The first digit of each course number designates the level (year) of the course. The second digit indicates the area of Earth Sciences into which the course best fits, as follows:
Second Digit
0 - mineralogy and petrology
1 - geophysics
2 - economic geology
3 - stratigraphy and marine geology
4 - structural geology and tectonics
5 - geochemistry
6 - technical fields and petroleum geology
7 - sedimentation, geomorphology
8 - paleontology
9 - general and dissertation
FIRST YEAR
1000. Earth Systems. A survey of the
structure, function and interrelations of Earth's lithosphere,
hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. Topics include an exploration of
the physical and chemical properties of planetary materials, forces
driving and sustaining Earth systems, and biological modifiers
(including humankind) on the Earth today.
Lectures: Three hours per week.
Laboratories: Three hours per week.
1001. Evolution of Earth Systems. Earth's present structure and
environment, the product of 4.5 billion years of planetary evolution,
are explored from the rock and fossil record. Examples, illustrated with
rocks, fossils and maps, are selected from the geological history of
North America, with particular emphasis on Newfoundland and Labrador.
Lectures: Three hours per week.
Laboratories: Three hours per week.
Prerequisite: Earth Sciences 1000.
1002. Concepts and Methods in Earth Sciences. Introduction to a
broad range of concepts concerning the development of the geological
record and the Earth; practical methods for collection of field based
data; topics in map interpretation and geometric analysis, stratigraphy,
paleontology, structure and petrology. The course is presented with an
emphasis on the development of practical skills needed to pursue a
career in Earth Sciences.
Lectures: Three hours per week.
Laboratories: Three hours per week.
Prerequisite: Earth Sciences 1000.
SECOND YEAR
2030. Mineralogy (F). (Same as former Earth Sciences
203A). Introduction to crystallography and the structure of minerals;
introduction to crystal optics; study of the rock forming minerals and
minerals of economic significance. Laboratory work comprises study of
the structures and symmetries of minerals, chemistry of rock forming
minerals, introduction to transmitted light microscopy of rocks, hand
specimen recognition of common rocks and minerals.
Prerequisites: Earth Sciences 1000, Chemistry 1011 (or 1051 or
equivalent), Physics 1054 (or Physics 1021) and its Mathematics
prerequisite are strongly recommended.
Co-requisite: Earth Sciences 2502.
NOTE: See credit restriction under Earth
Sciences 2031.
2031. Mineralogy and Petrography (W). (Same as
former Earth Sciences 203B). Further study of crystal optics; rock
forming minerals and their occurrence; application of phase equilibrium
studies to minerals; introduction to igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Laboratory work comprises optical mineralogy, interpretation of
petrological phase diagrams, introduction to the petrography of igneous
and metamorphic rocks.
Prerequisites: Earth Sciences 2030, 2502.
NOTE: Credit cannot be obtained for both
Earth Sciences 203A/B and one or both of Earth Sciences 2030 and 2031.
2150. The Solar System (F) (W). Basic
astronomy of the Solar System, tracing the search to understand motion
of the Sun, Moon and planets in the sky; modern observations of planets,
moons, comets, asteroids and meteorites and what they tell us about the
origin and evolution of the Solar System.
Prerequisite: Mathematics 1000.
NOTE: Earth Sciences 2150 is designed for students taking Earth
Sciences as an elective subject and may only be used as a non- Science
elective for Earth Sciences Majors and Earth Sciences Honours students.
2311. Geoscience Communication (W). An introduction to the
fundamentals of preparation of written and oral geoscience reports,
emphasizing organization, correct use of terminology, concise
description, preparation of abstracts and introductions, integration of
numerical data and publication-quality illustrations, and oral
presentation skills. Topics for reports will be selected from the
subject matter of other 2000 level Earth Sciences courses.
Prerequisites: Earth Sciences 2905 and 6 credit hours in English.
Lectures: two hours per week.
Tutorials: three hours per week.
2400. Plate Tectonics (W). The concepts of plate dynamics and
associated geological processes based on modern observations, and their
application to the geological record. Laboratories will include the use
of computer modelling techniques and an introduction to the relationship
of physical environments of rock formation with plate tectonic setting.
