Science Menu
Courses
Not all courses are offered every term.
GEOL 1110 Introduction to Physical Geology (3,0,2)(L) GEOL 1110 Introduction to Physical Geology (3,0,2)(L)Credits: 3 credits 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 2050 Historical Geology:Global Change Through Time (3,0,3)(L) GEOL 2050 Historical Geology:Global Change Through Time (3,0,3)(L)Credits: 3 credits In this course students explore the evolution of Earth, the continents, oceans, atmosphere, climate, and biosphere over geologic time. Students learn about the scientific principles, evidence, techniques and technologies for addressing fundamental inquires such as how oxygen was added to the atmosphere, how and why climates have changed throughout time and the significance to current climate change; how water and salts were added to the oceans, and causes of sea level change; the formation and erosion of mountains; causes and effects of glaciations; theories for the origin of life, and the timing and causes of major extinctions; and the recent importance of humans as geologic agents.
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GEOL 2060 Introduction to Mineral Deposits, Minerals (3,0,0) GEOL 2060 Introduction to Mineral Deposits, Minerals (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits 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.
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GEOL 2070 Geologic Hazards and Forensic Geology (3,0,0) GEOL 2070 Geologic Hazards and Forensic Geology (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits In this course students will explore how the geosciences contribute to criminal and military investigations, and to the understanding, prediction, and mitigation of geologic hazards. Through a series of hands-on exercises and case studies students investigate geologic hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, landslides, floods, groundwater pollution, and meteor impacts, and the methods used in prediction, monitoring, and assessment of damage. By analyzing case histories students are also introduced to the role of geoscience inquiries, and analytical techniques in solving crimes.
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GEOL 2100 Earth Materials (3,0,3)(L) GEOL 2100 Earth Materials (3,0,3)(L)Credits: 3 credits 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.
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GEOL 2290 Stratigraphy and Sedimentary Geology (3,0,2)(L) GEOL 2290 Stratigraphy and Sedimentary Geology (3,0,2)(L)Credits: 3 credits Students explore physical and biological stratigraphy, facies and correlation, sequence concepts, and basin analysis. Topics include the origin, diagenesis, and geochemistry of sediments and sedimentary rock.
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GEOL 3010 Principles of Palaeontology (2,0,2)(L) GEOL 3010 Principles of Palaeontology (2,0,2)(L)Credits: 3 credits This course is a systematic study of ancient forms of life (fossils). Attention is also given to palaeoecology, evolutionary principles, and palaeontologic techniques.
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GEOL 3030 Environmental Geochemistry (3,0,0) GEOL 3030 Environmental Geochemistry (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits Students examine the complex relationship between environmental factors and the geochemical history of surface and subsurface rocks. This course is identical to CHEM 3030.
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GEOL 3070 Structural Geology (2,0,3) GEOL 3070 Structural Geology (2,0,3)Credits: 3 credits 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.
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GEOL 3160 Micro-imaging and analysis of Earth materials (3,0,3)(L) GEOL 3160 Micro-imaging and analysis of Earth materials (3,0,3)(L)Credits: 3 credits 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) GEOL 3190 Geomorphology (3,0,2)(L)Credits: 3 credits 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.
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GEOL 3280 Field Techniques (2,0,2*)(L) GEOL 3280 Field Techniques (2,0,2*)(L)Credits: 3 credits Students are introduced to techniques of geological field mapping, including methods in basic structural geology, core analysis, traversing, sampling procedures, and survival first-aid for the field. Laboratory sessions entail field exercises in traversing and mapping.
Prerequisites: GEOL 1110 or GEOL 1111 and GEOL 2050 or GEOL 2051
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GEOL 4250 Geological History of North America (3,0,0) GEOL 4250 Geological History of North America (3,0,0)Credits: 3 credits 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.
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GEOL 4480 Directed Studies in Geology GEOL 4480 Directed Studies in GeologyCredits: 3 credits Students investigate a specific topic as agreed upon by the faculty member and the student.
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