Geology (GEOL)

Our understanding of Earth evolution is mostly based on the study of minerals, rocks, soils, fossils, and geological structures. With in-class, lab and field components, students study the processes that shape our planet, such as plate tectonics, volcanism, erosion and deposition, metamorphism, and ore formation. Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. per week.

Earth is a dynamic and evolving planet, in constant transformation since the beginning of its formation. Using examples from Atlantic Canada, students examine surface and subsurface processes (e.g., weathering and erosion involving gravity, wind, waves, river currents and ice; groundwater flow; tectonics), and consider geological time, history, resources and hazards.

Why is the Atlantic Ocean getting wider? Where in Atlantic Canada are there remnants of huge volcanic explosions and lava flows? How did a fault as big as the San Andreas cut through Nova Scotia? This course will provide an understanding of the Earth and the processes which affect it, using examples drawn from the geology of our region. You will study plate tectonics, learn to recognize and interpret Earth materials, and understand their impact on Atlantic Canada. Sections of this course may be offered via world-wide web. This course is intended mainly for non-science students including those in Atlantic Canada Studies.

What was the origin of the Earth and when did life develop? When did dinosaurs and other fossil groups appear in our region, and how did they disappear? How have ancient deserts, rivers, oceans, and ice ages influenced our landscape? You will trace four billion years of Earth history using examples from the rock and fossil record of Atlantic Canada. Sections of this course may be offered via world-wide web. This course is intended mainly for non-science students including those in Atlantic Canada Studies.

Students are introduced to the aspects of the physical properties of rocks and minerals, with emphasis on the features controlling the mechanical strength of rocks. Laboratory work focuses on the interpretation of geological maps and aerial photographs, and case studies of civil engineering projects. Classes 3hrs. and lab 3hrs. per week.

This course examines global changes in the Earth’s crust, oceans, biota and atmosphere caused by natural processes and human activity. Topics covered include the reconstruction of ancient environments, some of which were dramatically changed by meteorite impacts, volcanic activity and glaciation, and the evaluation of accelerating environmental change caused by phenomena such as ozone depletion and greenhouse gas emissions.

Radioactivity has an impact on our society and environment. Radiation given off during the process of radioactive decay is harmful, but is accompanied by the release of energy that can be harvested. The course reviews radioactive decay and explores geological sources of radiation, uranium deposits and mining, economics of nuclear power and the geological aspects of radioactive waste disposal. The course will foster an understanding of issues that surround the use of nuclear technology in our society.

This course examines geological principles that lie behind environmental problems facing society. Topics considered may include geological hazards such as volcanoes, earthquakes, slope instability, and pollution and waste disposal, as well as energy and mineral resources, and the quality of water. The course will include examples of environmental geology in the Atlantic Provinces.

Students examine the nature and properties of a variety of precious and semi-precious gemstones. Other topics may also include non-destructive methods in gemstone identification, gemstone fashioning, gemstone quality and grading, gemstone enhancement techniques, synthetic gemstones, gemstone forensics, gemstones of Canada, and the influence of gemstones on human history.

This course focuses on dinosaurs and the world in which they flourished for 135 million years, up to the time of their (near) extinction. Spectacular and sometimes controversial evidence indicates how dinosaurs and other creatures lived, died, and were preserved as fossils over geological time. Nova Scotian dinosaur localities will receive special attention in the class.

Students will take an in-depth look at the Atlantic Ocean - including the polar regions, the equator, and everywhere in between. Course topics will include aspects of the Atlantic Ocean’s formation, marine geology, marine vertebrate and invertebrate species, and atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns/phenomena.

Students will examine our exploitation of the Earth for its mineral wealth. Topics include (i) the archaeology and history of mining as an essential human activity, (ii) the environmental impacts of mining, and sustainable practices in the industry, (iii) conflict minerals and geopolitics, (iv) minerals utilized in advanced technology, energy and food production, and (vi) humans as consumers in minerals supply chain. Students will explore the global inventory of strategic minerals, and examine ore specimens and related end-products from critical metal deposit styles for a sustainable future including battery metals (cobalt, lithium), the rare-earth elements, and uranium.

