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Earth Sciences

Faculty


University Professor Emeritus
A.J. Naldrett, MA, M Sc, Ph D, FRSC

Professors Emeriti
G.M. Anderson, B Eng, MA Sc, Ph D
R. C. Bailey, B.Sc., Ph.D.
J.J. Fawcett, B Sc, Ph D
J. Gittins, M Sc, Ph D, Sc D (U)
D.H. Gorman, B Sc, Ph D
H.C. Halls, M Sc, PhD (U of T Mississauga)
G. Norris, MA, Ph D, FRSC (U)
P-Y. F. Robin, M Sc, Ph D (U of T Mississauga)
J.C. Rucklidge, MA, Ph D
W.M. Schwerdtner, Dip Geol, Dr Rer Nat
S.D. Scott, Ph D, FRSC
J.C. Van Loon, B Sc, Ph D
P.H. von Bitter, MA, Ph D
J.A. Westgate, B Sc, Ph D (S)

University Professor
B. Sherwood-Lollar, BA, Ph D, FRSC

Professor and Chair of the Department
R. Pysklywec, M Sc, Ph D

Associate Professor and Associate Chair (Graduate Studies)
R. Ghent, M Sc, Ph D

Senior Lecturer and Associate Chair (Undergraduate Studies)
C-G. Bank, Dip Geophys, M Sc, Ph D

Professors
J. Brenan, B.Sc., Ph.D.
J. R. Desloges, M Sc, Ph D
M. L. Diamond, M Sc, M Sc Eng, Ph D
N. Eyles, M Sc, Ph D (U of T Scarborough)
F.G. Ferris, B Sc, Ph D, FRSC
K.W.F. Howard, M Sc, Ph D (U of T Scarborough)
A.D. Miall, B Sc, Ph D, D Sc, FRSC
E. T. C. Spooner, MA, Ph D (U)

Associate Professors
J. Bollmann, Dip Geol, Ph D
S. A. Cowling, M Sc, Ph D
D. Davis, M Sc, Ph D
S. Finkelstein, M Phil, Ph D
R. Ghent, M Sc, Ph D
M.P. Gorton, B Sc, Ph D
J. Halfar, Dip Geol, Ph D (U of T Mississauga)
M.A. Hamilton, M Sc, Ph D
G.S. Henderson, M Sc, Ph D
J.E. Mungall, M Sc, Ph D
D.J. Schulze, M Sc, Ph D (U of T Mississauga)
U. Wortmann, Dip Geol, Dr Rer Nat

Assistant Professors
B.A. Bergquist, B Sc, Ph D
L. Schoehnbohm, B Sc, Ph D (U of T Mississauga)
Z. Zajacz, Ph.D.

Introduction

Earth scientists contribute significantly to the wealth and well-being of society. Earth scientists explore mineral resources, locate safe drinking water, assist in safe waste disposal, analyse the causes of natural disasters and investigate environmental problems ranging from groundwater remediation to climate change. However, Earth scientists do not only study the Earth, they also investigate other planetary bodies, moons, and meteorites in order to gain a fundamental understanding of the universe. All this requires thinking in a wide range of spatial (atomic to planetary) and temporal (seconds to billions of years) scales while working in an interdisciplinary dialogue involving other scientists and policymakers. Earth scientists are able to master this wide range of tasks because they have been trained to solve problems by considering other scientific disciplines (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics), combining distinct and often incomplete data sets, thinking in 4 dimensions, considering long time spans, and making careful observations in the field and in the laboratory. Thus, they gain a profound understanding of how the Earth works and can contribute significantly to the discussion of issues important to society. Earth scientists are in high demand worldwide and can find rewarding careers working in diverse occupations in industry, the finance and insurance

Our department offers various programs. 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 Geophysics Specialist program focuses on methods of imaging the subsurface in non-invasive ways and modeling physical processes in and on Earth. The Geoscience Major program allows students to combine Earth science with another subject of their choice; logical complements are not just another science (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 Specialist program in our department should have taken the following courses in Grade 12: English ENG4U, Chemistry SCH4U, Physics SPH4U, and Functions MCB4U or equivalent.

