EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: COURSES
GEOLOGY
61-220. Introduction to Mineralogy
Introduction to fundamental concepts in mineral science: crystal chemistry, symmetry, crystallography, mineral formation and stability. The physical properties of minerals will be studied. Introduction to analytical methods in mineral science including optical microscopy and x-ray diffraction. (Prerequisites: 59-140, 59-141; 61-140 and/or 61-141 recommended.) (2 lecture, 3 laboratory hours a 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, 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.)
61-280. 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.)
61-323. 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.)
61-325. Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
This course is concerned with the study of the origin of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Topics include magma generation, crystallization, and evolution processes; geodynamic processes; the origin of oceanic and continental lithosphere; the interpretation of metamorphic facies; the relationships between metamorphism, orogeny and crustal evolution; paleo-magmatic and -metamorphic environments (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab; prerequisite 61-231).
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.)
61-380. 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.)
61-429. 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.)
61-498. 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
66-100. 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.)
66-102. 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.)
66-110. Natural Hazards and Disasters.
Earth's component systems and their interrelationships. Earth hazards and Earth's interior processes: volcanism and earthquakes. Hazards and surface processes: landslides and floods. Atmospheric Hazards: storms, hurricanes and tornadoes. This course is designed for non-Science majors. (May not be taken as credit for a B.Sc. degree.) (Antirequisite: 66-140) (2 lecture hours per week.)
66-111. 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.) (2 lecture hours a week.)
66-140. Introduction to Earth Science
An introduction to Earth’s physical character and the processes that shape our planet. The focus is on the geosphere: Earth materials, weathering, sedimentation, magmatism and volcanism, metamorphism, deformation, earthquakes, mountain building, and Earth’s internal structure. These will be examined in the context of the origin of Earth, geologic time, and plate tectonics. The nature of mineral and energy resources will also be examined. This course is designed for Science majors. (2 lecture, 2.5 laboratory hours a week).
66-141. Introduction to Environmental Science
An introduction to the components of Earth’s environment (geosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere) and the principles and processes defining and influencing environmental systems (energy and matter cycles). Human interactions with, and influences on, the environment will be examined (resource and land use, waste and pollution, development, conservation and sustainability). This course is designed for Science majors. (3 lecture hours a week, optional field trips).
66-200. Principles of Resource Management
Systems analysis methodologies, scientific theories, ecological approaches, and sustainable resource management principles will be presented to examine the interrelationships governing the availability and cumulative impacts of utilizing both renewable and non-renewable resources. Resource management auditing methods and techniques will be applied for the assessment of several indicators, including carrying capacity, ecological footprints, demographic transition, energy flows, agrosystems, land degradation, air and water quality, deforestation, biodiversity and successional changes. Discussions will also focus on integrative and adaptive resource management techniques and best management practices. (Antirequisite: 42-200.) (3 lecture hours a week.)
66-201. 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.) (May not be taken for credit towards a B.Sc. Degree in Environmental Science.) (Antirequisite: 03-200.) (3 lecture hours a week.)
66-202. Earth Materials
An introduction to the fundamental properties and characteristics of Earth materials. Topics include the nature of minerals (the principal components of sediments, soils and rocks), and the general chemical, mineralogical and physical characteristics of Earth materials. Coverage includes how geochemical and geophysical methods are used to determine the properties of Earth materials. (2 lecture and 3 laboratory hours/week.)(Prerequisites: 66-140 and 66-141 or consent of instructor.)
66-210. 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 Environmental Science.) (2 lecture hours a week.)
66-213. Geology and the Environment
Effect of geological factors on the environment; pollution of groundwater, ground subsidence, nuclear waste disposal, subsurface disposal of liquid wastes, earthquake prediction and control. This course is designed specifically for the non-scientist. (May not be taken for credit towards a B.Sc. Degree in Environmental Science.) (2 lecture hours a week or equivalent.)
66-214. 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 in Environmental Science.) (2 lecture hours a week or equivalent.)
66-215. 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.)
66-216. 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 66-215 before taking this course.) (2 lecture, 3 laboratory hours a week.)