Students study the major mineral groups, including their crystal structure, chemical composition, physical properties, identification and practical use. Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. per week.

Students will investigate determinative mineralogy, with a focus on using optical methods in mineral identification, petrography, and phase equilibria. Associated spectrochemical techniques applied to petrographic analyses are also introduced including micro-X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and X-Ray Crystallography. Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. a week.

This course surveys the physical, chemical, and biological processes that generate modern sediments and tracks the various pathways that sediments are converted into sedimentary rocks. Principles focusing on depositional environments (facies analysis) and applications and principles of sequence stratigraphy will be explored and used to make inferences about local and global sea level changes. Labs provide a practical introduction to sediment analysis, will introduce students to a range of sedimentary structures and rock types, and fieldwork in Nova Scotia. Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. a week.

This skills-based course focuses on application of techniques to determine geological history and Earth processes. Content will include identifying and describing geologic structures, interpreting geological maps and cross sections, applying relative and isotopic dating techniques, and understanding the effects of different tectonic, geomorphic and environmental settings. These topics will be applied by studying specific geological sites from microscopic to regional scale with a variety of techniques through the semester to create an integrated geological interpretation of its history.

Geomorphology is the scientific study of landforms and landscapes. Students explore the basic principles of geomorphology, with an emphasis on Canadian landscapes. In lab exercises, students investigate and apply common techniques of geomorphological data collection and analysis. Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. per week.

This course introduces students to common field techniques and tools used by geoscientists, as well as provides information on the specific safety considerations for any Earth Scientist working in the field. Students will learn how to make systematic field observations, collect and record geological data in field notebooks and geological maps, identify and measure basic geological structures, and use navigation and geospatial tools and other field equipment. Finally students will learn how to synthesize data by constructing their own geological maps, cross sections and stratigraphic logs.

Students consider geomorphological processes that are of societal significance, including habitat loss and hazards such as flooding, landslides, slope failure and coastal erosion. Approaches to mitigating and adapting to natural and human induced geomorphic changes will be explored using global case studies and local hands-on examples. Students undertake 12 hours of volunteer practicum-service learning hours with local practitioners throughout the term. Classes 3 hrs. and lab/practicum 3 hrs. a week.

Students are introduced to the application of geographic information systems (GIS) to geological problems. Topics include projections, coordinate systems, relational databases and data organization. Data will be drawn from multiple sources, including online databases and published map data. Emphasis will be on data collection, organization, and manipulation to illustrate structural and field relationships of bedrock geology. Basic field mapping and computer skills are required.

Students focus largely on geophysical techniques utilized by Earth Scientists to aid in our understanding and exploration of the Earth. Students learn about (and how to use and interpret) aeromagnetic, gravity, remote sensing, petrophysical, seismic, and magnetotelluric data. They will interpret real world geophysical maps and sections of the Earth and, in combination with known geology, synthesize these data to build their own geologic models and history. In order to understand these techniques students will also be introduced to some theoretical components of the physics of the Earth, including: gravity, magnetic and electrical properties, seismology, radioactivity, and Earth's heat sources. Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. a week.

This course emphasises the mineralogical and chemical characteristics of igneous rocks, and their classification, petrography, and tectonic setting. The processes responsible for the evolution of diverse igneous rock associations are also considered. Laboratory work involves the study of igneous rocks in hand sample and thin section. Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. a week.

This course introduces aspects of the description and interpretation of metamorphic rocks by citing the effects of the progressive metamorphism of mafic, pelitic and carbonate rocks. Other topics include the use of composition-assemblage diagrams, methods of quantitative geothermobarometry, and the interpretation of pressure-temperature-time trajectories for metamorphic rocks. Laboratory work involves the study of metamorphic rocks in hand sample and thin section. Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. a week.

An account of the 3800 million-year history of life on Earth, including theories of the origin of life, and modes of preservation of organisms as fossils, and the practical use of fossils for geological age, paleogeographic, and paleoenvironment determinations. The course covers the expression of biological evolution in the fossil record, and the major patterns and crises in the history of life, such as mass extinctions. Although the main focus is on the paleontology of invertebrate macrofossils, there will be some coverage of fossil plants, vertebrates, and microfossils. Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. a week.