Fieldwork and skills development are important aspects of our programs. At least one fieldcourse is required even for the Geoscience Major. Fieldtrips range from one day or a weekend to two weeks; in recent years groups of undergraduate students have traveled to Newfoundland, Texas, Arizona, Hawaii, Chile, and New Zealand. In addition, small groups of undergraduates have been involved with field research in Peru, Turkey, Greece, BC, Maine and New Mexico. These opportunities do not only foster friendships, they also afford hands-on learning and allow for a close collaboration between individual students and instructor. Assignments hone critical engagement with material as well as skills development including written and oral presentation, teamwork, information literacy, quantitative reasoning, and ethical thinking, which are all weaved throughout the curriculum. Students are encouraged to consider taking some time off to work in the industry (for example during summer, during a term, or via the Professional Experience Year) and/or study abroad for a semester.

More information about undergraduate studies in Earth Sciences (including an undergraduate handbook) can be found on the department website www.es.utoronto.ca.

For enquiries please email undergradchair@es.utoronto.ca or contact the Department of Earth Sciences, Earth Sciences Centre (416-978-3022)

Earth Sciences Programs

The introductory 100-level course ESS102H1 is strongly recommended for enrolment in all programs in the Department of Earth Sciences.

Geology Specialist (Science program)

This program has unlimited enrolment and no specific admission requirements. All students who have completed at least 4.0 courses are eligible to enrol.

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

(14 full courses or their equivalent)

5.0 FCE foundation courses:
(CHM138H1, CHM139H1) / CHM151Y1; MAT135H1 & MAT136H1; (PHY131H1, PHY132H1)/(PHY151H1, PHY152H1); BIO120H1 / MAT221H1 / MAT223H1; STA220H1 / GGR270H1; GGR201H1; CSC108H1 / ESS345H1; recommended: ESS102H1

6.0 FCE core courses:
ENV233H1, ESS221H1, ESS222H1, ESS241H1, ESS261H1, JGA305H1, ESS311H1, ESS312H1, ESS322H1, ESS331H1, ESS332H1, ESS441H1

1.0 FCE field courses:
ESS330H1, ESS420H1 / ESS490H1

2.0 FCE electives chosen from:
ESS381H1, ESS410H1, ESS423H1, ESS425H1, ESS445H1, ESS461H1, ESS481H1, ESS420H1 / ESS490H1, ESS491H1 / ESS492Y1

Geophysics Specialist (Science Program)

This program has unlimited enrolment and no specific admission requirements. All students who have completed at least 4.0 courses are eligible to enrol.

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:

100-level:  PHY131H1/PHY151H1, PHY132H1/PHY152H1; (MAT135H1, MAT136H1)/MAT137Y1

200-level:  PHY250H1, PHY254H1; MAT235Y1/MAT237Y1; ESS221H1, ESS241H1

300-level:  PHY395H1; JGA305H1

400-level:  PHY408H1, PHY493H1, PHY494H1; ESS441H1, ESS445H1, ESS450H1

0.5 to 1.0 FCEs ethics course chosen from the following list: JPH441H1, ENV333H1, IMC200H1, PHL273H1, PHL275H1, ABS201Y1

4.0 to 4.5 additional FCEs chosen from Groups A, B, and/or C:

Group A -- courses required and relevant for professional registration (APGO): 
CHM139H1; ESS345H1/CSC108H1; STA220H1/GGR270H1; MAT223H1, MAT224H1; APM346H1; ESS222H1, ESS331H1

Group B -- emphasis on physics (suitable for graduate school preparation in a physics program):
PHY252H1, PHY350H1, PHY354H1, PHY392H1, PHY454H1, PHY495H1

Group C -- other relevant courses:
PHY224H1, MAT244H1, MAT335H1, APM346H1, ESS211H1, ESS222H1, ESS311H1, ESS312H1, ESS322H1, ESS330H1, ESS410H1

Geoscience Major (Science program)

This program has unlimited enrolment and no specific admission requirements. All students who have completed at least 4.0 courses are eligible to enrol.

(8 full courses or their equivalent including at least 2.0 FCE at 300+ series with at least 0.5 FCE at 400 level series.)

