Courses Geology
Not all courses are offered every term.
GEOL 1110 – Introduction to Physical Geology (3,0,2)(L)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students will learn about Earth, how it formed and continues to evolve, and the relationships between people and societies and geology. The course involves a survey of major topics of geology, including earth systems and cycles, plate tectonics, mountain building, mineralogy, petrology, earthquakes and volcanoes, and mineral and energy resources. Field excursions supplement the lecture and laboratory material. Exclusions: Students may only receive credit for one of GEOL 1110, GEOL 1111 or GEOL 1011
GEOL 2060 – Introduction to Mineral Deposits, Minerals (3,0,0)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
This course explores the formation, styles and types of mineral deposits, occurrences, exploration methods, mineral resources and reserves, types of mines, and prospecting methods. Topics include considerations of a social license to mine; social, economic, and environmental sustainability issues and solutions; environmental assessment, mine closure and reclamation. Case studies will be discussed. Prerequisite: One of GEOL 1110, GEOL 1111, or GEOG 1000 or consent of the instructor
GEOL 2100 – Earth Materials (3,0,3)(L)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students explore the rocks and minerals of Earth and the solar system, including their uses, occurrences and evolution throughout geologic time. Though this exploration students gain an understanding of the systematic study of minerals, their physical and chemical properties and identification, as well as the major rock types, where they occur, how they are formed, and their field recognition. The curriculum is designed for students with a variety of interests including students considering careers in the geosciences and related fields, education, environmental studies, as well as the rock and mineral enthusiast. Prerequisite: GEOL 1110 or GEOL 1111 or GEOG 1000 or NRSC 2000 or consent of the instructor Required Lab: GEOL 2100L
GEOL 3010 – Principles of Palaeontology (2,0,2)(L)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
This course is a systematic study of ancient forms of life (fossils). Attention is also given to palaeoecology, evolutionary principles, and palaeontologic techniques. Prerequisite: GEOL 2050 or GEOL 2051
GEOL 3030 – Environmental Geochemistry (3,0,0)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students examine the complex relationship between environmental factors and the geochemical history of surface and subsurface rocks. This course is identical to CHEM 3030. Prerequisite: GEOL 1110 (C minimum) and CHEM 2250 (C minimum) Note: Students will only receive credit for one of GEOL 3030 or CHEM 3030
GEOL 3070 – Structural Geology (2,0,3)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
This course offers an analysis and interpretation of natural deformation, including the fault, fold and ductile flow systems accompanying the deformation of the earth's crust; extensional, contractional and toroidal deformation; geometric, kinematic and mechanical analysis of the deformational structures of different scales; and techniques and assumptions used in the construction of structural cross sections. Prerequisite: GEOL 2290 and GEOL 3190 or Corequisite: GEOL 2290 and GEOL 3190
GEOL 3160 – Micro-imaging and analysis of Earth materials (3,0,3)(L)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
The field of micro-imaging of Earth materials is rapid changing with the adoption of new technologies as costs go down and ease of use improves. While optical techniques will remain the first level of observation for routine analysis, high resolution imaging techniques and those that combine visual and chemical imaging will become increasingly important. The revisions to this couse thus expands the content to include electron and other imaging techniques for mineralogical, textural and chemical analysis, and their applications, along with current research in microimaging of Earth Materials. The complexity of the content along with the 2nd year elective justify the 3rd year status for the course. Prerequisites:GEOL 2100 or Consent of the instructor
GEOL 3190 – Geomorphology (3,0,2)(L)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students examine geomorphic processes and the interrelationship of processes, landforms, materials and time. Practical problems in science and applied science that relate to geomorphic processes are discussed in lectures, and methods of investigation and analysis are introduced in laboratory sessions. Prerequisite: GEOL 1110 or GEOG 1111 Note: Students can only get credit for one of GEOL 3190, GEOG 3190, GEOG 3080
GEOL 3280 – Field Techniques (1,2,1)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students are introduced to techniques of geological field mapping and map making, field safety and preparation including field ethics, etiquette and respect for Indigenous lands, sampling and curating, measuring geologic structures and contacts, lithologic descriptions and field sketches, navigation using paper and digital maps, use of drones, 3-D modelling, core analysis, and basic survival skills. The course includes weekly field exercises conducted on or near campus and three mandatory weekend field trips. Prerequisites: GEOL 1110 or GEOL 1111 Recommended Prerequisites: GEOL 2050 or GEOL 2051, GEOL 3290
GEOL 4250 – Geological History of North America (3,0,0)
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students are provided an overview of the geological history of North America with an emphasis on plate tectonics; Precambrian orogens and Phanerozoic orogenic belts, especially the Cordillera; and the interrelations of sedimentation, deformation and metamorphism. Prerequisite: GEOL 3190 and GEOL 2290 or Corequisite: GEOL 3190 and GEOL 2290
GEOL 4480 – Directed Studies in Geology
Credits: 3 creditsDelivery: Campus
Students investigate a specific topic as agreed upon by the faculty member and the student. Prerequisite: Permission of the faculty member (supervisor) is required and acceptance of the topic by a co-supervisor with the appropriate expertise. The co-supervisor may be from on- or off-campus.
