Citrus College Course Outline of Record
| Heading | Value |
|---|---|
| Effective Term: | Fall 2026 |
| Credits: | 4 |
| Total Contact Hours: | 108 |
| Lecture Hours : | 54 |
| Lab Hours: | 54 |
| Hours Arranged: | 0 |
| Outside of Class Hours: | 108 |
| Total Student Learning Hours: | 216 |
| Strongly Recommended: | ENGL C1000. |
| District General Education: | B2. Physical Science, B3. Laboratory |
| Transferable to CSU: | Yes |
| Transferable to UC: | Yes - Approved |
| Grading Method: | Standard Letter |
Catalog Course Description
Course Objectives
- Apply the scientific method to investigate geologic questions and evaluate evidence.
- Demonstrate knowledge of historical geology concepts, including fossilization, the fossil record, evolution and extinction, plate tectonics, geologic time, supercontinent cycles, and paleoclimate.
- Identify and classify representative samples of rocks, minerals, and fossils.
- Analyze tectonic processes to interpret geologic events and Earth’s history through time.
- Interpret geologic maps, cross sections, and stratigraphic columns to reconstruct past environments.
- Apply relative and absolute dating methods to establish sequences and ages of geologic events.
- Communicate geologic concepts and interpretations clearly using written work, illustrations, and diagrams.
Major Course Content
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Plate Tectonics
a) Formation and origin of the Earth
b) Plate boundaries and driving mechanisms
c) Hot spots and crustal evolution
d) Mountain building and deformation
e) Supercontinent cycles and paleoclimate -
Earth’s Materials
a) Minerals and mineral groups
b) Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks
c) The rock cycle and Earth resources -
Fossils and the History of Life
a) Modes of fossilization and preservation
b) Fossil classification and major fossil groups
c) Evolution, ecology, and extinction events
d) Constructing and interpreting cladograms -
Dating Methods
a) Geologic time and the geologic timescale
b) Relative dating principles
c) Absolute dating techniques -
Stratigraphy
a) Catastrophism and uniformitarianism
b) Correlation of sedimentary rock sequences
c) Stratigraphic columns and cross-sections -
Paleogeography and Earth History
a) Archean, Proterozoic, and Ediacaran events
b) Paleozoic geologic and tectonic events
c) Mesozoic geologic and tectonic events
d) Cenozoic geologic and tectonic events
e) Recent geologic and tectonic events
Lab Content
Laboratory content includes the following:
-
Rock and mineral identification review
-
Identification of major fossil groups and modes of fossil preservation
-
Analysis of fossil morphology and construction of cladograms
-
Interpretation of geologic maps
-
Interpretation of geologic cross-sections
-
Construction and interpretation of stratigraphic columns
-
Application of relative dating principles to sequences of events
-
Introduction to absolute dating techniques
-
Paleogeographic reconstructions of past environments
-
Field trips and field-based data collection
Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook
Popular science works such as The Map That Changed the World (Winchester) or Your Inner Fish (Shubin).
U.S. Geological Survey bulletins or state geological survey field guides.
Examples of Required Writing Assignments
2. Compose a paper reconstructing the paleogeography of California during a specific geologic period, supported by maps and fossil evidence.
3. Draft a scientific-style report analyzing radiometric dating results and explaining how absolute dating constrains Earth’s timeline.
Examples of Outside Assignments
2. Research a mass extinction event using primary and secondary sources, then present findings through a short oral or digital presentation.
3. Analyze regional geologic maps (USGS or California Geological Survey) to identify stratigraphic sequences and interpret Earth history in that region.