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7.14 Geology
A.J. Anderson, Ph.D.
H. Beltrami, Ph.D.
M.J. Melchin, Ph.D.
J.B. Murphy, Ph.D.
Geology is the science of Earth. It employs physical, chemical, biological and mathematical methods to aid in understanding Earth, its materials, behavior, history and environment. A geologist's work involves the study, mapping and interpretation of Earth's evolution revealed by its atmosphere, oceans, rocks, minerals and fossils; the exploration and development of valuable resources that occur within them; and an evaluation of the environmental implications of these activities.
Earth is a dynamic and exciting planet. It has continually evolved over its 4.6-billion year history. During this time, oceans and mountains were created and destroyed; catastrophic events such as meteorite impacts, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occurred; global greenhouses and icehouses existed; and there were also periods of relative calm. All these events greatly influenced the evolution and extinction of life forms. The geologist tries to understand the origin, significance and order of these events so that we may more fully understand our planet. Such an understanding is vital if we are to locate, use, and harness Earth's resources and face the environmental challenges that confront us.
A university degree in geology can provide a stepping-stone to a wide range of career opportunities. Almost all everyday goods that society requires are derived from Earth's resources. With the increasing demands of society for energy and raw materials, the relevance of geological exploration, resource development, production and environmental impact cannot be overemphasized. Career opportunities also exist in government agencies, industries and financial institutions where a knowledge of Earth's processes is vital for investments and economic planning.
Our program is designed to provide a strong fundamental education for students who wish to continue to graduate studies, provide training to equip those who go to work as professional geologists, and offer non-geologists the opportunity to learn about the processes that shaped the planet on which they live. We offer options in geoscience, environmental geoscience, and joint programs with biology, business administration, chemistry, mathematics, and physics. The most important laboratory instruction is in the field, where studies help bridge the gap between textbook descriptions of geological relationships and actual occurrences. Some laboratory periods are devoted to the practical demonstration of these relationships.
Department Requirements
Due to the broad and interdisciplinary nature of Earth sciences, students can follow a number of different options toward a geology degree. The full requirements of all these programs conform to the Faculty of Science regulations (see sections 5.2 to 5.7). The specific requirements of each of the various options are outlined below and may be varied with approval of the chair. For all programs, approved electives may consist of any courses offered by the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Computer Science, and Physics (including PHYS 271 and 272) that are normally acceptable as credit for science students. However, several of the programs have specific elective courses that are recommended as being most appropriate to the program and students should consult the department chair for details.
Geoscience Option
Required courses for students in the honours and advanced major programs of the geoscience option are as follows: GEOL 170, 201, 202, 214, 216, 245, 246, 301, 302 or 435, 385, 426, 472, 476, 499 (GEOL 275 and 491 are required non-credit courses), CHEM 100 or 120, MATH 110, 6 credits at 200 and/or 300 level in chemistry or math, PHYS 100 or 120, plus additional geology, arts and elective courses as outlined in sections 5.3 and 5.6.
Environmental Geoscience Option
Required courses for students in the honours and advanced major programs of the environmental geoscience option are as follows: GEOL 170, 201, 202, 215, 216, 245, 246, 305, 366, 371, 372, 406 or 465, 472, 499 (Geol 275 and 491 are required non-credit courses), CHEM 100 or 120, 245, 265, MATH 110, PHYS 100 or 120, plus additional geology, arts and elective courses as outlined in sections 5.3 and 5.6.
Geochemistry Option
Required courses for students in the honours and advanced major programs of the geochemistry option are as follows: GEOL 170, 201, 202, 215, 216, 245, 246, 301, 302, 305, 406, 472, 499 (GEOL 275 and 491 are required non-credit courses), CHEM 100 or 120, 220, 231, 232, 245, 265, MATH 110, PHYS 100 or 120, plus additional geology, arts and elective courses as outlined in sections 5.3 and 5.6.
Joint Honours and Joint Advanced Major Programs
Joint honours and joint advanced major programs are offered with the Departments of Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics. Joint advanced major programs are offered with the Departments of Business Administration and Physics.For general information on course patterns see sections 5.4, 5.5 or 5.7. For further information, consult the chairs of the relevant departments. Typical programs are shown below.