Students will learn how to make detailed observations and systematic rock descriptions (i.e., texture, composition, geologic structures, etc.) of clastic, chemical, and organic sedimentary rocks. From these data, students will classify the rocks and use these classifications to make broader interpretations regarding the environments in which these rocks were formed, the source terranes from which the detritus was derived, and the sediment flow paths from source to sink. Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. a week.

Students are introduced to the essential concepts of groundwater flow and wells. Topics include: flow through varying geologic material, water resources management, baseline groundwater quality, contamination of sub-surface environments, and an introduction to quantitative methods. Students will learn to recognize and interpret groundwater flow and chemical data, and have an opportunity to apply this knowledge via course work, laboratory exercises and field work. Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. a week.

Students focus on applied geospatial analyses using ArcGIS and associated extensions. Topics include spatial analysis and geostatistics, 3D surface modelling, visualization, network analysis, predictive modelling and multiple criteria evaluations. Examples are drawn from earth and environment science, geography, environmental studies, anthropology and business. Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. per week.

This course describes the legislative background and techniques for the prediction of impacts on biophysical and socio-economic environments. This course will cover screening, scoping, baseline studies, impact prediction, mitigation, monitoring and auditing. Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. per week.

Structures produced by deformation in the Earth’s crust, including fabrics, folds, faults, and shear zones. Geometric, kinematic, and dynamic analysis of structures. Use of geometric and stereographic projection techniques in the interpretation of geological structures and geological maps. Introduction to stress and strain. Structures characteristic of selected tectonic environments, including rifts, thrust belts, and zones of strike-slip movement. Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. a week.

Students examine processes, landforms, and environments associated with rivers. Topics include drainage basin controls, channel processes and morphology, erosional and depositional fluvial landforms, evolution of fluvial landscapes, and relationships with other geomorphic domains. Human intervention in fluvial processes and impacts of fluvial processes on humans and infrastructure will be considered. Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. per week.

This course exposes students to the application of chemical thermodynamics in the prediction of geochemical processes in surficial, hydrothermal systems and igneous environments both on Earth and in the rest of the Solar system. Mineral formation and mineral stability are examined through the construction and use of phase and mineral stability diagrams for aqueous environments. The geochemical basis for the origins of life on Earth, the carbon cycle, stable and radiogenic isotopes, and the evolution of the most important reservoirs of Earth materials are evaluated through problem sets and laboratories. Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. a week.

Students will explore geochemical sampling and instrumental analytical methods for rock, sediments (including soils), water, and plant matter. Students will obtain their own geochemical data from natural samples, and learn to implement industry-standard methods of reporting and quality assurance/control, as well as statistical approaches to explore and interpret their data sets. Students will investigate (through case studies) natural vs. anthropogenic sources of heavy metals as environmental contaminants, and will be introduced to novel methods for describing the chemical composition of Earth materials (fluid inclusion microanalysis, infrared spectroscopic mapping of hydrothermal alteration, forensic geochemistry). The application of graphical and numerical tools is studied through lab-, field and computer-based laboratories. Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. a week.

This course expands upon traditional mapping techniques that were briefly introduced in GEOL 3300 Field Methods by involving field traverses over larger mapping areas, and by introducing modern methods using mobile digital devices. Emphasis is primarily on field data collected during a 10-day field camp, and their integration into Geographic Information Systems to produce geological maps.

This course is offered on an irregular basis in the form of a Geology field trip abroad, allowing the students to be exposed to geological features that cannot be found in Canada. In practical terms, this course will acquaint the student with modern methods of structural, stratigraphic, petrologic and/or geophysical analysis. After mastering these skills, students will undertake an independent geological report project. Students may be required to travel at their own expense.

This course describes the major features of the Earth and its place in the solar system. It introduces the evidence for plate tectonics, the analysis of plate movements, and the characteristic rock associations formed in different tectonic environments. Aspects of global change will be considered, including the evolution of tectonic processes through geologic time, changes in the atmosphere and oceans, and the importance of meteorite impacts. Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. a week.