Prerequisites: Earth Sciences 1001 or 1002, Chemistry 1011 (or 1051 or
equivalent), Mathematics 1000, Physics 1054 (or Physics 1021).
NOTE: Credit may not be obtained for both Earth Sciences 2400 and
the former Earth Sciences 2161.
2401. Structural Geology (W). Introduction to basic concepts; the
physics of rock deformation, the classification and descriptive geometry
of major and minor structures and their relationship to stress and
strain. Laboratory work will concentrate on analysis of structural
orientation data, and the analysis of structures in geological maps and
cross-sections.
Prerequisites: Earth Sciences 2905 or permission of the Head of the
Department (or Delegate) for students following a minor in Earth
Sciences.
NOTES: 1) Earth Sciences majors are advised to complete field
course, Earth Sciences 3905, immediately following completion of this
course.
2) Credit may not be obtained for both Earth Sciences 2401, and the
former Geology 3120 or Earth Sciences 3120 or Earth Sciences 3400.
2502. Geochemistry of Earth Materials (F). The course provides an
overview of geochemistry including the origin and classification of
elements, radioactivity and geologic time, and chemical differentiation
of the solar system and solid Earth. The geochemistry of oceans,
atmosphere, sediments and sedimentary rocks, and geochemical cycling and
mixing at all scales also will be discussed. This course has a
laboratory component that emphasizes analytical geochemistry skills.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites: Earth Science 1000, Chemistry 1011
(or 1051 or equivalent), Mathematics 1001.
2702. Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (F). (Same as former Geology
3070; Earth Sciences 3070 and 3701). A study of the origin, composition
and diagenesis of sediments; selected modern environments of deposition;
and the stratigraphic framework of sedimentary successions. Laboratories
involve local field trips and the study of hand samples of sedimentary
rocks.
Prerequisite: Earth Sciences 1002.
NOTE: Credit may not be obtained for both Earth Sciences 2702 and
the former Geology 3070 or Earth Sciences 3070 or Earth Sciences 3701.
2905. Introduction to Geological Mapping (F). A two credit hour
course based on approximately 6 days of geological mapping in
Precambrian rocks near St. John’s, and 2 days of in-class work preparing
a digital map and written report. Emphasis is placed on the recognition
and description of sedimentary and igneous rocks in the field, and
techniques of geological mapping and the taking of field notes.
Prerequisite: Earth Sciences 1002.
NOTE: 1) This course will be given during a special session
immediately preceding the fall semester. Entry is by application to the
Head of the Department (or delegate) only.
2) Credit may not be obtained for both Earth Sciences 2905 and the
former Earth Sciences 2310 or Earth Sciences 2300.
2914. The Earth’s Energy Resources: Past, Present and Future
(F). (Same as former Geology 2414 and Earth Sciences 2414). A
scientific analysis of the Earth’s energy resources. The history of
human exploitation of them; consequences for quality of life, and
political and economic power; scenarios for the future.
NOTE: Earth Sciences 2914 is designed for students taking Earth
Sciences as an elective subject. This course complements traditional
disciplines such as history, economics, and political science and should
be of particular interest to teachers. This course may only be used as a
non-science elective for Earth Sciences Major and Earth Sciences Honours
students.
2915. The Earth’s Material Resources: Past, Present and Future (W). (Same
as former Geology 2415 and Earth Sciences 2415). A scientific analysis
of the Earth’s material resources (metals, non-metals, water). The
history of human exploitation of them; consequences for quality of life,
and political and economic power; scenarios for the future.
NOTE: Earth Sciences 2915 is designed for students taking Earth
Sciences as an elective subject. This course complements traditional
disciplines such as history, economics, and political science and should
be of particular interest to teachers. This course may only be used as a
non-science elective for Earth Sciences Majors and Earth Sciences
Honours students.
