The undergraduate degree programs consist of required courses plus electives designed to meet the needs of students with objectives ranging from employment at the Bachelor's degree level, through preparation for a secondary school teaching credential, to graduate study in Geology. A B.S. major in Geology is the primary, professional program in Geology, and serves as preparation for employment in the field, usually on a technical level; those wishing to do independent geological work should plan on graduate study. The B.A. degree major is designed for persons who do not necessarily plan to become professional geologists or to go on to graduate work. (Note: Transfer from the B.A. to the B.S. program or vice versa can be accomplished.) Persons who graduate with the B.A. degree major in Geology must complete additional coursework equivalent to the B.S. requirements before they are admissible into the graduate program.
The Cummings Geology Club, a student organization, sponsors a variety of activities including speakers, field trips, employment workshops, and student-faculty gatherings. The club is an important part of department life, providing students with opportunities to make professional contacts, to explore graduate school and professional options, and to enjoy the company of others with similar interests. For more information, contact the faculty advisor or the current club president at (510) 885-3486.
Students completing the Geology major may apply four (4) units of mathematics and eight (8) units of chemistry (or physics) to the Natural Sciences and Mathematics requirement (Area B) in their General Education Requirements. (See the General Education Evaluator and Class Schedule for more information.)
GEOL/GEOG 3110
GEOL 3200 (not more than 4 units), 3400
GEOL 4010, 4110, 4120, 4310, 4320, 4400, 4800 (not more than 4 units),
4830, 4900, 4910 (not more than 4 units for 4900 and 4910 combined)
Students interested in a specific subdiscipline (e.g., applied geology, oceanography, geochemistry) are urged to consult the appropriate departmental faculty advisor to ensure an appropriate choice of electives.
Note: Course substitutions made after arrival at Cal State Hayward must have prior written approval of the faculty advisor.
GEOL 2101 (5 units)
GEOL 3030, 3610, 3611, 3701, 3702, 3730, 3810, 3910 (33 units)
GEOL 4800 and/or GEOL 4900 (3-4 units depending on chemistry and physics
group completed) (3-4 units)
1002 Environmental Geology Laboratory (2)
Investigations of environmental geologic problems in the greater San
Francisco Bay area, including earthquake and volcanic hazards, flooding,
landslides, and shoreline erosion. Not for Geology major credit. Prerequisite:
GEOL 1001, 2101, 2300 or 3300 or concurrent enrollment in any of these
courses. One hr. lect., two hrs. lab activity. (A)
1201 Introduction to Oceanography (4)
Origin of ocean basins, nature of the sea floor, physical/chemical
characteristics of sea water, ocean currents, marine life, relationships
between humans and the sea. Not for Geology major credit. (A)
1202 Oceanography Laboratory (2)
Introductory laboratory exercises in principles of oceanography, including
distribution of temperature and salinity, currents, sea-floor topography,
bottom sediments, waves and tides, and beach dynamics. Not applicable to
the Geology majors. Prerequisite: prior or concurrent enrollment in GEOL
1201. One hr. lect., two hrs. lab activity. (A)
2101 Physical Geology (5)
[CAN GEOL 2]
Nature and distribution of earth materials, the processes by which
the materials are formed and altered, and the nature and development of
the landscape. Four hrs. lect., 3 hrs. lab.; one Saturday or Sunday field
trip. (F, Sp)
2300 Natural Disasters (4)
Geologic processes and their effects on human populations. Topics include
earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, coastal erosion, floods, atmospheric
and water pollution. Not for geology major credit. Designed for Physical
Science G.E. students. Four hrs. lect. (Tent. Sp)
3020 Gemstones (4)
Introduction to the most common mineral gemstones, including folklore,
natural occurrences, properties and identification. Properties and origins
of synthetic and artificial counterfeits of these gemstones. Not for Geology
major credit. (F)
3030 Earth and Life Through Time (5)
Principles of interpretation of earth history. Study of plate tectonics
and sea-floor spreading as related to the development of continents, ocean
basins, and mountain belts. Origin, evolution and diversification of life
through time. Prerequisite: a course in physical or general geology is
highly recommended. Three hrs. lect., 6 hrs. lab.; field trip(s). (F)
3040 Fundamentals of Meteorology (4)
Utilization of physical science principles in the study of the structure
and circulation of the atmosphere; weather and weather forecasting. Emphasis
on aspects of interest to the prospective or in-service teacher. Not for
Geology Major credit. Prerequisites: High School physics and chemistry
or equivalents. (Y)
3050 Volcanoes and Plate Tectonics (4)
Relationship of volcanism to plate tectonics. Catastrophes and volcanic
hazards. Processes and products at historically active volcanoes worldwide:
lava flows and domes, avalanches and mudflows, air-fall tephra, and pyroclastic
flows and surges. Not for Geology Major credit. Concurrent enrollment in
GEOL 3051 recommended. (Tent. F)
3051 Volcanoes Laboratory (2)
Crystals and igneous minerals, textures and structures of volcanic
rocks, volcanic rock identification. Reading topographic and geologic maps.
