Courses

Introduction to the basic concepts of physical geology, including Earth's origins and internal structure, plate tectonics, mountain building, earthquakes, minerals, rocks, volcanic processes, geologic time, weathering, erosion, coastal processes, landslides, streams, glaciers, and ice ages and natural resources. Emphasis on geologic features of western North America.

Introduction to the materials of the Earth with emphasis on the identification and interpretation of common minerals and rocks, especially those common to California; interpretation of topographic, geologic, and structural maps; and analysis of plate tectonics processes.

The study of Earth's history and the methods and tools used in its interpretation. Includes topics such as the formation and growth of continents, the creation and destruction of ocean basins, and the evolution of life on Earth as represented by the fossil record. Emphasis on the geologic and life history of North America.

The laboratory component to an introduction to Earth�s history and the life it supports. Subjects include geologic dating, plate tectonics, stratigraphy, fossils, biological evolution, the planet�s origin and the processes that have influenced paleogeography during the past 4.6 billion years.

Field class that introduces students to geological processes at work along the San Francisco Pacific coastline, emphasizing scientific field work, coastal erosion, human interactions with the coastline, sand formation and migration, and geologic history of the coastline. Field work requires hiking across uneven terrain and up and down hills.

Field class that introduces students to geological processes at work in the city of San Francisco, emphasizing scientific field work surface and rock types, topographic features and their formation, geologic hazards, and geologic history. Field work requires hiking across uneven terrain and up and down hills.

Field class that introduces students to geological processes at work within the San Andreas fault system, emphasizing scientific field work, the physical, biological, and historical impacts of earthquakes, fault formation and evolution, and geologic history of local faults. Field work requires hiking across uneven terrain and up and down hills.

The scientific study of human interaction with Earth's near-surface environment. Topics include hazardous Earth processes, natural resources, climate and climate change, and the impacts of human population growth and pollution on environmental sustainability.

An introduction to the fundamentals of Environmental Geology through laboratory work in hazards and resource assessment, regional planning as relates to these assessments, and the nature and dynamics of human interactions with Earth's near-surface environment (hydrosphere, atmosphere, soil systems and land forms).

Internship in geoscience-related settings (such as a laboratory, museum, park, geotechnical firm, government agency, or CCSF department) under the supervision of a qualified professional. The student will need to arrange the internship and then contact the department to enroll in this class. Suggestions and strategies are on the CCSF Earth Science website. One unit of credit is earned for 54 hours of unpaid or paid work.

An introduction to Earth�s history and the methods and tools used in its study and interpretation. Includes topics such as the formation and growth of continents, the creation and destruction of ocean basins, and the evolution of life on Earth as represented by the fossil record. Emphasis on the geologic and life history of North America. Includes a lab component.