Chair Frank Fueten Professors Uwe Brand, Richard J. Cheel, Frank Fueten, Martin J. Head, Francine McCarthy, John Menzies, Michael Pisaric Associate Professors Gregory C. Finn, Daniel McCarthy, Mariek E. Schmidt, Kevin Turner Adjunct Professors Paul Budkewitsch, Phillip McCausland, Bill Morris, Lisa Neville, Andy Panko, Hernan Ugalde, Jyoti Upadhyaya Senior Lab Co-ordinator Astride Silis Director, Co-operative Programs Cara Krezek |
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Administrative Assistant Caroline Romero 905-688-5550, extension 3526 Mackenzie Chown D431 brocku.ca/earthsciences The field of Earth sciences is central in solving current problems such as waste disposal, pollution, groundwater management, volcano and earthquake hazards. It is also vital in the exploration and utilization of natural resources such as oil and gas, minerals and aggregates. A very important area of research in the Earth sciences aims to determine how the planet has evolved from its origin 4.6 billion years ago to the present. Earth's rocks and sediment provide a long record of global change in response to a variety of stimuli. Many Earth scientists are involved in the unravelling of this record of global change and in predicting future changes to the planet. The Department of Earth Sciences offers programs dedicated to graduating high-quality geoscientists proceeding toward registration as a Professional Geoscientist (PGeo). The Department offers other options for those interested in Earth Sciences, but not intending to become Professional Geoscientists. The Department of Earth Sciences offers four-year programs of study leading to a BSc Honours in Earth Sciences, BSc Honours in Environmental Geoscience, a BSc with Major in Earth Sciences, a BSc with Major in Environmental Geoscience and a BSc Pass degree program. In addition, five-year Co-op programs leading to a BSc Honours degree in Earth Sciences or Environmental Geoscience are available. The four-year BSc Honours and BSc with Major programs consist of a set of core courses in year 1, year 2 and part of year 3. During year 3, students choose from elective courses to specialize in a curriculum reflecting their personal interests. Students normally enter directly into the BSc Honours program and are required to maintain at least second-class honours standing. Students not meeting this requirement may continue in one of the BSc with Major programs. The requirement for graduation with an Earth Sciences (Honours) degree is a minimum 70 percent major average and a minimum 60 percent non-major average. The requirements for a BSc with Major and a BSc (pass) are a minimum 60 percent major average and a minimum 60 percent overall average. The Department has teaching and research laboratories which include such facilities as recirculating sediment flume, dendrochronology laboratory, glacial micromorphology laboratory, palynological laboratories, vitrinite reflectance workstation, cathodoluminescence microscopic analysis, atomic absorption spectrometry, petrographic image analysis equipment, digitizer, water quality analysis equipment, fluorometric analysis and stable isotope preparation. These are supported by rock specimen preparation and drafting facilities, a cold room, core storage facilities and Departmental collections. Departmental as well as University computing facilities are available. SEM and ICPMS facilities are also available within the Faculty of Mathematics and Science. The Department shares the facilities of electronic, machine and glass blowing shops with other departments. |
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The Earth Sciences and Environmental Geoscience Co-op programs combine academic and work terms over a five year period. Students spend two years in an academic setting, where they acquire the necessary background prior to taking the first work placement. Successful completion of courses in the core areas of Earth Sciences provides the necessary academic background for the work experience. In addition to the current fees for courses in academic study terms, Earth Sciences and Environmental Geoscience Co-op students are assessed an annual administrative fee (see the Schedule of Fees). Eligibility to continue in the Co-op program is based on the student's major average and non-major average. A student with a minimum 70 percent major average and a minimum 60 percent non-major average will be permitted to continue. A student with a major average lower than 70 percent will not be permitted to continue in the Earth Sciences or Environmental Geoscience Co-op program, but may continue in the Earth Sciences and Environmental Geoscience non Co-op program. For further information, see the Co-op programs section of the Calendar and contact the Department of Earth Sciences. All students in the Co-operative Education program are required to read, sign and adhere to the terms of the Student Regulations Waiver and Co-op Student Manuals (brocku.ca/co-op/current-students/co-op-student-manuals) as articulated by the Co-op Programs Office. In addition, eligibility to continue in the co-op option is based on the student's major average and non-major average, and the ability to demonstrate the motivation and potential to pursue a professional career. Each four-month co-operative education work term must be registered. Once students are registered in a co-op work term, they are expected to fulfill their commitment. If the placement accepted is for more than one four-month work term, students are committed to complete all terms. Students may not withdraw from or terminate a work term without permission from the Director, Co-op Program Office. The Earth Sciences and Environmental Geoscience Co-op program designation will be awarded to those students who have successfully completed a minimum of twelve months of Co-op work experience. |
