Geology at Orange County Community College
The Geology Program at Orange County Community College serves several purposes:
- It offers for the first year of study for a B. S. Degree in Geology at a transfer institution. During their second year, potential geology majors complete courses in chemistry/ physics/ math, which will be required at the transfer institution.
- It provides the geology courses necessary for students who wish to major in Environmental Studies, Geological or Civil Engineering, Landscape Architecture, Geography and other fields that require geology courses.
- It fulfills a science requirement for students in both AA and AS Degree programs.
- It provides a general elective for all students who wish to know something about the Earth on which they live.
The Courses:
Physical Geology- 36110
3 lecture, 2 lab, 4 credits
A study of geologic processes and features with emphasis on plate tectonics. Topics include magmas, volcanoes, weathering, sediments, metamorphism, earthquakes, groundwater, rivers, and glaciation. Laboratory studies emphasize mineral and rock identification and topographic map reading. Two field trips are normally taken.
Historical Geology-36112
2 lecture, 3 lab, 3 credits
The principles of geological interpretation are emphasized through a study of Earth history. Special attention is given to the geological development of North America. Topics include geologic time, paleontology, structural geology, plate tectonics, and mountain building. Labs include studies of invertebrate fossils, geologic structures and paleogeography. Several field trips are taken.
Prerequisite: 36110
Environmental Geology-36120
3 credits
A lecture-seminar approach is used in studying selected environmental problems related to geology, such as geologic hazards, waste disposal, energy resources and their recovery, engineering problems, environmental alterations, and land- use planning.
Prerequisite: 36110