GEOG 121 - Physical Geography: Earth Systems Laboratory

    Recent Professors
    K. Choumiline
    Recent Semesters
    Fall 2026
    Class Size
    32 students
    Credits
    1
    Prerequisite
    "C" grade or higher or "Pass" in GEOG 120 or GEOL 104 or equivalent or concurrent enrollment in either course
    Fall 2026 Sections
    View Fall 2026 sections of GEOG 121
    Transfers To
    UC and CSUCal-GETC Area 5C · IGETC Area 5A · IGETC Area 5C · CSU GE Area B1 · CSU GE Area B3
    Description
    This course is designed to explore the Earth's physical environment, complementing either the physical geography lecture course (GEOG 120) or the Earth Science lecture course (GEOL 104) through practical applications of materials covered in these courses. This laboratory course enhances the observational and analytical skills that are vital to understanding Earth's major physical and chemical systems including atmospheric, hydrospheric, lithospheric and biospheric processes and the Earth's place within the Solar System. Exercises will utilize the methods of scientific inquiry to explore the Geographic Grid, Earth-Sun relationships; weather and climate; the rock cycle; plate tectonics, including faulting, earthquakes, hot spot volcanism and plate boundary dynamics; erosional and depositional environments; landform genesis, identification and geomorphic change; soil and vegetation distributions and habitat analysis. Students gain experience with map interpretation/analysis, unit conversions and dimensional analysis, field work using GPS, compass, clinometer, and other specialized equipment. Special attention is given to the unique local setting of San Diego County especially as exhibited in the Cuyamaca College Nature Preserve where field experiences are incorporated into laboratory exercises on a regular basis. (C-ID GEOG 111, GEOL 120L) (CSU/UC) (AA/AS-5, Cal-GETC-5C)
    Usually Held
    Thu 11:00am–2:05pm