Earth Science

Earth science includes the disciplines of geology and oceanography, both of which study the materials and phenomena associated with the development and evolution of Earth. Courses in Earth Science satisfy general education requirements for the associate degree and lower division transfer, lead to an associate degree for transfer in geology and can be used to fulfill some of the major requirements for the Associate of Science Degree in Physical Science.

NameOffice Room NumberPhoneEmail
Belica, Mercedes TC 126626-852-8034mbelica@citruscollege.edu

Contact Information

Division
Natural, Physical and Health Sciences
Dean
Dr. Eric Rabitoy
Administrative Secretary
Darla Ramirez
Division Office
PS 114
Division Phone Number
626-914-8789

This discipline prepares students to do the following:

  • Use proper vocabulary and notation when describing scientific concepts pertaining to Earth’s processes and environments. Read scientific books, journals, or articles and critically analyze scientific information. Communicate to others information about our Earth’s processes and environments.
  • Develop an understanding of, and curiosity toward, the natural world. Develop the skills necessary to synthesize and analyze scientific material pertaining to the Earth’s processes and environment, checking for its validity and accuracy.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the natural world that will increase community and global awareness of environmental concerns to be set on the path of lifelong learning.

ESCI 110
Earth Science
4 Units (AA/AS; Citrus B2; Citrus B3; CSU; UC; IGETC 5A; IGETC 5C; CSUGE B1; CSUGE B3)
54 lecture hours, 54 lab hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

This course provides an introductory survey of the fundamental concepts of Earth and space science and the interrelationships among these disciplines. Emphasis will be placed upon the comparative study of the Earth and the other planets, their formation and evolution, Earth's atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere; the dynamics of each, and how they are interrelated.

ESCI 119
Physical Geology without Laboratory
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus B2; CSU; UC; IGETC 5A; CSUGE B1)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

This course investigates the dynamic nature of the Earth through the study of earth processes including: plate tectonics, earthquakes and the Earth’s interior, mineral and rock systems, crustal deformation, weathering processes, glaciers, and deserts. Students may not receive credit for both ESCI 119 and ESCI 120.

ESCI 120
Physical Geology
4 Units (AA/AS; Citrus B2; Citrus B3; CSU; UC; IGETC 5A; IGETC 5C; CSUGE B1; CSUGE B3)
54 lecture hours, 54 lab hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

This course investigates the dynamic nature of the Earth through the study of earth processes including: plate tectonics, earthquakes and the Earth’s interior, mineral and rock systems, crustal deformation, weathering processes, glaciers, and deserts. Students may not receive credit for both ESCI 119 and ESCI 120.

ESCI 121
Historical Geology
4 Units (AA/AS; Citrus B2; Citrus B3; CSU; UC; IGETC 5A; IGETC 5C; CSUGE B1)
54 lecture hours, 54 lab hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): ESCI 119 or ESCI 120 or ESCI 124 or ESCI 130.

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

The geological events of Earth history from the origin of our planet to the present time. Includes a summary of the evolution of the plants and animals of the Earth and a study of the fossils of the various periods of geologic time. Field excursions will be arranged. A transportation fee will be charged.

ESCI 122
Earth History
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus B2; CSU; UC; IGETC 5A; CSUGE B1)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

This course covers geologic history of the earth as shown by the changing of land and sea and by the succession of fauna and flora. Stratigraphy and fossils used for interpreting the sequence of past geological events are studied.

ESCI 124
Natural Disasters
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus B2; CSU; UC; IGETC 5A; CSUGE B1)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

Application of geologic principles in the study of natural disasters. Topics include earthquakes, volcanism, mass wasting, climate change, floods, coastal processes, mass extinctions, and meteorite impacts.

ESCI 130
Physical Oceanography
3 Units (AA/AS; Citrus B2; CSU; UC; IGETC 5A; CSUGE B1)
54 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

A study of marine geology and bathymetry, physical processes within the marine environment, such as waves and currents, tides, sea-floor spreading, marine provinces, marine sediments, and environmental relationships.

