Geology
Associate in Science Degree in Geology for Transfer
The curriculum in the Geology program is designed to provide the transfer student the opportunity to achieve an Associate in Science in Geology for Transfer degree by providing the necessary background in quantitative reasoning as well as physical and earth sciences. This background should provide students with the tools to successfully complete a bachelor's degree in Earth Science, Geology, or Geophysics. Students who complete the Associate in Science Degree in Geology for Transfer receive priority admission to the California State University system, though admission to a specific campus is not guaranteed. While an associate degree may support attempts to gain entry-level employment or promotion, a baccalaureate or higher degree is recommended for those considering professional careers, which can be achieved through transfer.
Please refer to college catalog for more information on transfer degree requirements.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Students who complete this program will be able to:
- Recognize and explain the role of fundamental geologic principles, such as plate tectonic theory and deep time, in the interpretation of observed geologic phenomena.
- Research, evaluate, and cite scientific information in order to formulate coherent summaries of earth processes.
- Define the scientific method and apply it to observed geologic phenomena.
- Interpret geologic processes using underlying chemical properties and physical laws.
Curriculum
Curriculum changes as industry standards transform. Please refer to the Saddleback College Catalog website as the following requirements may have changed since this webpage was published.
Required Courses
| Course ID | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| GEOL 1 | Introduction to Physical Geology | 4 |
| GEOL 2 | Historical Geology | 4 |
| CHEM 1A* | General Chemistry | 5 |
| CHEM 1B* | General Chemistry | 5 |
| MATH 3A* | Analytic Geometry and Calculus | 5 |
| MATH 3B* | Analytic Geometry and Calculus | 5 |
| Total Units for the Major | 28 | |
*Course has a prerequisite, corequisite, limitation, or recommended preparation; see course description in the college catalog.
Geology
Associate Degree Program
The curriculum in the Geology Associate Degree program is designed to provide the transfer student the opportunity to achieve an Associate degree. While a baccalaureate or higher degree is recommended for those considering professional careers related to this field, earning the Associate degree would demonstrate achievement and may support attempts to gain entry-level employment and promotion.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Students who complete this program will be able to:
- Recognize and explain the role of fundamental geologic principles, such as plate tectonic theory and deep time, in the interpretation of observed geologic phenomena.
- Research, evaluate, and cite scientific information in order to formulate coherent summaries of earth processes.
- Define the scientific method and apply it to observed geologic phenomena.
- Interpret geologic processes using underlying chemical properties and physical laws.
Curriculum
Curriculum changes as industry standards transform. Please refer to the Saddleback College Catalog website as the following requirements may have changed since this webpage was published.
Required Courses
| Course ID | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| First Year — Fall Semester | ||
| CHEM 1A* | General Chemistry | 5 |
| GEOL 1 | Introduction to Physical Geology | 4 |
| OR | ||
| GEOL 20 | Introduction to Earth Science | 4 |
| MATH 2* | Pre-Calculus (required of students unprepared for MATH 3A*) | 5 |
| First Year — Spring Semester | ||
| CHEM 1B* | General Chemistry | 5 |
| GEOL 2 | Historical Geology | 4 |
| MATH 3A* | Analytic Geometry and Calculus | 5 |
| Second Year — Fall Semester | ||
| BIO 3A* | General Biology I | 5 |
| MATH 3B* | Analytic Geometry and Calculus | 5 |
| PHYS 2A* | Introduction to Physics | 5 |
| OR | ||
| PHYS 4A* | General Physics | 5 |
| Second Year — Spring Semester | ||
| PHYS 2B* | Introduction to Physics | 5 |
| OR | ||
| PHYS 4B* | General Physics | 5 |
| Total Units for the Major | 43-48 | |
*Course has a prerequisite, corequisite, limitation, or recommended preparation; see course description in the college catalog.
Associate in Science Degree
Completion of all the courses listed above and a minimum of 60 units including the general education requirements with an overall GPA of 2.0 qualifies the student for the Associate in Science degree. A minimum of 12 units must be completed at Saddleback College.
General Education Requirements for Associate Degrees
Refer to the Graduation Requirements or to the CSU-GE and IGETC patterns in this catalog for specific courses which meet general education requirements. Refer to ASSIST.org and to the transfer institution's catalog for transfer requirements.
Suggested coursework not required for the major: GEOL 3, 4, 7, 23; DR 100 (if mechanical drafting not taken in high school).