
The origin and diversification of dinosaurs including birds. Survey of evolutionary relationships within the group, and between the major groups of vertebrates. Broad introduction including anatomy, geography, climate, and vertebrate contemporaries.
7H. Dinosaurs (Honors)
(1) Wyss, Porter
Prerequisites: concurrent enrollment in Geology 7; honors standing. Discussion, 1 hour.
A supplement to Geology 7 focusing on the origin and diversification of dinosaurs including birds. Survey of evolutionary relationships within the group, and between the major groups of vertebrates. Broad introduction including anatomy, geography, climate, and vertebrate contemporaries.
10. Antarctica
(4) Luyendyk
Course materials fee required.
Recommended preparation: Geology 2 or 4. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.
The interrelations of the physical and biological environments on the continent of Antarctica; Antarctica as an earth system. Included are studies of the tectonic history, global warming, ozone depletion, mineral resources, and the history of scientific exploration of the continent.
15. Optical Mineralogy
(2) Haymon, Mattinson
Lecture, 1 hour; laboratory, 3 hours.
Optical properties of inorganic crystals; techniques of mineral identification using the polarizing microscope; strategies for studying rocks in thin section. (F)
18. Field Studies in Geological Science
(1) Atwater
May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 4 units. P/NP grading only. Course materials fee required.
Four to five day field trip, fall and/or spring quarters. Field studies under guidance of two or three staff members introducing the geology of California.
19. Geology of Yosemite Valley
(1) Keller
Prerequisite: freshmen standing.
Course materials fee required.
Introduction to the geology, surface processes, glacial history, and environmental geology of Yosemite valley. The four-day field trip includes one day in the lower Yosemite valley, and one day in the upper valley.
20. Geological Catastrophes
(4) Archuleta, Busby
Course materials fee required. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion 1 hour.
Course deals with geological catastrophes, e.g., earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and landslides. Students will learn the basic physical causes of these naturally occurring events and discuss the consequences.
30. The History of Life
(4) Awramik, Tiffney
Course materials fee required. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.
Examination of the geological and biological processes affecting the evolution of life on Earth from 3.8 billion years ago to the present. Strong emphasis on the nature of the “scientific methods” as a way of understanding natural history. (F)
30H. The History of Life (Honors)
(1) Awramik, Tiffney
Prerequisites: concurrent enrollment in Geology 30; honors standing.
Course materials fee required. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion 1 hour.
A supplement of Geology 30 focusing on the examination of the geological and biological processes affecting the evolution of life on Earth from 3.8 billion years ago to the present. Strong emphasis on the nature of the “scientific methods” as a way of understanding natural history. (F)
98. Readings in Geological Sciences
(1-3) Staff
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
May be repeated for credit. Students are limited to 5 units per quarter and 30 units total in all 98/99/198/199/199AA-ZZ courses combined. Variable hours.
Critical reviews and discussions of selected geological subjects. (F,W,S)
99. Independent Studies
(1-4) Staff
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
May be repeated for credit. Students are limited to 5 units per quarter and 30 units total in all 98/99/198/199/199AA-ZZ courses combined. Variable hours.
Independent research conducted under guidance of Earth Science faculty. Topic and scope varies, to be specified by student and supervisory faculty member prior to registration.
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100. Introduction to Geophysics
(4) Archuleta, Luyendyk, Tanimoto, Macdonald
Recommended preparation: Geology 2 or 3; and, Mathematics 3C; and, Physics 1, 2, and 3 (may be taken concurrently), or, Physics 6A-B-C (may be taken concurrently). Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.
Survey of major topics in geophysics at an elementary level; the figure of the earth, its gravitational and magnetic fields, seismology and the deep structure of the earth, heat flow, methods of geophysical exploration. The geophysical basis of plate tectonics and sea floor spreading. (S)
102A. Petrology of Igneous Rocks
(4) Spera
Prerequisites: Mathematics 3A; and Geology 14 or 114 or 114A-B. Lecture, 3 hours.
Introduction to the occurrence, associations, tectonics, and petrogenesis of plutonic and volcanic rocks. Introduction to the physical chemistry of magma systems; magmatic crystallization and differentiation; pluton emplacement, volcanic eruption mechanisms.
102AL. Igneous Petrology Laboratory
(1) Spera
Prerequisites: Geology 14 or 114 or 114A-B; and Geology 15, and 102A (may be taken concurrently). Laboratory, 3 hours.
An introduction to the classification and identification of igneous rocks, studied with the petrographic microscope and in-hand specimen.
102B. Sedimentary Petrology
(4) Boles
Prerequisites: Geology 14 or 114 or 114A-B.
Course materials fee required.
Recommended preparation: Geology 124T. Lab, 3 hours; field, 1 hour.
The texture, mineralogy, classification, and primal structure of sedimentary rocks and their significance in relation to regional setting, environment of deposition, and postdepositional history. Field study emphasizes interpretation of sedimentary sequences.
102BL. Sedimentary Petrology Laboratory
(1) Boles
Prerequisites: Geology 14 or 114 or 114A-B; and Geology 15 and 102B (may be taken concurrently).
Recommended preparation: Geology 124T. Laboratory, 3 hours.
Practical experience in identification of sedimentary rocks, using the petrographic microscope, and x-ray diffraction.
102C. Metamorphic Petrology
(4) Hacker
Prerequisites: Geology 14 or 114 or 114A-B.
Concurrent enrollment in Geology 102CL is suggested. Course materials fee required. Lecture, 3 hours.
Study of metamorphic rocks to understand tectonic processes. Metamorphic minerals, metamorphic textures, physical processes responsible for metamorphism, phase equilibria, thermodynamics, diffusion, thermobarometry, kinetics, geochronology, and high-temperature rock deformation.
102CL. Metamorphic Petrology Laboratory
(1) Hacker
Prerequisite: Geology 15.
Course materials fee required.
Recommended preparation: concurrent enrollment in Geology 102C. Lab, 3 hours.
Study of metamorphic rocks with the petrographic microscope and in the field.
103. Fundamentals of Structural Geology
(4) Gans
Prerequisites: Mathematics 3A-B-C; and, Physics 1 or 6A; and, Geology 104A or 122. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours.