2.0 to 2.5 FCE chosen from BIO120H1; CHM138H1, CHM139H1; MAT135H1, MAT136H1, MAT137Y1; PHY131H1, PHY132H1; ESS102H1

2.5 FCE core courses: ESS221H1, ESS222H1, ESS241H1, ESS261H1ESS331H1

0.5 FCE field course: ESS330H1/ESS410H1/ESS450H1

2.5 to 3.0 FCE chosen from 300/400 level ESS courses/JGA305H1; note course progressions and prerequisites.

We suggest students consider the following logical course clusters in their higher years:
(a) Earth/planetary materials and mineral resources: ENV233H1, ESS322H1, ESS332H1, ESS423H1
(b) tectonics: JGA305H1, ESS345H1, ESS441H1, ESS445H1
(c) environmental biogeochemistry: ENV233H1,ESS311H1, ESS312H1, ESS410H1, ESS461H1
(d) geoarchaeology: JGA305H1, ESS461H1

Geoscience Minor (Science program)

This program has unlimited enrolment and no specific admission requirements. All students who have completed at least 4.0 courses are eligible to enrol.

(4 full courses or their equivalent, with at least 1.0 FCE at 300+ series.)

1. 1.0 FCE of 100-series CHM, BIO, or PHY courses.

2. 1.0 FCE of 100-level ESS courses (ESS102H1 recommended).

3. 1.0 FCE of 200-level ESS courses.

4. 1.0 FCE of 300/400 level ESS courses, including JGA305H1.

Be aware of course prerequisites, check clusters of courses listed for the geoscience major program, and consult the geology undergraduate handbook for logical course progressions.

Environmental Geosciences Specialist (Science Program)

Jointly sponsored by the School for the Environment and the Department of Earth Sciences. Topics include earth materials, sedimentary geology, aqueous geochemistry, hydrogeology and biogeochemistry. For more information, please contact Dr. C. Bank, Department of Earth Sciences, undergradchair@es.utoronto.ca.  Students should note that under the Professional Geoscientists Act of 2000, individuals practicing Environmental Geoscience in Ontario require education that fulfills APGO knowledge requirements or a P.Eng.

This program has unlimited enrolment and no specific admission requirements. All students who have completed at least 4.0 courses are eligible to enrol.

(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)

Environmental Geosciences Specialist
First Year: CHM151Y1/(CHM138H1, CHM139H1); (MAT135H1, MAT136H1) / MAT137Y1; PHY131H1, PHY132H1
First or Second Year: BIO120H1
Second to Fourth Years:
ENV233H1, ESS221H1, ESS222H1, ESS241H1; GGR201H1; ENV234H1/ESS261H1/EEB214H1; CHM210H1; MAT235Y1/(MAT221H1/MAT223H1, ESS345H1); STA220H1/GGR270H1ESS311H1, ESS312H1, ESS331H1; ESS425H1/ENV315H1; ESS461H1, ESS410H1
2.0 FCE from: JGA305H1, ESS381H1ESS450H1, ESS441H1, ESS445H1, ESS481H1, ESS491H1 / ESS492Y1

Environmental Geosciences Major (Science Program)

This program has unlimited enrolment and no specific admission requirements. All students who have completed at least 4.0 courses are eligible to enrol.

(8.0 full courses or their equivalent; must include at least two full-course equivalents at the 300+-level)

(CHM138H1, CHM139H1)/CHM151Y1; (MAT135H1, MAT136H1)/MAT135Y1/MAT137Y1; (PHY131H1, PHY132H1)/(PHY151H1, PHY152H1)
Second Year:
CHM210H1; ENV233H1; ESS221H1, ESS222H1, ESS241H1, ESS261H1

Third and Fourth Years:
ESS311H1, ESS312H1, ESS461H1, ESS410H1

Environmental Geosciences Minor (Science Program)

This program has unlimited enrolment and no specific admission requirements. All students who have completed at least 4.0 courses are eligible to enrol.

(4 full courses or their equivalent; must include at least one full-course equivalent at the 300+-level)

1. CHM138H1
2. ENV233H1; ESS221H1, ESS222H1, ESS311H1, ESS312H1, ESS410H1

Earth Sciences Courses


First Year Seminars

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 can be found at www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/course/fyh-1/.


