 | EARTH SCIENCES: COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
GENERAL
03-200. Science, Technology, and Society
This course is designed to explore the complex inter-relationships between science, technology, and society. The nature of science and scientific method and selected current issues in science and technology will be discussed. Topics may include chemicals in society, biotechnology and related issues, nuclear energy, and the impact of these technologies on society. Technology, as it relates to human values and public awareness, will also be considered. (Not open to Semester 1 and 2 students.) (3 lecture hours a week.)
GEOLOGY
All courses listed will not necessarily be offered each year.
61-110. Natural Hazards and Disasters.
The Earth's component systems and their interrelationships. Earth hazards and the Earth's interior processes: volcanism and earthquakes. Hazards and surface processes: landslides and floods. Atmospheric Hazards: storms, hurricanes and tornadoes. Meteorite impacts. This course is designed for non-science majors. (May not be taken as credit for a B.Sc. degree.) (Antirequisite: 61-140 and 61-141) (2 lecture hours per week.)
61-111. Our Changing Earth
Origin of the Universe and Solar System; focus on the Earth and Moon; earliest life forms. Measurement of geological time. Global climatic change in geological history; drifting continents; deserts, floods and ice sheets. Fossils and evolution; extinctions and probable causes. Human evolution and migrations; early technologies. This course is designed for non-Science majors. (May not be taken as credit for a B.Sc. degree.)(Antirequisite: 61-141.)(2.5 lecture hours a week.)
61-140. Earth Systems I: The Solid Earth
Origin and nature of the solar system. Earthquakes, seismology and the Earth's interior. Plate tectonics and the Earth's crust. Minerals. Magmatism and igneous rocks. Geologic time. Introduction to sedimentary rocks. Metamorphism and metamorphic rocks. Deformation. Earth resources. This course is designed for Science majors. (2 lecture, 2.5 laboratory hours a week.)
61-141. Earth Systems II: The Earth's Surface
The Earth's surficial systems: surface processes, the hydrosphere and biosphere. Oceans. Streams. Groundwater. Glaciers. Deserts. Weathering and related phenomena. Sediments, fossils, time and paleoenvironmental analysis. Evolution of the biosphere. This course is designed for Science and Engineering majors. (2 lecture, 2.5 laboratory hours a week.)
61-210. Introduction to Oceanography
Geological, biological, physical, and chemical aspects of the oceans; exploration techniques, instruments, and vessels; origin of the oceans; ocean circulation; ocean and climate; waves and tides; marine resources. This course is designed for non-Science majors. (May not be taken for credit towards a B.Sc. degree in Geology or Environmental Geology.) (2 lecture hours a week.)
61-213. Geology and the Environment
Effect of geologic factors on the environment: pollution of groundwater, ground subsidence, nuclear waste disposal, sub surface disposal of liquid wastes, earthquake prediction and control. This course is specifically designed for the non-scientist. (May not be taken for credit towards a B.Sc. degree in Geology or Environmental Geology.) (2 lecture hours a week or equivalent.)
61-214. Geology and International Development
Aid, international development, and Earth processes; integration of water-resource management, soil conservation, and agroforestry; geological hazards in a tropical setting; small-scale mining and conservation of mineral resources; engineering an improved quality of life in developing nations. (May not be taken for credit towards a B.Sc. degree in Geology or Environmental Geology.) (2 lecture hours a week or equivalent.)
61-220. Introduction to Mineralogy
An introduction to the origin, distribution and uses of minerals. Topics covered will include: an introduction to mineral structures, crystal chemistry and crystallography, mineral descriptions and occurrence, and laboratory identification of common minerals.. (Prerequisites: 59-140, 59-141.) (2 lecture, 3 laboratory hours a week.)
61-224. Introduction to Geochemistry
An overview of the chemical composition of Earth and the factors governing the cycling of chemicals throughout the earth from the core through to surface environments. Principles of crystal chemistry, chemical reactions and equilibria, oxidation and reduction, adsorption and ion exchange and isotope chemistry and their relevance to Earth processes. (Prerequisites: 59-140, 59-141) (3 lecture and/or tutorial hours per week.).
