(Biology 150, Geology 150, Oceanography 150)
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: A “C” grade or higher or “Pass” in Biology 110 or 120; or Geography 120 or 121 or 140; or Geology 110 or 111; or Oceanography 112 or equivalent.
An exciting, team-taught, interdisciplinary, field-based study of the natural environment of the San Diego region, including related parts of Imperial, Riverside, and Orange Counties. Vans are utilized to visit sites that best illustrate (1) the region’s physical environment (including tectonics, geologic history, geomorphology, hydrology, meteorology, climatology, and soils), (2) the evolutionary response to environmental variation (focusing on coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and desert ecosystems), and (3) the interaction of humans with the natural environment. Emphasis on field measurement includes use of global positioning system (GPS) devices, compass, clinometer, maps, the current Jepson plant taxonomy, etc. Four weekends in spring semester only.
Transfers to: CSU, UC (credit limited: see page 49 in college catalog)