ESS102H1    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.

Exclusion: GLG102H1
Recommended Preparation: Grade 12 Chemistry SCH4U, Physics SPH4U, and Functions MCB4U or equivalent
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ESS103H1    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.  ESS103H1 is primarily intended as a science Distribution Requirement course for Humanities and Social Science, it will be taught in odd years.

Exclusion: GLG103H1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ESS104H1    Controversies in Earth Science[24L]

The evolution of ideas about the origin and development of the earth from the Athenians to the 20th Century, with attention on the age of earth; on the evolution and disappearance of species; on the origin of oceans, continents and mountains; on climate change; and on the courage of scientists in confronting the religious and political views of their time.  ESS104H1 is primarily intended as a science Distribution Requirement course for Humanities and Social Science students. Taught in even years.

Exclusion: GLG105H1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ESS105H1    Our home planet[24L]

The nature and evolution of the Earth; plate tectonics; rocks and minerals; volcanism; geological time; fossils; geology of Ontario; environmental issues; and human interactions with the planet.  ESS105H1 is primarily intended as a science Distribution Requirement course for Humanities and Social Science students

Exclusion: GLG110H1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ESS205H1    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.

Exclusion: GLG205H1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

ESS221H1    Minerals and Rocks[24L/36P]

Systematic mineralogy (including: identification, classification and description), Physical and chemical properties of minerals. Crystallography and crystal systems (symmetry, crystal structure, crystal systems) Descriptions of rocks in hand samples. Optical techniques in mineral identification.

Exclusion: GLG206H1
Recommended Preparation: (CHM138H1,CHM139H1)/CHM151Y1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ESS222H1    Petrology[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: ESS221H1
Exclusion: GLG207H1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ENV233H1    Earth System Chemistry[24L]

This course will examine how the chemistry of the Earth system has changed through geologic time including recent perturbations by humans. Within this context students will be exposed to the scientific principles of thermodynamics, redox, and acid-base chemistry. This course will build on the topics introduced in ENV234H1.

Prerequisite: O.5 FCE from CHM138H1/CHM139H1 (recommended)/CHM151Y1; 0.5 FCE from MAT135H1/MAT137Y1/MAT157Y1/JMB170Y1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ENV234H1    Environmental Biology: Structure and Function of Ecosystems (formerly ENV234Y1)[24L/18P]

This multidisciplinary course draws on elements from geology, soil science, 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). (Lab Materials Fee: $25).

Prerequisite: BIO120H1/ESS102H1/GLG102H1/GGR100H1/FOR200H1/FOR201H1 or permission of department
Exclusion: ENV234Y1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

ESS241H1    Geologic Structures and Maps[24L/36P]

Field observations, description and classification of geological structures: stratigraphic and intrusive contacts, unconformities; relative age determination; folds and fold systems; faults and fault systems; boudinage, foliations and lineations; spherical projections and mechanical principles (stress, strain, rheology). Practical work focuses on reading geological maps, constructing cross-sections, and interpreting both in terms of geological processes and histories.

Exclusion: GLG345H1
Recommended Preparation: (PHY131H1,PHY132H1)/(PHY151H1,PHY152H1)
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ESS261H1    Earth System Evolution[24L/36P]

Interrelationships between Earths atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere and biosphere through time; including patterns of evolution and extinction as they are related to changes at the earth's surface and recorded in the rock record. Laboratories cover major groups of fossils, their classification, use in biostratigraphy, and living analogues.

Exclusion: GLG217H1
Recommended Preparation: BIO120H1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ESS299Y1    Research Opportunity Program

Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project. Details at http://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/course/rop. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: None

JGA305H1    Environmental and Archaeological Geophysics[24L/12P]

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.

Prerequisite: ESS241H1 or ANT200Y1 or GGR201H1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ESS311H1    Aqueous Geochemistry[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: ESS211H1 / ENV233H1
Exclusion: GLG351H1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ESS312H1    Hydrogeology[24L/24P]

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

Prerequisite: ESS311H1
Exclusion: GLG450H1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ESS322H1    Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology[24L/36P]

An overview of the nature and origin of igneous as well as metamorphic rocks, with particular emphasis on the interpretation of textures and mineral assemblages as they reflect rock-forming processes. Laboratory exercises familiarise students with the most common 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 in the Bancroft or Montreal area.

