The San Diego State University 1996-97 General Catalog on the World-Wide Web cannot
be considered the official publication for the University.
Please refer to the printed General Catalog
General Catalog versions and rights
Geological Sciences
In the College of Sciences
Office: Chemistry/Geology 205
Telephone: (619) 594-5586
Email: department.office@geology.sdsu.edu
Emeritus: Brooks, Gastil, Kern, Krummenacher, McEuen, Ptacek, Roberts, Threet
Chair: Bertine
The Rollin and Caroline Eckis Chair in Seismology: Day
Professors: Abbott, Berry, Bertine, Dorman, Girty, Huntley, Jiracek, Marshall, Miller, Peterson, Rockwell, Walawender
Associate Professors: Frost, Kimbrough
Assistant Professor: Thorbjarnarson
Master of Science degree in geological sciences.
Major in geological sciences with the B.S. degree in applied arts and sciences.
Emphasis in engineering geology.
Emphasis in geochemistry.
Emphasis in geophysics.
Emphasis in hydrogeology.
Emphasis in marine geology.
Emphasis in paleontology.
Minor in geological sciences.
Minor in oceanography.
A gift from Rollin and Caroline Eckis, combined with matching funds from the Atlantic Richfield Company and contributions from SDSU faculty and staff, established The Rollin and Caroline Eckis Chair in Seismology at SDSU. Rollin Eckis is former president of Richfield Oil Company and vice chairman of the board of Atlantic Richfield Company.
The first appointee to the Chair, Dr. Steven M. Day, conducts research on the mechanics of earthquakes and earthquake hazards.
Geology is the study of the earth, its composition, its history, and its constantly changing character.
Geologists study the origin and evolution of our planet; the chemical and physical properties of minerals, rocks, and fuels; the structure of our mobile crust - its newly forming ocean floors and its ancient, drifting continents; the history of life; and the human adaptation to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and floods. The subject matter of geology ranges from dinosaurs to the prediction of earthquakes.
Students who are curious about the planet on which we live, challenged by problems which involve the earth, and intrigued by the potential of a subject which combines the best of both the arts and sciences, should consider geological sciences as a major.
The employment outlook is favorable, particularly with engineering and toxic waste disposal firms and energy companies, and as public school teachers.
A geology graduate may be employed as one of the following professionals: hydrologist, geophysicist, geochemist, environmental scientist, oceanographer, teacher, research technician, geological surveyor, paleontologist, energy and resource explorer, and resource planner.
Geologists are primarily employed by private corporations, including petroleum, mining, construction, and quarry companies; and government agencies, such as the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Bureau of Mines, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the California Department of Conservation, and regional planning offices. Students with graduate degrees are sought for teaching positions in secondary schools, community colleges and universities.
All candidates for a degree in applied arts and sciences must complete the graduation requirements listed in the section of this catalog on "Graduation Requirements." All required upper division courses must be taken for letter grades only, not credit/no credit.
Courses to satisfy the requirement of 36 upper division units in the major may be selected from upper division geological sciences courses not explicitly excluded. Students may petition the department to include courses from other disciplines to complete the upper division major requirement.
A minor is not required with this major.
Preparation for the Major. Geological Sciences 100, 101, 105, 221, 224, 230; Biology 100, 100L, or 101, 101L; Chemistry 200, 201; electives approved by the departmental adviser. Mathematics 150 and 250; Physics 180A-180B and 182A-182B, or Physics 195, 195L, 196, 196L, 197, 197L. (48-52 units)
Recommended: Chemistry 410A-410B; Computer Science 107; Mathematics 151 and 252; Physics 195, 195L, 196, 196L, 197, 197L; a foreign language; and a course in mechanical drawing if not completed in high school.
Upper Division Writing Requirement. Passing the University Writing Examination or completing one of the approved writing courses with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Major. A minimum of 36 upper division units in approved courses to include Geological Sciences 305, 308, 498A-498B or 498A-498C, 506, 507, 508, 524, and either 525 or 530; at least one of the following: Geological Sciences 502, 505, 514, 520, 521, 526, 540, 550, 551; plus additional departmentally approved courses to complete a minimum of 36 upper division units for the major.
