Geology Courses

Key to Course Descriptions.

For Distribution Requirement purposes, all GLG courses are classified as SCIENCE courses.

| Course Winter Timetable |


SCI199H1
First Year Seminar [24S]

SCI199Y1
First Year Seminar [48S]

Undergraduate seminar that focuses on specific ideas, questions, phenomena or controversies, taught by a regular Faculty member deeply engaged in the discipline. Open only to newly admitted first year students. It may serve as a distribution requirement course; Details here..


GLG102H1
Earth Science [24L, 24P]

Introduction to the functioning of the Earth as a chemical and physical system. Topics include formation of the Earth from the solar nebula, radioactive decay and age dating, meteorite impacts, melting and crystallization of rocks, erosion and sedimentation, the carbon cycle and its effects on climate, and the transport and remediation of pollutants in the environment.
Prerequisites: Grade 12 Chemistry SCH4U, Physics SPH4U, and Functions MCB4U or equivalent.


GLG103H1
Geology in Public Issues [24L]

Geologic hazards: earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, tsunamis. The distribution and politics of natural resources, including petroleum and ore deposits. Nuclear power and nuclear waste disposal. Global change: the geologic record of hot and cold climates, and how the earth survives.
GLG103H1 is primarily intended as a science Distribution Requirement course for Humanities and Social Science.


GLG105HI
Evolution of the Earth: Controversy over the Last 2300 Years [24L]

The evolution of ideas about the origin and development of the earth from the Athenians to the 20th Century. With attention on whether the earth has an infinite or a finite life; on the evolution and disappearance of species; on the origin of oceans, continents and mountains; on the forces that have shaped the earth’s surface; and on the courage of scientists in confronting the religious and political views of their time.
GLG105H1 is primarily intended as a science Distribution Requirement course for Humanities and Social Science students.


GLG110H1
Introductory Geology [24L]

The nature and evolution of the Earth; plate tectonics; rocks and minerals; volcanism; geological time; fossils; geology of Ontario; environmental issues.
GLG110H1 is primarily intended as a science Distribution Requirement course for Humanities and Social Science students


GLG130HI
Exploration of the Solar System [24L]

Scientific findings of the solar system exploration program and their application to the origin of the earth and solar system; space resources; search for life on other planets.
Prerequisite: Grade 12 U Chemistry or Physics


GLG202HI
Introductory Geochemistry [24L, 36P]

An introduction to thermodynamics, phase diagrams and solution chemistry, with application to geological and environmental processes.
Prerequisite: CHM151Y1/(138H1, 139H1); MAT 135Y1/137Y1


GLG204HI
Quantitative Methods in Geology [24L, 36P]

An introduction to quantitative approaches to geological problems: use of scalars, vectors and tensors in stress and strain analysis, statistical treatment of geological datasets, heat and mass transfer in earth materials.
Prerequisite: MAT135Y1/137Y1; MAT223H1; PHY (131HI, 132HI)/(151HI, 152HI)


GLG205HI
Confronting Global Change [24L, 8T]

The emergence of society as a major geological force is considered in terms of the evolving debate about the consequences of human activity for the habitability of our planet. Major issues such as climate change, environmental pollution, and depletion of natural resources are examined.
GLG205H1 is primarily intended as a science Distribution Requirement course for Humanities and Social Science students


GLG206H1
Materials of the Earth [24L, 36P]

An overview of the structural, chemical and optical properties of minerals. Laboratories on the identification of minerals in hand specimen and thin section. A mandatory 2 day field trip in late September.
Prerequisite: (CHM138H1, CHM139H1)/CHM151Y1 is recommended


GLG207H1
Rock-forming Processes [24L, 36P]

Origin and classification of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks and their associated ore deposits. Emphasis is placed on formation of rock types in the context of plate tectonic theory, and the practical aspects of rock identification in hand sample and thin section.
Prerequisite: GLG206H1


GLG216H1
Dynamic Geology [24L, 36P]

A survey of principal physical, biological and chemical processes shaping the Earth. Laboratories will explore these processes in more detail through a series of problem sets.
Prerequisite: (CHM138H1I/CHM139H1I)/CHM151Y1I is recommended.


