Courses
ERTH 101: Introductory Astronomy
(3) F, S CSU, UC*
Skills Advisory: Eligibility for ENG 103, MATH 1
Non-mathematical presentation of knowledge of the universe. Includes birth and death of stars, formation of the solar system, black holes, quasars, the fourth dimension, and the fate of the universe. Also considered are common phenomena such as eclipses, the motion of the planets and their moons, comets, and meteors. (*UC Transfer Limit: 101 and 101H combined: maximum credit, one course).
ERTH 101H: Introductory Astronomy, Honors(4) - CSU, UC*
Skills Advisories: MATH 1 and eligibility for ENG 110 or ENG 110H or ENG 110GB
Course Advisory: ERTH 102
Limitation on Enrollment: Acceptance into the Honors Program. Introduces students to the universe throughout its history. It emphasizes astronomical knowledge from Earth, as a planet in the solar system, to quasars at the edge of the known universe. The motions of objects within the galaxy are also examined. (CAN ENGL 2 or CAN ENGL SEQ A [with ENG 111 or ENG 111H]) (*UC Transfer Limit: ERTH 101 and 101H combined: maximum credit, one course)
ERTH 102: Observational Astronomy Laboratory(1) F,S - CSU, UC*
Skills Advisories: ENG 103
Corequisites: ERTH 101 or ERTH 101H Emphasizes night-time observation of the stars, galaxies and constellations with real-time observations. Simulation programs are used to graphically examine astronomical phenomena.. Celestial navigation, motions of the earth and moon, and study of the celestial sphere emphasized. (*UC Transfer Limit: 102 limited to one course only).
ERTH 105: Topics In Astronomy: Recent NASA Missions(0.5-3.0) F, S - CSU, UC
Skills Advisories: English 103 and Math 1.
Designed for students wanting to go beyond the regular introductory astronomy courses. Lectures, discussions, guest speakers, activities and field trips help students explore specific topics in physics and astronomy. This semester's topic is on recent discoveries from planetary space flight missions to Mercury, Mars, Saturn, Saturn's moon titan and comets. New discoveries in planetary geology examined.
ERTH 106: Black Holes and the Universe(3) S - CSU
Skills Advisories: English 103, Math 001.
Course Advisories: ERTH 101 or ERTH 101H.
Basic introduction to relativity, cosmology, quantum mechanics, string theory, black holes, time travel, higher dimensions and other abstract theories of the universe. Provides students with a broad-based overview of these physics theories and allows them to explore various current topics in astronomy.
ERTH 111: Dynamic Earth - Physical Geology(3)
Skills Advisories: ENG 103, Math 1
Course Advisories: Concurrent enrollment in ERTH 111L and ERTH 131 or ERTH 132
Introduction to the physical development of the earth. Emphasis on earth materials (rocks and minerals), hydrologic processes (weathering, streams, glaciers, beaches and ground water), tectonic process (plate tectonics, earthquakes, mountain building and volcanism), and structures (folds, faults). Current theories on structure and evolution of the earth are discussed. Designed for both non-science majors and earth science majors. Required of all Geology majors. (*UC Transfer Limit: 111 and 111H combined: maximum credit, one course).
ERTH 111H: Dynamic Earth - Physical Geology, Honors(4) - CSU, UC
Skills Advisories: Math 1; eligibility for ENG 110 or ENG 110H or ENG 110GB
Course Advisories: ERTH 111L or ERTH 131
Limitation on Enrollment: Acceptance into the Honors Program. Introduction to the physical development of the earth. Emphasis on earth materials (rocks and minerals), hydrologic processes (weathering, streams, glaciers, beaches and ground water), tectonic processes (plate tectonics, earthquakes, mountain building and volcanism), and structures (folds, faults). Current theories on structure and evolution of the earth are discussed. (*UC Transfer Limit: 111 and 111H combined: maximum credit, one course).
ERTH 111L: Dynamic Earth - Physical Geology Laboratory(1) F, S- CSU, UC
Skills Advisories: MART 1 and ENG 103
Corequisites: ERTH 111 (prior to or concurrently) or ERTH 111H (concurrently) Laboratory approach to earth materials and processes, including rock and mineral identification and interpretation, plate tectonic rock cycle, topographic map and aerial photo interpretation, structural geology (folds and faults), geologic cross sections and geologic maps. Activities include four field trips to local areas of geologic interest. Required of all Geology majors.