Deformation of rocks - faulting, folding and flow. Theory and observations at scales ranging from mountain belts to microscopic. (W)
104A. Field Studies in Geological Methods
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: Geology 2; consent of department.
Course materials fee required.
Recommended preparation: Geology 3. Lecture, 1 hour, discussion, 1 hour; laboratory 1 hour; field, 8 hours.
Introduction to the methods of geological observations and interpretations, with an emphasis on understanding earth processes in the field and reconstructing the physical history of the earth; the stratigraphic, petrologic, and structural relations of rocks; geologic report writing.
104AH. Field Studies Honors Tutorial
(1) Staff
Prerequisites: concurrent enrollment in Geology 104A; honors standing; consent of instructor. Field, 1.5 hours.
Adjunct tutorial course with Geological Sciences 104A; emphasis on comprehensive report preparation, writing, illustration related to geologic mapping in the field. (F)
104B. Field Methods
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: Geology 14 or 114 or 114A-B; and, Geology 103 with a grade of C- or better.
Course materials fee required. Field, 6.5 hours; laboratory, 6.5 hours.
Geologic mapping on topographic maps and aerial photographs; use of geologic field instruments; field techniques; preparation of geologic maps and reports. Field work is completed during the break between winter and spring quarters. (S)
108. Clastic Depositional Environments
(4) Busby
Prerequisites: Geology 14 or 114 or 114A-B; and, Geology 102A and 102B (may be taken concurrently).
Course materials fee required. Lecture, 3 hours; field, averages 3 hours.
Emphasis on tectonically active settings, topics change yearly. Clastic depositional models for alluvial fan, fan delta, and turbidite fans. Volcaniclastic successions, including subaerial- to deepwater-erupted pyroclastic rocks and lava flows, as well as volcanic mudflows and sandstones. Field work completed on weekends or over spring break.
109. Geology of California
(4) Busby
Course materials fee required.
Recommended preparation: Geology 2. Lecture, 3 hours.
Introduction to the geology, geologic history, tectonic evolution, and landscape development of California. A brief survey of California’s petroleum, mineral, geothermal, and water resources.
109A. Geology of California Field Trips
(1) Staff
Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in Geology 109. Field, 3 hours.
Geological field trips coordinated with Geology 109 to illustrate the Proterozoic, Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic tectonic evolution of California. Three one-day field trips, and one two-day weekend trip.
111. Principles of Paleontology
(4) Tiffney
Prerequisite: upper-division standing.
Same course as EEMB 136. Letter grade required for majors.
Recommended preparation: an introductory biology course. Lecture, 3 hours.
The ecologic structure and evolution of the biosphere as illustrated by the fossil record.
111L. Principles of Paleontology Laboratory
(2) Tiffney
Prerequisite: Geology 111 (may be taken concurrently).
Same course as EEMB 136L. Not open for credit to students who have completed Biology 111L. Letter grade required for majors. Course materials fee required. Laboratory, 6 hours.
Exercises and projects in the identification and interpretation of fossil taxa and fossil communities.
113. Engineering Geology
(4) Keller
Prerequisites: Mathematics 3A-B or 34A-B; and, Physics 1 or 6A or 21; upper-division standing.
Course materials fee required. Lecture, 3 hours; field, 2 hours.
Application of geologic principles to civil engineering problems. Includes: rock and soil mechanics; landslides; hydrology; earthquakes; and professional practice.
114A. Geomaterials I
(4) Staff
Recommended preparation: Geology 1 or 2 or 4. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours.
Examination of geomaterials at atomic level. Atomic structure, states of matter, bonding, elementary phase equilibria. Composition and structure of atmosphere, hydrosphere, crust, mantle and core. Structure and composition of important geochemical compounds emphasizing rock-forming minerals.
114B. Geomaterials II
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: Geology 1 or 2 or 4. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours.
Relationship between structure and properties of condensed geomaterials including amorphous state. The hydrologic and rock cycles. Mineralogical constitution of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Introduction to phase relations in condensed systems.
117. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms
(4) Keller
Prerequisite: Geology 1 or 2 or Geography 3B.
Additional fieldwork (10 hours) required. Meets writing requirement. Lecture, 3 hours; field trips, laboratory, 3 hours.
Introduction to the theory of landscape evolution and the study of the processes that create and modify landforms.
118. Summer Field Geology
(12) Staff
Prerequisites: Geology 104B; two courses from Geology 102A-B-C; and Geology 103. All prerequisites with a grade of C- or better.
Course materials fee required. Field, 10 hours.
Intensive hands-on training in the collection, interpretation, and presentation of geologic field data. Preparation of geologic maps, sections, and a professional report as tools to understanding geologic processes. Area and focus of investigation will change each year. (SS)
119. Field Investigations in Geology
(5-9) Staff
Prerequisites: Geology 103 and 104B with a grade of C- or better.
Course materials fee required. Variable hours.
Selected field areas are investigated as research problems. Content varies from year to year. (SS)
120. Field Paleobiology
(4) Awramik, Tiffney
Prerequisites: Geology 111 and 111L or equivalent.
May be repeated for credit to maximum of 12 units, but only 4 units may be applied toward the major. Seminar, 2 hours; laboratory, 2 hours.
Paleontologic field studies in selected areas. Studies include the collection, identification, and description of fossils, their systematics, paleoecology, and biostratigraphy.
121. Principles of Evolution
(4) Sweet
Prerequisites: MCDB 1A; and, EEMB 2 and MCDB 1B, or, Geology 2 and 3.
Same course as EEMB 131. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.
A foundation course concerning the mechanisms of evolution at micro- and macroevolutionary levels, and interpretation of the resulting patterns of adaptation and organic diversity.
122. Sedimentation and Stratigraphy: Processes and Products
(4) Busby
Prerequisites: Geology 2 and 3; and, Geology 14 or 114 or 114A-B.
Letter grade required for majors. Lecture 3 hours; field trips.
