Faculty of Arts & Science 2012-2013 Calendar

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Geology

Faculty

Geologists (Earth scientists) investigate Earth, other planetary bodies, moons, and meteorites. They think in a wide range of spatial (atomic to planetary) and temporal (seconds to billions of years) scales. They work in an interdisciplinary dialogue with other scientists and policymakers. They contribute to the wealth and well-being of society by finding mineral resources, locating safe drinking water, assisting with waste disposal, understanding the causes of natural disasters, dealing with environmental problems including groundwater remediation, and searching the geologic record for climate change. They can do all this because they have been trained to solve problems by considering other sciences (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics), combining distinct and often incomplete data sets, thinking in 3 dimensions, considering long time spans, and making careful observations in the field and in the laboratory. Thus they gain an understanding of how the Earth works and can contribute to the discussion of issues important to society. Geologists are in huge demand worldwide and can find rewarding careers working in diverse occupations in industry, governments, and academia.

Our department offers various programs. All three specialist programs provide sufficient depth of knowledge to allow students to enter a career as a professional geoscientist or to pursue research at the graduate level. The Geology Specialist program focuses on processes of the solid Earth, and is particularly suited for students considering the resource industry. The Environmental Geosciences Specialist program explores processes at the interface of hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere, including human impacts connected to pollution, remediation, and sustainable development. The Geology and Physics Specialist program focuses on methods of imaging the subsurface in non-invasive ways and physical processes in and on Earth. The Geology Major program allows students to combine Earth science with another subject of their choice; logical complements are not just other sciences (e.g., chemistry, biology, computer science), but also other programs like archaeology, commerce, or architecture given the importance of Earth materials and processes in these fields. The Geoscience Minor program provides an introduction to geologic topics and thinking. 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 (ESC1066). Additional courses with geological content are listed in the Calendar of the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering.

Undergraduate Coordinator: Charly Bank (416-978-4381) email: undergradchair@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.

Enrolment in this program requires the completion of 4.0 courses.

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

(14 full courses or their equivalent)

First Year:
CHM151Y1/(CHM138H1, CHM139H1); MAT135Y1/MAT137Y1; (PHY131H1, PHY132H1)/(PHY151H1, PHY152H1) recommended: BIO120H1I, GLG102H1

Second Year:
GLG202H1, GLG204H1, GLG206H1, GLG207H1, GLG216H1, GLG217H1; MAT223H1; GGR201H1 recommended: STA220H1

Third Year:
GLG318H1, GLG319H1, GLG340H1, GLG345H1, GLG351H1, GLG360H1; ENV315H1
Fourth Year
1. GLG445H1/GLG448H1, GLG470Y1
2. 2.0 FCE full 400-series GLG courses or JGA305H1

Note: Students need an additional 0.5 FCE in Phys/Bio/Comp Sci/Stat to statisfy APGO Foundations Science knowledge requirements (BIO120H1 or STA220H1 are recommended). The following 4th year courses are recommended to satisfy APGO knowledge requirements in Groups 2A, 2B and 2C: JGA305; GLG430; GLG 436; GLG441; GLG442; GLG 450; GLG465.

Jointly sponsored by the Centre for Environment and the Department of Geology. Topics include earth materials, sedimentary geology, aqueous geochemistry, hydrogeology and biogeochemistry. For more information, please contact Dr. C. Bank, Department of Geology, undergradchair@geology.utoronto.ca.  Students should note that under the Professional Geoscientists Act of 2000, individuals practicing Environmental Geoscience in Ontario require education equivalent to the Specialist Program listed below or a P.Eng.

(14 full courses or their equivalent which includes fulfillment of the Faculty’s Distribution requirement ; must include at least four 300+-series courses, one of which must be at the 400-level)

This is a Type 1 program. Information on application timelines is available in the Registration Handbook and Timetable.

Environmental Geosciences Specialist
First Year: CHM151Y1/(CHM138H1, CHM139H1); (MAT136H1, MAT136H1)/MAT135Y1/ MAT137Y1; PHY131H1, PHY132H1
First or Second Year: BIO120H1
Second to Fourth Years:
GLG202H1, GLG206H1, GLG207H1, GLG216H1; GGR201H1; ENV234Y1/ENV234H1/GLG217H1/EEB214H; (CHM210H1, ENV235H1)/ENV235Y; MAT235Y1/(MAT223H1, GLG204H1); STA220H1;
GLG345H1, GLG351H1, GLG360H1; ENV315H1; GLG436H1, GLG448H1, GLG450H1, GLG470Y1
0.5 FCE from: JGP438H1; GLG430H1, GLG441H1, GLG442H1, GLG465H1 (Note: All five of these 4th year courses are recommended to satisfy APGO knowledge requirements in Groups 2A, 2B and 2C in the Geology Calendar entry.)

Enrolment in this program requires the completion of 4.0 courses.