61-230. Plate Tectonics and the Earth's Interior
Plate tectonic processes and the major features of crustal evolution; analysis of the Earth's interior using seismologic and other geophysical evidence; introductory tectonic and geophysical problems. (Prerequisite: 61-140.) (2 lecture, 2 laboratory hours a week.)
61-231. Introduction to Petrology
Petrography, textures, composition and classification of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Evolution of magmatic systems. Nature and causes of metamorphism. Relationship between global tectonics and magmatic and metamorphic processes. (Prerequisite: 61-220, or consent of instructor)(2 lecture, 3 laboratory hours a week.)
61-232. Modern and Ancient Sedimentary Environments
An integrated approach to paleontology and sedimentology; introduction to sedimentary deposits, sedimentary environments and associated invertebrate organisms; depositional systems and peleonenvironmental analysis. (Prerequisite: 61-141) (2 lecture, 3 laboratory hours a week.)
61-246. Environmental Decision Analysis
Earth systems, including climatic extremes, the industrialized ecosystem; decisions under uncertainty in mineral-resource exploration and development; rational approach to decision making, alternatives to decision analysis; environmental impact assessment and risk management, expert systems approach to environmental problem solving, applications in less developed countries. (3 lecture hours a week.)
61-247. Environmental Auditing in Mineral Resource Development
Cyclical flow of energy and matter in nature, human interaction with environmental processes, elements of policy analysis; environmental management systems and environmental impact assessment; environmental audit processes, steps in design and delivery; mineral resource development and the audit protocols; from audit to action plan, auditing the audit. (3 lecture hours a week.)
61-280. Field Camp I
Introduction to sediment and water sampling, field relationships, mapping methods, and field measurements. Interpretation of topographic and geologic maps, use of compasses and GPS units. Required field trips. (2 weeks; immediately following the winter term examination period.) (Prerequisites: 61-231 and 61-232.)
61-298. Co-op Work Term I
Supervised experience in an approved career-related setting with a focus on the application of theory and the development of transferable skills. The co-op work experience is designed to provide students with an enriched learning opportunity to integrate academic theory and concepts in an applied setting. (Prerequisite: Student must be enrolled in a co-operative education program. Offered on a Pass/non-Pass basis. Supervised practicum requires the successful completion of a minimum of 420 hours. Students who do not pass the course can not continue in the co-op program.)
61-320. Igneous Petrology
The origin and evolution of igneous rocks. Melting and crystallization, magmatic differentiation, contamination, mixing of magmas. Mineralogy, petrography, geochemistry and tectonic environments of representative rock suites. (Prerequisite: 61-231.) (2 lecture, 3 laboratory hours a week.)
61-321. Metamorphic Petrology
The distribution and origin of metamorphic rocks in the light of physical, chemical and tectonic constraints. Mineralogy, petrography, and textural evolution of representative rock suites. (Prerequisites: 61-231.) (2 lecture, 3 laboratory hours a week.)
61-323. Stratigraphy
The principles of lithostratigraphy and biostratigraphy; surface and subsurface stratigraphic methods; concepts of facies; identification and interpretation of sedimentary sequences; stratigraphic maps, including numerical techniques; applications in resource exploration. (Prerequisite: 61-232.) (3 lecture, 3 laboratory hours a week.)
61-324. Sedimentary Petrology
A review of the principal depositional environments of clastic and carbonate rocks; discussion of sediment transport processes and the generation of sedimentary structures; textural and mineralogical properties of sediment and sedimentary rocks, including comparison of ancient and modern depositional environments. Economic aspects of sedimentary rocks. Microscopic and laboratory examination of selected sedimentary rock types will be complemented by field work in the local area. (Prerequisite: 61-232.) (2 lecture, 3 laboratory hours a week; field trips.)
