Geological and Environmental Studies Course Offerings
Please see the section on "Course Description Symbols and Terms" in The University Catalog for an explanation of course description terminology and symbols, the course numbering system, and course credit units. All courses are lecture and discussion and employ letter grading unless otherwise stated. Some prerequisites may be waived with faculty permission. Many syllabi are available on the Chico Web.
| GEOS | 101 | General Geology | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
Earth materials, processes, and history, and their significance to humankind. No college credit for students who have passed GEOS 102. This is an approved General Education course. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule. Formerly GEOS 001.
| GEOS | 102 | Physical Geology | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
Physical and chemical processes in the earth, including origin and identification of rocks and minerals; earth's interior; movements and major features of the earth's crust; erosion and sedimentation; geological structures; topographic maps; mineral resources. This is an approved General Education course. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule. Formerly GEOS 002. CAN GEOL 2.
| GEOS | 105 | Introduction to Astronomy | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
Origin and evolution of the universe. Topics include black holes, pulsars, quasars, life in the universe, and interstellar communication. Constellation study in Roth Planetarium and telescope observation of stars and galaxies at Observatory. This is an approved General Education course. Formerly GEOS 005.
| GEOS | 120 | Weather | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
A descriptive study of weather processes; winds, circulations and storms; and weather impacts on life, property, crops, water availability, and air quality. Current weather briefings and California weather topics are emphasized. Formerly GEOS 020.
| GEOS | 130 | Introduction to Environmental Science | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
An introduction to human impact upon planet Earth. Scientific principles applied to air pollution, water pollution, and solid and radioactive waste problems. Population dynamics, world hunger, and environmental issue analysis are also covered. This is an approved General Education course. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule. Formerly GEOS 030.
| GEOS | 141 | Concepts in the Physical Sciences | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
Basic concepts of motion, force, energy, chemical change, and their interactions. Intended for Liberal Studies majors. Formerly GEOS 041.
| GEOS | 203 | Principles of Historical Geology | 2.0 Fall |
Principles of historical geology as they relate to rock sequences and geologic maps. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule. Formerly GEOS 003.
| GEOS | 250 | Computer Applications in Geosciences | 1.0 Fa/Spr |
Develop skills in applying common computer software, including data analysis, presentation, graphics, and others. Use of this software as applied to selected problems in environmental sciences and geosciences. Formerly GEOS 050.
| GEOS | 260 | Environmental Soil Science | 2.0 Fall |
Survey of the fundamental physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils in selected environmental processes. Formerly GEOS 060.
| GEOS | 270 | California Water | 2.0 Spring |
Introduction to physical hydrological processes, including precipitation, surface waters, soil and groundwater, and evapotranspiration. California water issues are used to illustrate water movement and storage. Formerly GEOS 070.
| GEOS | 300 | Earth System Science | 3.0 Fall |
An intermediate treatment of astronomy, meteorology, and oceanography, with emphasis on climate change and its impacts. This is a writing proficiency, WP, course; a grade of C- or better certifies writing proficiency for majors. Formerly GEOS 100.
| GEOS | 303 | Invertebrate Paleontology | 3.0 Spring |
Study of main groups of invertebrate fossils and their uses in biostratigraphy, paleobiogeography, and paleoecology. Formerly GEOS 103.
| GEOS | 304 | History of Life | 3.0 Spring |
Descriptive outline of the history of life as understood from the fossil record. Evolutionary concepts are examined, with emphasis placed upon paleontologic rather than genetic evidence. Formerly GEOS 104.
| GEOS | 305 | Observational Astronomy | 3.0 OddFa |
An intermediate treatment of astronomy from an observational viewpoint. Visual, photographic, and photometric techniques for sun, moon, solar system, and deep-sky observations. Data analysis and methodology. Frequent use of campus observatory. Formerly GEOS 105.
| GEOS | 306 | Mineralogy and Lithology | 4.0 Fall |
Identification and origins of the more common minerals and rocks. Formerly GEOS 106.
| GEOS | 307 | Stratigraphy | 3.0 Fall |
Basic concepts of stratigraphy. Methods of strata description, correlation, mapping, and interpretation. Sedimentary tectonics and lithic associations. Graphic representation of data. Formerly GEOS 107.
