Geology

NOTE: See the beginning of Section F for abbreviations, course numbers and coding.

GEOL1044	The Earth: Its Origin and Evolution	5 ch (3C 3L)
Basic geological concepts, geological time, material of the earth's crust, igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, earthquakes, evolution of continents and ocean basins, sea-floor spreading and plate tectonics, coastlines.

GEOL1074	Earth Processes, Resources and the Environment	5 ch (3C 3L)
Structural geology, origin and evolution of life from fossils, geomorphology of landforms, mineral resources and fossil fuels, environmental geology, hydrology, engineering geology. Prerequisite: GEOL 1044.

GEOL2201	Biogeology I (Systematic Palaeontology)	5 ch (3C 2L)
Morphology, palaeoecology and biostratigraphy of selected groups of marine invertebrates represented in the fossil record; comparisons with modern invertebrates in present-day oceans stressed.

GEOL2212	Sedimentology I	5 ch (3C 2L)
Sedimentary structures, principles of sedimentation, selected sedimentary environments, with emphasis on marine environments, comparison of present-day models with occurrences in the geological record.

GEOL2262	Earth, and the Composition of Our World	5 ch (3C 3L)
This integrative, multi-disciplinary course explores the links between our physical, biological and cultural worlds. It examines how elements are grouped by similarities of properties, and how these are expressed in the minerals and rocks that we see and interact with. It then addresses the use of these properties by plant and animal life, and how these physical constituents of our world have influenced aspects of human life, such as prehistory, history, economics, industry, music, stories and myths. Lab sessions are an integral part of the course, giving students the opportunity to experience how earth materials are extracted, used and celebrated. NOTE: This course is open to students of all faculties and is also suitable for students wishing to minor in Geology. Prerequisites: successful completion of at least 30 ch, or permission of instructor.

GEOL3102	Introduction to Geoarchaeology	5 ch (3C 3L)
Provides an overview of and practical experience with geological techniques used in archaeology, examining the influence of geology on human societies, on the preservation of archaeological sites, and on the potential for re-discovery of those sites. Lectures and laboratory will examine dating methods, alluvial sediments, coastal erosion or buildup, soils, stone tool and other raw materials, the post-depositional evolution of archaeological sites, and palaeo-environments. Prerequisite: At least one course in Geology (GEOL), or SCI 1862.

GEOL3103	Techniques of Thin-Section Petroscopy of Geoarchaeology (O)	4 ch (3C 3L)
This is a lab-based course aimed at providing students with the theory, background, and practice necessary for them to be able to take a set of thin sections of rocks, describe them, and use them to answer a research question related to geoarcheology. Enrolment is limited. Prerequisites: At least 10 ch of Geology (GEOL 1044 and GEOL 1074, or equivalent), or permission of the instructor. Preference may be given to students who have successfully completed GEOL 3102, Introduction to Geoarchaeology.

GEOL3222	Biota-Substrate Relationships	3 ch (3C)
Relationships between various substrate types, mainly in subtidal marine environments, and benthic biotas they support, with examples drawn mainly from Atlantic (temperate and sub-tropical) and Mediterranean areas. Comparisons between present-day relationships and those from fossil record are made.

GEOL3442	Environmental Geology	3 ch (3C)
The role of Geology in the management of our environment. Issues examined may include natural hazards; soil, water, mineral and energy resources; contamination; global systems and change. Prerequisite: GEOL 1044 or approved equivalent.