61-326. Quaternary and Glacial Geology
The occurrence of ice ages, with particular emphasis on the late Cenozoic, the Laurentide and Cordilleran glaciations of Canada during the Quaternary Period. Glacial budgets, processes of ice movement, mechanics of ice erosion, debris entrainment and deposition. Erosive and depositional landforms and landscapes. Periglacial environments and landforms. The origin and nature of tills, stratified drift and other terrestrial, lacustrine and marine deposits. Changes in relative sea level. (Antirequisite: 67-444.) (2 lecture and 2 lab hours per week.)
61-327. Structural Geology
Rock deformation; primary and secondary structures; analysis and classification of folds and faults; interpretation of geologic maps; solution of structural problems. (Prerequisite: 61-231.) (3 lecture, 3 laboratory hours a week.)
61-328. Aqueous and Environmental Geochemistry
Processes such as water-rock interactions, element cycling, and contaminant mobility in near-surface geologic settings will be studied using the principles of geochemistry, thermodynamics and chemical kinetics. Topics covered in this course will include: the laws of thermodynamics, aqueous complexation, solutions and activities, redox reactions, solubility, phase equilibria and chemical kinetics in natural systems. (Prerequisite: 59-240 or 61-224 or consent of instructor) (3 lecture and/or tutorial hours per week.)
61-380. Field Camp II
Geological mapping methods. An additional fee is charged to defray the costs of accommodation. (Prerequisites: 61-280 and 61-327.) (2 weeks; immediately following the Winter term examination period.)
61-398. Co-op Work Term II
Supervised experience in an approved career-related setting with a focus on the application of theory and the development of transferable skills. The co-op work experience is designed to provide students with an enriched learning opportunity to integrate academic theory and concepts in an applied setting. (Prerequisite: Student must be enrolled in a co-operative education program. Offered on a Pass/non-Pass basis. Supervised practicum requires the successful completion of a minimum of 420 hours. Students who do not pass the course can not continue in the co-op program.)
61-420. Mineral Deposit Geology
Geology and genesis of metallic and industrial mineral deposits. Introduction to ore-forming processes and mineral exploration. (Prerequisite: 61-231.) (2 lecture, 3 laboratory hours a week.)
61-424. Advanced Geochemistry
The application of trace elements and stable and radiogenic isotopes to understanding and modelling earth processes. Factors governing the fractionation of isotopes and elements in response to the major fluxes of material within the mantle and crust of the earth. Discussion of mantle reservoirs and mantle-crustal evolution models. (Prerequisite 61-320 or consent of instructor) (3 lecture and/or seminar hours per week.)
61-429. Basin Analysis
Classification of sedimentary basins, pressure-temperature variation, compaction and porosity-permeability distribution, groundwater regime and hydrogeologic environment, fluid-rock interaction, diagenetic reactions, organic matter, mineralization, and basin history. (Prerequisite: 61-232 or consent of instructor.) (3 lecture/seminar hours a week.)
61-430. Environmental and Engineering Geophysics
An introduction to the use of seismic, electrical, electromagnetic and other geophysical methods used in near-surface environmental and engineering assessment studies. (2 lecture, 3 laboratory hours a week.)
61-436. Hydrogeology
Fundamental physics and properties of groundwater flow in porous geologic material, develops an intuitive, problem-solving approach to hydrogeologic problems. Topics include: groundwater flow equations, flow nets, aquifer pumping, contaminant transport processes, two-phase flow, and dense non-aqueous phase liquids. Computer application will be emphasized. (Prerequisite: 61-141, 62-130 or equivalent or consent of instructor.) (3 lecture, 2 laboratory hours a week.)
61-441. Biogeochemistry
An investigation of global change focusing on the chemical, physical, geological, and biological processes that cycle elements through the Earth's system. Topics covered in this course will include: The origin of Life, global element cycles, mineral weathering and the global CO2 budget, microbe-water-rock interactions (including: sorption, oxidation-reduction, and methylation of metals; biological degradation of organic molecules; application of molecular biology and stable isotope techniques to environmental problems). (Prerequisites: 61-224 or consent of instructor) (3 lecture and/or tutorial hours per week.)
