Geology and Geophysics

Geology is the study of the processes that range in scale and scope from the dynamics of tectonic plates through the flow of groundwater in aquifers, and to past and present climate change. Moving forward in the 21st century, a better understanding of Earth processes at both global and local scales will be important to ensure security for future generations with respect to sustainable resource allocation and natural hazard mitigation. If you are interested in the Earth Sciences for these reasons, or maybe you just love the natural beauty of the mountains, then further studies in Geology may be right for you.

At Cal Poly, Geology is an interdisciplinary focus of study, with faculty jointly housed in the Physics Department and in the Natural Resources Management & Environmental Sciences Department. The Physics Department faculty teach a variety of classes that meet general education requirements for numerous students at Cal Poly, as well as the majority of geology-specific lower- and upper-division classes for pursuing the Geology concentration in the Environmental Earth Sciences major. In addition, students interested in geology from other major are encouraged to consider the Geology minor to supplement their primary focus of study. For more information about the Geology concentration, professional licensing and the minor, please see this website: calpolygeology.info.

Learning Assistants in Introductory Geology

Some of the Introductory Geology (GEOL 201) classes involve Learning Assistants (LAs). LAs are paid undergraduate students who assist the instructor in implementing student-centered class activities. If you have taken GEOL 201 or GEOL 102 and are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of geologic processes and valuable teaching experience, please visit physics.calpoly.edu/learning-assistants, or contact one of the geology faculty members listed below.

Contact us to learn more about Geology at Cal Poly.

Geology & Geophysics