Geology major
Faculty Adviser
Daina Hardisty: 503-491-7407 | Room AC2590 | Daina.Hardisty@mhcc.edu
Geology is the study of the Earth and its past. It is focused on the structure of Earth’s rocks, soils, mountains, fossils, and other features, and how they change over time. Students who would like to transfer to a four year college to study geology should work with their transfer school and an MHCC adviser.
Curricular Outcomes
At the completion of this curriculum, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate mastery of discipline-specific fundamental geologic concepts
- Utilize the method of scientific inquiry with respect to geosciences
- Communicate ideas and views regarding the geosciences as these relate to current issues and daily life
- Acquire the ability to analyze, synthesize and evaluate geologic data and information
- Apply geologic knowledge and skills to a range of problems and propose scientifically reasonable and acceptable solutions
- Demonstrate technical skills in the collection and analysis of geologic data in field and laboratory settings
Students interested in pursuing the Geology major can complete the following courses toward the Science requirement and/or electives on the AS (recommended), AAOT, ASOT-B, AGS or ASLA degrees. Students are highly encouraged to work with a university transfer adviser to ensure transferability of courses. Admitted students may also log on to Navigate to start the process of building an academic plan based on this major and can notify an adviser for review.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| G201 | Principles of Physical Geology 1 | 4 |
| G202 | Principles of Physical Geology 2 | 4 |
| G203 | Principles of Historical Geology | 4 |
| G165 | Regional Field Geology | 3 |
| G148B | Volcanoes and Their Activity (lab or non-lab options) | 3-4 |
| or G148C | Volcanoes and Their Activity | |
Transfer Schools
Exploring geology as your major? Learn more with MHCC's Career Coach, which covers: skills needed for each career, wages, employment rates, and live job postings in the Greater Multnomah County Area.
Careers related to geology:
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
- Soil and Plant Scientists
- Geodetic Surveyors
- Petroleum Engineers
- Conservation Scientists
- Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
- Geothermal Production Managers
- Hydrologists
- Geothermal Technicians
- Water Resource Specialists
The following shows just one example of how students can complete an Associate of Science degree while also taking lower-division geology courses. Be sure to work with an MHCC adviser and the transfer institution you'd like to attend to ensure correct courses are being taken. Not all courses are offered every term. Click on a course number to see what term(s) the course is typically offered.
- Full time = 12 or more credits per term; takes about 2 years to complete.
- 3/4 time = 9 to 11 credits per term; takes about 3 years to complete.
- Part time = 6 to 8 credits per term; takes about 4 years to complete.
Sample Plan (full time)
| First Quarter | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| CH221 | General Chemistry I | 5 |
| MTH251 | Calculus I: Differential Calculus | 5 |
| WR121Z | Composition I (Course offered online) | 4 |
| Arts & Letters | 3-4 | |
| Credits | 17-18 | |
| Second Quarter | ||
| CH222 | General Chemistry II | 5 |
| MTH252 | Calculus II: Integral Calculus | 5 |
| WR122Z or WR227Z |
Composition II (Course offered online) or Technical Writing (Course offered online) |
4 |
| Social Science | 3-4 | |
| Credits | 17-18 | |
| Third Quarter | ||
| CH223 | General Chemistry III | 5 |
| MTH253 | Calculus III | 4 |
| Oral Communication | 3-4 | |
| Credits | 12-13 | |
| Fourth Quarter | ||
| G201 | Principles of Physical Geology | 4 |
| MTH254 or MTH261 |
Calculus IV: Multivariable/ Vector Calculus Part 1 or Linear Algebra |
5 |
| PH201 or PH211 |
General Physics I or General Physics with Calculus I |
5 |
| Elective / university requirement | 3-4 | |
| Credits | 17-18 | |
| Fifth Quarter | ||
| G202 | Principles of Physical Geology | 4 |
| PH202 or PH211 |
General Physics II or General Physics with Calculus I |
5 |
| Social Science (GEOG265 recommended) | 3-4 | |
| Arts & Letters | 3-4 | |
| Credits | 15-16 | |
| Sixth Quarter | ||
| G203 | Principles of Historical Geology | 4 |
| PH203 or PH213 |
General Physics III or General Physics with Calculus III |
5 |
| Health & Physical Education | 3 | |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 90-95 | |
G148B Volcanoes and Their Activity
Credits 4Fall/Spring
Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W, and MTH020; each with a grade of "C" or better, or placement above the stated course levels.
This is an introductory lab-based course in volcanology, which is a branch of the science of Geology. The student will develop an understanding of the types, origin, activity, products and hazards of volcanoes. The student will be able to examine materials associated with igneous activity both in the lab and in the field. Additionally, the student will have the opportunity to visit major volcanic sites in the Pacific Northwest. Please note, students cannot earn credit for both G148B and G148C.
This course fulfills: Lab Science
View Course Outcomes:
- Describe the origin and relationship between volcanic activity, styles of eruptions and plate tectonic settings along with their related internal processes.
- Examine, identify and classify igneous materials that are the result of volcanic and plutonic processes.
- Examine, identify and classify igneous structures and associated land forms.
- Examine the effects of chemical composition and other factors on eruptive style and the resulting products and volcanic landscapes.
- Analyze the hazards of volcanic eruptive events and assess the associated risk with respect to the Pacific Northwest volcanic activity.
- Discuss a number of historical volcanic eruptions and the major cause of destruction for each case.