| GEOS | 308 | Planetarium Operation | 2.0 Jan |
Introduction to planetarium operation, including console operation, sky setting, and use of auxiliary projectors. Study of the use of the planetarium as a teaching tool. Development of planetarium programs, including the integration of Internet Resources displayed with the Roth Planetarium LCD projector. Each student will prepare an original planetarium program and present this program to an audience. Formerly GEOS 204.
| GEOS | 309 | Introductory Seismology | 3.0 Spring |
Causes and effects of earthquakes; instrumental seismology; interior of the earth, seismology applied to engineering studies; fault creep and earthquake prediction. Formerly GEOS 102.
| GEOS | 310 | Geological Field Reconnaissance | 2.0 Spring |
Generalized field study of geologically noteworthy areas. (Minimum of eight consecutive days in the field during January intersession or spring vacation; and additional work or classroom meetings.) You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 4.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only. Formerly GEOS 110.
| GEOS | 320 | Modern Topics in the Geosciences | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
Recent advances in the major areas of the physical sciences, including the important interdisciplinary fields. Formerly GEOS 220.
| GEOS | 321 | Introduction to Meteorology | 3.0 Spring |
Survey of physical and dynamic meteorology. Topics covered include thermodynamics, radiation, clouds and precipitation formation, tropical and extratropical weather systems, forecasting, and climate change. Formerly GEOS 120.
| GEOS | 325 | Geology of California | 3.0 Fall |
Geologic setting of California and historical development of its geologic provinces. The impact of earthquakes, volcanic activity, coastal erosion, and earth resources on California. Field trip required. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule. Formerly GEOS 125.
| GEOS | 330 | Environmental Science | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
Human impact on life-support systems; use of physical and ecological principles in environmental management and protection; discussion of land use and its environmental impact; and an evaluation of human influence on natural cycles. This is an approved General Education course. Formerly GEOS 130.
| GEOS | 331 | Environmental Science Lab | 2.0 Fall |
A laboratory designed to complement GEOS 330. Physical, chemical, and ecological concepts as related to the field and laboratory experience in environmental science. Formerly GEOS 131.
| GEOS | 340 | Environmental Geology | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
Provides the non-major with a geologic approach to current environmental problems relating to the origin and use of energy, mineral, and water resources, and the causes and mitigations of geologic hazards. This is an approved General Education course. Formerly GEOS 140.
| GEOS | 342 | Concepts in Earth and Space Science | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
Fundamental concepts in (1) the solar system and the universe, (2) the structure and composition of the solid Earth, and (3) Earth's atmosphere and water. Intended for Liberal Studies majors and students pursuing a single subject teaching credential in science. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule. Formerly GEOS 142.
| GEOS | 343 | Oceanography | 3.0 Fall |
Study of ocean currents and water masses; nutrient distribution and productivity; morphology and sediment distributions of ocean basins, continental shelves, and shorelines; sea floor spreading; and marine field techniques. Formerly GEOS 143.
| GEOS | 350 | American Science and Technology | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
A consideration of the scientific principles underlying key scientific and technological occurrences in the United States, and the relationship of these occurrences to other aspects of American life. This is an approved General Education course. Formerly GEOS 150.
| GEOS | 351 | Science and the American Idea | 3.0 Spring |
Major issues in the evolution of science within the development of the United States. This is an approved General Education course. Formerly GEOS 151.
| GEOS | 354 | Science and Ethics | 3.0 Spring |
The process of science and the scientific method. The Darwinian revolution and its social and ethical implications. Proteins and nucleic acids. Technological and ethical issues in biotechnology. Nuclear weapons. Conservation and environmental ethics. This course cannot be used for credit toward a geosciences major or minor. This is an approved General Education course. Formerly GEOS 154.
| GEOS | 355 | Geologic Hazards | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
A discussion of the geologic processes that cause geologic hazards; the methods of measuring their magnitude and frequency; the various ways in which hazards affect humans and their environment; the methods by which geologic hazards can be predicted and mitigated; and the various stages of recovery from catastrophic geologic hazards. This is an approved General Education course. Formerly GEOS 155.