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Graduates of any of the 20 credit single major programs offered by the Department of Earth Sciences may qualify to be registered as a practising member of the Professional Geoscientists of Ontario (PGO), and be entitled to practise geoscience or environmental geoscience and use the title of Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.) in Ontario in accordance with the "Professional Geoscientist Act, 2000". This accreditation may be transferable to other provincial and state jurisdictions in North America. Students wishing to apply for geoscientist-in-training (GIT) status may want to contact or consult the PGO website at pgo.net. |
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Field trips form an integral component of training in the earth sciences and are offered in all years of study, linked to specific courses. Field trips may take place during the lab period or involve a time period beyond the lab, over a single day or weekend trips. To offset transportation costs the Department has instituted a Field Trip Levy for all courses with multiple field trips. In addition, on single day or weekend trips, students are expected to cover costs of accommodation and food. Field trip costs, where applicable, are in addition to the regular tuition fees associated with the course. |
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This micro-certificate provides hands on training in the use of digital tools that are quickly becoming essential to all who wish to detect and measure changes in landscapes. The target audience is Brock students and aspiring and practicing field biologists, conservationists, planners, miners, engineers and geoscientists who study the impact of climate change, erosion, deposition, shorelines, glacial retreat, landslides and disasters. In ERSC 3P92 image sets are manipulated to create properly scaled 3D models and orthoimages, detect and accurately measure planar and volumetric changes. ERSC 4P92 provides an introduction to aerial platforms and their sensors as well as to survey design and mission specific planning. Students then participates in a group exercise where the class plans and uses an RPAS and differential GPS to accruately map and 3D render a landscape unit. A relevant student designed and executed culminating project is the focus of the third course. |
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Year 1
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Year 3
Spring Session:
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Year 1
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Students admitted to the Co-op program must follow an approved program pattern. The most common pattern is listed below. For other approved patterns, consult the Co-op Office. Year 1
Year 2
Spring/Summer Sessions:
Year 3 Fall Term:
Winter Term:
Year 4 Fall Term:
Winter Term:
Spring Session:
Year 5
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Year 1
Year 2
Spring/Summer Sessions:
Year 3 Fall Term:
Winter Term:
Year 4 Fall Term:
Winter Term:
Spring Session:
Year 5
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This program differs from the Honours program in that honours standing is not required for entry into year 4 (see program note 5). |
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Year 1
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Year 1
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Satisfactory completion of the first three years of the Honours program entitles a student to apply for a Pass degree. |
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The Department of Earth Sciences, in co-operation with other departments, offers combined major programs in Earth Sciences with Biological Sciences, Chemistry, and Geography. For combinations other than those listed students should contact the Chairs/Directors of the respective departments/centres. It should be noted that not all departments/centres provide a combined major option. Prospective students should have their programs approved by the two departments/centres concerned and are advised to follow one of the following patterns: |
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Honours Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Pass Program Satisfactory completion of the first three years of the Honours program entitles a student to apply for a Pass degree. |
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Honours Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Pass Satisfactory completion of the first three years of the Honours program entitles a student to apply for a Pass degree. |
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Honours Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Pass Satisfactory completion of the first three years of the Honours program entitles a student to apply for a Pass degree. |
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The Micro-certificate in Photogrammetry and RPAS (remotely piloted aircraft systems) for data acquisition, 3D, VR and AR applications is awarded upon completion of the following courses with a minimum overall average of 70 percent:
Note: This micro-certificate offers practical training but not authorize individuals to conduct cadastral (legal boundary) surveys or pilot RPAS in Canada. |
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Students in other disciplines may obtain a Minor in Earth Sciences by successfully completing the following courses with a minimum 60 percent overall average:
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The department offers an MSc Program in Earth Sciences. See the Graduate Calendar or consult the Chair of the department for details. |
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Note that not all courses are offered in every session. Refer to the applicable term timetable for details. # Indicates a cross listed course * Indicates primary offering of a cross listed course |