Geology and volcanic hazards at Cascade and other volcanoes. Not for Geology
Major credit. Prerequisite: prior or concurrent enrollment in GEOL 3050.
One hr. lect., 2 hrs. lab activity; field trips to active and ancient volcanoes.
(Tent. F)
3100 Geology of the Western National Parks (4)
The geologic history of western North America (from the Pacific Coast
through the Great Plains) as interpreted from the outstanding features
preserved in the national parks and selected other park service areas.
Not for Geology major credit. (Alt. Sp)
3110 Principles of Geomorphology (4)
Landforms as products of diastrophism, volcanism, and surficial processes;
morphogenetic regions of the earth and the effect of climate on the processes
that shape them; rates and stages of landscape evolution and their dependence
on time, process and structure. Cross-listed with GEOG 3110. Prerequisite:
GEOL 2101 or equivalent. Three hrs. lect., 3 hrs. lab.; field trip(s).
(Alt. W)
3200 Regional Field Geology (1-2)
Reconnaissance field study of geology of selected areas in California
and adjoining regions. May be repeated, but no more than 4 units may be
applied to Geology major. Prerequisites: one introductory geology course
and permission of instructor. CR/NC grading only. Thirty hrs. field/lab.
per unit. (Y)
3300 Principles of Geology (4)
The earth as studied by geologists: rocks, fossils and the stories
they tell. Processes that shape the earth's surface and affect its deep
structures. Changes in appearance and life forms through time. Not for
Geology Major credit. One all day field trip. (Alt. Y)
3400 General Oceanography (4)
Biological, chemical, geological, and physical characteristics of the
sea, including geology of the ocean basins, marine ecosystems, and waves
and currents. Three hrs. lect., 3 hrs. lab.; field trip(s).
3610 Mineralogy (4)
Principles of mineralogy, including symmetry groups and lattice structure;
chemistry, growth and habit, and measurement and orientation of crystals.
Laboratory emphasizes physical and optical properties of rock-forming minerals.
Prerequisites: courses in general chemistry and physical or general geology
are highly recommended. Two hrs. lect., 6 hrs. lab. (Sp)
3611 Optical Mineralogy (4)
Elements of optical crystallography utilizing indicatrix theory. Use
of the light-polarizing microscope to describe and identify rock-forming
minerals in thin sections. Introduction to oil-immersion methods. Prerequisite:
GEOL 3610 or equivalent. Two hrs. lect., 6 hrs. lab. (F)
3700 Rocks (5)
Characteristics, occurrence, and origin of igneous, sedimentary and
metamorphic rocks. Petrogenesis under various pressure/temperature conditions.
Geometry and architecture of sedimentary deposits. Classification and identification
of rocks in laboratory and field. Not for geology major credit. Prerequisite:
GEOL 3610. Recommended: some college chemistry. Three hrs. lect., 6 hrs.
lab/field.