Preparation for the Major. Geological Sciences 100, 101, 105, 221, 224; Biology 100 or 101; Chemistry 200, 201; Engineering Mechanics 200; Engineering 140; Mathematics 150, 151, and 252; Physics 195, 196, 197. (55 units)
Recommended: Civil Engineering 218; Physics 195L, 196L, 197L.
Upper Division Writing Requirement. Passing the University Writing Examination or completing one of the approved writing courses with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Major. A minimum of 39 upper division units in approved courses to include Geological Sciences 305, 308, 330, 498A-498B or 498A-498C, 508, 514, 526, 550, 551; Civil Engineering 301, 462, 463; and one of the following: Geological Sciences 505, 530, 530L, or Civil Engineering 465.
Because of the preparation in mathematics, physics, and geology called for in this emphasis, the College of Engineering will not require majors in this option to take the prerequisites specified for Civil Engineering 301, 462, and 463.
Preparation for the Major. Geological Sciences 100, 101, 105, 221, 224; Biology 100 or 101; Chemistry 200, 201, and 251; Mathematics 150, 151, and 252; Physics 195, 196, 197, 197L. (56 units)
Recommended: Computer Science 107; Physics 195L, 196L; a foreign language; and a course in mechanical drawing if not completed in high school.
Upper Division Writing Requirement. Passing the University Writing Examination or completing one of the approved writing courses with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Major. A minimum of 37 upper division units in approved courses to include Geological Sciences 305, 308, 498A-498B or 498A-498C, 508, 530, 530L; Chemistry 410A-410B; either Geological Sciences 506 and 526, or Geological Sciences 524 and 525; seven units of electives approved by the departmental adviser.
Preparation for the Major. Geological Sciences 100, 101, 105, 221, 224; Biology 100 or 101; Chemistry 200, 201; Computer Science 107; Mathematics 150, 151, and 252; Physics 195, 196, 196L, 197. Engineering 280 must be taken if students select Engineering 510 in the major. (54 units)
Recommended: Physics 195L, 197L; a foreign language; and a course in mechanical drawing if not completed in high school.
Upper Division Writing Requirement. Passing the University Writing Examination or completing one of the approved writing courses with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Major. A minimum of 43-47 upper division units in approved courses to include Geological Sciences 305, 308, 330, 498A-498B or 498A-498C, 533; Mathematics 342A and 342B, or Engineering 510; Physics 311, 350; Physics 400A or Electrical Engineering 340; plus six units of approved courses in geological sciences at the 500 level.
Preparation for the Major. Geological Sciences 100, 101, 105, 221, 224; Biology 100 or 101 or 120; Chemistry 200, 201; Mathematics 150, 151, 252; Physics 195, 196, 197; choice of Mathematics 250 or Chemistry 230. (53-54 units).
Recommended: Biology 120; Physics 195L, 196L, 197L.
Upper Division Writing Requirement. Passing the University Writing Examination or completing one of the approved writing courses with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Major. A minimum of 38 upper division units in approved courses to include Geological Sciences 300, 305, 308, 330, 498A-498B or 498A-498C, 508, (or approved hydrogeology field course), 514, 526, 530, 530L, 551; Mathematics 342A and 342B, or 337 and 531, or Engineering 280 and 510, or Chemistry 410A and 410B (or approved upper division chemistry course).
Preparation for the Major. Geological Sciences 100, 101, 105, 221, 224; Biology 100 or 101; Chemistry 200, 201; Mathematics 150, 151, and 252; Physics 195, 195L, 196, 196L, 197, 197L. (53 units)
Recommended: Computer Science 107; a foreign language; and a course in mechanical drawing if not completed in high school.
Upper Division Writing Requirement. Passing the University Writing Examination or completing one of the approved writing courses with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Major. A minimum of 36 upper division units in approved courses to include Geological Sciences 305, 308, 498A-498B or 498A-498C, 508 (optional), 530, 530L, 540, 545, and four of the following courses: Geological Sciences 506, 524, 525, 526, Biology 517; plus additional departmentally approved courses to complete a minimum of 36 upper division units for the major. Recommended: Chemistry 410A-410B for students anticipating postgraduate studies.