66-220. Climatology
A study of the major climatic elements, with special emphasis on the radiation budget, energy systems, and the hydrological cycle of Earth and the human environment. Climate classification, climatic change, climatological techniques, and aspects of applied climatology also will be examined. (Prerequisites: 66-102.) (2 lecture, 2 laboratory hours a week.)
66-221. Environmental Geomorphology
The study of landforms and Earth surface processes, and the impact of these processes on the environment. (2 lecture, 2 laboratory hours a week.)
66-224. Introduction to Geochemistry
An overview of the chemical composition of Earth and the factors governing the cycling of chemicals throughout 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.)
66-230. 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: 66-141 or consent of instructor.) (2 lecture, 2 laboratory hours a week.)
66-231. 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: 66-202 or consent of instructor.) (2 lecture, 3 laboratory hours a week.)
66-232. Soils and Sediments
An introduction to the properties and characteristics of soils and sediments, the materials that cover much of Earth’s surface and underlie surface water bodies. Topics include the formation and structure of soils and sediments, and how they are described, classified, and analyzed. Coverage includes the geographic distribution of soils and their importance as an environmental resource. (3 lecture and 2 laboratory hours per week.)(Prerequisites: 66-140 or 66-141, and 66-202 or consent of instructor.)
66-246. 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.)
66-247. 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.)
66-280. Field Methods in Environmental Science (Offered until Spring 2012)
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.)
66-300. Scientific Writing and Data Management
Effective communication is fundamental to society and is particularly important in scientific endeavours. The ability to collect, process, analyze, and interpret data, and then communicate the significance of data to others, is fundamental to the scientific researcher and consultant. Students will develop skills in the written and oral communication of scientific thought through exercises in specific grammatical, writing, data processing, and management techniques. (2 lecture, 1 tutorial and 2 laboratory hours per week.) (Prerequisites: 66-141, 65-205 or consent of instructor.)
66-316. Environmental Modelling and Decision Analysis
An overview of different types of environmental models (e.g., conceptual, mathematical and statistical, process, and spatial) and how these models are used within a decision analysis framework. Learned theory is applied to a variety of problem scenarios in a series of hands-on lab exercises. Emphasis is on spatial problems that use GIS and spreadsheets as the principle problem-solving tools. Scenarios demonstrate how environmental practitioners constrain problems, express important model parameters, transform data, and make informed decisions in the face of uncertainty. (3 lecture and 2 laboratory hours per week.)(Prerequisite: 66-216 or consent of instructor).(Credit may not be obtained for both 66-316 and 67-310).
66-320: Analysis of Environmental Materials
Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the chemistry and crystallography of minerals and other natural materials. Topics will include techniques used to characterize natural materials (e.g., optical microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, spectroscopic techniques, elemental and isotopic microanalysis, and X-ray diffraction) and application of these methods to understanding environmental issues (2 lecture and 3 laboratory hours per week.)(Prerequisites: 66-140 and 66-202 or consent of instructor.)
66-327. Structural Geology
Rock deformation; primary and secondary structures; analysis and classification of folds and faults; interpretation of geologic maps; solution of structural problems. (Prerequisite: 66-231 or consent of instructor.) (3 lecture, 3 laboratory hours a week.)
66-328. 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 66-224 or consent of instructor.) (3 lecture and/or tutorial hours per week.)
66-330. Environmental Geophysics
An introduction to the use of seismic, electrical, electromagnetic and other geophysical methods used in near-surface environmental assessment studies. (Prerequisite: 66-202 or consent of instructor) (2 lecture, 3 laboratory hours a week.)
66-332. Issues in Resource and Environmental Systems
The complexities and nonlinear feedback mechanisms influencing the dynamic interactions between the allocation and utilization of biotic and abiotic resources in the spatial and temporal domains will be addressed within the conceptual framework of resource management paradigms, theories, and analytical methodologies. Contemporary problems and issues in resource and environmental systems will then be critically assessed, and best management practices will be appraised. (Prerequisites: 66-200 or consent of instructor.) (3 lecture and/or tutorial hours per week.)
