Academic Calendar 2006 (new)» UNDERGRADUATE COURSE INFORMATION» Earth Sciences
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Earth Sciences

Earth Sciences Courses
 
022a/b023a/b081a/b083F/G086F/G088F/G089F/G
123a/b200a/b201a/b206a/b212a/b220a/b230a/b
231a/b240F/G250y260a/b261a/b265a/b281b
310a/b313a/b314b315a/b320a/b321a322a/b
323a/b340a/b341a/b350y369a/b370a/b371a/b
400a/b415a/b420a/b421a/b423a/b424a/b425a/b
431a/b440a/b444a/b450y451y458a/b459a/b
460a/b461a/b462a/b470a/b471a/b490E

Earth Sciences 022a/b, The Origin and Evolution of Planet Earth
Description: What our planet is made of, how it works, and how it affects us. Framed on the interactions of the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. Specific topics include: geological time and earth history; formation of rocks and minerals; rock deformation; volcanoes and earthquakes; plate tectonics and mountain building.
Antirequisite(s): The former Earth Sciences 020, 082a/b.
2 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 023a/b, Planet Earth: Shaken and Stirred
Description: An overview of the origin and development of Earth and solar system; constitution and active processes of Earth interior; how these processes have shaped Earth evolution in the past and how they continue to control surface phenomena such as earthquake and volcanic activity. Labs will introduce the main resource exploration techniques.
Antirequisite(s): Earth Sciences 123a/b, the former Earth Sciences 085a/b.
2 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 081a/b, Resources, Environment and Sustainability in a Material Society
Description: This course introduces students to the relationship between humans and their geological environment. Emphasis is placed on the evidence for perturbations of Earth's natural environments by humans that impact on our planet's future. Specific topics include utilization of natural resources, waste management, water quality, geological hazards, and global change.
Antirequisite(s): the former Earth Sciences 020.
2 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 083F/G, Life on Planet Earth
Description: Origin of geological time scale. Pre-Darwinian concepts of development of life on Earth. Darwinian evolution and modern concepts of evolution. Genetics and evolution: mode and rate of evolution. A survey of the vertebrate fossil record with focus on particular groups incuding hominids. Major extinction events in the fossil record.
Antirequisite(s): the former Earth Sciences 020, 083F.
3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 086F/G, Origin and Geology of the Solar System
Description: Our best perception of the origin of the Universe, the Milky Way Galaxy, and our Solar System, meteorites, asteroids, comets and the formation of planets. The slow growth of Planetary Science reason and analysis of hypotheses. Why and how Earth evolved along a path radically different than the other planets.
The equivalent of 3 lecture hours per week. Offered only on-line (see UWO Distance Studies); 0.5 course
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Earth Sciences 088F/G, A Foundation for Medical and Forensic Geology
Description: Practical applications of the Earth Sciences to human welfare. Aspects of origin, natural concentration, and biological intake of earth materials are considered and the significance of these substances to human health is discussed. Use of earth materials in surgery, treatment of disease and of Earth Science techniques to solve criminal cases are covered.
3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 089F/G, Earth, Art and Culture
Description: An examination of Earth materials used in the arts over the history of human culture. Topics include: Earth materials as media in the Visual Arts (pigments, stone and clay); rocks, minerals and fossils as motifs in famous works of art; landscape photography; gemstones and jewelery; earth materials in wine and cuisine, and modern technology.
3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 123a/b, The Dynamic Earth
Description: An introduction to the Earth as a large heat engine; topics will focus on large scale dynamic processes that occur in the deep interior (mantle and core convection) and their relation to activity and phenomena on the face of the Earth (tectonic plate motions, plate interactions, earth magnetic field, etc.).
Antirequisite(s): Earth Sciences 023a/b, the former Earth Sciences 085a/b.
2 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 200a/b, Plate Tectonic Theory, Environments and Products
Description: Rock types and their distribution within the Earth's crust are a result of tectonics, including continental rifting, seafloor spreading, subduction, obduction, and orogenic uplift and collapse. Lectures synthesize and explain major rock types in primary and secondary tectonic settings. Laboratories examine rocks and textures in hand specimens.
Prerequisite(s): One of Earth Sciences 022a/b, 023a/b, 081a/b, 083F/G, 086F/G, 088F/G, 089F/G, or the former Earth Sciences 020, or permission of the Department.