Transport/depositional processes, sedimentary textures and structures. Sedimentary environments and use of facies models for observation and prediction. Principles of lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy, chronostratigraphy, and magnetostratigraphy. Seismic stratigraphy and sequence stratigraphic principles. Controls of tectonics, sediment supply and eustacy on sedimentation.
123. The Solar System
(4) Spera
Recommended preparation: Geology 2 and Astronomy 1 or 2. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.
The nature and evolution of the planets of the solar system. Elementary treatment of cosmochemistry, meteoritics, and comparative planetology with special reference to current ideas on solar system evolution. (F)
124G. Geochronology
(2) Mattinson
Prerequisites: Chemistry 1A; and, Geology 2 or 3 or 4 or 4S.
This is a five-week course.
Recommended preparation: Geology 14 or 114 or 114A-B. Lecture, 1.5 hours; discussion, .5 hour.
Principles of radiogenic isotope geochronology, and applications of the major geochronological methods to terrestrial and extra-terrestrial problems ranging from global climate change to petrology to tectonics to solar system evolution.
124IT. Isotope Tracer Geochemistry
(2) Mattinson
Prerequisites: Chemistry 1A; and, Geology 2 or 3 or 4 or 4S.
Course materials fee required. A five-week course.
Recommended preparation: Geology 14 or 114 or 114A-B. Lecture, 1.5 hours; discussion, .5 hour.
Principles of radiogenic isotope tracers. Applications to the origin and evolution of the Earth from the solar nebula to the present, with emphasis on the evolution of the mantle and crust, and the origin of igneous rocks.
124SI. Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry
(2) DeNiro
Prerequisites: Chemistry 1C; Mathematics 3C; and Geology 2.
A five-week course. Lecture, 1.5 hours; discussion, .5 hour.
Principles for mass spectrometry. Expression of isotope ratios and fractionations. Principles and applications of isotopes relating to waters,minerals, and both biogenic organic and inorganic matter.
124T. Introductory Thermodynamics
(2) Boles, Hacker
Prerequisites: Chemistry 1C; Mathematics 3B; and Geology 2. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.
Introduction to thermodynamics and kinetics of rock-water systems. Calculation of mineral equilibria as a function of pressure temperature and fluid compositions. Applied problems at surface and subsurface conditions.
130. Global Warming - Science and Society
(4) Lea
Recommended preparation: a beginning life or physical science course such as Geography 3A or Geology 4. Lecture, 3 hours.
Introduction to the scientific and societal issues surrounding global climate change. Includes introduction to physical climatology, greenhouse effects, climate history, anthropogenic changes, and future predictions. Students discussion and debate on the potential societal scenarios available to mitigate future climate change.
133. Summer Field Geophysics
(5-12) Luyendyk
Prerequisite: Geology 100 or 135 or 136.
Course materials fee required.
A field practicum in exploration geophysics employing magnetic, gravity, electric, and seismic methods. An exploration target will be investigated for six weeks in the western United States. Interpretive report required. (SS)
134. Introduction to Geological and Geophysical Data Analysis
(4) Archuleta
Prerequisites: Mathematics 3A-B-C. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours.
Various numerical methods for analysis of data are developed. Methods are statistical inference, error propagation, least squares, time series as applied to geological and geophysical examples.
135. Principles of Geophysics
(4) Tanimoto
Prerequisites: Mathematics 3A-B-C; and, Mathematics 5A or 5C; and, Physics 1 and 2, or Physics 6A-B-C. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.
Basic principles in geophysics from elasticity theory, fluid dynamics, gravity, magnetism and heat flow. Their applications to various processes in the earth.
136. Geophysics (Seismology)
(5) Archuleta
Prerequisites: Mathematics 3A-B-C; and, Physics 6A-B-C, or Physics 1 and 2.
Recommended preparation: Mathematics 5A (may be taken concurrently). Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour; laboratory, 3 hours.
Wave propagation in an elastic medium; reflection and refraction, attenuation. Physics of the earthquake source, magnitude, seismic moment and focal mechanisms. (W)
141. Plant Paleobiology
(4) Tiffney
Prerequisite: upper-division standing.
Same course as EEMB 137. Letter grade required for majors. Not open for credit to students who have completed Botany 110.
Recommended preparation: Geology 111 or EEMB 136. Lecture, 3 hours.
Examination of the history of land plants; the systematics, morphology, and phylogeny of major groups. Major evolution and biogeographic patterns.
141L. Plant Paleobiology Laboratory
(1) Tiffney
Prerequisite: Geology 141 or EEMB 137 (may be taken concurrently).
Same course as EEMB 137L. Letter grade required for majors. Not open for credit to students who have completed Botany 110L. Laboratory, 3 hours.
Anatomy, morphology, and systematics of fossil plants from the specimens.
144. Invertebrate Paleobiology
(4) Porter
Prerequisite: Geology 3 or 30 or 111. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.
Important topics in paleobiology are discussed in the context of the evolutionary history of invertebrate animal life. These include macroevolutionary theory, diversification and extinction events, ecological and geobiological interactions through time, and the incompleteness of the fossil record.
148. Vertebrate Paleontology
(4) Wyss
Prerequisite: Geology 2 or 3 or 7 or 30, or MCDB 1A-1AL or EEMB 2.
Same course as EEMB 109. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.
Introduction to the history of vertebrate life, with emphasis on the phylogenetic relationships of the major vertebrate groups.
149. The History of Mammals
(4) Wyss
Prerequisite: Geology 3 or 7 or 11 or 30, or MCDB 1A-AL or EEMB 2. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.
Introduction to the diversity of fossil and living mammals from phylogenetic, stratigraphic, and paleobiogeographic perspectives.
150. Petroleum Geology
(2) Boles
Prerequisites: Geology 2; and, Geology 14 or 114 or 114A-B.
Recommended preparation: Geology 102B and 124T. Lecture, 2 hours; discussion, 1 hour.
Study of petroleum systems including origin, generation, migration, and trapping of hydrocarbons. Guest speakers from industry. Lab includes use of basin analysis software from oil company. Field trip to active petroleum basin in California. Required written report.
155. Petrotectonics
(4) Hacker
Prerequisites: Geology 14 or 114 or 114A-B; and, Geology 15, 102C, and 102CL; concurent enrollment in Geology 155L.