THIRD YEAR
3054. High-Temperature Geochemistry and Igneous Petrology (F). An
integrated course dealing with the geochemistry, origin and
classification of igneous rocks. Topics include trace element
geochemistry; physical properties of magmas, physical and chemical
processes in magma chambers (fractional crystallization,
differentiation, assimilation and partial melting), phase equilibria and
application to magmas, petrology of the mantle, and igneous rocks of
specific tectonic settings (oceanic lithosphere, continental margins,
continental lithosphere). Laboratories include geochemical calculations
and examination of rock samples and thin sections.
Prerequisites: Earth Sciences 2031 and 2502.
NOTE: Credit may not be obtained for 3054 and the combination of
3053 and the former 2503.
3055. Thermodynamics and Metamorphic Petrology (W). An integrated
course dealing with the geochemistry, origin and classification of
metamorphic rocks. Topics include thermodynamic background and kinetics
(transfer of mass and energy in geochemical systems of the Earth’s
interior, thermodynamic laws, phase equilibria, solid-solid reactions,
reaction rates); metamorphic facies, field gradients, isograds and
reactions; mineral assemblages and textures of common metamorphic rocks.
Laboratories include thermodynamic and phase diagram problems, hand
specimen and thin section studies.
Prerequisites: Earth Sciences 2031 and 2502, Mathematics 1001.
NOTE: Credit may not be obtained for 3055 and the combination of
3053 and the former 2503.
3170. Exploration Geophysics I (W). Fundamentals of seismic
energy transmission in the Earth; basic methods in seismic exploration -
data acquisition, processing and interpretation for refraction and
reflection surveys; fundamentals of gravity and magnetic data
acquisition, processing and interpretation; introduction to gravity and
magnetic modelling. This course has a laboratory component.
Prerequisites: Earth Sciences 2905; Mathematics 2000 or Statistics
2510*.
3172. Exploration Geophysics II (F). Introduction to electrical
and electromagnetic methods in geophysics applied in mineral
exploration, petroleum well logging and environmental studies, and
examples of application of various techniques; use of data processing
and modelling techniques in interpretation; introduction to radiometric
methods used in mineral and petroleum exploration. This course has a
laboratory component.
Prerequisites: Earth Sciences 2905; Mathematics 2000 or Statistics
2510*.
3179. Geophysical Analysis. Vector Calculus; curvilinear
coordinates; line, surface and volume integration; integral theorems;
the derivation and application of geophysically important partial
differential equations - Laplace's equation to the Earth's gravity and
magnetic fields, the diffusion equation to the Earth's heat flow, and
the wave equation to electromagnetic and seismological phenomena;
geophysical uses of Legendre functions; Fourier analysis in geophysics;
introductory Cartesian tensors. This course has a laboratory component
to familiarize the student with practical applications of the tools
discussed.
Lectures: Three hours per week.
Laboratories: Three hours per week.
Prerequisites: Mathematics 2000, Physics 2055.
3210. Economic Mineral Deposits (W). An introduction to the
study of mineral deposits and definition of the basic physio-chemical
parameters of ore deposit formation. The course involves a systematic
review of genetic models for the principal types of metallic mineral
deposits, and links these models to a common theme of the relationship
between lithosphere-hydrosphere-biosphere interactions and metallogeny.
Laboratory exercises involve examination of representative suites of
samples from different types of metallic mineral deposits and provide an
introduction to the use of reflected light microscopy.
Prerequisites: EITHER Earth Sciences 2031, 2502 and 2905; OR Earth
Sciences 2031 and Chemistry 3211; OR Engineering 3610 and Engineering
3205.
3600. Environmental Geology (F). The application of basic
concepts and fundamental principles of geochemistry in evaluating
natural and human-induced change through time on the interaction of the
Earth's lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere; includes the
effects of contaminants on global change. Laboratory time will be used
for short field- based studies and for exercises examining the effects
of contaminants on global change.
Prerequisites: EITHER Earth Sciences 2502; OR Earth Sciences 1000,
Chemistry 2210 and Chemistry 2300.