2 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 201a/b, Introduction to Structural Geology
Description: A discussion of the rheological properties of rocks and the conditions under which rocks deform. The significance of both large and small scale structures is discussed. Techniques for the quantitative analysis of rock deformation are introduced. Laboratory exercises include the interpretation of geological maps and the use of the spherical projection.
Prerequisite(s): One of Earth Sciences 022a/b, 023a/b, 081a/b, 083F/G, 086F/G, 088F/G, 089F/G, or the former Earth Sciences 020, or permission of the Department.
2 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 206a/b, Mineral Systems, Crystallography, and Optics
Description: Introduction to mineral chemistry, crystal chemistry and mineral paragenesis, with emphasis on rock-forming minerals and ore minerals. Identification of minerals and mineral properties in hand specimen and thin section.
Antirequisite(s): The former Earth Sciences 210, 205a.
Prerequisite(s): One of Earth Sciences 022a/b, 023a/b, 081a/b, 083F/G, 086F/G, 088F/G, 089F/G or the former Earth Sciences 020.
2 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 212a/b, Genesis of Meteorites and Planetary Materials
Description: The origin of meteorites and planetary materials (igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks) will be deduced from textural evidence obtained from microscopic studies. These deductions then will be used to constrain hypotheses concerning genesis and evolution of Earth, other planets and the Solar System.
Prerequisite(s): Earth Sciences 200a/b and 206a/b.
2 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 220a/b, Environmental and Exploration Geophysics I
Description: A brief introduction to applied seismology – the investigation of Earth structure using sound waves in rocks. Topics include: seismic reflection methods, a cornerstone of oil and gas exploration; seismic refraction methods; earthquake seismology. This lab-oriented course will provide hands-on experience with computers and analysis of large digital data sets.
Prerequisite(s): Mathematics 030 or any two of: Calculus 050a/b, 051a/b, 081a/b.
2 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 230a/b, Introduction to Geochemistry
Description: Effects of temperature, pressure and bulk composition on stabilities of minerals in natural geological settings are evaluated using thermodynamic principles. Reaction rates among minerals and fluids, including the effects of natural catalysts and inhibitors, and biotic mediation are addressed. Introduction to the principles of radioisotope and stable isotope geochemistry.
Prerequisite(s): Earth Sciences 200a or permission of the Department.
Corequisite(s): Chemistry 020 or Chemistry 023.
2 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 231a/b, Birth, Life, and Death of Elements, Planets and Stars
Description: Discussion of the formation of the elements in stellar interiors. Production of stable and unstable isotopes, with emphasis on their rate of decay. Development of the "absolute" time scale. The immensity of time and consequences of energy production are discussed with respect to the "life" of the Earth, other planets and the Sun.
Antirequisite(s): The former Earth Sciences 330b.
Prerequisite(s): Earth Sciences 200a/b.
3 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 240F/G, Catastrophic Events in Earth History.
Description: The surface of the Earth can undergo catastrophic changes, which reflect effects of both internal and external forces. These changes result from earthquakes, volcanism, meteorite impacts, erosion, and related phenomena. The consequences for life on the planet, the forces involved and mechanisms causing change are investigated.
Prerequisite(s): One of Earth Sciences 022a/b, 023a/b, 081a/b, 083F/G, 086F/G, 088F/G, 089F/G, or the former Earth Sciences 020, or permission of the Department.
3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 250y, Field Mapping Techniques in Geology
Description: Ten day field camp in the vicinity of Whitefish Falls, northern Lake Huron. Students will examine Precambrian metasedimentary and Early Paleozoic sedimentary rocks, make a geological map, measure a stratigraphic section and learn techniques of paleocurrent analysis.
Corequisite(s): Earth Sciences 200a, Earth Sciences 260a/b; or permission of the Department.
10 day field course, 0.5 course.
Note: Registration may be limited to programs where Earth Sciences 250y is a required course; students must register prior to the September "Add" deadline for full-year courses (see Undergraduate Sessional Dates). Partial cost of the field expenses ($250 in 2002, but subject to change) must be borne by the student, and is payable to the department upon registration. Students should consult the Department Office for details, early in the Fall term.
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Earth Sciences 260a/b, Stratigraphy and Sedimentology: From Beds to Basins
Description: Methods of subdivision and correlation of stratified rocks; lithological, geochronological and biological techniques: sequence stratigraphy; magnetostratigraphy. Labs include examination of sedimentary rocks and structures; paleocurrent analysis, section measurement and construction.