66-334. 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: 66-332 or consent of instructor.) (3 lecture hours a week.)
66-370. 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: 66-102 required, 66-220 recommended, or consent of instructor.) (3 lecture hours a week.)
66-380. Field Methods in Environmental Science (Offered commencing Fall 2013)
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. Designed for Environmental Science students. (Prerequisites: 66-141, 66-202 and 66-224 or consent of instructor.) (1 week of fieldwork preceding Fall semester and 3 field or laboratory hours per week).
66-381. Field Measurement and Mapping Techniques (Offered commencing Fall 2013)
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. Designed for Environmental Studies students. (Prerequisites: 66-100, 66-141 and 66-216 or consent of instructor.)(1 week of fieldwork preceding Fall semester and 3 field or laboratory hours per week).
66-402. 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: 66-215 or consent of instructor.) (2 lecture, 1.5 laboratory hours a week.)
66-410. Environmental Assessment and Monitoring
An overview of the methods and procedures used for environmental site assessment (ESA) and monitoring as applied to unimpacted (‘greenfield’) and impacted (‘brownfield’) properties. Coverage includes the major elements of site characterization (e.g., Phase I & II ESA, BEA, RI-FS, RA and CAP), and applicable standards and guidelines (e.g., ASTM E1527 and E1903). Also included are an introduction to monitoring approaches and techniques for air, water, soil, sediment and waste, and an overview of the laws, rules and regulations governing ESA activities (3 lecture hours per week.)(Prerequisites: 66-224, 66-232 and 66-328 or consent of instructor.)
66-415. Ecosystem Health
The fundamental mechanisms and processes that structure ecosystems, anthropogenic activities that can alter them, and the policy and management used to protect them. Through class discussions and case studies, students develop a practical, problem-solving approach to issues associated with ecosystem health. Topics include food web and ecosystem ecology, ecosystem models, anthropogenic stressors, management methods and models, and national and international policies. (3 lecture hours per week.)(Prerequisites: 55-210 and 66-141 or consent of instructor.)
66-436. 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. (Prerequisites: 61-141, 62-130 or equivalent, 66-230 recommended, or consent of instructor.) (3 lecture, 2 laboratory hours a week.)
66-437. Contaminant Hydrogeology
Application of elements of geology, geochemistry, physical chemistry, toxicology, biogeochemistry, and physical hydrogeology toward understanding and quantifying the movement, fate and toxicity of organic and inorganic substances (i.e., contaminants) in environmental systems. Selected topics include site characterization, physicochemical properties of contaminants, human and environmental toxicology, risk assessment, remediation technologies and feasibility, and contaminant transport and attenuation modeling. (2 lecture and 2.5 laboratory/tutorial hours per week.)(Prerequisites: 66-224, 66-328 and 66-436 or consent of instructor.)
66-440. Biogeochemistry
An investigation of global change focusing on the chemical, physical, geological, and biological processes that cycle elements through Earth's systems. 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: 66-224 or consent of instructor) (3 lecture and/or tutorial hours per week.)
66-441. Resource Development and Environmental Impact
Geochemical processes and environmental impact that may result from the development of natural resources (minerals, hydrocarbons), with special emphasis on the approaches used to extract and develop raw materials, and sustainable strategies to protect the environment. Topics include acid mine drainage, tailings disposal, oil sands development, groundwater contamination, metal toxicity, and an integrative assessment of the role of metals and their influence on biota. (3 lecture hours per week.)(Prerequisites: 66-202, 66-224 and 66-328 or consent of instructor.)
66-470. Special Topics in Earth and Environmental Sciences
Selected topics of current interest. (Prerequisite: consent of instructor and a program advisor.) (3 lecture or project hours a week.) (May be repeated for credit if content changes.)
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 counselor 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
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.)
67-280. Field Measurement and Mapping Techniques (Offered until Spring 2012)
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. Techniques for using spatial algorithms and 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. (Prerequisites: 67-210.) .(Credit may not be obtained for both 66-316 and 67-310).(2 lecture, 3 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.)