XII. Course Descriptions

Geology

School of Environmental Sciences

GEOL*1050 Geology and the Environment F (2-3) [0.50]
Geological materials, their origin, recognition and economic potential, use and location; oil and gas, coal, mineral deposits, aggregate resources, groundwater, Geological basis for environmental evaluation and land use. Emphasis on local and North American examples.
GEOL*1100 Principles of Geology S,F,W (3-0) [0.50]
Introduction to geological principles, their historical development and application to interpreting Earth materials and processes. Suitable for those wishing a general knowledge of earth sciences. (Also offered through Distance Education format.)
Restriction(s): May not be taken for credit by students in B.Sc.(Env.) Earth and Atmospheric Science Major, or B.Sc. Degree program.
GEOL*2020 Stratigraphy F (3-0) [0.50]
Principles of recognizing and interpreting earth surface environments using examples from geology, geomorphology and archeology. Brief summary of sediment identification, recognition of processes and environments. Section description and interpretation followed by principles of physical correlation and facies interpretation. Concepts of physical, biological and radiometric dating. Controls on stratigraphic sequence development - isostasy, eustasy and tectonics. Sedimentary basin development, interpretation and history including changes in atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere. (Offered in even-numbered years.)
Prerequisite(s): 1 of GEOL*1050, GEOL*1100, GEOG*1300, GEOG*1350 or equivalent
GEOL*2110 Earth Material Science F (3-3) [0.50]
Minerals are the building blocks of rocks, and rocks are the basis of the earth's crust. The nature , classification and recognition of the common rocks and minerals and their chemical and physical transformations is dealt with. Emphasis is on the role that minerals and rocks play in determining the abiotic character of earth-surface environments.
Prerequisite(s): GEOL*1050 or SOIL*2200
GEOL*2160 Glacial Geology W (3-0) [0.50]
Identical to GEOL*2200 but without laboratory. Lectures taken with GEOL*2200.
Prerequisite(s): 1 of AGR*2320, GEOG*1300, GEOL*1050, GEOL*1100, SOIL*2010
Restriction(s): GEOL*2150, GEOL*2200
GEOL*2200 Glacial Geology W (3-3) [0.50]
This course is designed to give students an introduction to the processes, landforms and deposits of glacial environments. This includes basic principles of glaciology, the landforms and deposits found in various glacial and periglacial environments, and the nature of past glaciations in Earth history. Ancient to recent glacial deposits from the Great Lakes region and other international locations will be examined. A field trip will be scheduled.
Prerequisite(s): 1 of AGR*2301, AGR*2320, GEOG*1300, GEOL*1050, GEOL*1100, SOIL*2010, SOIL*2200
Restriction(s): GEOL*2160, GEOL*2150
GEOL*2250 Geology of Natural Disasters S,W (3-0) [0.50]
This course will offer insight into the mechanisms of natural geological disasters and their effects on Planet Earth, human civilization and life in general. Events before, during and after geological disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, meteorite impact and climate change will be the focus of this course. This course will not count as a science credit for B.Sc. students. (Offered through Distance Education format only.)
Prerequisite(s): 1 of GEOG*1300, GEOG*1350, GEOL*1050, GEOL*1100
GEOL*3060 Groundwater W (3-0) [0.50]
This course provides a general understanding of the physical and chemical processes that operate in the groundwater zone under natural and human-induced conditions. The interrelations between the groundwater regime and the other components of the hydrological cycle are studied. Considerable emphasis is placed on the applied aspects of topics such as exploration, testing and development of aquifers for water supply, the chemical quality of groundwater, and the hydrogeological aspects of waste disposal.
Prerequisite(s): 1 of IPS*1110, MATH*1000, MATH*1080, MATH*1200 or Registration in B.B.R.M.
GEOL*3090 Applied Structural Geology W (3-0) [0.50]
Systematic study of structural elements of the earth crust. Introduces concepts on the distribution, origin and structural development of the major landforms in North America and other continents (plate tectonics). The course provides examples of structural geology applied to engineering, environmental geology, and ore geology. Hands-on experience on deformation analysis, slope stability and interpretation of structures during the field trip and in classroom simulations.(Offered in odd-numbered years.)
Prerequisite(s): GEOL*1050, suitable geomorphology credit
GEOL*3190 Environmental Water Chemistry F (3-0) [0.50]
An examination of the chemical composition of both natural and contaminated waters at the earth's surface and the interaction of these waters with soils and sediments. The significance of these interactions will be studied with respect to the mobility of organic and metallic constituents in geochemical cycles and as contaminants in the environment.
Prerequisite(s): 1 of CHEM*1010, CHEM*1050, CHEM*1310
GEOL*3250 Field Methods in Geosciences F (2-2) [0.50]
This course is designed to provide experience in field methods and applied aspects of Earth surface science. The field camp portion will focus on geological mapping skills, while the rest of the term will be spent on developing a consulting proposal for a field-based project. Other topics covered will be project design, proposal writing, oral communication skills and ethics of field-based research. Students are required to notify the designated departmental instructor of their intention to participate in this course during the previous Winter semester. There will be a fee to cover partial costs in this course; students in financial need should approach the Director of the School of Environmental Sciences.
Prerequisite(s): GEOL*1050, (GEOG*2000 or ENVS*2150) , (GEOL*2150 or GEOL*2200)
Restriction(s): Instructor consent required.
GEOL*4090 Sedimentology F (3-3) [0.50]
Origin, transport, deposition of sediments, and formation of sedimentary rocks. Emphasis will be on the interpretation of recent and ancient environments of deposition, and on the uses of sedimentary materials. Six laboratories will be scheduled as field trips. One Saturday field trip may be scheduled. (Offered in even-numbered years.)
Prerequisite(s): (1 of GEOL*2020, GEOL*2150, GEOL*2200, equivalent), (0.50 credit at the 3000 level in the GEOG*XXXX or GEOL*XXXX grouping or equivalent)
GEOL*4110 Topics in Earth Science F,W (3-0) [0.50]
Lecture-discussion or seminar on selected topics in Earth Science to be conducted by faculty with expertise in the area. Students should check with the department to determine what topic, if any, will be offered during specific semesters. Field trips will be scheduled as required.
Prerequisite(s): (GEOG*1300 or GEOL*1050), 0.50 credits at the 3000 level in a science appropriate to chosen topic
Restriction(s): Instructor consent required.
GEOL*4130 Clay and Humic Chemistry W (3-2) [0.50]
This course is a study of the fundamental chemistry of clay minerals and humic substances in the environment, with particular reference to soils, sediments and waters. Emphasis will be placed on their structures and charge characteristics in the context of surface complexation modeling of proton binding and cation and anion adsorption. (Offered in even-numbered years.)
Prerequisite(s): SOIL*3060 or GEOL*3190
GEOL*4240 Geomicrobiology F (3-0) [0.50]
This course focuses on understanding the role of microorganisms in shaping the solid surface of the Earth. This will include the major chemical and biochemical transformations by microorganisms in natural surface and subsurface environments. We will consider the contribution of microorganisms to crucial element cycles, including carbon, sulfur, and select metals, and ultimately to rock cycling. Aspects of early life on Earth, astrobiology, and environmental biotechnology will be included as appropriate. (Offered in odd numbered years.)
Prerequisite(s): [(BIOL*1040 or MICR*1020) or (2 of BIOL*1070, BIOL*1080, BIOL*1090)], GEOL*1050, 0.50 credits at the 3000 level in GEOL or MICR
Restriction(s): MICR*4280, MICR*4290
University of Guelph
50 Stone Road East
Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1
Canada
519-824-4120