Prerequisite(s): One of Earth Sciences 022a/b, 023a/b, 081a/b, 083F/G, 086F/G, 088F/G 089F/G or the former Earth Sciences 020.
2 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 261a/b, Biospheric Interactions Through Time
Description: This course explores the significance of life on Earth, past and present. Topics include ecological revolutions, mass extinctions, roles of life in the mediation of physical and chemical processes in the lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere, controls on global biodiversity patterns, and case histories of selected invertebrate and vertebrate groups.
Prerequisite(s): One of Earth Sciences 022a/b, 023a/b, 081a/b, 083F/G, 086F/G, 088F/G, 089F/G, or the former Earth Sciences 020; or Biology 022 or equivalent; or permission of the Department.
2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 265a/b, Paleobiology and Paleoecology
Description: A survey of the fossil record from bacteria, protists, calcareous algae, to invertebrate animals. Topics on each group of fossils include functional morphology, evolutionary trend, ancient living environments, contribution to sediment accumulation and reef-building, utility for dating and correlating rocks and for understanding long-term biodiversity change.
Antirequisite(s): The former Earth Sciences 361a/b.
Prerequisite(s): One of Earth Sciences 022a/b, 023a/b, 081a/b, 083F/G, 086F/G, 088F/G, 089F/G, or the former Earth Sciences 020; or Biology 022 or 023.
2 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 281b, Geology for Engineers
Description: Introduction to physical geology with emphasis on the engineering oriented aspects of the Earth Sciences. Topics include: minerals and rocks; mass movements; interpretation of aerial photographs, topographic and geologic maps; surficial processes and their manifestations; surface and ground water; structural geology and subsurface processes; and earth resources.
Antirequisite(s): One of Earth Sciences 022a/b, 023a/b, 081a/b, 083F/G, 086F/G, 088F/G, 089F/G, or the former Earth Sciences 020.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in second, third, or fourth year Civil and Environmental Engineering; or permission of the Department.
2 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 310a/b, Structure and Chemistry of Minerals and Materials
Description: Study of crystal structure, crystal chemistry, and stability of rock-forming minerals. Theory of atomic substitutions of major and trace elements in minerals. Advanced topics include crystal field theory, X-ray powder diffraction. Mineral physics includes elastic properties, bulk and shear moduli, density, band theory, lattice defects and transport properties.
Prerequisite(s): Earth Sciences 206a/b, 230a/b.
2 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 313a/b, Igneous Petrology
Description: Study of igneous processes using rock and thin section descriptions (petrography). Discussion of how different compositions and conditions influence the phases present in a rock (phase equilibria). Association of different rock types with plate tectonic setting.
Antirequisite(s): The former Earth Sciences 311 and 312a.
Prerequisite(s): Earth Sciences 206a/b.
2 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 314b, Sedimentary Petrology
Description: Identification and description of various types of siliciclastic and carbonate rocks; the important characteristics of sedimentary rocks and their key sedimentary features for interpretation of present and ancient despositional environments; survey of diagenetic processes that alter original properties of primary sediments.
Antirequisite(s): The former Earth Sciences 311
Prerequisite(s): Earth Sciences 200a, Earth Sciences 206b.
2 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 315a/b, Metamorphic Petrology
Description: Study of metamorphic processes using rock and thin section descriptions (petrography). Discussion of factors that control the mineralogy and physical attributes of different metamorphic rocks (e.g., temperature, pressure, composition, fluids). Use of phase equilibria and geochronology to understand metamorphic histories. Association of different rock types with plate tectonic setting.
Antirequisite(s): The former Earth Sciences 311 and 312a.
Prerequisite(s): Earth Sciences 206a/b.
2 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 320a/b, Environmental and Exploration Geophysics II
Description: An introduction to geophysical techniques used for subsurface sensing, with applications ot the global search for mineral wealth, and mapping near surface layers for environmental studies. The course is intended for students in Earth Sciences, but is also relevant to students in other programs including Environmental Science and Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Prerequisite(s): Mathematics 030 or Applied Mathematics 026, or any two of the following: Calculus 050a/b, 051a/b, 081a/b, Mathematics 028a/b, Linear Algebra 040a/b, Statistical Science 024a/b.
2 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 321a, Physics of the Earth I
Description: An introduction to physics of the Earth's interior. Major topics are: Earth structure from seismic observations, heat flow, the physics of minerals under high temperatures and pressures, equations of state, seismological, thermal and compositional models.