May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 8 units. Course materials fee required.
Recommended preparation: Geology 124T. Lecture, 3 hours.
Analysis of orogenic belts using petrography, thermochronology, and thermobarometry. Subject material changes each year.
155L. Petrotectonics Lab
(1-2) Hacker
Prerequisites: Geology 14 or 114 or 114A-B; and, Geology 15, 102C, and 102CL; concurrent enrollment in Geology 155; concurent enrollment in Geology 155.
May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 4 units. Course materials fee required. Laboratory, 3-6 hours.
Analysis of orogenic belts using petrography, structural patrology, thermochronology, and thermobarometry.
156. Tectonic Controls on Sedimentation
(4) Busby
Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Seminar, 3 hours; field, 3 hours.
Integrates sedimentology, volcanology, structural geology, petrology, and geophysics in the study of basins. Overview of divergent, convergent, and strike slip margins, with textbook readings. Journal readings and field trip to case study area, which changes yearly. Field work completed on weekends and over spring break.
157. Plate Tectonics
(4) Atwater
Prerequisites: Geology 2; upper-division standing.
Course materials fee required.
Recommended preparation: one year of university-level mathematics and physics. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours.
Introduction to sea floor spreading, plate tectonics, and continental drift. Geometry and evolution of present day plates. Measurement and calculation of plate motions. Geophysical and geological implications of resulting relative motions at plate boundaries.
157X. Advanced Plate Tectonics Seminar
(4) Atwater
Prerequisite: Geology 157 (may be taken concurrently). Seminar, 3 hours.
Discuss current research in plate tectonics. Supplements material covered in Geology 157.
158. Advanced Structural Geology
(5) Gans
Prerequisite: Geology 103.
Course materials fee required. Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 3 hours; field 3 hours.
Analysis of geologic structures - theory and practice. Rock deformation as a function of crustal environment. Fault mechanics and earthquakes; mineral deformation mechanisms; microstructures, and tectonite fabrics. Finite strain measurement and interpretation of kinematic indicators. Regional structural styles.
159A. Origin of the Earth
(4) Spera
Prerequisites: Geology 123; and, Physics 1 or 6A (may be taken concurrently). Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.
Origin of the Earth from the perspective of planetary genesis and the history of the solar nebula. Geochemistry and cosmochemistry of ancient solar system materials; accretion and earliest history of the earth-moon system.
159B. Hadean and Archean Earth History
(4) Spera
Prerequisites: Geology 123 and 159A. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.
Description and quantitative analysis of the most important physical and chemical processes on the Earth during its first two billion years. Origin of atmosphere, hydrophere, pre-biotic chemistry, evolution of magma ocean.
159C. The Early Evolution of Life and its Environmental Context
(4) Porter
Prerequisites: Geology 3 or 30 or 111. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.
The first 3.5 billion years of life and the environmental context in which it evolved. Highly multidisciplinary, drawing on evidence from geology, geochemistry, paleontology, and comparative biology.
160. Seminar in Geology
(1) Staff
May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 12 units. P/NP grading only.
Recommended preparation: upper-division standing. Seminar, 2 hours.
Attendance at departmental “Journal Club” (Geological Sciences 260, “Seminar in Geology”) and brief written evaluations of the three papers which, in the student’s judgment, were the best of the quarter.
161. Marine Stratigraphy
(3) Staff
Prerequisite: not open to freshmen. Seminar, 2 hours; short field trips.
Extensive reading and class discussion of concepts and methods of marine stratigraphy. Included are lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy, chemostratigraphy, magnetostratigraphy, and chronology. Stratigraphic nomenclature. Problems and advances in correlation and dating of sediments including the Pacific, California, and Europe. Term paper.
162. Marine Micropaleontology and Paleobiology
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: upper-division standing. Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 2 hours.
A survey of the major marine microfossil groups of the Cenozoic and Mesozoic; with particular reference to classification, preservation, evolution, stratigraphic utility, paleobiology, biogeography, paleoceanographic relations and sediment accumulation.
164A. Earth System Geology
(4) Haymon, Macdonald
Recommended preparation: Geology 2 or 4.
Course materials fee required. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 2 hours.
The geologic features of the world’s ocean basins and continents emphasizing advances in marine geology and taught from the viewpoint of plate tectonics as the unifying theory of the Earth’s geodynamic processes. (F)
164B. Earth System Ocean-Atmosphere
(4) Lea
Prerequisite: Chemistry 1C.
Recommended preparation: Geology 4 or equivalent. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion 1 hour.
An introduction to the chemistry of the oceans and atmosphere. Topics include composition of seawater, biogeochemical cycling, sediment chemistry, chemical tracers of circulation, ocean-atmosphere exchange, atmospheric photochemistry and pollution, and the impact of earth system chemical changes on climate.
164C. Earth System History
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: upper-division standing. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion 1 hour.
Examination of: the evolution of the Earth’s environmental system from Cretaceous to present day; interactions between plate tectonics and orogeny (lithosphere) and changes in ocean circulation (hydrosphere), climate (atmosphere), ice sheets (cryosphere), and life (biosphere). Global change theories.
168. Aqueous Transport of Pollutants
(4) Clark
Prerequisites: Mathematics 3B and Chemistry 1A-B-C.
Same course as Environmental Studies 168.
Recommended preparation: Geology 113 or 173-173L or Geography 116-116L or 144 or Environmental Studies 144. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.
Focus on the behavior of dissolved species in rivers. Examination of the basic advection-diffusion model. Particular emphasis on field data.
169. Tracer Hydrology
(4) Clark
Prerequisites: Mathematics 3B and Chemistry
1A-B-C; and, Geology 173-173L or Geology 113.
Same course as Environmental Studies 169.
Recommended preparation: Geology 113 or 173-173L or Geography 116-116L or 144 or Environmental Studies 144. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.
Introduction to principles of chemical and isotope tracer hydrology. Emphasis on methods of groundwater dating, the use of tracers as management tools, and contaminant plume monitoring.
171. Submarine Hydrothermal Systems
(3) Haymon
Prerequisite; Not open to freshmen.