3611. Engineering Geology (W). Basic concepts in soil, rock and
fracture mechanics; classification of soil, rock and rock masses;
special topics include the engineering and environmental aspects and
issues of: slope development and underground excavations in soils and
rocks; the development of hydroelectric and irrigation projects; the
nuclear fuel cycle; resource developments in sensitive terrains. This
course includes a laboratory component.
Prerequisites: Mathematics 1001 or permission of instructor.
NOTE: Credit may not be obtained for Earth Sciences 3611 and the
former Earth Sciences 4611.
3811. Paleontology (W). An outline of the major changes in life
forms from Archean times through the Phanerozoic to the present day,
including details of invertebrate and vertebrate faunas and major floral
groups; mechanisms and effects of mega-, macro- and microevolution in
the fossil record; biology and classification of organisms and summaries
of their geological significance in biostratigraphy, paleoecology and
rock-building; relationships between major cycles of evolution and
extinction to global processes. This course has a laboratory component.
Prerequisites: EITHER Biology 2120 (or Biology 1001 and 1002) and Earth
Sciences 1002; OR Biology 2122 and 2210.
NOTE: Credit may not be obtained for Earth Sciences 3811 and Biology
3811, or either the former Earth Sciences 3801 or Biology 3800.
3905. Field Methods in Structural Geology and Stratigraphy (W). A
one credit hour course based on approximately 5 days of geological
mapping in Precambrian rocks near St. John’s. Emphasis is placed on
application of techniques of structural analysis. Evenings will be
dedicated to data analysis and preparation of structural maps and
sections.
Prerequisite: Earth Sciences 2401.
NOTE: This course will be given during a special session immediately
following the winter semester examination period. Students are advised
to complete this course immediately following Earth Sciences 2401. Entry
is by application to the Head of the Department (or delegate) only.
FOURTH YEAR
NOTE: Not all Fourth Year courses may be offered every year.
4053. Petrogenesis of Igneous Rocks. Phase
equilibria in the major classes of igneous rocks; the production, ascent
and differentiation of magmas; the variation in chemistry of individual
magmatic classes with tectonic setting; the variation in eruptive styles
and products with different magma systems. This course has a laboratory
component.
Prerequisites: EITHER Earth Sciences 3054 or the former Earth Sciences
3053 and 2503.
4054. Mineralogy and Metamorphic Petrology. Equilibrium
thermo-dynamics and reaction kinetics as applied to mineralogy and
metamorphic petrology; the interpretation of PTX conditions and
rate-controlling mechanisms from mineral assemblages. Laboratories
include use of XRD and electron-probe methods to collect data for use in
calculations of the conditions of formation of metamorphic mineral
assemblages.
Prerequisites: Earth Sciences 3400 or 2401; and EITHER Earth Sciences
3055 OR Earth Sciences 3053 and the former 2503.
NOTE: Credit may not be obtained for Earth Sciences 4054 and either
of the former Earth Sciences 4030 or 4052.
4105. High Resolution Geophysics. A senior level field based
course in high resolution geophysics with an emphasis on environmental
applications. Topics to be covered include Ground Probing Radar, the
Generalized Reciprocal method in refraction seismic, high resolution
magnetic surveys, microgravimetry surveys, electro-magnetic methods.
This course has a laboratory component in which students conduct a
series of surveys over a specific site and process and interpret the
collected data.
Prerequisites: Earth Sciences 3170, 3172 and 3179.
4171. Exploration Geophysics III. Techniques involved in the
processing and interpretation of multichannel seismic reflection data,
including muting, filtering, velocity analysis, normal moveout
corrections, binning, stacking and migration. Laboratory-based
assignments demonstrate the typical steps involved in processing data.
Prerequisite: Earth Sciences 3170 and Earth Sciences 4179.
4173. Exploration Geophysics IV. Advanced techniques in
electrical and electromagnetic exploration methods including advanced
IP, airborne EM surveys, EM and IP modelling, and inversion techniques;
advanced methods in gravity and magnetic field exploration techniques
including 2 ½-D and 3-D modelling and inversion, map processing
techniques, and excess mass determination. This course has a laboratory
component.
