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- Spring 2025 — Classes start Jan 13
About the Geology Discipline
Geology is an interdisciplinary science that combines geological observations and concepts with those of physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics in order to study the Earth, its physical environments, and its history. By studying rocks, fossils, and minerals, and by learning to read and interpret maps, geologists seek to understand those geologic principles and processes that shape the Earth and its environment.
Associate Degrees in Geology
The AS Degree in Earth Science prepares students with the skills needed to succeed in entry-level technical positions in the geological profession, including such fields as geologist, earth scientist, conservation scientist (land use), environmental scientist (environmental assessment and mitigation, including air & water quality analysis), mining, hydrology, agronomy, or serving as a lab tech. Completion of this coursework will also help students complete the coursework needed to transfer to a 4 year and obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Earth Science or Geology which will provide additional professional opportunities. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on specific university admission and transfer requirements so that the courses you select best match with your transfer goals.
Program maps suggest courses to take by semester and include career and transfer information when available.
Required Courses for this major (20–22 Total Units)†
Required Core Courses (8 Units)
All of the following
Choose from the following options (4 Units)
Complete All of the following (4 Units)
- GEOL8 Earth Science (3 Units)
- GEOL8L Earth Science Laboratory (1 Unit)
Complete All of the following (4 Units)
- GEOL10L Physical Geology (4 Units)
Select one of the following Chemistry courses (5 Units)
- CHEM1A General Chemistry I (5 Units)
- CHEM2A Introductory Chemistry (5 Units)
Select one of the following Math courses (4 Units)
- MATH9 Calculus for Business, Social and Life Sciences (4 Units)
- MATH1A Single Variable Calculus I — Early Transcendentals (4 Units)
Electives- Select 1 course from the list provided below (3.0 – 5.0 Units)
>ASTRO-1L Introduction to Astronomy With Lab (4 Units)
Geology is an interdisciplinary science that combines geological observations and concepts with those of physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics in order to study the earth, its physical environments, and its history. By studying rocks, fossils, and minerals, and by learning to read and interpret maps, geologists seek to understand those geologic principles and processes that shape the earth and its environments.
The goal of the Woodland Community College Geology program is to provide students with a broad preparatory education in Geology so they can complete their graduation requirements, associate degree requirements, transfer requirements, are prepared for entry-level geosciences jobs, and/or receive personal enrichment. The Geology program is aligned with the college-level student learning outcomes of computation, critical thinking, and scientific awareness. The Geology AS-T degree is designed specifically for students planning on transferring to the CSU system.
Students who complete an Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T) will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University System and priority admission consideration to their local CSU campus or to a program that is deemed similar to their community college major. This priority does not guarantee admission to specific majors or campuses. Students should consult with a counselor for more information on specific university major admission and transfer requirements. The following are required for all AA-T or AS-T degrees: Minimum of 60 CSU transferrable semester units; Minimum grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework; Completion of all courses in the major with grade of C or better or a P if the course is taken on a pass-no pass basis; Certified completion of the California State University General Education-Breadth pattern (CSU GE Breadth) or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern
Program maps suggest courses to take by semester and include career and transfer information when available.
Required Courses for this major (26 Total Units)†
Required Courses (26 Units)
- CHEM1A General Chemistry I (5 Units)
- CHEM1B General Chemistry II (5 Units)
- GEOL10L Physical Geology (4 Units)
- GEOL11L Historical Geology (4 Units)
- MATH1A Single Variable Calculus I — Early Transcendentals (4 Units)
- MATH1B Single Variable Calculus II -Early Trans (4 Units)
Strongly recommended courses: PHYS1A & PHYS1B or PHYS4A & PHYS4B
Courses in Geology
Courses in Geology
GEOL8L Earth Science Laboratory
Laboratory activities in Earth Science to reinforce and complement the materials presented in GEOL 8.
Course Details:
- Letter Grade Only
- Lab Hours: 54
Prerequisites:
Transferable to both UC and CSU
- WCC Graduation: Area A
- CSU GE: B3
- IGETC: 5C
- C-ID: GEOL 120L
GEOL8 Earth Science
Survey course with topics chosen principally from oceanography, geology, physical geography, meteorology, and astronomy. Topics are presented within a theme of understanding the earth.
Course Details:
- Letter Grade Only
- Lecture Hours: 54
Limitations on enrollment:
Transferable to both UC and CSU
- WCC Graduation: Area A
- CSU GE: B1
- IGETC: 5A
- UC-TCA: UC-S
- C-ID: GEOL 120
GEOL10L Physical Geology
Physical geology introduces the processes that are at work changing the Earth today. Covers rocks and minerals, volcanoes, earthquakes and plate tectonics. It also examines how water and wind shape the Earth's surface.
Course Details:
- Letter Grade Only
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Lab Hours: 54
Limitations on enrollment:
Transferable to both UC and CSU
- WCC Graduation: Area A
- CSU GE: B1, B3
- IGETC: 5A, 5C
- UC-TCA: UC-S
- C-ID: GEOL 101
GEOL11L Historical Geology
Historical Geology is the study of the evolution of life and landforms through geologic time through the examination of the rock record. In this course one will learn how the study of fossils, rocks, tectonic processes, and geologic structures can provide us with information regarding Earth's geologic and biologic history.
Transferable to both UC and CSU
- WCC Graduation: Area A
- CSU GE: B1, B3
- IGETC: 5A, 5C
- UC-TCA: UC-S
- C-ID: GEOL 111
GEOL12 Oceanography
General introduction to the basic principles of oceanography including the study of geological, physical, and chemical oceanography. Topics will include the origin of Earth and the oceans, plate tectonics, marine provinces, sediment, seawater composition and geochemical distributions, surficial and deep-water oceanic circulation, waves, tides, coastal erosion and deposition, marine ecosystems and human's effects on the oceans.
Transferable to both UC and CSU
- WCC Graduation: Area A
- CSU GE: B1
- IGETC: 5A
- UC-TCA: UC-S
GEOL20 Geology of California
General introduction to the geological sciences with emphasis on the geology of California. Topics covered will include the tectonic provinces, landforms, natural resources, geologic history, natural hazards, and related geologic environmental problems in the state.
Transferable to both UC and CSU
- WCC Graduation: Area A
- CSU GE: B1
- IGETC: 5A
- UC-TCA: UC-S
- C-ID: GEOL 200
Ready to get started?
Registration is now open to all students for Summer & Fall 2022
Summer Semester starts: June 13
Fall Semester starts: August 15
Area Dean
Shannon Reed
Full-Time Faculty
Jennifer McCabe
Part-Time Faculty
Tracy Thomson
Genevieve Sparks
Explore more in this Interest Area
Natural Resources & The Environment
Interest Areas at WCC bring together faculty, staff and support services around groupings of related majors.