Recommended preparation: Geology 2 or 4 or 164A. Recommended for students pursuing degress with a 3.0 GPA. Lecture, 1 hour; discussion, 2 hours.
Covers observational, experimental, and theoretical studies of seafloor hydrothermal processes; emphasizes systems at oceanic spreading centers; includes global hydrothermal effects on the compositions of seawater and ocean crust; focuses on recent developments and unsolved problems.
173. Groundwater Hydrology
(5) Loaiciga
Same course as Geography 116.
Recommended preparation: Geography 3B. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours.
Analysis of groundwater flow in aquifers, aquifer properties, study of wells and groundwater contamination, surface water-groundwater interactions. The laboratory: basic groundwater experiments, Darcy’s Law, flow nets, solute dispersion, field measurements of bedrock groundwater characteristics, computer analysis of pumping-test data. (W)
181. Field Studies in Marine Geophysics
(2-12) Macdonald, Haymon, Luyendyk
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 12 units. Course materials fee required. Lecture, 3 hours; field, up to 10 weeks.
Field studies in marine geophysical work with the opportunity of going to sea. Lectures cover seismic, sonar, magnetic high resolution techniques for geologic study.
182. Field Studies in Marine Geochemistry
(2-12) Haymon
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
Course materials fee required. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, up to 3 hours; field, up to 6 weeks.
Marine geochemistry with the opportunity of going to sea or into the field on land. Lectures cover techniques of seafloor mapping using bottom photography, marine geochemical sampling, and methods of data reduction and sample analysis. Labs include analysis of data/samples collected.
183. Advanced Field Mapping and Geologic Investigations
(4) Gans
Prerequisite: Geological Sciences 118 or equivalent.
Course materials fee required. Discussion, 3 hours.
Research oriented mapping projects to solve outstanding problem(s) in a geologically significant area. Two weeks in the field, followed by compilation and complimentary laboratory studies. Weekly meetings to discuss results.
185. Physical Volcanology
(4) Gans, Busby
Prerequisites: Geology 14 or 114 or 114A-B; and, Geology 102A and 104A.
Recommended preparation: Geology 103. Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 3 hours; field, 3 hours.
Overview of volcanic processes, including physical properties of melts, eruptive mechanisms, classification of volcanic deposits, and volcanic-tectonic environments. Lecture emphasizes theoretical aspects of volcanic processes, lab examines major classes of volcanic rocks, field trips emphasize mapping in volcanic terrains.
186. Cordilleran Tectonics
(4) Gans
Prerequisites: Geology 2, 103, and 104A. Lecture, 1 hour; seminar, 2 hours.
Directed readings, weekly seminar, and field trip focused on the phanerozoic tectonic evolution of the North American Cordillera. Emphasis on understanding fundamental orogenic processes (continental extension, shortening, transcurrent motions, magmatism, metamorphism) from a cordilleran perspective.
187. Introduction to Teaching in Geological Sciences
(1-5) Staff
Prerequisites: upper-division standing and consent of instructor.
May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 8 units but only 4 units may be applied toward the major.
Students will assist instructor in teaching course in which the student previously received a grade of A- or better. Activities will be determined in consultation with the instructor and may include assisting in laboratories, tutorials, discussion sections and field trips.
188. Field Studies in Neotectonics
(1-3) Staff
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
May be repeated for a maximum of 3 units. Tutorial, 1 hour; field, 2 hours.
Geodetic measurement of recent crustal movements around active faults and volcanoes. Includes techniques and analyses of precision levelling, triangulation, trilateration, and tiltmetry. Field work arranged as opportune. Term paper required if taken for three units.
190. Advanced Studies in Paleobiology
(1-4) Awramik, Tiffney, Wyss
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
May be repeated for a maximum of 12 units. Laboratory, 3-12 hours.
Designed to meet the interests and needs of individual students. Selected readings and laboratory work in systematic paleontology; field studies of recent or fossil biotas; animal-substrate relations, biostatistics, etc. (F,W,S)
192. Field Internship in Engineering Geology
(1-4) Keller
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 12 units, but only 4 units may be applied toward the major. Field, 1-4 hours.
Individualized, practical approaches to problems in engineering geology by working under faculty supervision as interns with local or state agencies or private organizations. Students spend most of their effort in carrying out fieldwork, but prepare written reports.
194. Group Studies for Advanced Students
(1-5) Staff
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; consent of the instructor.
May be repeated for credit but no more than 5 units will apply to the major. Variable hours.
Intensive research or study by a small group of advanced students who share an interest in a topic not included in the regular departmental curriculum.
195H. Honors Field Studies
(1-8) Staff
Prerequisites: geology and geophysics majors only; honors standing; consent of instructor.
May be repeated for credit to a maximum of 8 units.Variable hours.
Fieldwork in selected areas under the direction of a faculty member. Final report required.
196HA-HB-HC. Senior Honors Thesis
(4-4-4) Staff
Prerequisites: geology and geophysics majors only; honors standing; consent of instructor.
A three-quarter in-progress sequence course with grades for all quarters issued upon completion of Geological Sciences 196HC. Laboratory, 2 hours; field, 2 hours.
Three quarter individual research project under the direction of a faculty member. Oral defense of written thesis required. (F,W,S)
198. Readings in the Geological Sciences
(1-4) Staff
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; completion of two upper-division courses in geology; consent of instructor and department.
Students must have a minimum 3.0 grade-point average for the preceding three quarters and are limited to 5 units per quarter and 30 units total in all 98/99/198/199/199AA-ZZ courses combined. May be taken more than once at the option of the student; not more than 4 units may be included in the minimum requirements for the major. Tutorial, variable hours.
Critical reviews and discussions of selected geological subjects. (F,W,S)
199. Independent Studies in Geology
(1-5) Staff
Prerequisites: upper-division standing in the major; consent of department and instructor.
Students must have a minimum 3.0 grade-point average. Petition required. Students are limited to 5 units per quarter; 15 units per year; and up to 30 units total in all 98/99/198/199/199AA-ZZ courses combined.
