Geology Sample Rocks
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Earth Sciences Department offers B.S. degree options in Geology. Earth scientists and geologists are concerned with the history, behavior, and mineral composition of the earth, particularly that which provides energy and materials for manufacturing and construction. Geologic hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, floods, and volcanic eruptions are studied. Recently, toxic wastes, migrating in groundwater, have become a new challenge for earth scientists. An understanding of the processes taking places on our planet involves more than practical concerns of materials and hazards; the quality of our lives depends on our knowledge of the earth for its interpretation, protection, and enjoyment.
The programs have three objectives: thorough instruction in the fundamental physical sciences; development of skills in observation, writing, and oral communication; and rigorous training in the basic geological skills and subject matter.
Students may pursue either the Geology or the Physical Science Option, for which no minor is required. The Earth Sciences Option must be taken in conjunction with a minor.
The
Earth Sciences Option provides students with courses in oceanography, meteorology, geomorphology, and mapping as well as geology courses. The emphasis on breadth will provide a wider exposure to many areas of the earth sciences. Students complete a minor of their choice along with this major, and additional breadth and communication skills are developed through General Studies.
The
Geology Option prepares students for professional careers as geologists in government or industry. The degree also provides the basis for continuation into more advanced work in graduate school since many professional positions require a master's degree. The Geology Option includes training in structural and stratigraphic interpretation, fossil identification, rock and mineral analysis, field mapping, and geologic report writing.
The
Physical Science Option
is designed for students seeking careers in teaching physical science in high school. This rigorous curriculum provides the student with a solid grounding in the fundamentals of geology, physics, mathematics and chemistry. Students will find this program challenging, but those who complete it should find employment easily because of the exceptionally high quality of the program.
The
Earth Sciences Minor
can provide the student with a variety of courses in physical geography, oceanography, and geology. Such a minor may form an interesting complement to many different majors. However, because the requirements are so flexible, students may design a concentration that fits their particular interests or complements their major.
Features
CSU Dominguez Hills is in an ideal site for geological studies. To the south lies the rocky peninsula of Palos Verdes where coastal erosion and deposition, land sliding and subsidence can be studied first hand. To the north, the magnificent San Gabriel Mountains have been thrust up against the San Andreas Fault Zone. Field trips are conducted year-round to nearby desert and mountain areas where excellent rock exposures facilitate geological investigations in volcanism, ore deposits and paleontology. The campus itself is located on a major southern California oil field that has been trapped along the Newport-Inglewood Fault Zone.
The student/teacher ratio in the thesis program assures intensive instruction and individual attention, which includes advising and counseling, and technical and computer assistance from the Department Tech. Academic excellence is developed through intensive training in basic geological subjects, combined with a thorough grounding in the physical sciences.
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