Geology and Biology
GEOL 170, 201, 202, 215, 216, 245, 275, 371, 372, 385, 386, 472, 27 credits of biology (consult chair of the biology department), CHEM 100 or 120, 221, 255, MATH 110, 231, CSCI 235, plus additional geology, arts and elective courses as outlined in sections 5.4 and 5.7, interdisciplinary thesis and seminar.
Geology and Chemistry
GEOL 170, 201, 202, 215, 216, 245, 246, 275, 301, 302, 305, 406, CHEM 100 or 120, 220, 231, 232, 245, 246, 341, 342, 360, MATH 110, 253 or 267, and 3 additional math credits, PHYS 100 or 120, plus additional geology, arts and elective courses as outlined in sections 5.4 and 5.7, interdisciplinary thesis and seminar.
Geology and Mathematics
GEOL 170, 201, 202, 215, 216, 245, 246, 275, 472, 36 credits of mathematics (consult chair of the mathematics department), CHEM 100 or 120, PHYS 100 or 120, plus additional geology, arts and elective courses as outlined in sections 5.4 and 5.7, interdisciplinary thesis and seminar.
Geology and Physics
GEOL 170, 201, 202, 215, 216, 245, 246, 275, 435, 446, 472, 475, 30 credits of physics (consult chair of the physics department), CHEM 100 or 120, 231/232 or 245/265, MATH 110, 253, 267, 367, 361 plus additional geology, arts and elective courses as outlined in sections 5.4 and 5.7, interdisciplinary thesis and seminar.
Geology and Business Administration
Consult section 5.5 of the calendar and the relevant department chairs.
Major Program
Required courses for a geology major are GEOL 170, 201, 202, 215, 216, 245, plus 15 additional credits of geology courses (GEOL 275 is a required non-credit course), CHEM 100 or 120, MATH 110, 6 credits a 200 and/or 300 level in Chemistry or Math, plus additional geology, arts and elective courses as outlined in section 5.2.
Master of Science Program
Admission to the program, credits and grade requirements comply with regulations for M.Sc degree as outlined in section 6.
» Indicates Designated Course in Aquatic Resources
100 Introductory Geology
An introduction to the study of rocks and minerals and the materials that make up planet Earth; the roles played by water, ice and wind in shaping the face of our planet; Earth's origin and internal structure and composition; the plate tectonic theory, crustal deformation and mountain building; resources from the Earth. Six credits, field trips and laboratory. Not offered in 1998-99.
170 Understanding the Earth.
The Earth around us, and the processes which have shaped the past and present, implications for our future. Surface processes and environment (climate patterns, global and local, long term and short term, ice ages and deserts, hurricanes, tornadoes and cyclones): the environment (modern problems of land erosion, ozone layer, greenhouse effects, waste disposal); earth resources (supply and demand, minerals, energy, water and man's future); Crustal processes (the early history of the Earth and its atmosphere, evolution and extinction of life forms; composition and structure of the Earth, continental drift and plate tectonics, origin of continents, oceans, volcanoes, earthquakes, mountains); the interaction of man and earth, biogeochemical cycle, current and important issues. Credit cannot be obtained for both 100 and 170. Six credits. (GEOL 171, the first term of GEOL 170, is offered for students in the aquatic resources program.)
201 Crystal Chemistry and Mineralogy
Foundations of crystal chemistry and mineralogy. Characterization of and relationship between chemical, physical, stoichiometric and optical properties of naturally occurring minerals and other transparent solids. Prerequisite: GEOL 100 or 170 and CHEM 100 or 120 (CHEM 100 or 120 may be taken concurrently with permission of instructor). Three credits and laboratory.
202 Introduction to Igneous and Metamorphic Systems
Use of physicochemical and thermodynamic principles to explain the origin and composition of earth materials, with particular reference to the genesis of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Application of the phase rule and phase equilibria to natural systems using thermochemical and experimental data, binary, ternary and quaternary phase diagrams. Prerequisite: GEOL 201. Three credits and laboratory. 215 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
A study of the major processes involved in the origin, transport and deposition of marine and non-marine clastic, carbonate and evaporite sediments. Principles of sedimentation, environmental analysis, marine and non-marine depositional systems and facies models. Basic stratigraphic principles are introduced. Prerequisite: GEOL 100 or 170. Three credits and laboratory.
