IVC offers field studies courses during the fall and spring semesters and summer session. Any person enrolled at Irvine Valley College regardless of major can go on these trips. The trips are a fun and educational way to learn about geology first hand in the field. For example, there is nothing like actually viewing a fault that is separating two distinctly different colored beds of rock.

CalTech: Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences

In the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences (GPS), faculty and students study the earth and other planets in order to understand their origin, composition, and development. Their approach to these problems relies heavily on fundamental science and on interdisciplinary collaborations with colleagues from across Caltech, as well as at the U.S. Geological Survey and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

(modified from "Orange County Geology - Teachers Guide", by Carol J. Stadum, Chapman College, for the Orange County Department of Education)

The Triassic-Jurassic Bedford Canyon Formation (Jbc)

School of Physical Sciences and Technologies Department Offices: 949-451-5450

Life Sciences Building (LSB)

Lianna Zhao, MD | Dean, Physical Sciences and Technologies

Becky Bravo | Senior Administrative Assistant, Physical Sciences and Technologies
 

A major in one of the Earth sciences allows the student to participate in an interesting career in any of the branches of this diverse field. The geologist's work includes finding and developing energy resources, such as petroleum and natural gas; exploring mineral resources, from metals to building materials; and in engineering geology, conducting studies to minimize damage from earthquakes and landslides and improve public safety for local, state, and federal agencies. Earth scientists also include meteorologists, who study and make predictions of weather and climate changes.