| GEOS | 360 | Field Methods | 2.0 Spring |
Elementary geologic field methods, descriptive geometry, photogeology, and geologic mapping. Ten days in the field during January intersession. Formerly GEOS 160.
| GEOS | 361 | Preparation of the Geological Report | 1.0 Spring |
This is a writing proficiency, WP, course; a grade of C- or better certifies writing proficiency for majors. Formerly GEOS 161.
| GEOS | 370 | Energy in the Human Environment | 3.0 Spring |
Analysis of present and long-term global energy crises; coverage of scientific concepts needed to understand energy and its environmental interactions; in-depth examination of alternative energy sources and their environmental impact. This is an approved General Education course. Formerly GEOS 170.
| GEOS | 380 | Hydrology | 3.0 Fall |
A survey of the mass transfer processes and storage elements within the hydrologic cycle: precipitation, interception, surface runoff, infiltration, evapo-transpiration, soil water and groundwater. Quantitative methods for estimating flow and storage, use of probability concepts to predict extreme hydrologic events in a time series. Formerly GEOS 180.
| GEOS | 381 | Hydrologic Field Methods | 2.0 Fall |
Develops field and related laboratory skills in performing common measurements in all areas of the hydrologic cycle. Students learn to critically evaluate the theoretical basis for field methods and hydrologic characterization approaches. Formerly GEOS 181.
| GEOS | 390 | Surficial Processes | 3.0 Fall |
Description, analysis, and quantification of landscape-forming processes in hillslope, fluvial, desert, periglacial, and coastal environments. Emphasis on applications of process-based analyses for solving environmental and resource problems. Formerly GEOS 190.
| GEOS | 398 | Selected Topics in Geosciences | 1.0-4.0 Fa/Spr |
This course is a special topic offered for 1.0-4.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See The Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. Formerly GEOS 198.
| GEOS | 399 | Special Problems | 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr |
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only. Formerly GEOS 199.
| GEOS | 400 | Physical Meteorology | 3.0 OddFa |
The physical processes of the atmosphere: atmospheric hydrostatics and thermodynamics; aerosol physics; cloud microphysics and dynamics; radiative transfer. The role of these processes in cloud and storm development is also covered. Formerly GEOS 200.
| GEOS | 402 | Optical Mineralogy | 1.0 Spring |
Theory and practice of identification of minerals with the petrographic microscope. Emphasis on the common rock-forming silicates. Formerly GEOS 202.
| GEOS | 403 | Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology | 4.0 Spring |
Physical-chemical development and geotectonic settings of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Analysis of rock thin sections. Field trip required. Formerly GEOS 203.
| GEOS | 405 | Solar System Astronomy | 3.0 OddSp |
Study of planets, asteroids, meteors, and comets, including the dynamics of their orbits, the geology of their surfaces, and their origin. Study of planetary atmospheres, including their origin, evolution, dynamics and climate. Space colonies and the possible colonization of other planets will also be discussed. Formerly GEOS 205.
| GEOS | 406 | The Origin and Evolution of the Universe | 3.0 EvenSp |
Origin of the universe. Formation of galaxies and stars. Recent developments in astronomy: black holes, pulsars, quasars, radio galaxies, etc. Life in the universe. Possibility of interstellar communication with extraterrestrial civilizations. Formerly GEOS 206.
| GEOS | 408 | Structural Geology | 4.0 Fall |
Behavior of geologic materials. Folds, faults, small-scale structures in sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks. Graphic methods. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule. Formerly GEOS 208.
| GEOS | 410 | Introduction to Watershed Hydrology | 3.0 Spring |
Survey of the hydrologic processes that govern the movement and storage of water in a watershed context. Review of soils and sediment transport. Topics will include current water quality problems in agricultural, rangeland, forested, and urban watersheds. Quantitative computer-based methods for predicting runoff and erosion will be employed. Formerly GEOS 210.
| GEOS | 415 | Hydrogeology | 3.0 Spring |
Theory and analysis of groundwater flow, including fluid physics, aquifer properties, soil water, groundwater recharge, hydrogeologic environments, aquifer mechanics, and water quality degradation. Formerly GEOS 215.
