Geology

Introduction

Geology means “Study of the Earth.” This covers everything from the origin of the Earth and its position in the Solar System, to the physical, chemical and biological processes which have brought the Earth through its 4.5 billion year history to the present time, when society itself can be seen as an agent of geological change. Besides the fundamental studies of rocks, minerals and fossils, Geology is concerned with the exploration and responsible recovery of vital resources such as metalliferous ores, coal, petroleum, natural gas, industrial minerals and groundwater. An understanding of the way the Earth works is important to achieve effective protection of the environment. Hence, geologists are widely employed in problems of urban development, water and soil pollution, waste disposal, earthquake and volcanic risk assessment, public policy and resource management. Under the Professional Geoscientists Act of 2000, individuals practising Geoscience in Ontario require education equivalent to the one of the Specialist Programs listed below or a P.Eng.
Four Specialist Programs are offered: Geology, Environmental Geosciences, Geology and Physics, and Chemistry and Geology. Major and Minor programs are offered in Geology as well as a Major program in the Environmental Geosciences. Students are encouraged to discuss their plans on program and course selection with the Associate Chair (Undergraduate Studies) or Program Supervisor. Students wishing to enter a Geology Specialist program should have taken the following courses in Grade 12: English ENG4U, Chemistry SCH4U, Physics SPH4U, and Functions MCB4U or equivalent.

The Professional Experience Year (PEY) program (see Student Services and Resources in this Calendar) is available to eligible students after their third year of study. The PEY program is an optional 16-month work term which provides industrial experience; its length gives students the opportunity to enjoy the rewarding experience of initiating and completing a major project.
More information about undergraduate studies in Geology is contained in a booklet which is available from the departmental office (ESC 1066). Additional courses with geological content are listed in the Calendar of the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering.

Undergraduate Coordinator:James Mungall (416-978-2975) email: mungall@geology.utoronto.ca

Enquiries:Department of Geology, Earth Sciences Centre (416-978-3022)

Geology Programs

The introductory 100-level course GLG102H1 is strongly recommended for enrolment in all programs in the Department of Geology. No minimum GPA is required.

Geology (Science program)

Consult the Undergraduate Coordinator, Department of Geology, Earth Sciences Centre

Specialist program:

(13 full courses or their equivalent, including at least one 400-series course)

First Year:
CHM151Y1/(CHM138H1, CHM139H1); MAT135Y1/MAT137Y1; PHY138Y1/PHY140Y1

Second Year:
GLG206H1, GLG207H1, GLG216H1, GLG217H1; GLG202H1; GLG204H1; MAT223H1

Third Year:
GLG318H1, GLG340H1, GLG345H1, GLG351H1, GLG360H1; ENV315H1

Fourth Year
1. GLG445H1
2. 3.0 full 400-series GLG or JGP courses

Major program:
(8 full courses or their equivalent)

First Year:
CHM151Y1/(CHM138H1, CHM139H1); MAT135Y1/MAT137Y1; PHY138Y1/PHY140Y1

Second Year:
GLG206H1, GLG207H1, GLG216H1, GLG217H1

Higher Years:
1. GLG340H1
2. 2.5 courses from 300/400-series GLG courses/ENV315H1/JGP438H1

Minor program:

(4 full courses or their equivalent)

Four GLG full course equivalents of which one full course or equivalent is at the 300/400-level

NOTE:
Some GLG courses have CHM/MAT/PHY prerequisites

Environmental Geosciences - See Centre for Environment

Geology and Chemistry - see Chemistry

Geology and Physics (Science program)

Consult Departments of Geology and Physics

Specialist program:

(14 full courses or their equivalent with at least one course at the 400-level)

First Year:
CHM151Y1; MAT137Y1; PHY140Y1; GLG102H1 is strongly recommended

Second Year:
GLG206H1, GLG207H1, GLG216H1, GLG217H1; MAT237Y1, MAT244H1; PHY251H1, PHY255H1

Third Year:
APM346H1; GLG345H1; PHY225H1, PHY308H1, PHY351H1, PHY352H1

Fourth Year:
1. GLG340H1
2. 1.5 300/400-series GLG courses
3. 1.5 300/400-series PHY courses

Note:
1. Students are encouraged to select courses on the basis of a coherent theme such as Exploration Geology and Geophysics, Global Tectonics, or Environmental Geodynamics.
2. Students are required to register with the Departments and have their programs approved.