Prerequisite(s): Earth Sciences 220b.
3 lecture hours, 2 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 322a/b, Introduction to Time Series Analysis
Description: Fourier analysis using the Fast Fourier Transform. Correlation, convolution, and introduction to digital filtering methods with applications to a broad spectrum of disciplines. Although stress is on geophysical applications such as in seismology, examples from economics, medicine, atmospheric physics, electrical engineering and image processing are used.
Prerequisite(s): Calculus 280a/b and 281a/b, or Applied Mathematics 290a and 291b
2 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 323a/b, Introduction to Geodesy and Remote Sensing
Description: An introduction to the basic concepts of geodesy and geodetic surveying, to include geometrical and physical geodesy. Material covered will include datums and coordinate systems, space and surface geodetic techniques, gravity and precise leveling, uncertainty estimation, and error propagation. Specific applications will include GPS data collection and analysis.
Prerequisite(s): Calculus 251a/b or 281a/b.
2 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 340a/b, Watershed Hydrology
Description: Occurrence, movement, and behavior of water in the hydrologic cycle. The development of quantitative representations of hydrologic processes (e.g., precipitation, evapotranspirtation, runoff, infiltration and unsaturated flow, saturated flow, surface flow). Analysis of stream response hydrographs. Statistical models of predicting flood responses and water resource management.
Prerequisite(s): One of Earth Sciences 022a/b, 023a/b, 081a/b, 083F/G, 086F/G, 088F/G, 089F/G, 281a/b or the former 020; plus Mathematics 030 or Applied Mathematics 026, or any two of Calculus 050a/b, 051a/b, 081a/b, Mathematics 028a/b, Linear Algebra 040a/b, Statistical Sciences 024a/b; plus one of Chemistry 020, 023, 024a/b; or permission of the Department.
2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 341a/b, Introduction to Environmental & Exploration Geochemistry
Description: Effects of mineral stability, adsorption, cation exchange, natural complexing agents, temperature and pressure on metal and non-metal contents of groundwater. Acquisition of solutes by rain, surface and subsurface waters and their transportation and deposition in natural environments (e.g., formation of ore deposits). Natural sources of potential pollutants (e.g., heavy metals). Geochemical cycles of solutes.
Antirequisite(s): The former Earth Sciences 330b.
Prerequisite(s): Earth Sciences 230a/b or 0.5 course in Chemistry at the 200 level or higher.
2 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 350y, Geospatial Information Systems in Geological Mapping
Description: A basic field course emphasizing mapping of igneous and metamorphic tectonites. Field-related database software, and software for interpretation of remote sensing data will be employed in georegistering air photos to topographic bases and in map interpretation.
Prerequisite(s): Earth Sciences 200a/b, 201a/b, 206a/b, 260a/b.
2 weeks field course in May, 0.5 course.
Note: Registration may be limited to programs in which 350y is a required course; students must register prior to the September "Add" deadline for full year courses (see Undergraduate Sessional Dates). Partial cost of the field expenses ($250 in 2002, but subject to change) must be borne by the students, and is payable to the Department upon registration. Students should consult the Department Office for details, early in the fall term.
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Earth Sciences 369a/b, Geomicrobiology
Description: A study of geomicrobiological processes recorded in the Earth record and bacteria-mineral interactions in contemporary systems, including methods for the analysis of prokaryotes. The factors affecting their community structure and function, and their relationship to geochemistry. In the laboratory, students will develop bacteriological culture techniques used in geomicrobiological research.
Prerequisite(s): Earth Sciences 265a/b, or Biology 022 or 023, or permission of the Department.
2 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 370a/b, Metallogeny I: Ore Petrology
Description: A survey course introducing the broad field of mineral deposit geology and the importance of mineral resources. Global theories of ore genesis are considered in deposit classification. Various methods of ore petrology are discussed within the context of specific applications. Laboratory work focuses on reflected light microscopy in the practical study of ore suites.
Prerequisite(s): Earth Sciences 200a/b and 206a/b.
2 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 371a/b, Metallogeny II: Ore Deposit Models
Description: The material covered builds directly on Earth Sciences 370a/b. Metallogenic models are applied to a wide spectrum of deposit types. Emphasis is placed on establishing geological criteria for mineral exploration. Laboratory work focuses on reflected light microscopy in practical studies of ore suites.
Prerequisite(s): Earth Sciences 370a/b or permission of the Department.