61-470. Special Topics in Earth Science
Selected topics of current interest. (Prerequisite: consent of instructor and a program advisor.) (3 lecture or project hours a week.)
61-498. Co-op Work Term III
Supervised experience in an approved career-related setting with a focus on the application of theory and the development of transferable skills. The co-op work experience is designed to provide students with an enriched learning opportunity to integrate academic theory and concepts in an applied setting. (Prerequisite: Student must be enrolled in a co-operative education program. Offered on a Pass/non-Pass basis. Supervised practicum requires the successful completion of a minimum of 420 hours. Students who do not pass the course can not continue in the co-op program.)
61-499. Thesis
Each student will be required to carry out a selected research project and write a report under the supervision of a staff member. The student must register in two terms; the grade will be assigned at the end of the second term. (A 6.00 credit hour course.) (Restricted to only Semester 7 or 8 students with a Major G.P.A. of 8.00 or greater.)
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
66-280. Field Methods in Environmental Science
Field sampling and measurement techniques in the environmental sciences. Special consideration will be given to the measurement, evaluation and reporting of spatial and temporal data and to the collection and interpretation of geochemical data. Required field trips (Prerequisites: 61-141, 61-224, and 67-100) (2 weeks, immediately following the winter term examination period.)
66-499. Thesis Research in Environmental Science
Each student will be required to carry out an original research project in environmental science and write a report under the supervision of one or more faculty members. The results of the research will also be presented in a public seminar. Students must consult with an Environmental Science counsellor prior to enrolling in this course. (A 6.00 credit, two-semester course.) (Restricted to semester 7 and 8 students with a major G.P.A. of 8.0 or higher).
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY
Not all courses listed will necessarily be offered each year.
67-100. Introduction to Geomorphology
The landscapes of the earth, with particular reference to the glaciers, coastlines, rivers, and northern permafrost regions of Canada. (3 lecture hours a week.)
67-102. Atmosphere and Climate
An introduction to the atmosphere and the basic principles of meteorology and climatology. Topics include weather systems, atmospheric pollution and inadvertent climate modification, climate
change and relationships between climate and living organisms. (3 lecture hours a week.)
67-205. Introductory Geographical Information Systems
This introductory course provides an overview of GIS applications, the fundamentals of GIS map projections, measurement levels for geographical data, data sources, data processing, data models, geographic data structures, and GIS editing functions and analysis; GIS project design and digital mapping fundamentals will also be introduced. Laboratory exercises will focus on spatial data characteristics, raster and vector data structures, and digital map creation. This course is designed for students who intend to take only one GIS course. (Those students who wish to take upper year GIS courses should take 67-210 instead of 67-205.) (Antirequisite: 67-210) (2 lecture, 3 laboratory hours a week.)
67-210. Principles and Applications of Geographical Information Systems
This course emphasizes the principles, techniques, and applications of GIS. Lectures and laboratory exercises will focus on how to acquire, store, manipulate, and analyze spatial and non-spatial data. Data conversion, data reformatting, and data base development techniques will be explained. Students will create geographic coverages and learn techniques in the operation of a GIS by completing "hands-on" projects with modern GIS software. (It is recommended that students take 67-246 before taking this course).(Students who have already taken 67-205 cannot take 67-210, unless consent of instructor is obtained in special circumstances.) (2 lecture, 3 laboratory hours a week.)
67-220. Climatology
A study of the major climatic elements, with special emphasis on the radiation budget, energy systems, and the hydrological cycle of the earth and the human environment. Climate classification, climatic change, climatological techniques, and aspects of applied climatology also will be examined. (Prerequisites: 67-102.) (2 lecture, 2 laboratory hours a week.)