This course focuses on more specialized areas of palaeontology and their application to geological questions. One portion of the course deals with paleobotany (fossil plants) and microfossils (palynology, conodonts, foraminifera). The remainder focuses on applications of palaeontology. Among the topics to be covered are biostratigraphic techniques in subsurface wells and outcrop, integration with radiometric and sequence stratigraphic techniques, fossil sampling and preparation, practical nomenclature and taxonomy, and the use of fossils for paleoenvironmental determination. Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. a week.

A study of Earth’s mineral resources, their classification, genesis and distribution in time and space. Important examples from Canada and abroad will be discussed. Topics will also include mineral exploration techniques, mining methods, metallurgical recovery, net smelter return, and ore reserve estimation/classification. Laboratories will examine a variety of base and precious metal ore deposit types in hand sample and thin section. Mining/exploration practice and resource exploitation are also examined in terms of their environmental impact. Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. a week.

Students discuss concepts of underground mining, mineral processing, mineral economics, environmental site assessment, and reclamation and remediation, in addition to links between geological resource assessment and mining and mineral processing methods in Canada’s major mining districts. Practical sessions in lectures involve characterization of ore materials from an applied and environmental mineralogy perspective (applied ore microscopy, deleterious metal toxicity, process mineralogy). A 1-week intensive field excursion to major mining camps in northern Ontario (Sudbury, Timmins, Cobalt) provides students with an opportunity to study ore deposits, mineral processing technologies, and reclamation/remediation activities directly in districts hosting world-class precious and base metals operations. Classes: 2.5 hrs. in class/week. Lab: 55 hours of field-based instruction in Ontario (mandatory).

Students examine igneous and metamorphic petrogenesis relevant to the interpretation of complex geological settings. The relationship between magma type and tectonic setting, differentiation and distribution trends, trace element partitioning, crystallization systematics, metamorphic phase equilibria, reaction balancing methods; porphyroblast-matrix relations and; quantification of P-T-time trajectories are discussed. Laboratories focus on the acquisition/manipulation of analytical data from rocks, minerals and melt inclusions. Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. a week.

This course examines current research on sedimentary rocks and basins and the methods used to understand them. Among the topics to be covered are modern carbonate and evaporite environments, exotic chemical sedimentary rocks and diagenetic cements, volcanogenic sedimentary rocks, sequence stratigraphy in carbonate and siliciclastic successions, applications of ichnology (trace fossils), the use of stable isotopes in the study of terrestrial carbonates, and the use of detrital minerals to interpret basin evolution. Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. per week.

The origin, migration and accumulation of oil and natural gas. Types of oil bearing structures and basic principles in oil exploration. Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. a week.

Students are provided with an in-depth look at Earth’s carbon cycle. Students examine the production and preservation of organic matter from the most basic formation of carbon in the solar system to pathways of lipid biosynthesis; its assimilation into sedimentary organic matter; and its ultimate fate to become methane, carbon dioxide, and graphite.

Glaciers have profound effects on landscapes and are an important component of global physical systems. Glaciology, causes and records of fluctuations in glacial coverage, glacial processes, glacial landforms, and the legacy of past glacial activity on earth will be examined. Broader impacts of glacial activity and changes on humans and the environment will also be investigated. Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. per week.

Students examine both the physical processes that operate in the coastal zone, at a range of spatial and temporal scales, and the resulting landforms. The actions of waves, tides, currents, wind, sea level changes, biota, and humans are examined through the lens of ecomorphodynamics and process response models in sandy, cohesive, estuarine, rocky, tropical and permafrost coastal systems. Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. per week.

Students further develop their understanding of geomatics and its applications. Students focus on the use of either geographic information systems (GIS) or remote sensing to address practical problems in areas such as resource management, marketing, regional planning, natural hazards and geomorphology. Students undertake a major research project using various GIS analytical functions, and develop skills relating to data creation, manipulation, quality assessment and presentation. Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. per week.

Research project carried out under the supervision of one member of the Department or jointly by more than one faculty member. Originality of the research project is emphasized.

Students develop skills for solving problems in quantitative research in Geosciences. Topics include developing and formulating research hypotheses, ethics and bias in research, the application of graphical and numerical tools (including standardized geological software packages), and technical writing and oral/poster presentation. Students present at Departmental Seminars.