B. S. Earth Sciences
Concentration Areas
| Climate Change Studies | Environmental Interpretation and Assessment |
| Geology | Geosciences Teaching |
| Land and Water Resources | Individualized Course of Study |
Climate Change Studies
Students gain knowledge and understanding of the applied sciences of meteorology and climatology. This foundational knowledge is coupled with an understanding of how a rapidly changing climate affects humans economically, socially, and politically, and affects global environments. Students are equipped to pursue careers in environmental science and policy and contribute to the understanding of climate change and how to mitigate the impacts of humans.
Core Courses:
- ERSC/SS 463 Undergraduate Seminar
- GEOG/ERSC 325 Climate and Humanity
- GEOG 415 Applied Meteorology/Climatology
- MATH 118 Pre-Calc Algebra
- MATH 119 Pre-Calc Trig
- PHYS 121 College Physics I
- SOC 218 International Political Economy
- UNIV 350 The Global Environment
Approved Electives (7-8 units):
- Choose from: CRP 375, 438; CRP/NR 404; EDES 406; ENVE 324; GEOG 301; 440; PHIL 340.
Note: CRP 438 or ENVE 324 recommended
Environmental Interpretation and Assessment
Prepares students for careers in environmental assessment, impact analysis, planning, and government administration. Students gain skill in the analysis of environmental utilization and modification and the current legal and regulatory environment. This concentration also provides a strong foundation for graduate school in geography and environmental studies.
Core Courses:
- CRP 420 Land Use Law
- ERSC 202 Soil Erosion and Water Conservation
- ERSC/SS 463 Undergraduate Seminar
- GEOG 301 Geography of Resource Utilization
- GEOG/ERSC 325 Climate and Humanity
- MATH 118 Pre-Calc Algebra
- MATH 119 Pre-Calc Trig
- PHYS 121 College Physics I
Approved Electives (11 units):
- Choose from: CRP 212, 336; CRP/NR 404, 408; GEOG 440; NR 306, 320, 416, 418, 425; SS 339.
Geology
Students learn the fundamentals of a broad variety of geologic subdisciplines, including mineralogy, petrology, seismology, stratigraphy, geochemistry, geomorphology and structural geology. Each of these fundamental subdisciplines are supported by curriculum that emphasizes methods of data collection, interpretation and professional communication of results. Upon completion of this concentration, students are able to critically evaluate geologic reports within the context of our evolving societal needs, and are prepared to pursue post graduate degrees in the geosciences and/or careers in the geotechnical industry.
Core Courses:
- ERSC/SS 463 Undergraduate Seminar
- GEOG 330 Principles of Stratigraphy
- GEOL 206 Geologic Excursions
- GEOL 305 Fundamentals of Seismology
- GEOL 310 Igneous and Meta Petrology
- GEOL/ERSC 401 Field-Geol Methods
- GEOL/ERSC 402 Geologic Mapping
- MATH 141 Calc I
- MATH 142 Calc II
- PHYS 132 General Physics II
- PHYS 141 General Physics IA
Geosciences Teaching
Prepares students to meet California State Board of Education Earth Sciences Content Standards. Prepares students to seek a teaching credential for teaching earth sciences in elementary or secondary schools.
Core Courses:
- ASTR 102 Introduction to Stars and Galaxies
- BIO 113 Animal Diversity and Ecology
- EDUC 300 Introduction to Teaching Profession
- GEOG 301 Geography of Resource Utilization
- GEOG/ERSC 325 Climate and Humanity
- GEOL 203 Fossils and History of Life
- GEOL 204 Geologic History of California
- MATH 118 Pre-Calc Algebra
- MATH 119 Pre-Calc Trig
- PHYS 121 College Physics I
- PSC 424
or EDUC 480
Land and Water Resources
Prepares students for professional opportunities in the mitigation and conservation of land and water resources. Emphasis is on the processes that endanger these ecosystems and the knowledge necessary to protect and maintain them. Additional training in soils and hydrological studies along with enhanced technological skills is provided. This concentration also prepares students for graduate study in disciplines that specialize in land and water.
Core Courses:
- CHEM 129 General Chemistry
- ERSC 202 Soil Erosion and Water Conservation
- ERSC/SS 463 Undergraduate Seminar
- MATH 141 Calc I
- MATH 142 Calc II
- PHYS 132 General Physics II
- PHYS 141 General Physics IA
- SS 432 Soil Physics
Approved Electives (11 units):
- Choose from: ANT 202, 309, 310; CRP/NR 408; ERSC/GEOL 415; ERSC/GEOL 401, 402; GEOG 440; NR 306, 320, 418; SS 339, 432.
Individualized Course of Study
Students may pursue an academic minor or create a program, with faculty approval, based upon their interests and career goals. The coursework may be specifically tailored for a career in industry, education, government, or as preparation for graduate school.
Core Courses:
- ERSC/SS 463 Undergraduate Seminar
- MATH 118 Pre-Calc Algebra
- MATH 119 Pre-Calc Trig
- PHYS 121 College Physics I
Approved Electives (27 units):
- Choose from: Minimum 10 units 300-400 level.