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What is the Geology Program at SFSU?
The Department of Geosciences offers Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Geology, providing the basic foundation in the physical sciences necessary for pursuing a career in the field of geology. The program offers a strong background in the major areas of geology including mineralogy, petrology, paleontology, stratigraphy, and field mapping; as well as the necessary grounding in chemistry, physics, and mathematics. In addition, a broad range of electives is available to provide emphases in environmental and engineering geology, hydrogeology and geochemistry, neotectonics, stratigraphy, or marine science. For students wishing to pursue less extensive training at the undergraduate level, the minor in geology is available.
What is Unique About Geology at SFSU?
Among the greatest attractions for studying geology at San Francisco State University is the University’s location in one of the world's most dynamic geologic environments, situated between the San Andreas Fault and San Francisco Bay. The geology faculty are closely involved with studies along the San Andreas Fault as well as investigations of related geologic hazards of the Bay Area and the broader geologic setting of the region. Frequent field excursions enable our students to study firsthand some of the critical evidence used in developing the theories of plate tectonics which have revolutionized our thinking about both Bay Area and global geology.
In addition to studies in the field, the department emphasizes student involvement with equipment such as global positioning and surveying systems, computer analysis, and laboratory skills such as micropaleontology and sedimentology processing.
Furthermore, the College of Science offers opportunities for study at three off-campus field stations. The Sierra Nevada Field Center, situated on the site of an abandoned gold mine, consists of a large dormitory and two smaller cabins on eight acres of land on the banks of the Yuba River.
The second off-campus site is the Moss Landing Marine Laboratories located on Monterey Bay and run jointly by several northern California State Universities. This research and teaching facility offers advanced training in marine sciences, as well as direct experience in ocean sampling with the research vessel Point Sur.
The third off-campus site is the Romberg Tiburon Center for Environmental Studies, located on the Tiburon Peninsula on the shores of San Francisco Bay. The facility is a field station for direct study of the estuarine environment. Sediment and water sampling are conducted from the research vessel Questuary.
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Bachelor of Science in Geology
The bachelor of science degree is intended for those seeking admission to graduate school or employment as a professional geologist. As part of their advanced course-work, students take a summer field mapping course, and complete a senior thesis that includes the written and oral presentation of a final research report.
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| Lower-Division Basic Science Requirements |
UNITS |
| GEOL 110 |
Physical Geology |
4 |
| GEOL 115 |
Historical Geology |
3 |
| GEOL 120 |
Geologic Techniques and Problem Solving |
2 |
| MATH 226 |
Calculus I |
4 |
| MATH 227 |
Calculus II |
4 |
| PHYS 220/222 |
General Physics with Calculus I and Laboratory
and either |
3/1 |
| PHYS 240/242 |
General Physics with Calculus III and Laboratory
or |
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| PHYS 230/232 |
General Physics with Calculus II and Laboratory |
3/1 |
| CHEM 115 |
Essential Concepts of Chemistry |
5 |
| CHEM 215/216 |
Quantitative Applications of Chemistry Concepts and Laboratory |
3/2 |
| Total lower division requirements |
35 |
Upper-Division Geology Requirements |
| GEOL 420 |
Mineralogy |
4 |
| GEOL 426 |
Petrology |
4 |
| GEOL 430 |
Structural Geology |
4 |
| GEOL 440 |
Paleontology |
3 |
| GEOL 460 |
Stratigraphy |
4 |
| GEOL 695 |
Field Methods in Geology |
2 |
| GEOL 696 |
Field Geology |
5 |
| GEOL 698 |
Senior Research and Thesis |
2 |
| Upper-division electives in geology on advisement chosen from courses numbered 400 or higher |
15 |
| Total upper division requirements |
43 |
| Total for the major |
78 |
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Bachelor of Arts in Geology
The bachelor of arts degree is designed for those seeking a geoscience teaching credential, or a strong background in geologic concepts and problem solving.
Students who are planning admission to graduate school through this program are encouraged to complete at least one year each of college chemistry, physics, and mathematics. It is also strongly recommended that students take a summer field course in geology.
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Basic Science |
UNITS |
| CHEM 115 |
Essential Concepts of Chemistry |
5 |
| PHYS 111/112 |
General Physics I and Laboratory
or |
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| PHYS 220/222 |
General Physics with Calculus I and Laboratory |
3/1 |
| MATH 226 |
Calculus I |
4 |
| Electives in chemistry, physics, and mathematics on advisement to be chosen from CHEM 215/216, PHYS 121, 230, or 240, or MATH 227 |
3 |
| Basic Geology |
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| GEOL 110 |
Physical Geology |
4 |
| GEOL 115 |
Historical Geology |
3 |
| GEOL 120 |
Geologic Techniques and Problem Solving |
2 |
| GEOL 420 |
Mineralogy |
4 |
| GEOL 426 |
Petrology |
4 |
| GEOL 430 |
Structural Geology |
4 |
| GEOL 440 |
Paleontology |
3 |
| GEOL 460 |
Stratigraphy |
4 |
| GEOL 695 |
Field Methods in Geology |
2 |
Geology Electives
Upper-division electives in geology on advisement chosen from courses numbered 400 or higher |
6 |
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| Total for major |
52 |
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Minor in Geology
Students should consult with the Department of Geosciences as early as possible in order to be advised on the correct sequence of courses and the selection of elective courses. All courses in the minor must be taken for a letter grade since CR/NC will not be accepted in the program. |
| Basic Science |
UNITS |
| One course in chemistry or physics on advisement |
4-5 |
| Basic Geology |
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| GEOL 110 |
Physical Geology |
4 |
| GEOL 115 |
Historical Geology |
3 |
Electives
Upper-division electives in geology on advisement from courses numbered 400 or higher |
13 |
| Total for minor |
24-25 |
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Department of Geosciences
415/338-2061
E-mail: geosci@sfsu.edu
Fax: 415/338-7705
Web: http://tornado.sfsu.edu
How to apply
You may pick up an undergraduate application from any California State University campus, community college, or high school. You may have one sent to you by calling 415/338-7238.
Reaching SFSU by mail
To reach any SFSU department or program by mail, write to the specific office, followed by:
San Francisco State University
1600 Holloway Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94132
By phone
University Information
415/338-1111
Admissions Office
415/338-1634 or 6486
E-mail: ugadmit@sfsu.edu
SFSU on the Internet
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