• one year of Calculus (CAN 17, 19, and 21, or CAN 18 and 20),
• one year of Chemistry (CAN 1, 3, and 5, or CAN 2 and 4),
• and one year of Physics (CAN Sequence A or B).

The Geology courses are designed to build on the basic foundation of the Math, Chemistry and Physics classes. Those who transfer without completion of these classes will not only have difficulty scheduling all of their classes, but will also be disadvantaged by trying to simultaneously complete their lower division science requirements and their upper division Geology requirements. Conversely, those who transfer with all or most of their basic science prerequisites already completed generally have the time to pursue an independent research project (i.e. GEL 194A and B) during their senior year (which would count as 6 units of upper division electives.)

Typical schedules for transfer students who have completed

• one year of Calculus,
• one year of Chemistry,
• one year of Physics,
• Physical Geology with Laboratory (GEL 50, 50L = CAN 2), and
• Historical Geology with Laboratory (GEL 3, 3L = CAN 4)

prior to transferring to UC Davis are shown below. The courses shown are only offered once a year in the quarter listed, and some classes are prerequisites for classes that follow, so there is limited flexibility in the schedule. Consequently, not taking a course in the following sequence may potentially require that you spend an extra year in school to complete the graduation requirements. We encourage students to take the summer field course as soon as they have completed all of the prerequisite classes, and we encourage our best students to get involved in research projects that will lead to a Senior thesis. The first schedule (Option 1) has the advantage of placing summer field in the Junior year allowing more time in the senior year to concentrate on upper division classes in the area of the students interest, as well as providing a good opportunity for completion of a senior thesis. The disadvantage of this schedule is that the core petrology courses are taken in the senior year after completion of summer field. It is therefore difficult to do a senior thesis if your interest is in hard rock petrology. The second alternative (Option 2) may be preferable for student who wish to emphasize hard rock petrology as there is more flexibility in the senior year for pursuing upper division electives or a senior thesis in petrology. Students completing summer field in their Senior year are still able to attend the graduation ceremony at the end of spring quarter even though their degree will be granted following completion of summer field.