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Students must check to ensure that prerequisites are met. Students may be deregistered, at the request of the instructor, from any course for which prerequisites and/or restrictions have not been met. EARTH SCIENCES COURSES Earth: The Dynamic Planet Introduction to major Earth science theories and basic geologic principles. Geography and land-based culture of aboriginal peoples in Northern Ontario. Role of both short- and long-term climate changes in the evolution of ecosystems. Restriction: permission of the instructor. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Planet Earth - Solid Earth Earth as a member of the solar system, minerals, rocks and sediments, plate tectonics, volcanic activity, earthquakes, plate tectonics and the building of continents, economic geology, stratigraphy and geologic time, fossils and the history of life. Lectures, lab or local field trip, 5 hours per week. Prerequisite(s): any two of 4U/M Biology, 4U/M Chemistry, 4U/MEarth Sciences, 4U/MMathematics or 4U/MPhysics or equivalent. Note: students may not register concurrently in ERSC 1P92. This course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in ERSC 1F01, 1F90 and 1P92. Planet Earth - Surface Processes Glacial geology, geomorphology, Earth surface processes; paleoclimates and future climate change; oceanography; geologic hazards and risk assessment; hydrologic cycle, soil-groundwater contamination, hazardous waste disposal and alternatives. Lectures, lab or local field trip, 5 hours per week. Prerequisite(s): any two of 4U/M Biology, 4U/M Chemistry, 4U/M Earth Sciences, 4U/M Mathematics or 4U/M Physics or equivalent. Note: This course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in ERSC 1F01, and 1F90. Extreme Earth Extreme low frequency events and the geological record of their causes and effects, including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, climatic change and impacts with extraterrestrial bodies. Note: students may not register concurrently in ERSC 1P01. Secondary school sciences are not a prerequisite. This course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in ERSC 1F01,1F90 and 1P01. Major credit will not be granted to Earth Science or Environmental Geoscience majors. Planetary Science Solar system objects, including the Sun, planets and dwarf planets, named natural satellites (moons) and small solar system bodies; their formation, composition, processes and major characteristics. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. The History of the Earth Principles of paleontology, classical stratigraphy, sequence stratigraphy. The origin and evolution of life and the history of the Earth. Lectures, lab, 5 hours per week. Prerequisite(s): ERSC 1P01 and 1P02 (1F01) or (1F90). Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Earth Surface Processes (also offered as GEOG 2P05) Earth surface processes and geomorphology within global environments. A dynamic and physically based account of processes and the Earth's surface, linking the fields of sedimentology, physical geography and fluid mechanics. Lectures, lab, 5 hours per week. Restriction: open to ERSC (single or combined), GEOG (single or combined) and GEOG (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior) majors until date specified in Registration guide. Prerequisite(s): ERSC 1P01 and 1P02 (1F01) or GEOG 1F91. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Introduction to Geospatial Technologies (also offered as GEOG 2P07, IASC 2P07 and TOUR 2P07) Concepts and applications of geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS) and remote sensing. Properties of digital maps, airborne data and satellite imagery. Principles of map compilation and design. Practical experience in computer mapping, image interpretation and GIS analysis. Lectures, lab, 4 hours per week. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Climate Crisis (also offered as GEOG 2P08) Introduction to the Earth's atmosphere and the natural and anthropogenic drivers that change the Earth's climate system. Greenhouse effect, human activities that alter the climate system, climate models, climates of the past, projections of future climate. Lectures, 3 hours per week. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Introduction to Oceanography Overview of the oceans, their origin, composition, circulation, geology and biota, from the coastal zone to the abyss. Importance of oceanography to humans, history of oceanography, overview of marine hazards and resources, ocean-atmosphere interactions and the global climate. Lectures, lab, 5 hours per week. Prerequisite(s): one of ERSC 1P02 (1F01), (1F90), BIOL 1P91 and 1P92 (1F90), GEOG 1F91. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in GEOG 2P15. Clastic Sedimentology Basic clastic sedimentology (grain size, shape, porosity/permeability, fabric) including fundamentals of unidirectional and oscillatory water flows, sediment transport under such flows and resulting sedimentary structures. Clastic rock classification. Tutorial, 3 hours per week. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in GEOG 2P16. Introduction to Plate Tectonics (also offered as GEOG 2P18) Topics include plate boundary settings, plate motion, driving forces, earthquakes and volcanic activity and detailed case studies. Labs focus on the analysis of geological maps. Lectures, lab, 5 hours per week. Restriction: open to ERSC (single or combined), GEOG (single or combined) and GEOG (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior) majors until date specified in Registration guide. Prerequisite(s): one ERSC credit numbered 1(alpha)00 to 1(alpha)99 or GEOG 1F91. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Mineralogy II: Crystallography and Optics Topics include symmetry, crystal systems, and mineral identification by optical properties. Labs focus on acquiring skills to identify minerals with a petrographic microscope. Lectures, lab, 6 hours per week. Prerequisite(s): ERSC 2P23. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Environmental Geoscience Natural geological processes and anthropogenic impacts, flooding, landslides, earthquakes, volcanic activity, global warming and climate change. Hydrogeology and human activity, surface and groundwater supply and use, solid waste and hazardous waste disposal. Mineral and energy resources, pollution and alternatives. Professional environmental geosciences practices. Lectures, lab, 5 hours per week. Prerequisite(s): ERSC 1P01 and 1P02 (1F01). Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Mineralogy I: Minerals, Rocks and their Geologic Context Topics include mineral identification; mineral chemistry; igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary mineral assemblages and textures; and their significance for interpreting geologic context. Labs focus on hand sample techniques for mineral and rock identification and interpretation. Lectures, lab, 6 hours per week Prerequisite(s): one ERSC credit numbered 1(alpha)00 to 1(alpha)99 or GEOG 1F90; 4U/M Chemistry or CHEM 1P00. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in ERSC 2P23. Structural Geology Measurement and effects of stress and strain. Genesis of brittle and ductile structures and their classification. Methods of structural analysis. Lectures, lab, 5 hours per week. Prerequisite(s): ERSC 2P17 or 2P18. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Paleontology and Paleobiology (also offered as BIOL 3P03) Biodiversity and ecosystems through geologic time, micro and macro evolution in paleobiology and evolutionary biology, large scale environmental change and the fossil record, functional morphology, and phylogenetic and cladistic analysis of the fossil record. Lectures, lab, 5 hours per week. Prerequisite(s): one of ERSC 2P03, BIOL 2P05, 2Q04. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Science Communication History, theory, best practices, and issues in science communication, particularly in Earth and Planetary sciences. Examination of the science communicator role in public engagement, policymaking, and academic and popular communication. Challenges of science communication in fields including politics, business, and journalism. Science communication on the Internet and social media. Overcoming challenges of risk, pseudoscience, and misinformation. Seminar, 3 hours per week. Restriction: students must have a minimum 2.0 credits in ERSC as well as a minimum of 2.0 credits in COMM and WRDS or permission of the instructor. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Geographic Information Systems (also offered as GEOG 3P05 and IASC 3P05) Principles and use of computer-based systems for capturing, managing, manipulating, analysing and displaying data relating to the Earth's surface emphasizing raster applications. Practical work using ArcGIS. Lectures, lab, 4 hours per week. Prerequisite(s): ERSC 2P07 or permission of the instructor. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Remote Sensing (also offered as GEOG 3P07) Theory and practice of remote sensing. Multispectral, hyperspectral, thermal, radar and laser imaging of the Earth's surface from airborne and spaceborne platforms. Image interpretation and image-analysis techniques. Lectures, lab, 4 hours per week. Prerequisite(s): ERSC 2P07 or permission of the instructor. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Meteorology (also offered as GEOG 3P08) Major concepts, principles and interactions related to the atmospheric-Earth systems, weather analysis and forecasting, natural and anthropogenic factors related to climate change and variability, weather hazards and extreme events, and biophysical feedback effects. Lectures, lab, 4 hours per week. Prerequisite(s): ERSC 2P08 or permission of instructor. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in ERSC (GEOG) 2P04. Chemical and Carbonate Sedimentology Genesis of Evaporites; petrography and cathodoluminescence of carbonate grains; skeletal structures and chemistry; recent carbonate environments; evolution of carbonate mounds; chemical theory of carbonate grains; textural, structural and chemical limestone diagenesis; dolomitization, silicification and pyritization of carbonate grains. Lectures, lab, 5 hours per week. Prerequisite(s): ERSC 2P17 or 2P18; ERSC 2P21 or 2P23 or permission of the instructor. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Stratigraphy Fundamentals of lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy, chronostratigraphy, magnetostratigraphy, geochronology and introduction to the International Stratigraphic Guide, geological time scale, Milankovitch and sub-Milankovitch cyclicity, subsurface geology techniques and correlation, sequence stratigraphy, geological history of southern Ontario. Lectures, lab, 5 hours per week. Prerequisite(s): ERSC 2P03 or 2P16. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Applied Climatology (also offered as GEOG 3P13) Studies in selected topics from the field of energy and moisture exchanges, air pollution, climatic change, climatic impact assessment and bioclimatology. Human impact on the climate along with applied microclimatological investigations and climatic data analysis. Lectures, lab, 4 hours per week. Prerequisite(s): ERSC (2P04), 2P08 or permission of the instructor. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology Igneous rocks: nomenclature and classification; magmatic processes. Application of one, two and three component phase diagrams to interpret the formation of igneous rocks. Metamorphic rocks: types, classification, mineral parageneses. Labs include the study of rocks in thin section, their mineralogy, textures, origin and classification. Lectures, lab, 6 hours per week. Prerequisite(s): ERSC 2P22 or 2P24; CHEM 1P91 and 1P92 (1F92). Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Glacial Geomorphology/Geology (also offered as GEOG 3P24) Introduction to glaciology; glacial processes, glacial deposits; their genesis and sedimentology. Relationship of glacial processes to landforms and surface topography. Glacial systems and facies associations. Applied aspects of glacial geology, such as drift exploration. Lectures, lab, 5 hours per week. Prerequisite(s): ERSC 2P05. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Quaternary Geology (also offered as GEOG 3P25) Glaciations in the geological record, causes of glaciations, biotic responses to climatic changes, eustatic and isostatic sea level changes in response to glaciation, Quaternary stratigraphy and correlation of glacial and non-glacial events, application of Quaternary geology to economic and environmental problems, methods of paleoclimatic reconstruction. Lectures, lab, 5 hours per week. Prerequisite(s): ERSC 2P03, 2P16, 3P24 or permission of the instructor. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Geochemistry Formation of the elements; nucleo-synthesis and cosmic abundances; classification of elements; crystal chemistry, bond energy, crystal defects and elemental partitioning/distribution; kinetic chemistry, elemental diffusion, nucleation and transformation; aqueous geochemistry, water-mineral interactions; Gibbs free energy and the formation/weathering of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks; introduction to isotope geochemistry. Lectures, tutorial, 5 hours per week. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1P91 and 1P92 (1F92). Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Biomonitoring and Environmental Stress Assessment (also offered as GEOG 3P35) Use of biodiversity indicators, field methods and passive and active sensors to assess environmental quality. Collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data to investigate urban air and water pollution and forest health. Lab, 3 hours per week. Restriction: students must have a minimum of 10.0 overall credits. Prerequisite(s): one of ERSC 1P01 and 1P02 (1F01), (2P09), BIOL 1P91 and 1P92 (1F90), GEOG 3P09 (2P09). Note: field trip(s) in September. Students are expected to pay their expenses. This course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Experiential Learning in Earth and Environmental Sciences Discovery, synthesis, sharing of information and self-reflection on career-related field experience in earth and environmental sciences. Experiential learning. Restriction: open to ERSC (single or combined) and EVGS (single or combined) majors with a minimum 70 percent major average, a minimum of 10.0 overall credits and permission of the Department. Note: orientation meeting in the fall term describes the expectations and guides students in their production of an acceptable experiential learning plan. Admission is conditional on departmental approval of an experiential learning plan (that sets out the learning goals, milestones and the anticipated personal and social benefits of the proposed activity). This course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Geography of Water Resources (also offered as GEOG 3P83 and TOUR 3P83) Physical and human factors affecting patterns of use and development of water resources. Emphasis on patterns of supply and demand, approaches to development and management of the resource, problems and alternative strategies. Lectures, lab, 4 hours per week. Prerequisite(s): one of ERSC 1P01 and 1P02 (1F01), (1F90), GEOG 1F90, 1F91 or permission of the instructor. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Ecology of a Changing Planet (also offered as BIOL 3P85 and GEOG 3P85) Impact of environmental change and human activity on ecosystems. Topics include climate change and global warming, habitat fragmentation, extinction, invasive species, conservation biology and the management of ecological integrity. Lectures, lab, 5 hours per week. Prerequisite(s): one of (ERSC 2P09), BIOL 2P05, 2Q04, GEOG 3P09 (2P09). Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Volcanology Survey of volcanoes, their distribution, forms, composition, eruptive products and styles, and potential hazards. Lectures, lab, 6 hours per week. Prerequisite(s): ERSC 2P05; ERSC 2P21 or 2P23; one of CHEM 1P91 and 1P92 (1F92), MATH 1P97, STAT 1P98, one-half PHYS credit numbered 1P21 to 1P93. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in GEOG 3P90. Groundwater Hydrology Role of groundwater in the hydrologic cycle, fundamental theory of groundwater flow, its storage and movement, steady and transient flow, and flow net. Equations governing groundwater depth and flow including Darcy's law and Bernoulli's equation. Geologic factors controlling the movement of groundwater. Groundwater extraction and its impact on regional hydrology. Lectures, lab, 5 hours per week. Restriction: open to ERSC (single or combined) majors. Prerequisite(s): CHEM 1P91 and 1P92 (1F92) and MATH 1P97; PHYS 1P21 or 1P91, 1P22 or 1P92 or permission of the instructor. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Close-range Photogrammetry: Ground School (also offered as GEOG 3P92) History, theory and use of close-range terrestrial and aerial photogrammetry, structure-from-motion point cloud production and analysis of 2D, 3D, 4D models, satellite based positioning systems and survey control including real-time and post-processed-kinematic surveying (RTK, PPK), operation and use of common sensors in Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), image acquisition, quality control and data processing. Lectures, 2 hours per week; lab, 3 hours per week. Restriction: open to ERSC (single or combined), GEOG (single or combined) and GEOG (Honours)/BEd majors with a minimum of 15.0 overall credits or permission of the instructor. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Exploration Geophysics Underlying physical principles and practical aspects of field acquisition, processing and data interpretation for most common geophysical techniques used in mineral exploration: potential fields, radiometrics, resistivity and electromagnetic methods. Geological interpretation, data integration and applications to specific deposit types. Lectures, lab, 5 hours per week. Prerequisite(s): ERSC 2P18 and 2P23. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in ERSC 3V93. Glacial Soils, Sediments and Applied Drift Prospecting (also offered as GEOG 3P94) Introductions to the theoretical and practical application drift prospecting techniques and underlying theory as applied in glaciated terrains. Use of glacial soils and sediments as a window into past glacial processes and environmental conditions, permitting reconstruction of past environments and environmental change. Application of all aspects of drift prospecting, including the use of the geochemical, mineralogical, and lithological content of glacial sediments to trace metal-rich debris up-ice to its bedrock source. Lectures, 3 hours per week. Prerequisite(s): ERSC/GEOG 2P05 Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Advanced Geographic Information Systems (also offered as GEOG 3P95) Advanced study of geographic information systems emphasizing the use of several leading edge software for solving complex geospatial questions. Evaluating the extent of human-induced landscape changes. Builds on key concepts from GEOG 3P05 including data acquisition techniques (e.g. GPS, unmanned aviation), data management, georeferencing, geoprocessing, spatial modelling and statistics, and cartography. Lectures, lab, 5 hours per week. Restriction: open to ERSC (single or combined), GEOG (single or combined) and GEOG (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior) majors until date specified in Registration guide. After that date open to ERSC (single, combined or general studies), GEOG (single, combined or general studies), GEOG (Honours)/BEd (intermediate/Senior) majors, GHUM, SOSC students, ERSC and GEOG minors until date specified in Registration guide. Prerequisite(s): ERSC 3P05. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Special Topics in Earth Sciences I Selected issues and various methods of inquiry related to faculty expertise. Restriction: open to ERSC (single or combined) majors with a minimum 70 percent major average, a minimum of 10.0 overall credits and permission of the instructor. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Special Topics in Earth Sciences II Selected issues and various methods of inquiry related to faculty expertise. Restriction: open to ERSC (single or combined) majors with a minimum 70 percent major average, a minimum of 10.0 overall credits and permission of the instructor. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Planetary Science Tools for planetary exploration, planetary processes, terrestrial planets, icy and rocky satellites, small bodies, the search for life, and planetary frontiers. Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week. Restriction: students must have a minimum 2.0 credits in ERSC. Prerequisite(s): ERSC 1P94 or permission of the instructor. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Field Camp-Solid Earth Two-week immersion course offered after final examinations in year 3 introducing students to collecting, recording and synthesizing field data, airphoto mapping, preparing geologic maps and reports. Field area, situated in northern Ontario, consists of Archaean, Proterozoic and Paleozoic lithologies. Restriction: open to students with a minimum of 13.0 overall credits and permission of the Department. Prerequisite(s): ERSC 3P01. Note: students are expected to pay their own expenses. This course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Field School-Quaternary Geology (also offered as GEOG 3Q99) Field and laboratory methods for analysis of Quaternary landscapes based on field sites including fluvial, hillslope, coastal, glacial, and biosphere examples. Restriction: permission of the Department. Prerequisite(s): ERSC 2P17 or 2P18. Note: students are expected to pay their own expenses. This course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Selected Topics in Earth Sciences Selected issues in Earth sciences. Thesis Research on geological problems involving field or laboratory study under faculty supervision. Restriction: open to ERSC (Honours) (single or combined) majors with a minimum of 13.5 overall credits and a minimum 75 percent major average. Note: submission and oral examination of thesis are required. This course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Honors Project Individual research project carried out under the direction of a faculty adviser. Earth or Planetary Science research topic as well as the media format in which the topic is presented must be approved by a faculty advisor prior to registration. Restriction: open to Earth and Planetary Science majors with a minimum 75 percent average, approval to year 4 (honours) and permission of the Department. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Advanced Structural Geology Exploration of topics relevant to structural geology through the study of the scientific literature. Topics may vary. Lectures, seminar, lab, 5 hours per week. Prerequisite(s): ERSC 3P01. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Citizen Science History, theoretical foundations, and practical aspects citizen science and crowdsourcing. Examination of management of data, ethics, legal and policy aspects of citizen science projects. Seminar, 3 hours per week. Restriction: Students must have a minimum 3.0 credits in ERSC as well as a minimum of 3.0 credits in COMM OR WRDS; or permission of the instructor. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Advanced Remote Sensing (also offered as GEOG 4P07) Theory and practice of in situ, airborne and spaceborne remote sensing. Emphasis on techniques used to study natural and human-made environments. Topics include data acquisition and preprocessing, image analysis, accuracy assessment and the production of information products. Image processing and analyses using commercially available image-analysis software. Lab, 3 hours per week. Restriction: open to ERSC (single or combined),GEOG (single or combined) and GEOG (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior) majors until date specified in Registration guide. Students must have approval to year 4 (honours). Prerequisite(s): ERSC 3P07 or permission of the instructor. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Advanced Clastic Sedimentology Team study of the subsurface geology of a selected area of a Lake Erie gas field. Drill cores and geophysical logs are used to correlate lithostratigraphic units and to construct structure contour maps and isopach maps of gas-bearing strata. Introduction to sedimentary facies models. Lab, seminar, 4 hours per week. Prerequisite(s): ERSC 2P16 and 3P12. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Sedimentary Facies Models Depositional environments of clastic sediment in marine and non-marine settings and geological criteriafor recognizing their deposits. Lectures/seminar, 3 hours per week. Prerequisite(s): ERSC 2P16 and 3P12. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Advanced Geochemistry Lithogeochemistry and spectroscopy, analytical methods in geochemistry, analysis and interpretation of stable and radioactive isotopes, aqueous geochemistry including equilibrium in real fluids, carbonate and silica equilibria, redox, metal solubility, geothermal, and fluid inclusions. Lectures, lab, local field trips, 4 hours per week. Prerequisite(s): ERSC 3P31. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Precambrian Geology Archaean and Proterozoic evolution of the Earth examining: geology, tectonics, stratigraphy and history of the Precambrian; evolution of the Earth's crust; Precambrian time scale; evolution of life, oceans and atmosphere. Seminar, 3 hours per week. Prerequisite(s): ERSC 3P21. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Paleobotany and Palynology (also offered as BIOL 4P18) Fossil record of the green lineage: chlorophytes, charophytes and embryophytes. Evolution of the clade Viridiplantae. Record of terrestrialization and of plant interactions with fungi and animals. Reconstruction of paleoenvironments and paleoclimates from paleobotanical evidence. Lectures, lab, field trips, 5 hours per week. Prerequisite(s): ERSC 2P03 or BIOL 2P93. Note: ERSC 3P03 recommended. This course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Advanced Igneous Petrology Igneous petrogenesis, emphasizing the physical chemistry of igneous processes, igneous rock complexes and studies of a number of petrologically important areas. Lectures, lab, 6 hours per week. Prerequisite(s): ERSC 3P21. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in ERSC 3P94. Stream Form and Function (also offered as BIOL 4P26 and GEOG 4P26) Exploration of the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of stream systems. Seminar, lab, field work, 3 hours per week. Restriction: open to ERSC (single or combined), BIOL (single or combined), BIOL (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior), GEOG (single or combined) and GEOG (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior) majors until date specified in Registration guide. Students must have approval to year 4 (honours). Prerequisite(s): two BIOL credits numbered 2(alpha)00 to 3(alpha)99, or two ERSC credits numbered 2(alpha)00 to 3(alpha)99, or two GEOG credits numbered 2(alpha)00 to 3(alpha)99 from Group B, or permission of the instructor. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Advanced Glacial Sedimentology (also offered as GEOG 4P28) Sedimentology of present day glacial environments and of Quaternary sediments. Thermo-mechanical principles of glacier physics as applied to past and present glacier ice conditions. Glacial lithofacies associations. Glacio-tectonics and diagenesis. Principles of glacial erosion, entrainment and deposition. Lectures, lab, local field trip, 3 hours per week. Prerequisite(s): ERSC 3P24 or 3P26. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Watershed Study and Assessment Hydrologic/watershed cycle; fundamentals and principles of watersheds-interaction of hydrosphere-lithosphere-biosphere; physical characteristics, effects and controls of stream sediments/contaminants/pollutants; aqueous geochemistry; introduction to watershed toxicology. Investigation of concerns with several watersheds. Major study and report of a local subwatershed. Lectures, lab, local field work, 4 hours per week. Restriction: students must have a minimum of 10.0 overall credits. Note: students must supply their own safety equipment (safety glasses and lab coats). This course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Advanced Environmental Issues Waste audit of select sites and localities; energy audit - electricity consumption of select sites and localities; examination of environmental issues at the municipal, national, and international levels; examination of global warming and climate change with respect to anthropogenic and natural forcings. Evaluation of solutions and alternatives to pollution/contamination (carbon dioxide, methane). Lab, tutorial, local field work, 4 hours per week. Restriction: students must have a minimum of 14.0 overall credits. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in ERSC 4P45. Late Cenozoic Dinoflagellate Cysts Biology and ecology of modern cyst-producing dinoflagellates, and the record of dinoflagellate cysts through the late Cenozoic including their morphology, taxonomy, paleoecology, biostratigraphy, molecular phylogeny and evolution. Topics include marine paleoenvironmental reconstruction, paleoceanography, paleoclimatology and oil industry applications. Lectures, lab, seminar, 3 hours per week. Prerequisite(s): ERSC 3P03 or permission of the instructor. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Petroleum Geology Hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation, including physical and chemical properties of petroleum, methods of exploration, the subsurface environment, generation and migration of petroleum, reservoirs, traps and seals, sedimentary basins and petroleum systems, emphasizing Canada, nonconventional petroleum resources, and the economics and geopolitics of petroleum. Lectures, lab, seminar, 4 hours per week. Prerequisite(s): ERSC 3P12 (3P10). Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Surface Hydrology Distribution and variation of run-off, recurrence of floods and droughts; fluvial processes and sediment transport; limnology and paleolimnology; hydrologic and water management techniques; surface and groundwater interaction. Lectures, lab, local field trip, 5 hours per week. Prerequisite(s): ERSC 3P25 or 3P91. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Dendrochronology (also offered as BIOL 4P80 and GEOG 4P80) Fundamental principles of tree-ring analysis and applications to address contemporary issues in the fields of climate and environmental change, geomorphology, archaeology, and ecology. Lectures, local field trip, 3 hours per week. Restriction: open to ERSC (single or combined), BIOL (single or combined), BIOL (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior), GEOG (single or combined) and GEOG (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior) majors until date specified in Registration guide. Students must have approval to year 4 (honours). Prerequisite(s): one of (ERSC 2P09), BIOL 2Q04, GEOG 3P09 (2P09) or permission of the instructor. Note: BIOL majors must take BIOL 2Q04; BIOL 2P93 or 2P94 is strongly recommended. This course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Ecosystems and Changing Disturbance Regimes (also offered as BIOL 4P85 and GEOG 4P85) Terrestrial ecosystem response to large-scale environmental change. Topics may include disturbance regimes, adaptation, alteration of biogeochemical cycles, invasive species and range shifts, carbon cycle feedbacks, predicting future climate and vegetation impacts, change detection, scaling-up and nonlinearity. Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week. Prerequisite(s): ERSC 3P85 or permission of the instructor. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems: Practicum (also offered as GEOG 4P92) Introduction to the use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) for data acquisition. Aviation safety, risk management, mission planning and execution. Culminating exercise involving UAS flight operation, map production and data analysis. Lectures, 2 hours per week; lab, 3 hours per week. Prerequisite(s): ERSC 3P92. Note: possession of valid Transport Canada Pilot Certificate - Basic or Advanced Operations is required. A field activity and RPAS user fee will be assessed. Overnight off campus travel may be required. An orientation session will be held prior to registration. This course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Ore Geology and Associated Geophysical Techniques Classification, genesis and exploration for different metallic and industrial mineral deposits, with emphasis on application and expected geophysical signature of different ores on a variety of environments. Lectures, lab, 5 hrs per week. Prerequisite(s): ERSC 3P93 and ERSC 3P01. Note: this course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. CO-OP COURSES Work Placement I First Co-op work placement (4 months) with an approved employer. Restriction: open to ERSC Co-op students. Work Placement II Second Co-op work placement (4 months) with an approved employer. Restriction: open to ERSC Co-op students. Work Placement III Third Co-op work placement (4 months) with an approved employer. Restriction: open to ERSC Co-op students. Work Placement IV Optional Co-op work placement (4 months) with an approved employer. Restriction: open to ERSC Co-op students. Work Placement V Optional Co-op work placement (4 months) with an approved employer. Restriction: open to ERSC Co-op students. Co-op Reflective Learning and Integration I Provide student with the opportunity to apply what they've learned in their academic students through career-oriented work experiences at employer sites. Restriction: open to EVGS and ERSC Co-op students. Prerequisite(s): SCIE 0N90. Corequisite(s): ERSC 0N01. Note: students will be required to prepare learning objectives, participate in a site visit, write a work term report and receive a successful work term performance evaluation. This course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Co-op Reflective Learning and Integration II Provide student with the opportunity to apply what they've learned in their academic studies through career-oriented work experiences at employer sites. Restriction: open to EVGS and ERSC Co-op students. Prerequisite(s): SCIE 0N90. Corequisite(s): ERSC 0N02. Note: students will be required to prepare learning objectives, participate in a site visit, write a work term report and receive a successful work term performance evaluation. This course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Co-op Reflective Learning and Integration III Provide student with the opportunity to apply what they've learned in their academic studies through career-oriented work experiences at employer sites. Restriction: open to EVGS and ERSC Co-op students. Prerequisite(s): SCIE 0N90. Corequisite(s): ERSC 0N03. Note: students will be required to prepare learning objectives, participate in a site visit, write a work term report and receive a successful work term performance evaluation. This course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Co-op Reflective Learning and Integration IV Provide student with the opportunity to apply what they've learned in their academic studies through career-oriented work experiences at employer sites. Restriction: open to EVGS and ERSC Co-op students. Prerequisite(s): SCIE 0N90. Corequisite(s): ERSC 0N04. Note: students will be required to prepare learning objectives, participate in a site visit, write a work term report and receive a successful work term performance evaluation. This course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. Co-op Reflective Learning and Integration V Provide student with the opportunity to apply what they've learned in their academic studies through career-oriented work experiences at employer sites. Restriction: open to EVGS and ERSC Co-op students. Prerequisite(s): SCIE 0N90. Corequisite(s): ERSC 0N05. Note: students will be required to prepare learning objectives, participate in a site visit, write a work term report and receive a successful work term performance evaluation. This course may be offered in multiple modes of delivery. The method of delivery will be listed on the academic timetable, in the applicable term. |
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2022-2023 Undergraduate Calendar
Last updated: October 19, 2022 @ 03:50PM