216 Earth History
An overview of current theories on the evolution of planet Earth from its origin some 4.6 billion years ago up to the present. Changes in the distribution and character of continents and ocean basins, mountain ranges, continental glaciers and other features of Earth's surface are traced and discussed in the light of plate tectonic theory. Concurrently, an overview of the evolution of plant and animal life as revealed by the study of fossils will be presented. Prerequisite: GEOL 100 or 170 (or concurrently with permission of instructor). Three credits and laboratory.
245 Structural Geology
Introduction to rock mechanics, three-dimensional analysis of stress and strain, mechanisms and concepts of deformation; classification and interpretations of folds, faults, fractures; introduction to Earth graphic and stereographic analysis of three dimensional structures. Laboratory deals with practical field-oriented problems and structural data analysis and interpretation. Prerequisite: GEOL 100 or 170. Three credits plus laboratory.
246 Quantitative Methods in Earth Science
This course is intended to familiarize students with modern analytical techniques used in Geosciences and to provide them with the theoretical and quantitative background necessary for further study in Earth Sciences. Topics will include applications of multivariate analysis, spectral analysis techniques, stress and strain in solids, dimensional analysis, and elasticity to problems in Earth systems. Prerequisite: GEOL 100 or 170 and MATH 110 or permission of instructor. Three credits and laboratory
275 Geological Field Methods
An introduction to the field techniques, geological mapping on small and large scales. Stratigraphic and structural interpretations. Use of aerial photographs, topographic and geophysical maps where appropriate. This course involves an elementary surveying techniques, systematics of hand specimen rock and mineral identification, and a 10-day introductory field camp, normally taken at the end of second year. The camp is held in collaboration with Acadia University. Prerequisite: GEOL 215. No credit.
301 Genesis of Igneous Rocks
Advanced treatment of the rheological properties of magma, fluid dynamics, crystal growth, crystal-melt-fluid equilibria, igneous rock suites and their genesis, petrogenetic modelling. Applications of thermodynamic principles and phase equilibria to the genesis of igneous rocks. Application of microscopic techniques. Prerequisite: GEOL 201, 202. Three credits plus laboratory.
302 Genesis of Metamorphic Rocks
Advanced treatment of the concepts of metamorphism, determination of pressure, temperature and fluid conditions of metamorphism; application of chemical equilibria and thermodynamic principles to metamorphic rocks; Schreinemakers methods of phase diagram construction; activity and chemical potential diagrams; effect of bulk composition or metamorphic mineral assemblages; mixed volatile equilibria, equilibrium and disequilibrium metamorphic textures, kinetics of crystal growth, determination and rates of metamorphic reactions, relationship between metamorphism, deformation and geothermal gradient, variations of metamorphism through geological time, pressure-temperature-time relationships. Prerequisite: GEOL 201, 202. Three credits plus laboratory. Not Offered 1998-99.
304 Sedimentary Petrology
Description, classification and interpretation of sedimentary rocks using hand specimens and thin sections. Introduction to the origin, geochemistry and diagenesis of sedimentary rock including siliciclastics, carbonates and other chemical sediments, and organic matter in sediments. Introduction to the resource aspects of sedimentary rocks: their potential as sources or reservoirs for hydrocarbons, coal or other resources. Prerequisite: GEOL 201, 215. Three credits plus laboratory. Not offered 1998-99.
305 (205) Aqueous Geochemistry »
Fundamentals of the geochemistry of natural waters and the interaction of elements in natural materials, aqueous and atmospheric geochemistry, global cycles, weathering processes, and natural redox reactions. Application of thermodynamic principles to geochemistry. Prerequisite: CHEM 100 or 120 and either GEOL 100 or 170, or GEOL 171 and AQUA 100. Three credits plus laboratory.
