Geological Sciences
8 courses · Chabot College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026
GEOS 1 Physical Geology with Laboratory
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 Lecture, 54 Lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to the study of the scientific composition and dynamics of the Earth ranging from the atomic scale of minerals to the global scale of plate tectonics. Included is the formation of the Earth, geochemistry, geophysics, hydrology, geomorphology and the interactions between humans and the geologic environment. The course is a foundation course for both the non-science major and majors in the Earth sciences and environmental sciences.
GEOS 2 Historical Geology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
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.
GEOS 2L Historical Geology Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- GEOS 2 or may be taken concurrently
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A laboratory course focused on Earth's history and its life, including major fossil groups, interpreting geologic maps and cross sections and applying geologic dating techniques to understand the rock record.
GEOS 5 Environmental Geology: Hazards & Disasters
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Understanding natural geologic hazards and disasters and learning ways to plan for the effects of these disasters on local human populations and the environment. The course will focus on where and why natural disasters occur and review geologic considerations for land-use planning, including applications to surveying and engineering. This course will also discuss capacity building for human populations around the world so that they can better cope with natural disasters. This coure will investigate how natural disasters affect surrounding ecosystems, and if those effects can be mitigated. Content covers natural hazard processes that include earthquakes, volcanos, floods, landslides, coastal erosion, tsunamis, avalanches, droughts, and extreme weather events.
GEOS 9 The Planets
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
GEOS 11 Physical Geology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
The Earth, its materials, its internal and external processes, and its development through time. Emphasis is placed on a thorough global understanding of Plate Tectonics as a framework and foundation for subsequent geologic topics and concepts. Topics include volcanoes, earthquakes and seismology, the Geologic Time Scale and the formation of the earth, rocks and minerals, hydrology, erosion, beach systems, environmental geology, glaciation, groundwater, etc. Course content includes the historical development of key geologic concepts. The course is a foundation course for both the non-science major and majors in the Earth sciences and environmental sciences.
GEOS 11L Physical Geology Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 Lab
- Prerequisite
- GEOS 11 May be taken concurrently
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Laboratory course to supplement the physical geology lecture course. Introduction to the materials and techniques of geology. Includes minerals, rocks, topographic and geologic maps, structural geology, identification and interpretation of landforms, geologic time and relative age dating analysis, etc.
GEOS 12 Introduction to Oceanography
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 Lecture
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An introduction to the oceans, methods of sea-going research; physical and chemical properties of sea water; marine geology; causes and effects of currents, tides, and waves; shoreline processes; basic types of marine life, habitats and ecosystems; distribution of marine resources; the geologic record of ocean sediments, and the effects of climate change on the ocean.