Preparation for the Major. Geological Sciences 100, 101, 105, 221, 224; Biology 201, 202, 215; Chemistry 200, 201; Mathematics 150, or 121 and 122 (alternative of 121 and 122 should not be selected by students planning academic work beyond the B.S. degree); Physics 180A-180B and 182A-182B. (49-50 units)
Upper Division Writing Requirement. Passing the University Writing Examination or completing one of the approved writing courses with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Major. A minimum of 36 upper division units in approved courses to include Geological Sciences 305, 308, 498A-498B or 498A-498C, 506, 507, 508, 516, 526; two courses from the following: Biology 515, 517, 522; plus additional departmentally approved courses to complete a minimum of 36 upper division units for the major.
The minor in geological sciences consists of a minimum of 20 units in geological sciences, twelve of which must be in upper division courses, to include Geological Sciences 100, 101, 105; and twelve units selected from Geological Sciences 301, 302, 303, 305, 502, 506, 514. In addition, Geological Sciences 221, 224 and 230 are appropriate for geology minors.
Courses in the minor may not be counted toward the major, but may be used to satisfy preparation for the major and general education requirements, if applicable. A minimum of six upper division units must be completed in residence at San Diego State University.
For a listing of requirements refer to the section of this catalog on Oceanography.
100. Dynamics of the Earth (3) I, II
Geological processes that shape our planet. Plate tectonics used as framework to explore volcanoes, earthquakes, mountain building, glaciers, time, resources, and environmental issues. Not open to students with previous credit in geological sciences.
101. Dynamics of the Earth Laboratory (1) I, II
Three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent registration in Geological Sciences 100.
Hands-on experience with land forms, rocks, minerals, topographic maps, and aerial photographs. Includes demonstrations and field trips. Designed to accompany and augment Geological Sciences 100. Not open to students with previous laboratory credit in geological sciences.
105. Historical Geology (4) I, II (CAN GEOL 4)
Three lectures and three hours of laboratory. Arrangement for field study during the semester.
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 100 and 101.
Theories of earth origin, and the evolutionary history of the earth as traced through rock and fossil records. Consideration of the paleontologic sequence.
201. Computer Applications in Geology (2)
Six hours of laboratory.
Programming and applications software fundamental to geological
sciences. Applications software will include DOS, Windows, and Macintosh operating systems, word processing, spreadsheets, graphing,
contouring, and drawing. Introduction to Internet and overview of geology-specific software.
221. Mineralogy (4) I, II
Three lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Credit or concurrent registration in Geological Sciences 100 and 101; high school chemistry and trigonometry, or credit
or concurrent registration in college chemistry and trigonometry.
Practice in the determination of the common minerals; their geologic environment, utilization and economic significance.
224. Petrology (3) I
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 100, 101, and 221.
The origin, occurrence, identification, and classification of rocks in hand specimen.
230. Introduction to Geophysics (3) II
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 100 and 101; a course in college physics.
Application of classical physics to gravitational, magnetic, seismic, earthquake, and thermal characteristics in defining the structure and dynamics of the earth.
296. Experimental Topics (1-4)
Selected topics. May be repeated with new content. See Class Schedule for specific content. Limit of nine units of any combination of 296, 496, 596 courses applicable to a bachelor's degree.
300. Computer Applications to Geology (3)
Two lectures and two hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 221 and 230; Mathematics 150
and 250.
Instruction in DOS personal computers and data manipulation using word processing, spreadsheets, and plotting. Supporting geological sciences theory presented with the solution of quantitative problems in geophysics, hydrology, sedimentology, and geomorphology.
301. Geology of National Parks and Monuments (3) I, II
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 100, and completion of the
General Education requirement in Foundations II.A., Natural Sciences
and Quantitative Reasoning.
Geology of a group of national parks and monuments, selected for their geological significance, scenic beauty, and visitor popularity. Not acceptable for a major in geological sciences but acceptable for a minor in geological sciences.
302. Fossils: Life Through Time (3) I, II
Prerequisite: Completion of the General Education requirement in
Foundations II.A., Natural Sciences and Quantitative Reasoning.