Course consists of academic research supervised by a faculty member. Course is not intended for internship honors, or Senior Thesis credit. (F,W,S)
199RA. Independent Research Assistance in Geological Sciences
(1-5) Staff
Prerequisites: upper-division standing; completion of two upper-division geology courses; consent of instructor.
Students must have a 3.0 grade-point average for the preceding three quarters and are limited to 5 units per quarter and 30 units total in all 98/99/198/199/199AA-ZZ courses combined.
Coursework shall consist of faculty supervised research assistance. (F,W,S)
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200. Introduction to Geophysics
(5) Archuleta, Luyendyk, Macdonald, Tanimoto
Prerequisites: graduate standing; consent of department. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.
Survey of major topics in geophysics at an elementary level; the figure of the earth, its gravitational and magnetic fields, seismology and deep structure of the earth, heat flow, methods of geophysical exploration. The geophysical basis of plate tectonics and sea floor spreading. Term paper. (S)
201A. Graduate Research and Field Seminar
(4) Staff
Required of all entering graduate students. Course materials fee required. Seminar, 3 hours.
Faculty research projects are presented in a series of evening seminars. Student projects are initiated. Three weekend field trips sample field research in southern California. (F)
201B. Graduate Research Seminar
(4) Luyendyk, Boles, Haymon
Prerequisites: Geology 201A; graduate standing in the department of Geological Sciences.
Required course for all first year graduate students.
How research is conducted in geological sciences; identifying significant problems; designing the experiment; how to obtain funding and how to write and evaluate a research proposal, including a budget.
209. Tectonic Controls of Sedimentation
(5) Busby
Prerequisites: Geology 2 and 102A-B-C and 122.
Course materials fee required. Seminar, 3 hours; laboratory, 8 hours.
Integrates sedimentology, volcanology, structural geology, petrology, and geophysics in the study of basins. Overview of divergent, convergent, and strike slip margins, with textbook readings. Journal readings and field trip to case study area, which changes yearly. Field work completed on weekends or over spring break.
212. Marine Geochemistry and Minerals
(2-4) Haymon
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
Appropriate for graduate students, upper-division Geology majors. Seminar, 3 hours; Discussion, 1 hour.
Recent discoveries/current topics in marine geochemistry; emphasis on seafloor hydrothermal systems and mineral formation in marine environments; includes discussion of instruments/methods used to observe seafloor processes, and to analyze minerals.
213. Geochemistry II
(1-4) Mattinson
Prerequisites: Chemistry 1C, Mathematics 3C, and Geology 2 or equivalent. Seminar, 1 hour.
An introduction to the geochemistry of the earth and solar system; especially applications of radiogenic isotopes to problems of magma genesis and age determination. Presentation of a seminar or term paper selected in consultation with instructor is required.
214. Marine Geophysics and Tectonics
(4) Macdonald
Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.
Current discoveries and unsolved problems in marine geophysics. Instruments and methods of study. Appropriate for majors in geology and geophysics.
216. Advanced Topics in Stable Isotopy
(4) DeNiro
Prerequisites: Geology 124SI or 224SI or a similar course in stable isotopy. Seminar, 3 hours.
Directed reading and weekly seminar in the misuses of stable isotopy, especially in its application to biology, archaeology, geology, paleontology, and paleoecology. The larger issue of misuses of numeric data is also addressed.
217. Tectonic Geomorphology
(4) Burbank
Prerequisite: Geology 103 or 117 or equivalent.
Course materials fee required. Lecture, 3 hours; field, 1 hour.
Interaction among geomorphic processes that shape the Earth’s surface and tectonic processes that deform the upper crust. Use of new tools for geochronology, geodesy, structural geology, and landform analysis. Field trips and projects in Southern California.
218. Ethics in Scientific Research
(4) DeNiro
Prerequisite: graduate standing. Seminar, 3 hours.
Directed reading and weekly seminar in ethical guidelines for conducting scientific research. Problems encountered during the practice of research: data acquisition and handling; publication and communication of results; error, negligence, and misconduct; procedures for dealing with misconduct; responsibilities to society.
222. Advanced Topics in Stratigraphy
(4) Busby
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
Course materials fee charged. Lecture, 3 hours; field trips.
Current topics in stratigraphy with emphasis on paleogeographic/tectonic reconstructions. Field research in Cordilleran United States or Mexico, supplemented by laboratory studies and classroom discussion of published literature. Content of course changes from year to year.
224SI. Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry
(2) DeNiro
Prerequisites: Chemistry 1C and Mathematics 3C.
Principles of mass spectrometry. Expression of isotope ratios and fractionations. Principles and applications of isotopes relating to waters, minerals, and both biogenic organic and inorganic matter.
225. Advanced Igneous Petrology
(5) Spera
Prerequisite: Geology 240A or equivalent. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.
The study of magma dynamics and igneous rocks including petrogeny with an emphasis on petrography, physical chemistry, and dynamics.
235. Plate Tectonics Seminar
(2-4) Atwater
Course materials fee required. Lecture, 3 hours, seminar, 1 hour.
Read recent related articles. Students present and discuss selected topics in separate seminar. Complete term paper and/or problem sets for 3 or 4 units.
236. Geophysics Seismology
(5) Tanimoto
Prerequisites: one year of college level calculus and physics.
Recommended preparation: Mathematics 5A (may be taken concurrently). Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours.
Wave propagation in an elastic medium; reflection and refraction, attenuation. Physics of the earthquake source, magnitude, seismic moment and focal mechanisms.
239A. Origin of the Earth
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.
Origin of the Earth from the perspective of planetary genesis and the history of the Solar Nebula. Geochemistry and cosmochemistry of ancient solar system materials; accretion and earliest history of the Earth-Moon system.
240A. Mineralogical Thermodynamics
(4) Spera
Prerequisite: elementary thermodynamics or physical chemistry. Lecture, 3 hours.
Derivation of thermodynamic equations of state for minerals and fluids. Thermodynamics of ideal and nonideal crystalline solutions. Development and application of thermodynamic data bases. Characterization of physical conditions for metamorphic and igneous rocks.
243. The History of Mammals
(5) Wyss
Prerequisite: Geology 3 or 7 or 11 or 30 or
MCDB 5A-AL. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.