GLG217H1
Earth Evolution [24L, 36P]

An introduction to the geologic evolution of Canada, and a survey of the evolution of the biosphere from the earliest stabilization of the Earth’s crust. Laboratories cover major groups of invertebrate fossils, microfossils, their classification and living analogues.
Prerequisite: BIO150Y1I is recommended


ENV234Y1
Environmental Biology

See “Centre for Environment”


GLG299Y1
Research Opportunity Program

Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project. Details here.


ENV315H1
Chemical Analysis of Environmental Samples

See “Centre for Environment”


GLG318H1
Igneous and Metamorphic Processes [24L, 36P]

An overview of the nature and origin of igneous and metamorphic rocks, with particular emphasis on the interpretation of textures and mineral assemblages as they reflect conditions of rock formation. Laboratory exercises familiarise students with the most common igneous and metamorphic rock types, and provide practical examples of the theoretical principles discussed in lectures. This course also has a mandatory weekend field trip to view igneous and metamorphic rocks and structures. The venue for the trip alternates yearly between Bancroft and the Montreal area.
Prerequisite: GLG202H1I, GLG206H1I, GLG207H1I


GLG319H1
Metamorphic Processes        [24L, 36P]

Descriptive petrography and classification of metamorphic rocks; metamorphic processes and evolution of metamorphic rocks; interpretation of metamorphic rocks.
Prerequisite: GLG202H1I, GLG206H1I, GLG207H1I


GLG340H1
Field Course I: White Fish Falls Manitoulin Island [TBA]

A ten-day field course in mid-May or late August. Students are introduced to field geology and to basic field measurement, mapping and documentation techniques in the Espanola - Manitoulin Island area, west of Sudbury. Students are responsible for the cost of board and lodging and transport to and from the field area.
This is a summer session course and students must also register with the Department in the preceding term
Prerequisite: GLG207H1, GLG216H1I, GLG217H1I or permission of instructor


GLG345H1
Structural Geology        [24L, 36P]

The development of geological structures at a variety of scales is examined using the concepts of stress, strain, material behaviour and tectonic setting. Laboratory work focuses on modern methods of structural analysis and their applications in geotechnical engineering and economic geology.
Prerequisite: GLG216H1 or MIN 185HI


GLG351H1
Geochemical and Biological Regulation of Aqueous Systems [24L, 24P]

An introduction to aqueous environmental geochemistry emphasising the importance of chemical equilibria, mass transport, and microbiological activity in regulating the chemical composition of natural and contaminated systems.
Prerequisite: (CHM138H1I, CHM139H1I)/CHM151Y1I; and any 2nd year science course. GLG202H1I is recommended.


GLG360H1
Sedimentary Geology        [24L, 36P]

An introduction to the methods for studying sedimentary rocks in surface and subsurface. Petrographic description and classification of sedimentary rocks are dealt with in lectures and laboratory exercises, followed by a treatment of the principles of stratigraphic documentation and correlation, facies-analysis methods, and a brief description of depositional systems.
Prerequisite: GLG207H1, GLG216H1I/MIN 185HI


GLG371H1
Directed Studies

GLG372Y1
Directed Studies

An individual study program chosen by the student with the advice of, and under the supervision of, a staff member. Such work may involve obtaining data in the field or lab and analysing it, an interdisciplinary research project, and supervised readings.
Prerequisite: enrolment in a Geology Major or Specialist Program of Study; completion of at least two full course equivalents of 200-series GLG courses.


GLG398H0
Independent Experiential Study Project

GLG399Y0
Independent Experiential Study Project

An instructor-supervised group project in an off-campus setting. Details here.


GLG423H1
Mineralogy [36L]

Crystal chemistry of the major rock forming minerals. The course covers the underlying concepts behind the behaviour of minerals as solid-state materials including: Structure and bonding of minerals, chemical substitutions and solid-state transformations, high temperature and pressure behaviour, chemical weathering and kinetics.
Prerequisite: GLG206H1


GLG430H1
Basin Analysis [36L, 12P]

Architecture and evolution of sedimentary basins in relation to plate-tectonic setting and crustal properties. Sequence stratigraphy: sequence models and sequence forcing mechanisms tectonism, eustasy, climate change. The global-cycle-chart controversy. World-wide review of basins in the context of plate tectonics.
Prerequisite: GLG360H1


GLG436H1
Paleoecological Assessment of Environmental Change [24L, 36P]

The use of proxy data (terrestial and aquatic microfossils) to infer past environmental conditions. The nature and extent of Quaternary environmental change is considered in the context of assessing current issues such as acidification, metal pollution, eutrophication and global climate change. Paleoenvironmental techniques are applied in the laboratory.
Prerequisite: A 200-level course from one of BIO, GGR, GLG
Recommended preparation: BIO468H1/469YI/GLG217H1


JGP438H1
Shallow Crust Geophysics [24L, 36P]

An introduction to the geophysical exploration of the subsurface. Topics include gravity, seismic, magnetic, electrical and electromagnetic surveying and their application in prospecting, hydrogeology, and environmental assessments.