ERTH 112: History Of The Earth(3) F, S - CSU, UC
Skills Advisories: ENG 103
Course Advisories: concurrent enrollment in ERTH 112L and ERTH 131 or ERTH 132
Introduction to the geologic history of the earth, using plate tectonic concepts, stratigraphy, geologic dating, fossils and evolution. Emphasis on the origin and evolution of continents, oceans, the atmosphere and life on earth. Designed to accommodate both non-science and science majors. Required of Geology majors.
ERTH 112L: Historical Geology Laboratory(1) F, S - CSU, UC
Corequisites: ERTH 112 skills Advisories: ENG 103 Laboratory approach to understanding the scientific method as it applies to deciphering earth history. Topics include sedimentary rock identification and interpretation, stratigraphy, paleogeographic maps and fossil identification. Activities include field trips to local areas of geologic interest. Required of Geology majors.
ERTH 113: Geology of National Parks(3) S - CSU, UC*
Skills Advisory: ENG 103
Course Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in ERTH 131 or ERTH 132
Study of geologic processes and phenomena responsible for shaping the modern landscape, as exemplified within selected National Parks and Monuments. Plate tectonic setting and history emphasized. Designed to accommodate both science and non-science majors. (*UC Transfer Limit: ERTH 113, 131, 132, 133, 135, 137, 138, any or all of these courses combined: maximum credit, one course; no credit for 113 if taken after 111, 111H or 112).
ERTH 114: The Geology Of California(3) F - CSU, UC
Skills Advisories: ENG 103
Course Advisories: Concurrent enrollment in ERTH 131 or ERTH 132
Varied landscapes of California interpreted by introductory plate tectonics. Volcanism, earthquakes, and other geologic processes are studied in relation to the origins and features of the geomorphic provinces of the state. Provinces include the Sierra Nevada, Coast Ranges, Transverse Ranges, Cascades, Klamath Mountains, Modoc Plateau, Central Valley, Mojave, and the Basin and Range. Appropriate for science and non-science majors.
ERTH 115: Environmental Geology(3) F, S - CSU, UC
Skills Advisories: MATH 1 and ENG 103
Course Advisories: Concurrent enrollment in ERTH 115/ENVS 115L and ERTH 131 or ERTH 132
Introduction to the problems of volcanism, earthquakes, fire, floods, landslides, and other geologic hazards; air and water pollution, hazardous materials and land use planning. Applications to the Santa Barbara area emphasized. Required of Environmental Studies majors.
ERTH 115L: Environmental Geology Laboratory(1) F, S - CSU, UC
Skills Advisories: MATH 1 and ENG 103
Corequisites: ERTH 115/ENVS 115 Laboratory approach to topics covered in ENVS 115, with emphasis on rock and mineral identification, hazard assessment, geologic resource management, and land use planning. In-lab field trips.
ERTH 116: Energy And Natural Resources(3) F, S - CSU, UC
Skills Advisories: MATH 4 and ENG 103
Study of formation, exploration, development, and judicious use of natural resources in relation to present and future energy requirements, electricity, conservation, fossil fuels, solar, geothermal, nuclear and hydrogen. Required of Environmental Studies majors.
ERTH 121: Geology Seminar(3) F - CSU
Course Advisories: concurrent or previous enrollment in ERTH 111 or ERTH 112 or ERTH 113 or ERTH 114 or ERTH115/ENVS 115 or ERTH 151
Available to students enrolled in Earth Science courses. Attendance is required at the short course each week and select number of department-sponsored seminars, weekend field trips and lectures sponsored by professional associations and institutions. Required of Geology majors. (*UC Transfer Limit: ERTH 121 computed as Independent Studies; see counselor)
ERTH 122: Dinosaurs(3) F, S - CSU, UC
Skills Advisories: English 103
Introduction to the science of dinosaurs, stressing their evolution, ecology, bone structures and extinction. Emphasizes dinosaurian diversity, rise of dinosaurs, and their extinction in a Mesozoic world. Provides for a better perspective on the patterns and trends of all life, living and extinct. Scientific videos and fossil material used in the course.
ERTH 125: Mineralogy And Resources(5) F - CUS, UC
Skills Advisories: MATH 4 and ENG 103
Course Advisories: ERTH 111 or ERTH 112 and CHEM 101
Introduction to the identification and basic concepts of mineralogy, emphasizing crystallography, crystal chemistry, mineral chemistry, paragenesis of economic minerals, and plate tectonics of mineral resources. A portion of the course is devoted to optical mineralogy. Hand identification of minerals stressed.