Introduction to the diversity of fossil and living mammals from phylogenetic, stratigraphic, and paleobiogeographic perspectives. Required research paper.
244. Invertebrate Paleobiology
(4) Porter
Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 1 hour.
Important topics in paleobiology are discussed in the context of the evolutionary history of invertebrate animal life. These include macroevolutionary theory, diversification and extinction events, ecological and geobiological interactions through time, and the incompleteness of the fossil record.
247. Seminar in Quaternary Geology
(4) Keller
Prerequisite: Geology 117.
May be repeated for credit. Seminar, 3 hours.
Selected topics in quaternary geology. Subject matter will change from year to year.
248. Vertebrate Paleontology
(4) Wyss
Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.
Introduction to the history of vertebrate life, with emphasis on the phylogenetic relationships of the major vertebrate groups. Paper required.
249. Seminar in Structure and Tectonics
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: Geology 201. Seminar, 3 hours.
Topical structural geology and tectonics.
250. Petroleum Geology
(2) Boles
Prerequisites: Geology 14 or 114 or 114A-B; and Geology 102B.
Course materials fee required. Lecture, 2 hours; discussion, 1 hour.
Study of petroleum systems including origin, generation, migration, and trapping hydrocarbons. Guest speakers from industry. Field trip to active petroleum basin in California. Required written report.
251A. Matrix Analysis and Computation
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: consent of instructor.
Same course as Computer Science 211A, ME 210A, ECE 210A, and Chemical Engineering 211A. Students should be proficient in basic numerical methods, linear algebra, mathematically rigorous proofs, and some programming language. Lecture, 4 hours.
Graduate level-matrix theory with introduction to matrix computations. SVD’s, pseudoinverses, variational characterization of eigenvalues, perturbation theory, direct and iterative methods for matrix computations.
251B. Numerical Simulation
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: consent of instructor.
Same course as Computer Science 211B, ME 210B, ECE 210B, Chemical Engineering 211B, and Math 206B. Students should be proficient in basic numerical methods, linear algebra, mathematically rigorous proofs, and some programming language. Lecture, 4 hours.
Linear multistep methods and Runge-Kutta methods for ordinary differential equations: stability, order and convergence. Stiffness. Differential algebraic equations. Numerical solution of boundary value problems.
251C. Numerical Solution of Partial Differential Equations--Finite Difference Methods
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: consent of instructor.
Same course as Computer Science 211C, ME 210C, ECE 210C, Chemical Engineering 211C, and Math 206C. Students should be proficient in basic numerical methods, linear algebra, mathematically rigorous proofs, and some programming language. Lecture, 4 hours.
Finite difference methods for hyperbolic, parabolic and elliptic PDE’s, with application to problems in science and engineering. Convergence, consistency, order and stability of finite difference methods. Dissipation and dispersion. Finite volume methods. Software design and adaptivity.
251D. Numerical Solution of Partial Differential Equations - Finite Element Methods
(4) Staff
Prerequisites: consent of instructor.
Same course as Computer Science 211D, ME 210D, ECE 210D, Chemical Engineering 211D, and Math 206D. Students should be proficient in basic numerical methods, linear algebra, mathematically rigorous proofs, and some programming language. Lecture, 4 hours.
Weighted residual and finite element methods for the solution of hyperbolic, parabolic and elliptic partial differential equations, with application to problems in science and engineering. Error estimates. Standard and discontinuous Galerkin methods.
256. Geophysical Inverse Theory
(4) Prothero, Tanimoto
Prerequisites: Geology 136 and consent of instructor.Lecture, 3 hours.
Introduction to basic concepts of inverse theory such as resolution, error and its trade-off. Application to earth structure study, earthquake source,geodetic data and magnetic field. Reading on key papers. Term paper.
258. Advanced Structural Geology
(5) Gans
Prerequisites: Geology 103 and 104B. Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 3 hours.
Analysis of geologic structures - theory and practice. Rock deformation as a function of crustal environment. Fault mechanics and earthquakes; mineral deformation mechanisms, microstructures, and tectonite fabrics. Finite strain measurement and interpretation of kinematic indicators. Regional structural styles.
259. Paleomagnetism and Tectonics
(4) Luyendyk
Seminar, 3 hours.
Lectures on paleomagnetism followed by seminar. Readings and discussion on topics concerning the tectonics of the Pacific rim, and especially the western United States Cordillera, as approached by the paleomagnetics method.
259C. The Early Evolution of Life and its Environmental Context
(4) Porter
Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.
The first 3.5 billion years of life and the environmental context in which it evolved. Highly multidisciplinary, drawing on evidence from geology, geochemistry, paleontology, and comparative biology.
260. Seminar in Geology
(1) Staff
Required of all first year graduate students. May be repeated for credit. P/NP grading only. Seminar, 1 hour.
Presentation and discussion of current research, and reviews of the literature on selected geologic concepts. Students will present material reflecting their interests in geology for critical appraisal, of both content and manner of presentation, by selected members of the seminar. Emphasis will be placed on assisting students in developing professional speaking style.
261. Marine Stratigraphy
(3) Staff
Open to graduates and qualified senior undergraduates. Seminar, 2 hours; short field trips.
Extensive reading and class discussion of concepts and methods of marine stratigraphy. Included are lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy, chemostratigraphy, magnetostratigraphy, chronostratigraphy, and chronology. Stratigraphic nomenclature. Problems and advances in correlation and dating of sediments including the Pacific, California, and Europe. Term paper.
262. Marine Micropaleontology and Paleobiology
(4) Staff
Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 2 hours.
A survey of the major marine microfossil groups of the cenozoic and mesozoic; with particular reference to classification, preservation, evolution, stratigraphic utility, paleobiology, biogeography, paleoceanographic relations, and sediment accumulation.
264. Petrotectonics
(4) Hacker
Prerequisite: Geology 102C.
Course materials fee charged. Lecture, 3 hours.
Analysis of orogenic belts using petrography, thermochronology, and thermobarometry. Subject material changes each year.
264L. Petrotectonics Laboratory
(1-2) Hacker
Prerequisites: Geology 102C.
Recommended preparation: Geology 124T. Laboratory, 3-6 hours.