365 Geomorphology and Quaternary Geology
Landform processes and development; glaciation and glacial deposits; slopes and mass movements; drainage basin form and process. Quaternary stratigraphy and paleoecology. Prerequisites: GEOL 170. Three credits plus laboratory.
366 Hydrology »
A study of natural freshwater systems including rivers, lakes and groundwater. The course will focus on the processes controlling stream flow, lake circulation, groundwater flow and the exchange of water between these natural reservoirs and the atmosphere. Also included will be an introduction to aspects of human interaction with these systems including flood hazards, water resource usage and contamination. Prerequisite: Either GEOL 100 or 170, or GEOL 171 and AQUA 100. Three credits and laboratory.
371 Environmental Geology
This course will focus on the relationships between surficial geological processes and human activity. Topics introduced will include soil formation, degradation, erosion and management, arctic environments, permafrost, introduction to surface and subsurface water resources, as well as a critical examination of energy resources, pollution and waste issues. Prequisite: GEOL 100 or 170. Three credits and laboratory.
372 Global Change and the Climate System
This course will examine the global climate system. Processes that contribute to climate change will be examined in the context of both its natural variability and anthropogenic impact. Paleoclimates, greenhouse warming, ice ages and ocean-atmosphere interaction will be discussed. Prerequisite: GEOL 100 or 170. Three credits and laboratory.
385 Paleontology
Principles of paleontology including methods of analysis fossil individuals, populations and species; biostratigraphy; paleoecology; biogeography; evolution and extinction. The origin and major events in the history of life from an evolutionary and ecological perspective. Laboratory study of selected fossil groups, field and laboratory techniques. Prerequisite: GEOL 100 or 170 or permission of instructor. This course is cross-listed as BIOL 387. Three credits and laboratory.
386 Oceanography »
An introduction to the physical and chemical characteristics of the oceans; properties of ocean water; oceanic currents and circulation; wavers and tides; physical and chemical marine resources. Prerequisite: CHEM 100 or 120 and either GEOL 100 or 170, or GEOL 171 and AQUA 100, or permission of the instructor. Three credits plus laboratory.
387 Coastal Oceanography »
Major features and processes of coastal and near-shore environments, including methods of study, sediments, wavers, beaches, tides, mudflats, marshes, estuaries, deltas, barrier islands, erosion, sedimentation, limestone coasts and reefs. Environmental aspects of coastal development, sea-level changes, coastal erosion, sedimentation and pollution will be explored. Prerequisite: GEOL/BIOL 386. Three credits and laboratory. 406 Advanced Environmental Geochemistry »
This course will provide an in-depth study of selected topics in aqueous and atmospheric chemical systems. Particular topics of interest include environmental pollution, the causes, effects and control of contaminants in the environment. Prerequisite: GEOL 305 and 371 or permission of instructor. Three credits and laboratory.
426 Ore Petrogenesis
Classification, petrology, ore mineralogy, and mode of occurrence of metalliferous mineral deposits. Laboratory stresses familiarity of the large and small scale characteristics of the major types of mineral deposits and the interpretation of the controls of ore formation. Prerequisite: GEOL 215, 301 and 245. Geology 302, concurrently if necessary. Three credits plus laboratory.
435 Advanced Structure and Tectonics
Emphasis on regional structures, mechanics of deformation, geometric analysis, and practical interpretation of single and polyphase deformation; structural interpretations of ore zones; overview of tectonic processes and their relations to brittle and ductile deformation, tectonic principles and dynamics using modern and ancient examples, tectonic elements, zones and terranes, detailed discussions on the origin and development of orogenic belts. Comparison of Phanerozoic, Proterozoic and Archean tectonics. Prerequisite: GEOL 245. Three credits and laboratory.
446 Advanced Sedimentology and Basin Analysis
Selected topics on the origin, geochemistry and diagenesis of sedimentary rocks, including siliciclastics, carbonates and organic matter in sediments. Application of stratigraphic correlation, facies analysis methods and geophysical techniques to basin mapping; depositional systems and sequence stratigraphy; basin subsidence and fill; regional and global stratigraphic cycles; and basin models in plate tectonics. Aspects of sedimentary rocks and sequences that control their potential as sources or reservoirs of hydrocarbons, coal or other resources. Prerequisite: GEOL 215. Three credits and laboratory.