Traditional and recently discovered aspects of history of life on earth. Topics from the origin of life to extinctions. Not acceptable for a major in geological sciences.
303. Natural Disasters (3) I, II
Prerequisite: Geological Sciences 100 or completion of the General
Education requirement in Foundations II.A., Natural Sciences and
Quantitative Reasoning.
Geologic processes that have dramatically affected the human race: earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and floods. Not acceptable for a major in geological sciences but acceptable for a minor in geological sciences.
304. Planetary Geology (3)
Prerequisite: Completion of the General Education requirement in
Foundations II.A., Natural Sciences and Quantitative Reasoning. Recommended: Geological Sciences 100.
Structure, evolution, and surface features of planets from a geological point of view. Insights gained into origin and evolution of planetary bodies provide greater understanding of how planet earth operates and why it is unique. Not acceptable for a major in geological sciences.
305. Structural Geology (3) I, II
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory per week with occasional field trips.
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 105 and trigonometry.
Structural features of the earth, both deformational and primary. Mechanical principles, causes of folding and faulting, graphic solutions and analyses.
308. Introductory Field Geology (4) I, W
One lecture and three hours of laboratory plus a minimum of 18 days in the field. Fieldwork will be pursued at a field camp during the month of January (intersession); students should enroll during the Fall semester.
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 224 and 305.
Techniques of geologic observation, data collection, and interpretation; preparation of geologic maps, sections, and reports. Students are responsible for food and transportation.
330. Geophysical Prospecting (3) I
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory. Occasional field trips.
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 100 and 101, or Civil Engineering 253; Mathematics 150; Physics 196.
Elementary theory and basic field practices, data reduction, and interpretation of gravity, magnetic, seismic, resistivity, and electromagnetic surveys in economic applications.
496. Selected Topics in Geology (1-4)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Selected topics in geology and related earth sciences. May be repeated with new content. See Class Schedule for specific content. Limit of nine units of any combination of 296, 496, 596 courses applicable to a bachelor's degree. Maximum credit six units.
498A. Senior Seminar (1) Cr/NC I, II
Prerequisite: Senior standing in geological sciences.
Preparation of written and oral scientific reports and attendance at departmental seminars.
498B. Senior Thesis (2) I, II
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 498A and consent of instructor.
Individual research project, written thesis, and oral presentation. Must be completed by students desiring to graduate with distinction in the major.
498C. Senior Presentation (2) I, II
Prerequisite: Geological Sciences 498A.
Oral and written critiques of geological literature and seminar presentations.
499. Special Study (1-3) I, II
Prerequisites: Acceptable grade average in at least 12 upper division units within the major and consent of staff.
Individual study in field, library, laboratory, or museum work. Maximum credit four units.
502. Geology of North America (3) I
Prerequisite: Geological Sciences 105.
A regional analysis of North American geology, its structural, stratigraphic, and tectonic patterns and hypotheses concerning their origin and evolution.
505. Photogeology (3) II
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 305 and 514.
Geologic interpretation of aerial photographs, elementary stereos-copy and stereometry applied to structural and stratigraphic problems, and compilation of geologic maps from annotated aerial photographs.
506. Paleontology (3) I
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 105 and either Biology 100-
100L or 101-101L.
Principles and methods, exemplified by a study of the morphology, classification, habit, and geologic significance of fossil invertebrates.
507. Stratigraphy (3) II
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 105 and 224.
Stratigraphic principles and practices. Consideration of the North American stratigraphic record.
508. Advanced Field Geology (4 or 6) S
One lecture and three hours of laboratory plus 24 days in the field. For the option with six units: two additional weeks of field or laboratory work. Summer session can be enrolled in during the Spring semester.
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 308 and 524.
Investigation of individually assigned areas, preparation of geologic maps, geologic sections, and gathering other types of data, e.g., petrologic, geophysical, or paleontologic, as appropriate. Students are responsible for cost of food and transportation.
514. Process Geomorphology (3)
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite: Geological Sciences 305.
Processes shaping and affecting the earth's surface, and application of resultant land forms in interpretation of geologic structure, stratigraphy and neotectonics. (Formerly numbered Geological Sciences 314.)