Consult Departments of Geology and Physics

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

9.0 FCEs core courses:

First year:  PHY131H1/PHY151H1, PHY132H1/PHY152H1; MAT135Y1/MAT137Y1
Second year:  PHY250H1, PHY254H1; MAT235Y1/MAT237Y1; GLG204H1, GLG216H1
Third year:  PHY395H1; GLG330H1, GLG345H1
Fourth year:  PHY408H1, PHY493H1, PHY494H1; GLG441H1, GLG465H1

0.5 to 1.0 FCEs ethics course chosen from the following list: JPH441H1, ENV333H1, PHL273H1, PHL275H1, ABS201Y1

4.0 to 4.5 additional FCEs from 200-400 level courses chosen from Groups A, B, and/or C:

Group A -- courses required for professional registration (APGO): 
CHM139H1; GLG206H1, GLG207H1, GLG360H1; MAT223H1, MAT224H1; APM346H1

Group B -- physics courses suitable for graduate school preparation:
PHY252H1, PHY350H1, PHY354H1, PHY392H1, PHY454H1, PHY495H1

Group C -- other relevant courses:
STA220H1, PHY224H1, MAT244H1, ENV315H1, GLG318H1, GLG319H1, MAT335H1, GLG351H1, GLG423H1, GLG430H1, GLG442H1, GLG448H1, GLG450H1

Enrolment in this program requires the completion of 4.0 courses.

(8 full courses or their equivalent)

First Year:
2.0 to 2.5 FCE chosen from BIO120H1 ; CHM138H1, CHM139H1; MAT135Y1/MAT137Y1; PHY131H1, PHY132H1; GLG102H1;

Second Year:
GLG206H1, GLG207H1, GLG216H1, GLG217H1

Higher Years:
1. 0.5 FCE field course GLG340H1/GLG445H1/GLG448H1
2. Additional 3.0 to 3.5 FCE chosen from 300/400 series GLG courses/ENV315H1/JGA305H1, of which at least 0.5 FCE must be from the 400 series.

We suggest students consider the following logical course progressions in their higher years:
(a) Earth/planetary materials and mineral resources stream: GLG318H1, GLG319H1, GLG360H1, GLG430H1, GLG442H1
(b) tectonics and remote sensing stream: GLG340H1, GLG345H1, JGP438H1, GLG441H1, GLG465H1
(c) environmental and biogeochemistry stream: ENV315H1, GLG351H1, GLG436H1, GLG448H1, GLG450H1
(d) geoarchaeology stream: ENV315H1, GLG340H1, GLG436H1, JGA305H1, GLG441H1

Enrolment in this program requires the completion of 4.0 courses.

(4 full courses or their equivalent)

1. 2.0 FCE chosen from 100/200 series GLG courses, including no more than 1.0 FCE at the 100 level; GLG102H1 is recommended.
2. 1.0 FCE of 100-series CHM, BIO, or PHY courses.
3. 1.0 FCE from 300/400 series GLG courses/ENV315H1/JPA305H1

Note that some GLG courses have CHM/MAT/PHY prerequisites.

Geology Courses

The 199Y1 and 199H1 seminars are designed to provide the opportunity to work closely with an instructor in a class of no more than twenty-four students. These interactive seminars are intended to stimulate the students’ curiosity and provide an opportunity to get to know a member of the professorial staff in a seminar environment during the first year of study. Details here.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

An introduction to thermodynamics, phase diagrams and solution chemistry, with application to geological and environmental processes.

Application of computer programming to geological questions that require manipulation and visualizations of data sets and the solution of mathematical/physical problems. Students learn Matlab, report writing, oral presentations, and team skills.

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

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.
DR=SCI; BR=5

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.

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, including reading of topographic and geologic maps.

An introduction to the evolution of the biosphere from the earliest stabilization of the Earth’s crust. Patterns of evolution and extinction are related to physico-chemical and biologically-mediated changes at the Earth’s surface. Laboratories cover major groups of invertebrate fossils, microfossils, their classification and living analogues.

This multidisciplinary course draws on elements from geology, soil science, biology and ecology to understand past and present environments and human impacts on landscapes and ecosystems. Emphasis on the structure, functioning and connectivity of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Field trips and labs. Mandatory weekend day-long field trip (total cost about $20).

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

Application of near-surface geophysical methods to investigate environmental and archaeological sites; in particular magnetometry, resistivity, ground-probing radar, and seismic surveys. Course will cover background on the various methods, and allow students to run field surveys and present on case studies.

Chemical Analysis of Environmental Samples

See “Centre for Environment”

An overview of the nature and origin of igneous 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 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.

Descriptive petrography and classification of metamorphic rocks; metamorphic processes and evolution of metamorphic rocks; interpretation of metamorphic rocks.

A ten-day field course in late August. Students get hands-on experience using geophysical instrumentation, applying various data collection techniques, and performing data analysis in gravity, magnetic, seismic, electrical, electromagnetic, and radar surveys.

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 (for example 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

A two-week excursion in late summer/early fall to a challenging field setting. Students will integrate field observations with their accumulated knowledge of rock-forming processes, structural geology, and landscape evolution to understand large-scale geological events.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 the 14-day field trip.
This is a summer session course and students must also register with the Department during the preceding term.

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.

This course examines groundwater flow, the role of groundwater in geologic processes, and explores physical, chemical and isotopic constraints on contaminant source transport and attenuation.

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.

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.

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.