455 Fossil Fuels
Advanced topics in the origin, classification and development of petroleum and coal resources. Exploration strategies, reserve estimation, hydrocarbon provinces worldwide. Large seminar component. Prerequisite: GEOL 304, 446. Three credits. Not offered in 1998-99.
465 Hydrogeology »
Principles and applications of groundwater and groundwater flow, including Darcy's Law, steady-state and transient flow conditions, flow nets, aquifer testing and groundwater resource evaluation. The role of groundwater in the hydrologic cycle is explored, focusing on natural groundwater systems, their interaction with surface waters, and physical processes controlling groundwater pollution. Prerequisites: GEOL 205 and 371, MATH 110. Three credits and laboratory.
471 Earth and Environmental Systems I
Basic principles and applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) applied to the earth and environmental sciences. Digital mapping techniques as an aid to interpreting geological, geochemical and geophysical data. Laboratories will emphasize examples of local geology and ground truthing of computer generated images. First term, three credits and laboratory. Open to students registered in advanced major and honours programs in geology, joint programs with geology, and permission of instructor. Three credits and laboratory.
472 Earth and Environmental Systems II
Thematic syntheses of critical geoscientific phenomena that collectively comprise or affect earth systems. Understanding the evolution and interaction the earth systems, (i.e., hydrosphere, atmosphere, geosphere, biosphere). Emphasis on biogeochemical cycles, environmental analysis and synthesis, numerical modelling, resource development, identification of criteria that distinguish between anthropogenic and natural phenomena, local and global effects on the environment. Large seminar component. Open to students registered in advanced major and honours programs in geology, joint programs with geology or permission of instructor. Three credits.
475 Geophysics
An introduction to the principles and applications concerning the physical properties of earth materials. Techniques include resistivity, spontaneous and induced polarization, gravity, magnetism and electromagnetism, seismic, radioactive and well logging. Prerequisite: PHYS 100 or 120, GEOL 215 and 245. Three credits and laboratory.
476 (375) Advanced Geological Field Methods
A seven-day field camp in an important geological area held in late summer in collaboration with Acadia University, followed by structural and petrographic analysis, seminars and report writing during the fall term. Prerequisite: GEOL 245, 275. Three credits and laboratory.
485 Advanced Paleontology
Advanced topics in evolution and extinction, paleoecology, biostratigraphy and/or micropaleontology. Large seminar, field and laboratory component. Prerequisites: GEOL 385. Three credits and laboratory. Not offered 1998-99.
491 Senior Seminar
This course is intended to foster discussion and analysis of current geologic problems with emphasis on student initiative. Each student will select a major problem to work on during the year. No credit.
493 Senior Dissertation
For major and honours students. Three credits
499 Directed Study
A course to permit an advanced student to pursue a special field of study. Guided research under the direction of a staff member. The research may be field, laboratory or library based, focusing on aspects not normally covered in scheduled courses or thesis presentations. The student will have the responsibility of planning and conducting the research. The student will be expected to present the results of the research at a departmental seminar, as well as producing a research a paper. Prerequisite: permission of the department. Three credits.
Graduate Courses
| 501 502 506 526 535 546 565 569 571 572 575 576 585 586 591 599 |
Special topics in Petrogenesis of Igneous Rocks Special topics in Petrogenesis of Metamorphic Rocks Special topics in Geochemistry Special topics in Ore Deposits Special topics in Structural Geology and Tectonics Special topics in Sedimentology and Basin Analysis Special topics in Hydrogeology Quantitative methods in Geosciences Special topics in Earth Systems Science I (*) Special topics in Earth Systems Science II Special topics in Geophysics Field research methods in the Earth Sciences Special topics in Paleontology Special topics in Climatology Research methods in the Earth Sciences Thesis |
* in co-operation with the College of Geographic Sciences (COGS), Nova Scotia. See chair for additional COGS courses that may be applicable to the graduate program.
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