Analysis of orogenic belts using petrography, structural petrology, thermochronology, and thermobarometry.
266. Chemical Oceanography
(4) Lea
Prerequisites: Chemistry 1C; graduate standing. Lecture, 3 hours; discussion, 1 hour.
An introduction to the chemistry of the oceans. Topics include composition and chemical equilibria of seawater, biogeochemical cycling, sediment chemistry, atmospheric exchange, circulation and rates of mixing based on chemical tracers, and the impact of ocean chemistry on climate change.
268. Seminar in Geology-Presentation
(1) Staff
Prerequisite: graduate standing.
Presentation of research topics to meeting of Geology 260.
269. Tracer Hydrology
(4) Clark
Introduction to principles of chemical and isotope tracer hydrology. Emphasis on methods of groundwater dating, the use of tracers as management tools, and contaminate plume monitoring. Research paper required.
270. Seminar in Geologic Problems
(1-3) Staff
Prerequisite: graduate standing.
Course materials fee required. Discussion, 1-3 hours.
Review and discussion of a current problem in geology. Content is variable and depends on student interest. (On demand.)
271. Submarine Hydrothermal Systems
(4) Haymon
Prerequisite: graduate standing. Seminar, 3 hours.
Covers observational, experimental, and theoretical studies of seafloor hydrothermal processes; emphasizes systems at oceanic spreading centers; includes global hydrothermal effects on the compositions of seawater and ocean crust; focuses on recent developments and unsolved problems.
276. Geological Oceanography
(4) Staff
Prerequisite: graduate standing. Lecture, 3 hours.
Geology of the oceans. Development of the oceans through geologic time. Tectonism, crustal structure and composition, sediments, and the fossil record. Paleoceanographic change in relation to earth system history including impact of the oceans on climate change.
280. Seminar in Field Geology
(1-4) Staff
Credit is one half of 1 unit per day in the field, with a maximum of 1 unit for any trip. May be repeated for a maximum of 8 units each academic year. S/U grading. Field, variable hours.
Field trips of one day or more, organized as opportune. Appropriate report required for each trip. (On demand.)
281. Field Studies in Marine Geophysics
(2-12) Macdonald, Haymon, Luyendyk
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
Course materials fee required. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, up to 40 hours.
Field studies in marine geophysics using seismic, sonar, magnetic techniques in high resolution studies of deep-sea geologic features. Normally involves going to sea.
282. Field Studies in Marine Geochemistry
(2-12) Haymon
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
Course materials fee required. Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, up to 3 hours; field and preparation, up to 6 weeks.
Studies in marine geochemistry with the opportunity of going to sea or into the field on land. Lectures cover techniques of seafloor mapping using bottom photography, marine geochemical sampling, and methods of data reduction and sample analysis. Labs include analysis of data/samples collected.
283. Advanced Field Mapping and Geologic Investigations
(4) Gans
Prerequisite: Geological Sciences 118.
Course materials fee required. Discussion, 3 hours.
Research-oriented mapping projects to solve outstanding problem(s) in a geologically significant area. Two weeks in the field, followed by compilation and complimentary laboratory studies. Weekly meetings to discuss results. Paper required.
285. Physical Volcanology
(4) Gans, Busby
Prerequisites: Geology 14 or 114 or 114A-B; and Geology 102A and 104A.
Course materials fee required.
Recommended preparation: Geology 103. Laboratory, 3 hours; field , 3 hours.
Overview of volcanic processes, including physical properties of melts, eruptive mechanisms, classification of volcanic deposits, and volcanic-tectonic environments. Lecture emphasizes theoretical aspects of volcanic processes, lab examines major classification of rocks. Graduate students must complete an independent research project.
286. Cordilleran Tectonics
(4) Gans
Directed readings, weekly seminar, and field trip focused on the phanerozoic evolution of the North American Cordillera. Emphasis on understanding fundamental orogenic processes (continental extension, shortening, transcurrent motions, magmatism, metamorphism) from a cordilleran perspective.
501. Practicum in Instruction
(1-4) Staff
Prerequisite: concurrent teaching assistant appointment.
No unit credit allowed toward degree. Tutorial, 1-6 hours.
Practical experience in teaching in geological sciences. Student will have responsibility for one or more laboratory and/or discussion sections. Evaluations will be made by both staff and class.
502. Teaching Assistant Training
(2) Staff
Maximum of three quarters. No unit credit allowed toward degree. Tutorial, 1-2 hours. (2 day workshop.)
Orientation and workshop in professional conduct and responsibilities. Course will involve observation of student in teaching situation (faculty visits or videotaping) and follow-up conferences, evaluations, and follow-up. (F)
503. Practicum in Research
(1-6) Staff
Prerequisite: concurrent research assistant appointment.
No unit credit allowed toward degree. Tutorial, 1-6 hours.
Practical experience in research in the geological sciences, under supervision of faculty member.
596. Directed Reading and Research
(2-12) Staff
Prerequisites: consent of instructor and graduate advisor.
No more than half the units necessary for the master’s degree may be taken in Geology 596. Tutorial, 3-40 hours.
Individual tutorial. Written proposal for each tutorial must be approved by the instructor and the department chair. (F,W,S)
597. Individual Study for Master’s and Ph.D. Examinations
(1-12) Staff
Prerequisites: consent of instructor and graduate advisor.
No unit credit allowed toward advanced degree. Laboratory, 3-36 hours.
Instructor should be student’s major professor or chair of the committee. (F,W,S)
598. Master’s Thesis Research and Preparation
(1-12) Staff
Prerequisites: consent of instructor and graduate advisor.
No unit credit allowed toward degree. Tutorial, 1-12 hours.
Master’s thesis research and preparation. Instructor normally should be chair of the student’s thesis committee. Only for research underlying the thesis, writing the thesis. (F,W,S)
599. Ph.D. Dissertation Preparation
(1-12) Staff
Prerequisites: consent of instructor and graduate advisor. Variable hours.
Instructor normally should be chair of the student’s doctoral committee. Only for research underlying the dissertation, writing the dissertation. Limited to terminal preparation. (F,W,S)