516. Micropaleontology (3)
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite: Geological Sciences 506.
The morphology, classification and geologic significance of the various microfossils.
520. Ore Deposits (3) I
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 224 and 305.
Geologic relations, origin, distribution, and economics of metallic and nonmetallic mineral deposits.
521. Petroleum Geology (3) II
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 224 and 305.
Geologic occurrence of petroleum and the application of geologic principles in exploration and production.
524. Optical Mineralogy (3) I
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite: Geological Sciences 221.
Theory and use of the polarizing microscope for determining optical properties of minerals as an aid to their identification.
525. Petrography (3) II
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite: Geological Sciences 524.
A study of rocks with the polarizing microscope; identification of mineral constituents; interpretation of textures; classification of rocks; problems of genesis.
526. Sedimentology (3) I
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 105 and 224.
Origin, description, and interpretation of sedimentary rocks and structures.
530. Geochemistry (2) I
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 224; Chemistry 201; Mathematics 121 and 122, or 150.
The relationship of basic chemical principles to geologic phenomena and environments, including applications to geologic exploration problems.
530L. Geochemistry Laboratory (1) I
Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent registration in Geological Sciences 530.
Laboratory methods of analysis for determination of elemental concentrations in waters, sediments, and rocks, as well as x-ray diffraction methods for mineralogy.
532. Applied Hydrogeophysics (3) II
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Mathematics 150 and 250; two semesters of physics. Recommended: Geological Sciences 330 and 551.
Advanced applications of geophysical methods to hydrological investigations including d.c. resistivity, electromagnetics, radar, seismology, and magnetics.
533. Geophysical Analysis (3)
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 330, Mathematics 252, Physics
197. Recommended: Physics 195L, 196L, 197L.
Analog and digital data collection, processing, modeling and error estimation. Computer-aided examples and field tests from seismics, gravity, magnetics, and electromagnetics including magnetotellurics.
540. Marine Geology (3) I
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 105, and either Geological Sciences 224, 502, 506, or 514.
Plate tectonic origin and history of the ocean basins. Formation and distribution of sediments in response to biological, chemical, and geological processes.
545. Descriptive Physical Oceanography (3) I
Prerequisites: Mathematics 121 and 122, or 150; Physics 180A or
195.
Physical environment of oceans including heat, water, and salt budgets, physical properties of sea water, sea ice, air-sea relationships, effects of light and sound, distribution of temperature, salinity, density, surface current, deep circulation, water mass formation, instruments and methods of study.
550. Engineering Geology (3) II
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite: Geological Sciences 305.
Relationships between geologic processes and works of humans. Topics include rock and soil mechanics, ground water flow, slopes stabil-ity, seismicity, land subsidence, and evaluation of geologic materials with respect to dam sites, tunnel alignments, and building foundations.
551. Hydrogeology (3) I
Two lectures and three hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 305 and Mathematics 150.
Theory of ground water flow. Exploration for and development of the ground water resource. Aquifer tests, water quality, and water resource management. Occurrence of water in alluvial, sedimentary, volcanic, plutonic, and metamorphic terrains.
552. Field and Laboratory Techniques in Hydrogeology (5)
One lecture and twelve hours of laboratory.
Prerequisites: Geological Sciences 551 and credit or concurrent
registration in Geological Sciences 530.
Use and application of common field and laboratory techniques in hydrogeology. Exercises include drilling, coring, and sediment sampling, aquifer testing, unsaturated zone monitoring, fluid level measurement, tracer testing, laboratory measurement of permeability, capillarity, and analysis of inorganic and organic constituents in groundwater.
596. Advanced Topics in Geology (1-4)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
Advanced special topics in the geological sciences. See Class Schedule for specific content. Limit of nine units of any combination of 296, 496, 596 courses applicable to a bachelor's degree. Maximum credit of six units of 596 applicable to a bachelor's degree. Maximum combined credit of six units of 596 and 696 applicable to a 30-unit master's degree.
webmaster@libweb.sdsu.edu
1996, San Diego State University. All rights
reserved.