Exclusion: PHY496H1
Prerequisite: GLG345H1 or permission of instructor


GLG440H1
Advanced Petrology        [24L, 36P]

Integrated field, experimental and theoretical approaches to understanding the petrological diversity of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Topics include development of thermobarometers for igneous and metamorphic rocks, the importance of oxygen fugacity in petrogenesis, melting/solidification and metamorphism and igneous activity in the context of global tectonics.
Prerequisite: GLG318H1


GLG441H1
Remote Sensing of Earth and the Terrestrial Planets [24L, 36P]

Remote sensing of Earth and terrestrial planets; introduces theory and principles of optical and radar remote sensing. Applications to new planetary data, including those from Earth, Mars, and the Moon, are emphasized. Practical components of the course involve GIS applications for the synthesis and analysis of multiple datasets.
Prerequisite: At least two full course equivalents from ANY 200-series Science courses.


GLG442H1
Mineral Deposits        [24L, 36P]

Geology and geochemistry of ore deposits. Origin and interpretation; systematic ore mineralogy, in hand specimen and reflected light microscopy.
Prerequisite: GLG207H1I


GLG443H1
Ore Genesis and Exploration Geochemistry [24L, 36P]

Genesis of ore deposits. The basic tools for studying ore genesis such as stable isotopes, fluid inclusions and sulfide mineralogy and their applications to selected types of ores.
Prerequisite: GLG442H1I


GLG445H1
Field Course II: Benny Belt [TBA]

Advanced geological mapping project in a challenging field environment. Students learn to compile existing geoscience data, create a geological map and prepare a professional final report on their activities and findings. Students are responsible for the costs of board, lodging and transportation for a 14-day field trip.
This is a summer session course and students must also register with the Department during the preceding term.
Prerequisite: GLG207H1, GLG340H1/MIN240F, GLG345H1I or permission of instructor


GLG448H1
Field Course III: Chalk River [TBA]

A two-week course in late summer designed to familiarize students in a variety of hydrogeological and biogeochemical field techniques; based at Atomic Energy Canada Laboratories, Chalk River, and includes a mixture of lecture, laboratory and field exercises. Students are responsible for the cost of board and lodging and transport to and from the field area.
This is a summer session course and students must also register with the Department during the preceding term.
Prerequisite: GLG351H1 or permission of instructor


GLG450H1
Contaminant Fate and Transport in Subsurface Environments [24L, 24P]

Drawing primarily on examples from hydrogeology, this course explores physical, chemical and isotopic constraints on contaminant source transport and attenuation
Prerequisite: GLG351H1 or permission of instructor


GLG465H1
Geodynamics        [24L, 36P]

Exploration of physical Earth processes and their relationship to large-scale geological phenomena. Mantle convection as plate tectonic engine; intraplate/plate boundary lithospheric deformation including orogenesis and crustal subsidence. Focus on reconciling geodynamic theory/modelling with geological/geophysical observations.
Prerequisite: GLG345H1 or permission of instructor


GLG470Y1
Research Project [TBA]

Laboratory research emphasizing methods and experimental techniques applicable to geology. Students must obtain the consent of an instructor and register with the Undergraduate Coordinator before enrolling and are urged to do so toward the end of their Third Year. Students are required to give an oral presentation of research results to an open meeting of the Department.

Exclusion: GLG471H1
Prerequisite: Completion of the requiRED 300-level courses in a specialist program involving Geology and permission of the Department


GLG471H1
Research Project [TBA]

Laboratory research emphasizing methods and experimental techniques applicable to geology. Students must obtain the consent of an instructor and register with the Undergraduate Coordinator before enrolling and are urged to do so toward the end of their Third Year. Students are required to give an oral presentation of research results to an open meeting of the Department.

Exclusion: GLG470Y1
Prerequisite: Completion of the requiRED 300-level courses in a specialist program involving Geology and permission of the Department