ESCI 140
The Geology of Death Valley National Park
2 Units (AA/AS; CSU)
36 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101.

A study of the geologic materials and processes in Eastern California with emphasis on Death Valley. The primary emphasis is on the unique geomorphology and tectonic history of this region. Course also includes the study of regional minerals and rocks, aeolian processes, and tectonic features. Includes a weekend trip to the region. A transportation/activities fee may be charged.

ESCI 144
Field Geology of Southern California
2 Units (AA/AS)
36 lecture hours

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ESCI 120 hybrid (in person lab).

A field study of the geologic materials and processes in Southern California's deserts. Course also includes the study of regional minerals and rocks, volcanic processes, and tectonic features. Students will learn to recognize the signs of climate change as reflected in ecological and vegetative changes. Course includes a weekend trip to the region. A transportation/activities fee may be charged.

ESCI 180
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
4 Units (AA/AS; CSU; UC)
36 lecture hours, 108 lab hours

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Strongly recommended: ENGL 101; basic computing skills such as the use of the Windows computer system or ITIS 099.

An introductory GIS course that will teach the theory and usage of Geographic Information Systems in a number of fields including business, resource management, Earth Sciences, and urban planning. Recommended for anyone using spatial data in their profession.

ESCI 698A
Cooperative Education
1 Unit (AA/AS)
60 lab hours arranged

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): The student must be simultaneously enrolled in a class that relates to the Cooperative Education class.

A course designed to assist students in planning and accomplishing meaningful learning objectives related to Earth Science at their place of volunteer employment or training sites.

ESCI 698B
Cooperative Education
2 Units (AA/AS)
120 lab hours arranged

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): The student must be simultaneously enrolled in a class that relates to the Cooperative Education class.

A course designed to assist students in planning and accomplishing meaningful learning objectives related to Earth Science at their place of volunteer employment or training sites.

ESCI 698C
Cooperative Education
3 Units (AA/AS)
180 lab hours arranged

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): The student must be simultaneously enrolled in a class that relates to the Cooperative Education class.

A course designed to assist students in planning and accomplishing meaningful learning objectives related to Earth Science at their place of volunteer employment or training sites.

ESCI 698D
Cooperative Education
4 Units (AA/AS)
240 lab hours arranged

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): The student must be simultaneously enrolled in a class that relates to the Cooperative Education class.

A course designed to assist students in planning and accomplishing meaningfu;l learning objecives related to Earth Science at their place of volunteer employment or training sites.

ESCI 699A
Cooperative Education
1 Unit (AA/AS)
75 lab hours arranged

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): The student must be simultaneously enrolled in a class that relates to the Cooperative Education class.

A course designed to assist students in planning and accomplishing meaningful learning objectives related to Earth Science at their place of paid employment or training sites.

ESCI 699B
Coopertive Education
2 Units (AA/AS)
150 lab hours arranged

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): The student must be simultaneously enrolled in a class that relates to the Cooperative Education class.

A course designed to assist students in planning and accomplishing meaningful learning objectives related to Earth Science at their place of paid employment or training sites.

ESCI 699C
Cooperative Education
3 Units (AA/AS)
225 lab hours arranged

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): The student must be simultaneously enrolled in a class that relates to the Cooperative Education class.

A course designed to assist students in planning and accomplishing meaningful learning objectives related to Earth Science at their place of paid employment or training sites.

ESCI 699D
Cooperative Education
4 Units (AA/AS)
300 lab hours arranged

Grade Mode: Pass/No Pass, Standard Letter

Prerequisite(s): The student must be simultaneously enrolled in a class that relates to the Cooperative Education class.

A course designed to assist students in planning and accomplishing meaningful learning objectives related to Earth Science at their place of paid employment or training sites.