- Explore the methods to monitor and forecast future volcanic eruptions and identify the triggers of volcanism.
- Interpret the effects of volcanic eruptions on climate.
G148C Volcanoes and Their Activity
Credits 3Fall
Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W; and MTH020; each with a grade of "C" or better, or placement above stated course levels.
This is an introductory course in volcanology, which is a branch of the science of geology. The student will develop an understanding of the types, origin, activity, products and hazards of volcanoes. Additionally, the student will have the opportunity to visit major volcanic sites in the Pacific Northwest. Students cannot earn credit for both G148B and G148C.
This course fulfills: Non-Lab Science
View Course Outcomes:
- Analyze the hazards of volcanic eruptive events and assess risk with respect to the Pacific Northwest volcanic activity
- Describe the origin and relationship between volcanic activity, styles of eruptions and plate tectonic settings along with their internal processes
- Discuss a number of historical volcanic eruptions and outline the major cause of destruction for each case
- Examine the effects of chemical composition on eruptive style and resulting products and volcanic landscapes
- Explore the methods to forecast volcanic eruptions and identify the triggers of volcanism
- ldentify and classify internal and external igneous structures, materials, and associated landforms
- lnterpret the effects of volcanic eruptions on climate
G165 Regional Field Geology
Credits 3Summer
Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W; and MTH020; each with a grade of "C" or better, or placement above stated course levels.
This course consists of an extended field trip to a region of special geologic interest. The trip is arranged to illustrate various geologic characteristics and special features unique to the selected region and includes studies of the topographic and geologic setting and significant events through geologic time. More specifically, lithology, stratigraphy, age and origin of geologic structures and geomorphology are discovered. The course will begin with a mandatory on-campus meeting prior to the field trip and finish with a mandatory on-campus meeting after the field trip. A field notebook is required.
This course fulfills: Lab Science
View Course Outcomes:
- Communicate observations and interpretations in oral and written formats.
- Develop analytical and observational skills through daily entries in a field notebook/journal.
- Explain geologic phenomena, connect those phenomena with the lithologic record, and generate an interpretation of past environments of formation
- Interpret and use the geologic time scale
- Make inferences about Earth systems from observations of the natural world and research of literature.
G201 Principles of Physical Geology
Credits 4Fall/Winter
Registration Requirement: RD090 and WR090, or IECC201R and IECC201W; and MTH060; each with a grade of "C" or better, or placement above stated course levels. Students are required to attend a field trip listed under "Must Read" for dates. Students who cannot attend due to class or work schedule conflicts must do an alternative project.
This course is designed for both Geology majors and transfer students needing a lab science, and can also be taken by other individuals who desire to gain a better understanding of the Earth. A number of field trips are utilized throughout the year to illustrate geologic concepts utilizing Oregon's and Washington's plentiful geologic history. G201 Principles of Physical Geology, focuses on the study of mineral formation, origins of rocks and investigation of internal Earth processes as they are related to plate tectonics, mountain building, earthquakes and volcanic activity. Geologic maps and cross-sections are utilized extensively.
This course fulfills: Lab Science
View Course Outcomes:
- Differentiate between rocks and minerals as well as the environment of formation and determine how these materials relate to geologic processes and the rock cycle
- Distinguish between scientific hypothesis and theory as it pertains to the scientific method and utilize scientific method process in course activities.
- Distinguish between the various geologic structures, their origin, how rocks deform, and their relationship to tectonic settings
- Explore Earth's interior and the methods of determining the compositional & physical structure of the Earth
- Recognize and interpret data used to support Plate Tectonics theory and its relationship to geographic, geologic landforms and processes occurring on the Earth today and in the past
G202 Principles of Physical Geology
Credits 4Winter
Registration Requirement: G201; or instructor consent.
Principles of Physical Geology is designed for both Geology majors and transfer students needing a lab science. A number of field trips are utilized throughout the year to illustrate geologic concepts utilizing Oregon's and Washington's plentiful geologic history. G202 Principles of Physical Geology, analyzes the surface processes of weathering and erosion, their interaction with earth materials, and the resulting landforms. These surface processes include weathering, mass wasting, streams, groundwater, wind, waves and glaciers. Topographic maps and the method used in the sciences are utilized extensively.
This course fulfills: Lab Science
View Course Outcomes:
- Describe the general Geomorphic aspects of planet Earth.
- Examine and explain the role of Plate Tectonics in shaping the Earth's surface landforms
- Interpret and appraise Geological Hazards and potential mitigations.
- Recognize and examine landforms and surface processes.
- Utilize mapping and photographic tools in Geomorphological investigations and communicate findings to others.
G203 Principles of Historical Geology
Credits 4Spring
Registration Requirement: G202; or instructor consent.
Principles of Historical Geology is designed for both geology majors and transfer students needing a lab science. A number of field trips are utilized throughout the year to illustrate geologic concepts utilizing Oregon's and Washington's plentiful geologic history. G203 Principles of Historical Geology applies principles of plate tectonics and surface processes to interpret Earth's geologic history and to study fossils and examine the changes of life over time. Geologic maps and cross-sections are utilized extensively.
This course fulfills: Lab Science
View Course Outcomes:
- Describe the origin of the Universe, Solar System and Earth
- Interpret and use the geologic time scale
- Recognize and discuss the interrelationships between the physical and biological history of the Earth
- Using rock, fossils and maps, apply the major geologic principles to interpret the geologic history of a given area
Course offered online
Cultural Literacy course