STEM

Geology

 

 

Geology encompasses all studies of Earth processes and is one of the cornerstone programs within the Earth Science Department. Students taking a geology course at SMC will gain a scientific understanding o geologic processes that shape the Earth’s surface, oceans, and atmosphere. They will study Earth’s origin, interior processes, plate tectonics theory, the evolution of surface environments, the linkage between climate and biology, and the various ways in which these processes are recorded in the rock record. Courses focus on the application of the scientific method to natural phenomena like the origin and evolution of life, climate change, assessment of geologic hazards, and the formation and utilization of geologic resources.

Program Level Outcomes

Upon completion of Geology courses students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the physical structure and morphology of the Earth and operation of Earth systems through a plate tectonic paradigm.
  2. Identify and classify Earth materials and demonstrate an understanding of their formational histories.

Geology Courses

All classes meet IGETC and GE transfer requirements. Courses are not sequential; there are no prerequisites unless indicated.

  • Geology 1: Physical Geology w/o Lab
  • Geology 3: Introduction to Environmental Geology
  • Geology 4: Physical Geology with Lab
  • Geology 5: Earth History with Lab
  • Geology 10: Exploration of the Solar System
  • Geology 31: Introduction to Physical Oceanography
  • Geology 35 (A-Z): Field Studies in Geology

Transfer Preparation

Many colleges and universities offer baccalaureate degrees in this field. Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university need to know which courses completed at Santa Monica College will be accepted at the specific college/university. Please consult a Counselor. SMC has transfer articulation agreements with the many UC and CSU campuses, as well as several private and out-of-state institutions.

Program Map

Degrees and Certificates

Currently, there are no degrees or certificates offered in this discipline at Santa Monica College. Most students should plan to transfer to a four-year institution to continue their education toward a degree in this discipline. Transferring students who wish to qualify for an Associate degree before leaving Santa Monica College should select either the General Science or Liberal Arts major. Below is more information about those optional Associate degrees.

Associate in Science for Transfer - Geology

The Associates of Science Transfer degree in Geology provides the foundation needed for students to transfer to a CSU with the lower division courses required to complete a bachelor's degree in a Geoscience major. Students will have the foundational math, chemistry, and geology courses along with their IGETC requirements completed allowing the student to seamlessly transition to a CSU and complete their upper division courses. 

Program Map

Associate in Arts Degree - General Science

20 units + General Education Requirements

The objectives of this program are to prepare students for upper division study in a field of science at a four‐year college and/or to earn an Associate degree.

View Requirements

Additional graduation requirements for an Associate degree from Santa Monica College are listed in the Academics section of the course catalog as well as online at www.smc.edu/articulation.

Potential Career Options


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