Photo montage of students in various desert settings

Explore the geological and environmental issues that impact life in California. 

8-units total: students will be enrolled in FYS 1 (4 units) as well as GEO 105 (4 units).

Students enrolled in this Immersive Course will fulfill both the fall first year seminar requirement and also the Core Lab Science requirement.

Taught by Prof. Ann Blythe

Are we ready for the Big One? How have water issues shaped the growth of California? Where has our energy come from and where will we get it from in the future? And can we move towards a more sustainable future? 

The Life on the Edge immersive program pairs a First Year Seminar with a section of one of Oxy's most popular science courses, Geology 105: Earth: Our Environment. It will focus on geologic and environmental issues that directly impact our lives in southern California.

The program will include a weekend-long field trip to Joshua Tree National Park, providing students with an hands-on opportunity to explore of the desert environment.  

FYS 1: Life on the Edge: How Geology Shapes Our Lives in Los Angeles and Environs

MWF 11:45-12:40 + W 3:00-3:55

Are we ready for the Big One? How have water issues shaped the growth of California? Where has our energy come from and where will we get it from in the future? And can we move towards a more sustainable future? In this seminar, we will explore societally-relevant issues. Topics will include earthquakes, water, and issues related to energy and climate. These topics will then be expanded upon with scientific focus in the Geology 105 course.

GEO 105: Earth: Our Environment

MWF 9:35-10:30 + T 1:30-3:25

This course will explore the physical processes that shape the environment on the Earth's surface. The course will cover the fundamentals of plate tectonics, rocks, minerals, geologic time, surface processes, and Earth's interior. Special attention will be paid to geologic hazards (such as earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, and landslides), the history and future of global climate change, and the human impact on the environment. 

Interested in signing up? 

Complete the interest form linked here by June 12th. Seats are limited, so sign up ASAP!

Contact the Core Program
Johnson Hall

Room 115

Edmond Johnson
Director of Advising, Core Program Coordinator, Affiliated Faculty in Music
Office: Johnson Hall 108