ERTH 126: Petrology And Rock-Forming Minerals(5) S - CSU, UC
Skills Advisories: MATH 4 and ENG 103
Course Advisories: ERTH 111 or ERTH 112 and CHEM 101
Designed to familiarize students with the basic fundamentals and classification of rock-forming mineralogy, textures, origins and occurrences of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Use of the polarizer, X-ray and field identification procedures stressed.
ERTH 131: Geologic Field Studies - Eastern Sierra Nevada(2) F - CSU, UC*
Corequisites: ERTH 111 or ERTH 111H or ERTH 112 or ERTH 113 or ERTH 114 or ERTH 115 or ENVS 115 or ERTH 122 or ERTH 125 or ERTH 126 or ERTH 132 or ERTH 141 or GEOG 101 or ERTH 151. Fee required–see department for information. Five-day field course to study and interpret the geologic features and history of the Eastern Sierra Nevada region. Topics include faults, volcanoes, glaciers, mining and tectonic history of the region. (UC* Transfer Limit: ERTH 113, 131, 132, 133, 135, 137, 138, any or all of these courses combined: maximum credit, one course)
ERTH 132: Geologic Field Studies - Death Valley(2) S - CSU UC*
Corequisites: ERTH 111 or ERTH 111H or ERTH 112 or ERTH 113 or ERTH 114 or ERTH 115 or ENVS 115 or ERTH 122 or ERTH 125 or ERTH 126 or ERTH 131 or ERTH 141 or GEOG 101 or ERTH 151. Fee required–see department for information. Five-day field course to study and interpret the geologic features and history of the Death Valley region. Topics include the volcanic, tectonic and hydrologic history of the region. (*UC Transfer Limit: ERTH 113, 131, 132, 133, 135, 137, 138, any or all of these courses combined: maximum credit, one course).
ERTH 133: Geologic Field Seminar - Colorado Plateau(4) Summer - CSU, UC*
Skills Advisories: ENG 103
Corequisites: ERTH 111 or ERTH 111H or ERTH 112 or ERTH 113 or ERTH 114 or ERTH 115 or ENVS 115 or ERTH 122 or ERTH 125 or ERTH 126 or ERTH 131 or ERTH 132 or ERTH 141 or GEOG 101 or ERTH 151. Fee required–see department for information. 14-day intensive field study of the geology of the Colorado Plateau region. Emphasis on the features and geologic history of the parks of the Southwest, including the Grand Canyon, Canyonlands, Arches, Capitol Reef, Bryce and Zion National Parks. Designed for students with previous geologic background. (*UC Transfer Limit: ERTH 113, 131, 132, 133, 135, 137, 138, any or all of these courses combined: maximum credit, one course).
ERTH 134: Geologic Field Studies - Western Sierra Nevada(2.5) Summer - CSU
Skills Advisories: ENG 103
Fee required; contact department for information. Eight-day field course to study and interpret the geologic features and history of the western Sierra Nevada region. Topics include plutonism, landform evolution, glaciation, tectonic and geologic history, and uplift processes of the modern Sierra Nevada.
ERTH 135: Geologic Field Seminar - Western North America(5) Summer - CSU, UC*
Skills Advisories: ENG 103
Corequisites: ERTH 111 or ERTH 111H or ERTH 112 or ERTH 113 or ERTH 114 or ERTH 115 or ERTH 125 or ERTH 126 or ERTH 131 or ERTH 132 or ERTH 133 Fee required - see department for information. A 23-day field study of the geology of the Western United States and Western Canada. Emphasis on the features, processes and geologic history of the regions’ parks: Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Glacier/Waterton, Banff, Jasper, Crater Lake and Lassen National Parks. For students with previous geologic background. (*UC Transfer Limit: ERTH 113, 131, 132, 133, 135, 137, 138, any or all of these courses combined: maximum credit, one course).
ERTH 137: Introductory Field Geology(3.2) Summer - CSU, UC*
Prerequisites: ERTH 111 or ERTH 111H or ERTH112 or ERTH 125 or ERTH 126 or ERTH 131 or ERTH 132 or ERTH 133
Skills Advisories: MATH 4 and ENG 103
Course Advisories: ERTH 111L or ERTH 112L
Provides intensive field experience in application of field geology equipment, methods, techniques and maintenance procedures. “Hands-on” approach includes use of Brunton compass and tape, aerial photos, plane table and alidade, and geographical mapping. (*UC Transfer Limit: ERTH 113, 131, 132, 133, 135, 137, 138, any or all of these courses combined: maximum credit, one course).