2 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 400a/b, Earth Evolution
Description: A survey of the geological evidence of change during the last 4 billion years of earth history; the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere.
Antirequisite(s): The former Geology 461a/b.
Prerequisite(s): earth Sciences 313a/b and 314a/b, or the former 300b, 312a, or 311; or permission of the Department.
2 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 415a/b, Advanced Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
Description: The origin and abundance of elements and their distribution within the earth. Geochemical methods (trace elements and radiogenic isotopes) and experimental approaches to determine the history of igneous rocks. Melting and crystallization processes, ascent and emplacement of magma. Equilibrium methods to examine recrystallization in different metamorphic environments.
Antirequisite(s): Earth Sciences 411a/b, 412a/b.
Prerequisite(s): Earth Sciences 313a/b and 315a/b, or the former Earth Sciences 311 or 312a.
2 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 420a/b, Geophysical Forward and Inverse Modelling Methods
Description: An introduction to potential theory and methods of interpreting geophysical data through the construction of forward models, optimization of misfit surfaces, and inversion.
Prerequisite(s): Calculus 280a/b and 281a/b, or Applied Mathematics 290a and 291b.
2 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 421a/b, Physics of the Earth II
Description: Advanced topics in physics of the Earth's interior: Age of the Earth, shape of the Earth, rotation of the Earth, thermal state of the Earth, origin of the Earth's magnetic field and rock magnetism.
Prerequisite(s): Earth Sciences 321a.
2 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 423a/b, Applied Seismology
Description: Advanced concepts in the application of seismic-reflection and refraction techniques for exploration of the subsurface. Topics include: elastic wave propagation fundamentals; prestack and post-stack data processing and analysis; deconvolution of time series data; seismic migration; inversion of traveltime data; amplitude-versus offset analysis; 3-D seismic interpretation.
Antirequisite(s): Earth Science 425a/b.
Prerequisite(s): Earth Sciences 220a/b, 322a/b; Calculus 251a/b or 281a/b.
2 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 424a/b, Advanced Mineral Physics
Description: Introduction to elementary solid state theory, high pressure geophysics, phase transformations, elasticity, physical properties and mineral physics of the earth's mantle and core.
Prerequisite(s): Calculus 280a/b and 281a/b, or the former Applied Mathematics 290a and 291b; Earth Sciences 321a; or Earth Sciences 310a.
3 lecture hours, 2 tutorial hour, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 425a/b, Global Seismology
Description: Advanced concepts in earthquake rupture dynamics and seismic analysis of global earth structure. Topics covered will include: seismic wavefield theory; seismic sources and source parameters; synthetic seismograms; global seismic tomography; methods of teleseismic data analysis.
Antirequisite(s): Earth Sciences 423a/b.
Prerequisite(s): Earth Sciences 220a/b and 322a/b, Calculus 251a/b or 281a/b.
2 lecture hours, 3 lab/tutorial hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 431a/b, Isotope Geochemistry in Earth and Environmental Science
Description: Stable isotopes (O,H,C,S,N), atmosphere, hydrosphere, sedimentary and diagenetic systems, hydrothermal systems, fluid migration, ore-forming fluids, igneous and metamorphic rocks. Environmental applications: groundwater, oceans, wetlands, acid rain; acid mine drainage, climate fluctuation; global cycle modification. Radiogenic isotopes: dating techniques; crust and mantle evolution, environmental tracing.
Prerequisite(s): Earth Sciences 341a/b or the former Earth Sciences 330b and completion of any 200 level half course in Chemistry; or registration in third or fourth year of an Environmental Sciences program; or permission of the Department.
3 lecture hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 440a/b, Fundamentals of Ground Water Flow and Contaminant Transport
Description: Occurrence, distribution, movement, chemistry and composition of ground water as a function of the geological environment; water quality and ground water contamination; collection and evaluation of hydrogeologic data; modelling ground-water flow and advective transport; case histories.
Prerequisite(s): Earth Sciences 340a/b, or CEE 326, or 80% in Geography 315a/b, or permission of the Department.
2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 444a/b, Hazardous Mine Wastes
Description: Introduction to uranium, Cu-Pb-Zn sulphide and lode-gold deposits. Quantitative modelling is introduced, and focuses on reactions occurring in mine wastes. Common geochemical remediation practices are discussed. Students will propose and test chemical remedial actions for waste sites using geochemical modelling. Laboratories include the analysis and leaching of ores.