| GEOS | 450 | Tectonics | 3.0 EvnFa |
Evolution of the larger features of the earth; continents, oceans, mountain ranges, and lithospheric plates. Methods of tectonic analysis, including interpretation. Geologic development of the western United States. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule. Formerly GEOS 250.
| GEOS | 460 | Water Resources Management | 3.0 Spring |
Water-resources, management plans of world; emphasis on California and Israeli plans. Water plans in primitive, agrarian, and industrial societies. Data gathering and interpretation, regulation of water resources, and control of water pollution. Formerly GEOS 260.
| GEOS | 471 | Field Geology | 2.0 Spring |
Mapping, recording, and interpreting data in the field; use of Brunton compass and topographic maps emphasized. Reports required. Field work during January Intersession totaling at least 10 days. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Formerly GEOS 271.
| GEOS | 490 | Seminar in the Geosciences | 1.0 Fall |
Readings, reports, and discussion of topics in the current literature or of special studies in any area of the physical sciences. Formerly GEOS 290.
| GEOS | 499H | Honors Research in the Geosciences | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
An intensive two-semester course in research within a subdiscipline of the physical sciences. Students enroll for 3 units each semester. Open only to students with at least a 3.0 GPA in the major. The course consists of a research project done under the supervision of a faculty member, a formal written paper, and a public presentation. This course may be used to fulfill a maximum of 3 units of the upper-division requirement for the major. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Formerly GEOS 299H.
| GEOS | 501 | Dynamic Meteorology and Analysis | 3.0 EvenSp |
Theory, analysis, and forecasting of intermediate- and large-scale motions in the atmosphere. Topics include the primitive flow equations, planetary boundary layer, synoptic-scale motions, atmospheric oscillations, mesoscale circulations, and the general global circulation. Formerly GEOS 201.
| GEOS | 530 | Environmental Systems Modeling I | 3.0 EvnFa |
Physical principles, theory and analysis techniques for computer modeling in the geosciences. Methods of estimation and error analysis, boundary values and initial conditions, steady-state and time-dependent models. Emphasis on problems relating to air and water pollution and hydrologic cycle. Formerly GEOS 230.
| GEOS | 531 | Environmental Systems Modeling II | 3.0 OddSp |
A continuation of GEOS 530. Application, verification, and modification techniques for time-dependent and multi-dimension models used in the geosciences. Introduction to widely used models and analysis packages. Formerly GEOS 231.
| GEOS | 535 | Pollution Ecology | 3.0 Fall |
The application of biological, ecological, chemical, and physical sciences to understanding the fate and transport of pollutants through ecosystems. Formerly GEOS 235.
| GEOS | 536 | Applied Ecology | 3.0 Spring |
Examination of the mechanisms, directions, and magnitude of an organism's or ecosystem's response to human perturbation. Formerly GEOS 236.
| GEOS | 545 | Applied Geophysics | 3.0 EvenSp |
Introduction to solid-earth geophysical exploration techniques and data analysis. Includes electrical, electromagnetic, gravimetric, and seismic surveying, and wireline well logging. Concentration on problems in environmental science, hydrology, mineral prospecting, and oil exploration. Formerly GEOS 245.
| GEOS | 549 | Economic Geology | 3.0 OddSp |
The integrative course dealing with origins and occurrences of metallic and non-metallic mineral deposits, including factors in their use. Formerly GEOS 249.
| GEOS | 555 | Sedimentary Basin Analysis | 3.0 Fall |
Study of the paleographic evolution of sedimentary basins. Includes stratigraphic and paleontologic correlation, facies analysis, sedimentary petrology, depositional systems, and the tectonic framework of sedimentary basins. Formerly GEOS 255.
| GEOS | 565 | Geochemistry | 3.0 Fall |
Investigation of the chemistry of minerals, rocks, and natural waters. Provides students with interests in geology, hydrology, environmental science, and other disciplines a background on the chemical compositions of rocks, minerals, and natural waters; chemical processes in the formation of rocks and waters; principles of reaction chemistry, thermodynamics, and kinetics applied to geochemical systems; and migration of chemical contaminants in the environment. Formerly GEOS 265.