Prerequisite: Earth Sciences 3170 or 3172; and Earth Sciences 4179.
4179. Digital Signal Processing. Introduction to the theory and
basic computational techniques of digital signal processing in
geophysics. Topics covered include: sampling, Fourier transformation,
design and application of digital filters, deconvolution, spectral
analysis, two dimensional signal processing, with emphasis on
geophysical applications.
Prerequisite: Earth Sciences 3179.
4211. Economic Geology. A detailed look at the methodologies and
techniques used in the study of mineral deposits and their applications
in case histories. Laboratory exercises involve solving problem sets
using the various types of data from selected case studies.
Prerequisites: Earth Sciences 3210; and Earth Sciences 3054 or 3055 or
the former 2503.
4302. Advanced Marine Geology. The geology and
geophysics of ocean basins; discussion of methods of oceanic
exploration, the history and development of ocean basins,
interrelationships between ocean water, marine organisms, sedimentary
and igneous processes.
Prerequisites: Earth Sciences 1001 or 1002 and completion of any 15
credit hours in core courses at the 3000 and/or 4000 levels (see General
Note 5) in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Earth Sciences,
Physics, or Geography.
4400. Advanced Techniques in Structural Geology. Modern
techniques of structural analysis applied to fold and fault systems
including progressive deformation and strain analysis, fold mechanisms,
fold morphology and classification, fold sections and profiles,
superposed folding, fault geometry and morphology, brittle and ductile
shear zones, and construction of balanced cross-sections. This course
includes a laboratory component.
Prerequisites: EITHER Earth Sciences 2401 and 3905 and a minimum of 6
credit hours in Earth Sciences at the 3000 level OR the former Earth
Sciences 3400.
4502. Advanced Geochemistry. An analysis of the chemical fluxes
and mass balances within the Earth, focusing on geochemical modelling of
Earth processes; includes applications of radiogenic and stable isotope
geochemistry.
Prerequisites: Earth Sciences 3600; and EITHER the former Earth
Sciences 2503 and 3053 OR Earth Sciences 3054 and 3055.
4503. Mineral Exploration Geochemistry. An examination of the
application of geochemistry to mineral exploration, covering: the
lithogeochemical characteristics of ore deposits, their host rocks, and
element dispersion from them; the principles of sampling and analysis in
exploration geochemistry; approaches to the statistical analysis,
graphical presentation, and interpretation of survey results; and the
design of effective geochemical surveys. Particular emphasis will be
placed on case studies relevant to exploration in Newfoundland and
Labrador. Laboratory/seminar sessions involve working with exemplary
data sets, using computer-based software for statistical analysis and
software for searching large databases and viewing the spatial
relationships of different types of map data relevant to the mineral
exploration industry.
Prerequisite: Earth Sciences 3210.
4601. Petroleum Origin and Occurrence. The origin, migration,
accumulation and exploration of petroleum resources, emphasizing typical
reservoir styles, potential reservoir lithologies, geological and
geophysical methods of exploration, and basic concepts of formation
evaluation. This course includes a laboratory component.
Prerequisites: Earth Sciences 2702 or 3701; and Earth Sciences 3170 or
3172.
4610. Hydrogeology. Geology and its relationship to groundwater
occurrence and exploitation: basic theory, groundwater flow systems,
surface-groundwater interactions and changes in water quality, field and
laboratory techniques, hydrogeological aspects of waste disposal and
resource development. This course includes a laboratory component.
Prerequisites: Earth Sciences 2502 or permission of instructor.
4700. Sedimentary Environments and Facies Models. A detailed
examination of recent siliciclastic sedimentary environments, their
associated facies models, and application of this knowledge to
understanding the origin and character of sandstone hydrocarbon
reservoirs. Laboratories consist of several full-day field exercises in
Proterozoic and Paleozoic rocks of the Avalon Peninsula, and core
studies of reservoir facies in the Mesozoic Jeanne d’Arc Basin of the
Grand Banks.
Prerequisite: Earth Sciences 2702 or 3701 and a minimum of 6 credit
hours in Earth Sciences at the 3000 level.