3701 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (5)
Characteristics, phase relations, and origin of igneous and metamorphic
rocks. Plate-tectonic setting of magmatism and metamorphism. Laboratory
emphasizes rock classification based upon hand-lens and microscopic examination
of mineralogy and texture. Prerequisites: GEOL 3610 (or equivalent) and
GEOL 3611 (concurrent enrollment satisfactory). Three hrs. lect., 6 hrs.
lab.; field trip(s). (W)
3702 Sedimentary Petrology (4)
Texture, composition, and classification of sedimentary rocks. Sedimentary
processes including weathering, transportation, deposition and lithification.
Laboratory analysis and identification of sediments and sedimentary rocks.
Prerequisites: GEOL 3610 (or equivalent) and GEOL 3611 (concurrent enrollment
satisfactory). Two hrs. lect., 6 hrs. lab.; field trips. (Sp)
3730 Principles of Stratigraphy (3)
Development of geologic time scale. Depositional systems, facies, succession
and age relations of strata, methods of correlation. Application of paleontologic
and biostratigraphic principles. Field project required. Prerequisite:
GEOL 3030. Two hrs. lect., 3 hrs. lab.; field trip(s). (W)
3800 Achievement of Women in Science (4)
(See BIOL 3800 for course description.)
3810 Structural Geology (5)
Geometric, kinematic and dynamic analysis of structures of igneous,
sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Laboratory emphasis on descriptive geometry
and stereographic solutions to structural problems; geologic maps and structure
sections. Prerequisite: GEOL 2101 or equivalent. Three hrs. lect., 6 hrs.
lab.; field trip. (Sp)
3898 Cooperative Education (1-4)
Supervised work experience in which student completes academic assignments
integrated with off-campus paid or volunteer activities. May be repeated
for up to 8 units. CR/NC grading only. May not be applied to Geology degree
programs. Prerequisites: at least 2.0 GPA and departmental approval of
activity. (A)
3910 Geologic Field Methods (3)
Introduction to geologic field methods and instruments, use of aerial
photographs and topographic maps in geologic mapping, preparation of geologic
maps of local areas. Prerequisites: GEOL 3701, 3702; 3730; and 3810 (any
of these courses may be taken concurrently). One hr. lect., 6 hrs. field.
(Sp)
4010 Introduction to Geophysics (5)
Principles of geochronology; seismology, gravity and isostasy; terrestrial
heat flow, magnetism and electricity. Collection and analysis of geophysical
data. Prerequisites: GEOL 2101 and PHYS 2703 or equivalent. Three hrs.
lect., 6 hrs. lab.; field trip required. (Alt. Sp)
4110 Introduction to Geochemistry (5)
Thermodynamics of geologic systems; weathering, sedimentation, crystallization
of silicate melts, hot solutions and gases, metamorphism, behavior of elements
in the earth. Cross-listed with CHEM 4110. Prerequisites: GEOL 3610 (may
be taken concurrently), and CHEM 1103, or equivalents. Three hrs. lect.,
6 hrs. lab. (Alt. F)
4120 Geology of Ore Deposits (5)
Characteristics, occurrence, and origin of ore deposits with emphasis
on their relationships with local geology; physical and chemical determination
of ore minerals. Prerequisite: GEOL 3701 recommended. Three hrs. lect.,
6 hrs. lab; two Saturday field trips. (Alt. F)
4141 Geological Oceanography (M SC 4141) (6)
(SeeMarine Sciences section for course description.)
4142 Physical Oceanography (M SC 4142) (6)
(See Marine Sciences section for course description.)
4143 Chemical Oceanography (M SC 4143) (6)
(SeeMarine Sciences section for course description.)
4174 Topics in Oceanography (1.5-6)
(See Marine Sciences section for course description.)