| GEOS | 570 | Environmental and Engineering Geology | 3.0 EvenSp |
Practical application of techniques to solve geological engineering and environmental problems. Techniques of surface investigations and remote sensing; borehole and surface geophysics; soil descriptions and properties; landslide mapping, mechanics and remediation, subsurface investigation of rock masses; mapping of discontinuities, establishing rock quality, tunneling techniques. Seismic studies; surface and trench mapping of faults, seismic risk analysis. Ground water monitoring, site assessment, techniques of hazardous waste cleanup, state and federal regulations on hazardous waste, siting of landfills. Formerly GEOS 270.
| GEOS | 572 | Advanced Field Geology | 2.0 Spring |
Independent geologic mapping of a difficult area. Report required. Field work on weekends or during spring recess, totaling at least 10 days. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Formerly GEOS 272.
| GEOS | 575 | Senior Project | 2.0 Spring |
Independent application of current standard field and laboratory methods to environmental analysis. Analysis and presentation of an individual environmental project. Formerly GEOS 275.
| GEOS | 580 | Geological Evolution of North America | 3.0 Spring |
Group study of topics related to the geological evolution of North America. Student presentations and group discussion will focus on common themes or geologic regions. Formerly GEOS 280.
| GEOS | 600 | Geosciences Seminar I | 1.0 Fall |
Presentation and discussion of reports on current literature and special studies in geosciences. Formerly GEOS 300.
| GEOS | 601 | Geosciences Seminar II | 1.0 Spring |
Presentation and discussion of reports on current literature and special studies in geosciences. Formerly GEOS 301.
| GEOS | 617 | Advanced Topics in Geology | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Discussions and library research into selected topics; may include some lab or field work. Different topics presented each semester. May be repeated for credit, with permission of instructor. Formerly GEOS 317.
| GEOS | 619 | Advanced Topics in Meteorology | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Discussions and library research into selected topics; may include some lab work. Different topics presented each semester. May be repeated for credit, with permission of instructor. Formerly GEOS 319.
| GEOS | 621 | Advanced Topics in Hydrology | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Discussions and library research into selected topics; may include some lab work. Different topics presented each semester. May be repeated for credit, with permission of instructor. Formerly GEOS 321.
| GEOS | 623 | Advanced Topics in Astronomy | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Discussions and library research into selected topics; may include some lab work. Different topics presented each semester. May be repeated for credit, with permission of instructor. Formerly GEOS 323.
| GEOS | 625 | Advanced Topics in Environmental Science | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Discussions and library research into selected topics; may include some lab work. Different topics presented each semester. May be repeated for credit, with permission of instructor. Formerly GEOS 325.
| GEOS | 630 | Geotectonic Development of California | 3.0 Fall |
Geological and geophysical characteristics of the geomorphic provinces of California. Formation of surficial features, such as mountain ranges, drainage networks, and valleys as a response to active tectonic processes. Detailed geologic and physiographic framework of Northern California as a setting for field-based studies in the geosciences. Formerly GEOS 330.
| GEOS | 640 | Hydrogeochemistry | 3.0 Spring |
Origins and sources of chemical constituents of natural waters, including water-rock interactions, equilibrium aqueous speciation, reaction-path modeling, oxidation-reduction reactions, mineral solubility relations, geochemical transport, reaction kinetics, and aqueous isotopic systems. Formerly GEOS 340.
| GEOS | 650 | Environmental Monitoring | 2.0 Fall |
Survey of environmental monitoring for air quality, water quality, pollution, waste disposal, environmental resources, etc., including field and laboratory observations and exercises. An individual term project in environmental monitoring is required and may involve collection of field data, interpretation of field data, development of analytical capabilities, or other subjects pertinent to the student's research interests. Special fee required; see The Class Schedule. Formerly GEOS 350.
| GEOS | 660 | Numerical Analysis | 3.0 Spring |
Survey and implementation of common numerical techniques in use in geoscientific data analysis, including multivariate data analysis, geostatistics, finite difference and finite element analyses, time-series analysis, and fractal geometry. Formerly GEOS 360.
| GEOS | 697 | Independent Study | 1.0-4.0 Fa/Spr |
This course is a graduate-level independent study offered for 1.0-4.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Formerly GEOS 398.
| GEOS | 699T | Master's Thesis | 1.0-6.0 Fa/Spr |
This course is a master's thesis offered for 1.0-6.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Formerly GEOS 399T.