Prerequisite(s): Earth Sciences 341a/b or the former Earth Sciences 330b; or completion of any 300 level course in Chemistry or Civil Engineering; or registration in Year Four of the Science of Materials Program; or permission of the Department.
2 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 450y, Advanced Field Geology
Description: Field study of the geology of major structural provinces of North America. A ten day field trip at the beginning of September. Restricted to students accepted into the 4th year Honors Geology Program, or students registered in the Minor in Advanced Earth and Planetary Sciences.
Prerequisite(s): Earth Science 350y, or permission of the Department.
0.5 course.
Students must inform the Department of their intention to register in the course prior to May 1st, and register prior to August 15th. Partial cost of the field expenses ($300 in 2003 but subject to change) must be borne by the student, and is payable to the Department upon registration.
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Earth Sciences 451y, Geophysical Field Techniques
Description: An introduction to geophysical techniques used for environment studies, as well as exploration for mineral deposits and hydrocarbons. Techniques covered will include gravity, magnetic, seismic and electromagnetic field methods. Data acquisition and basic data processing and interpretation will be covered, together with an introduction to data analysis using MATLAB.
Prerequisite(s): Earth Sciences 220b, 320a
The new course will be taught over a two-week period between May and August. Students must register prior to the September "Add" deadline for full year courses (see Undergraduate Sessional Dates). Partial cost of the field expenses ($300 in 2003 but subject to change) must be borne by the student, and is payable to the Department upon registration. Students must consult the Departmental office for details early in the fall term.
0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 458a/b, Selected Topics in Earth Sciences
Description:
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Department.
5 hours per week, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 459a/b, Selected Topics in Earth Sciences
Description:
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Department.
5 hours per week, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 460a/b, Sedimentology of Clastic and Carbonate Rocks
Description: An overview of the principal depositional environments of clastic and carbonate rocks, with emphasis on the recognition and interpretation of sedimentary facies and facies successions. Field and laboratory exercises involving outcrop and subsurface data will be used to integrate facies analysis with sequence stratigraphy.
Prerequisite(s): Earth Sciences 260a/b and Earth Sciences 314b; or permission of the Department.
2 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 461a/b, Advanced Paleontology
Description: Advanced topics on applications of paleontological data to reconstructions of evolutionary history, ancient environments, geochronology, and paleobiogeography.
Prerequisite(s): Earth Sciences 260a/b, and 265a/b or the former 361a/b.
2 lecture hours, 3 laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 462a/b, Glacial and Quaternary Geology
Description: Covers the last 2 million years of Earth history. Glacial-interglacial cycles, global sea level and climatic changes, and their causes. Extent and dynamics of North American Pliestocene ice sheets. Dating methods, Quaternary resources, waste disposal, air photo interpretation and surficial mapping. Laboratory exercises, field project, field trip.
Prerequisite(s): Earth Sciences 260a/b and 314a/b; or completion of one of Geography 316a, 317a/b, 318a/b, 319a/b; or permission of the Department.
2 lecture hours, 3 seminar/laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 470a/b, Global Metallogenic Cycles in Crustal Evolution
Description: Advanced-level study of the global distribution of ore deposits. Problems of metal source, transport and deposition are discussed within the context of crustal evolution. Ore types sensitive to secular changes in the Earth's lithosphere-hydrosphere-atmosphere-biosphere are emphasized. Field excursions to major ore districts may be arranged.
Prerequisite(s): Earth Sciences 370a/b and 371a/b, or permission of the Department.
2 lecture hours, 3 seminar/laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 471a/b, Petroleum Geology
Description: Production and accumulation of organic matter, petroleum generation, primary migration of petroleum, secondary migration and accumulation of petroleum, petroleum alteration, reservoir rocks and traps, sedimentary basins and occurrence of petroleum traps.
Prerequisite(s): Earth Sciences 314a/b, or permission of the Department.
2 lecture hours, 3 seminar/laboratory hours, 0.5 course.
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Earth Sciences 490E, Senior Thesis
Description: A presentation of research on a chosen problem. Original data must be generated from field or laboratory studies and analyzed using appropriate methodologies. The results must be integrated into the existing literature on the topic. Independence in the conduct and reporting of research must be demonstrated.
Prerequisite(s): Registration in a fourth year honors program in Earth Sciences or permission of the Department.
1.0 course.
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Academic Calendar 2006 (new)» UNDERGRADUATE COURSE INFORMATION» Earth Sciences