4175 Topics in Marine Science (M SC 4175) (4.5-6)
(See Marine Sciences section for course description.)
4310 Clays and Soils (4)
Principles of clay mineralogy including chemistry, structure and identification.
Surficial earth processes that lead to soil formation, emphasizing mechanical
and chemical breakdown of primary rocks and minerals. Soil composition
and classification as a function of climatic and geologic variability.
Laboratory analysis of soils utilizing x-ray diffraction and SEM-EDX. Prerequisites:
GEOL 3610, CHEM 1103. A miscellaneous course fee will be charged for materials;
consult the quarterly Class Schedule for the current fee. Three
hrs. lect., 3 hrs. lab.
4320 Hydrogeology (4)
The hydrologic cycle, from precipitation, evapotranspiration, infiltration
and runoff, to surface and groundwater. Hydrograph analysis, stream gaging
and discharge determination. Groundwater occurrence, movement and evaluation.
Hydrologic regions of U.S., emphasizing the western states. Prerequisite:
GEOL 2101 or equivalent, and senior standing; or permission of instructor.
Field trip(s). Three hrs. lect., 3 hrs. lab. (W)
4400 Writing for Geoscientists (3)
Writing for professional geoscientists, including prose style, organization,
appropriate use of technical terms, and editing and rewriting techniques.
Stresses effective communication: what works and why. Prerequisites: geology
upper division/graduate standing. CR/NC grading only. (Alt. W.)
4630 X-Ray Crystallography (4)
Introduction to the study of crystalline solids by X-ray diffraction;
generation of X-rays and diffraction theory; compound identification and
determination of precise lattice parameters. Prerequisites: CHEM 1103,
MATH 1304, PHYS 2703 or equivalents, or permission of instructor. Two hrs.
lect., 6 hrs. lab. (Y)
4800 Seminar (1-2)
Critical, in-depth study of selected topics of current and classical
research in geology; topics not repeated in two-year interval. May be repeated,
but no more than 6 units may be applied to Geology major. Prerequisite:
senior standing or permission of instructor. (Y)
4820 Field Geology (8)
Field laboratory application of techniques of geological mapping; compilation
of detailed geological maps and reports. Recommended to be taken at end
of junior year. Forty-eight hours a week for 5 weeks. Prerequisites: GEOL
3701, 3702; 3730; 3810; and 3910 or equivalents and permission of instructor.
(Su)
4830 Geological Field Studies in Western United States (4)
Field laboratory application of techniques of geological mapping, compilation
of geological maps and reports of classical areas of the western United
States. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisites: GEOL 3701, 3702;
3730; 3810; 3910; and 4820 or equivalents and permission of instructor.
Forty hrs. field/lab. per week for 3 weeks. (Su)
4900 Independent Study (1-4)
Must be taken CR/NC. (A)
4910 Senior Thesis (2)
Independent research project with a written thesis, digital map, or
similar final product to be completed by students desiring to graduate
with a B.S. in geology with research experience (see department for guidelines).
CR/NC grading only. Prerequisites: senior level in Geology and thesis advisor's
approval.
4932 Geological Field Studies in Baja California (1-2)
Field laboratory study of Cenozoic volcanic rocks and landforms adjoining
the actively spreading Gulf of California. Granitic basement rocks and
related unique vegetation. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisites:
one introductory geology course and permission of instructor. CR/NC grading
only. Thirty hrs. field/lab per unit.
* Completion of the next calculus course, MATH 1305, is highly recommended. In particular, students planning coursework in hydrogeology (GEOL 4320) and groundwater (GEOL 6320) should develop a strong background in calculus. Additional units in calculus may be applied to elective requirement III.
** Students needing a relatively rigorous preparation in mathematics and physics (e.g., for graduate study) are strongly urged to complete the calculus-based physics sequence (PHYS 1001, 1002, 1003); this requires completion of the additional calculus courses MATH 1305 and 2304. The additional 8 units earned in calculus may be applied to elective requirement III.