2004 - 2005 Calendar
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
In accordance with Senate's Policy Regarding Inactive Courses, the course descriptions for courses which have not been offered in the previous three academic years and which are not scheduled to be offered in the current academic year have been removed from the following listing. For information about any of these inactive courses, please contact the Head of the Department.
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 1051 (or 1021 or 1054), 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.
NOTE: Earth Sciences 2150 is designed for students taking Earth Sciences
as an elective. Earth Sciences 2150 is not acceptable as one of the required
courses for the Minor, Major or Honours programs in Earth Sciences.
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 1002, Chemistry 1011 (or 1051 or equivalent),
Mathematics 1000, Physics 1051 (or 1021 or 1054).
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: Earth Sciences 1000, Chemistry 1011 (or 1051 or
equivalent).
Co-requisite: 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. Earth Sciences 2914 is not acceptable as one of the
required courses for the Minor, Major or Honours programs in Earth Sciences.
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. Earth Sciences 2915 is not acceptable as one of the
required courses for the Minor, Major or Honours programs in Earth Sciences.
2916. Natural Hazards on a Dynamic Earth (W). The surface of the
Earth is in a constant state of change, thereby posing risks and challenges
for society. An understanding of geological processes in the past and present
provides context for evaluating risks related to earthquakes, volcanic activity
and mass movements, challenges related to water resources, land-use planning
and waste disposal, and the background to interpret sources and consequences
of climate change. The course will provide a broad perspective on contemporary
issues facing society.
NOTE: Earth Sciences 2916 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. Earth Sciences 2916 is not acceptable as one of the
required courses for the Minor, Major or Honours programs in Earth Sciences.
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 and 2820.
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.
Prerequisites: Earth Sciences 2401 and 2905.
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 (c) of the regulations
for General degrees, and under point (d) of the regulations for Honours
degrees.
Prerequisites: Completion of 9 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.
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