67-221. Advanced Geomorphology
The study of landforms; their origins, structures, external expressions, and spatial arrangement. (Prerequisites: 67-100, or consent of instructor.) (2 lecture, 2 laboratory hours a week.)
67-246. Introduction to Aerial Photography and Cartography
Basic concepts involved in cartographic theory and design, including map projections, longitude, latitude and UTM grid systems, and thematic and topographic maps, and the fundamentals of aerial photographs and other remotely sensed data (visible spectrum, infra-red and radar), satellite imagery, photogrammetry and photointerpretation. (2 lecture, 2 laboratory hours a week).
67-280. Field Measurement and Mapping Techniques
Introduction to sediment and water sampling, mapping methods, and field measurements. Interpretation of topographic maps, use of compasses and GPS units. Integration of field data into a GIS. Required field trips. (2 weeks; immediately following the winter term examination period.) (Prerequisites: 61-141, 67-100 and 67-205 or 67-210).
67-310. GIS Problem Solving and Spatial Modeling
This course will concentrate on the utilization of numerical, spatial, and digital elevation models, and integration of all GIS data, including those from air photographs, GPS receivers, and remote sensing satellites. The application of spatial statistics and integration of models in a GIS will be explained. Macro languages and spatial algorithms will be utilized, and techniques for spatial modeling toward decision making will be applied. Exercises will provide "hands-on" experience in the use of GIS and models for problem solving in various disciplines. (Prerequisite: 67-210, or 67-205 in special cases with consent of instructor.) (2 lecture, 3 laboratory hours a week.)
67-320. Watershed Hydrology
Fundamental processes in physical hydrology that control movement and storage of water within a watershed or catchment basin. Components of the water balance (precipitation, interception, infiltration, evapotranspiration, runoff, storage) and their variations in space and time. Theoretical and practical approaches to measurement and forecasting of components and their linkages. Special consideration of snowmelt, streamflow, wetlands, and human impacts. (Prerequisite: 61-141, or consent of instructor.) (2 lecture, 2 laboratory hours a week.)
67-332. Principles of Resource Management
Ecological theories and systems are examined. The biogeochemical cycles, structure, function, energy components, productivity, successional development, and equilibrium conditions of ecosystems are analyzed. The impact of human activities on resources, conservation strategies, and techniques for rational resource exploitation are evaluated. (Prerequisite: 42-200 or consent of instructor.) (3 lecture hours a week.)
67-334. Environmental Impact Assessment
This course provides an overview of the biogeophysical environment, and introduces peristametrics. The history, theories, and principles of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will be examined and various methodologies for the preparation of an EIA report will be evaluated. Aspects of ethics, environmental laws, and administrative requirements for EIA studies in Canada are considered. EIA case studies are assessed and prepared. (Prerequisite: 67-332 or consent of instructor.) (3 lecture hours a week.)
67-370. Climate Change
A study of the causes of climate and climate change. Topics include the record of past climates, projection of future climate based on models incorporating anthropogenic factors, modification of local and regional climates, and the impact of these changes on the natural and human environment. (Prerequisite: 67-220 or consent of instructor.) (3 lecture hours a week.)
67-402. Remote Sensing
An integrated course dealing with contemporary principles and applications of aerospace remote sensing. Emphasis will be placed on scanning systems; multispectral sensors; the identification and interpretation of spectral signatures; how the imagery obtained by sensors is analyzed optically or digitally to yield earth resource information; and the manipulation and display of remotely-sensed data. (Prerequisite: 67-246 or consent of instructor.) (2 lecture, 1.5 laboratory hours a week.)
67-410. Advanced Methods in GIS Analysis
This course will examine selected advanced GIS analysis methods that are currently used in GIS practice. Each student will conduct an independent literature review and GIS-based project to explore the concepts and practical applications of a current analysis methodology that is related to the student's field of interest. (Prerequisite: Minimum B+ in 67-310 or consent of instructor.) (2 lecture, 3 laboratory hours per week.)
For course descriptions in Human Geography, see 4.9.2. |