NOTE: Because of the several full-day field trips (usually on
Thursday) and to avoid timetable conflicts, students are strongly
advised to not take courses outside the department that have contact
hours on the same day as the laboratories in this course.
4800. Advanced Paleontology. (Same as Biology 4800 and former
Geology 4110 and Earth Sciences 4110). A lecture, laboratory and seminar
course dealing with selected topics in general paleontology, including
evolution, sources of ontogenetic variation, population paleontology,
functional morphology, paleoecology, and statistical methods employed in
paleontological studies.
Prerequisites: Earth Sciences 3811, and Statistics 2510* or Mathematics
2000.
4901. Tectonic Regimes (F). A lecture and seminar course
describing the tectonic regimes of the lithosphere, with emphasis on the
interactions of structure, sedimentology, igneous- metamorphic petrology
and paleogeography; topics covered include stress and deformation of the
lithosphere, and the evolution of passive, conservative and active
margins; regional examples will stress North American geology.
Prerequisites: Earth Sciences 3053 or 3054 or 3055; and Earth Sciences
2702 or 3701; and Earth Sciences 2401 or 3400.
NOTE: Credit may not be obtained for Earth Sciences 4901 and the
former Earth Sciences 4320.
4903. Global Change (W). A lecture and seminar
course that studies the interaction of the atmosphere, biosphere and
lithosphere; topics covered include the evolution of the biosphere,
fluid circulation, global geochemical budget, global environmental
changes, and chemical evolution of the hydrosphere.
Prerequisites: Earth Sciences 1001 or 1002, Biology 2120 or Biology
1001 and 1002 and completion of any 15 credit hours in core courses at
the 3000 and/or 4000 levels (see General
Note 5) in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, or
Physics; or permission of the instructor.
4905. Field Course in Geological Mapping and
Regional Tectonics (F). A two-week field school designed to allow
application of techniques introduced in the third year, and to provide
an introduction to the Appalachian geology of western and central
Newfoundland. Reports must be submitted for grading during the fall
semester. The course may be taken by others with the permission of the
Head of the Department.
Prerequisites: Earth Sciences 3053 or 3055; and Earth Sciences 2401 and
3905 (or the former 3400); and Earth Sciences 2702 or 3701.
4910-4920. Special Topics in Earth Sciences. Lecture and
seminar courses given for undergraduates in their fourth or fifth year
who wish to gain more specialized knowledge in a particular field of
Earth Sciences than is possible through the standard course offerings.
The Department will consider suggestions by students for Special Topics
courses, but it must be borne in mind that such a course should normally
be approved at least three months before the start of the semester in
which it is to be taken.
Prerequisites: Permission of the Head of Department.
4950. Technical Report on Geoscience Employment. Preparation of
a publication-quality technical report, about 50 pages in length, based
on a study undertaken during geoscience employment. The topic and scope
of the study must be approved by the Head of Department prior to its
commencement. The same study cannot be used as the basis of a
dissertation completed for course ES499A/B. Students will present a
seminar or seminars on results of the project, and will be closely
advised on proper organization and writing of scientific reports. Some
directed reading will be required. This course can only be used as an
"additional course" under point (g) of the regulations for General
degrees, and under point (h) of the regulations for Honours degrees.
Prerequisites: Completion of nine credit hours in Earth Sciences at
3000 level, and permission of the Head of Department.
499A & 499B. Dissertation. A six-credit hour linked course
based on independent study of an approved problem in the Earth Sciences.
The subject of study will be decided in consultation with Faculty
Advisors and must be approved in advance by the Head of Department. The
dissertation cannot be based on the same study used to obtain credit for
Earth Sciences 4950. The dissertation is obligatory for Honours
students, but may be taken as Science credits by General students with
permission of the Head. The first semester will normally involve
directed reading, supervised laboratory work, and preparation of a
dissertation outline. The second semester will be devoted to data
synthesis and interpretation, and to preparation of a formal written
report accompanied by appropriate illustrations, to be submitted for
grading no later than a formal examination period early in the
university examination schedule.
* Inactive Course
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