ERTH 138: Geology Field Camp(4.3) Summer - CSU, UC*
Skills Advisories: MATH 4 and ENG 103
Corequisites: ERTH 137 Summer Sesson course, offered during the last two weeks. Consists of 14 consecutive days at a geologic field camp, followed by five eight-hour days in an on-campus laboratory. Provides for rigorous work experience in field geology for Earth Science majors. Includes field mapping of a “badlands” area, using aerial photographs, topographic maps, geological surveying equipment and earth materials. (*UC Transfer Limit: ERTH 113, 131, 132, 133, 135, 137, 138, any or all of these courses combined: maximum credit, one course).
ERTH 141: Physical Geography(3) F, S - CSU, UC
Skills Advisories: MATH 1 and ENG 103
Course Advisories: concurrent enrollment in ERTH 141L/GEOG 101L
Introduction to the earth sciences. Interrelationships among the basic elements of the physical environment are examined. Topics include geology, geomorphology, meteorology, climatology, hydrology, and agronomy. Required of Geography majors.
ERTH 141L: Physical Geography Laboratory(1) F, S - CSU, UC
Skills Advisories: MATH 1 and ENG 103
Corequisites: ERTH 141/GEOG 101 Laboratory approach to a combination of earth science disciplines, including cartography, geology, geomorphology, meteorology and oceanography. Remote sensing techniques are utilized in 75% of laboratory activities.
ERTH 142: Economic Geography(3) F, S - CSU, UC
Skills Advisories: MATH 4 and ENG 103
Designed for students majoring in Geography. Addresses regional patterns of principal economic activities of the world, with an emphasis on economic development and the problems of urbanization, transportation and the environment.
ERTH 151: Introductory Physical Oceanography(3) F, S - CSU, UC*
Skills Advisories: MATH 1 and ENG 103
Course Advisories: Concurrent enrollment in ERTH 151L
Designed for students desiring a broadly-based analysis of the physical aspects of the oceans. Study of the origin of the continents and oceans; marine geology, chemistry of seawater, currents, waves, tides and the ocean environment. Required of Marine Science majors. (*UC transfer limit: ERTH 151 and BIOL 124 combined: maximum credit, one course).
ERTH 151L: Introductory Physical Oceanography Laboratory(1) F, S - CSU, UC
Skills Advisories: MATH 1 and ENG 103
Corequisites: ERTH 151 Lab exercises in marine geology, sedimentation, navigation, currents, waves, chemical and physical properties of seawater, and plate tectonics. Field trips to beach and mountains to study first-hand oceanographic processes and products. Required of Marine Science majors.
ERTH 152: Weather and Climate(3) F, S - CSU, UC
Skills Advisories: ENG 103 and Math 1
Fundamentals of meteorology, including the nature of the atmosphere, circulation of the atmosphere, air masses and fronts, weather analysis, weather at sea and forecasting. The climates of the earth with California's varied climate and local weather phenomena emphasized, as well as future climatic changes. Required of all Environmental Studies and Marine Science majors.
ERTH 171: Introduction To Geographic Information Systems And Maps(2) F, S - CSU, UC
Skills Advisories: MATH 4 and ENG 103
Corequisites: ERTH 172/GEOG 172 Introduction to the techniques, tools and theories used to examine geographic information, with focus on Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Includes the structure, uses, hardware and software requirements, and basic operations of a GIS. Cartography and cartographic design are incorporated, as well as overviews of aerial photography, remote sensing, and global positioning systems. Includes uses of GIS software in business, urban planning, resource management and scientific research.
ERTH 172: Geographic Information Systems: Software Applications(2) S - CSU
Skills Advisories: ENG 103
Co-Requisites: GEOG 171/ERTH 171 Extensive practice with a GIS package (ArcGIS or similar GIS software), accompanied by exploration of the range of applications in which GIS is used (resource management, public works, business, planning, scientific research). Covers key skills for operating GIS software packages, including geographical data acquisition, creation, management, analysis and output.
ERTH 175: Raster GIS Applications(2) - CSU
Prerequisites: ERTH 172/GEOG 172
Hands-on introduction to basic raster concepts, using ArcGIS Spatial Analyst extension within the ArcMap environment. The underlying methodology required to solve real world problems is explored through a series of extensive course projects. Key skills in data acquisition, surface creation techniques, map algebra, database design and result reporting are covered.
ERTH 299: Independent Study In Earth Science(1-3) F, S - CSU
Limitation on Enrollment: Completion of a minimum of 12 units at SBCC, with a 2.5 G.P.A., and a minimum of six units, with a 3.0 G.P.A. within the department. For complete information, see "Independent Study" in the Catalog Index. (*UC Transfer Limit: 299 computed as Independent Studies; please see counselor).