Prerequisite: ESS222H1 & ESS211H1/ENV233H1
Exclusion: GLG318H1,GLG319H1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ESS330H1    Introduction to Geologic Field Methods

A two-week field course in early 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. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Prerequisite: ESS222H1 & ESS241H1
Exclusion: GLG340H1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ESS331H1    Sedimentation and Stratigraphy[24L/36P]

Formal principles of stratigraphy, types of stratigraphic unit, methods of dating and correlation (biostratigraphic methods, magnetostratigraphy, radiometric dating). Methods of study in surface and subsurface (outcrop measurement, elementary introduction to wireline logs, seismic methods). The principles of facies analysis; sediment transport - sedimentary structures, the flow regime, and sediment gravity flows. The carbonate factory and carbonate rock classification. Trace fossils. Laboratory exercises in understanding facies mapping, isopachs and isolith maps.

Prerequisite: ESS221H1
Exclusion: GLG360H1
Recommended Preparation: ESS222H1, ESS330H1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ESS332H1    Basin Analysis[24L/36P]

Detailed study of each of the major sedimentary environments. Typical facies assemblages, cyclic sedimentation. Autogenic and allogenic processes. The principles of sequence stratigraphy. The history of the sequence concept; systems tracts and bounding surfaces. Sequence models. What causes sequences: mechanisms of change in base level and accommodation: – tectonism, climate change, eustatic sea-level change.

Prerequisite: ESS331H1
Exclusion: GLG430H1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

JEE337H1    Human Interactions with the Environment[48L/12P]

The impact of 7 billion people on the planet is enormous and challenges future generations. What are these impacts today and in future? What solutions and tools can avert societal collapse? Using an integrated and interdisciplinary systems approach, we explore problems and solutions to the earth’s limits to growth.

NEWPrerequisite: (two of ENV233H1, ENV234H1, ENV237H1/ENV238H1) or (GGR201H1 + GGR203H1) or (ENV233H1 + ESS261H1) or (CHM210H1 + CHM217H1) or (ENV221H1/ENV222H1/ENV234H1 + BIO220H1 + BIO230H1/BIO255H1) or permission of Academic Associate Director
Exclusion: JGE236H1
Recommended Preparation: Related high school science
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: None

ESS345H1    Computational Geology[24L/1T/24P]

High-level computer programming to manipulate, analyse, and visualise geologic datasets, and to solve geologic problems that require mathematical and physical concepts. Students work in Matlab, write reports, give oral presentations, and work in teams.

Prerequisite: ESS241H1
Exclusion: GLG204H1, CSC108H1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ESS381H1    Special Topics in Earth Science[24L/24P]

A survey of current thinking in Earth science. Topics may include isotope geochemistry, ore genesis, or planetary remote sensing.

Prerequisite: minimum of 1.0 credits in ESS at the 200+level
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ESS391H1    Directed Studies

An individual study program chosen by the student with the advice, and under the supervision, of a faculty member. Such work may involve obtaining data in the field or lab and analysing it, an interdisciplinary research project, and supervised readings. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Prerequisite: enrollment in an Earth Science program of study, completion of at least one full-course equivalent of 200-series ESS courses.
Exclusion: GLG371H1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: None

ESS392Y1    Directed Studies

An individual study program chosen by the student with the advice, and under the supervision, of a faculty member. Such work may involve obtaining data in the field or lab and anlysing it, an interdisciplinary research project, and supervised readings. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Prerequisite: enrollment in an Earth Sciences Program of Study; completion of at least one full-course equivalent of 200-series ESS courses.
Exclusion: GLG372Y1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: None

ESS398H0    Research Excursions

An instructor-supervised group project in an off-campus setting. Details at http://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/course/399. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: None

ESS399Y0    Research Excursions

An instructor-supervised group project in an off-campus setting. Details at http://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/current/course/399. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Exclusion: GLG399Y0
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: None

ESS410H1    Field Techniques in Hydrogeochemistry

A ten-day field course in late summer at the Deep River field site designed to familiarize students in a variety of hydrogeological and biogeochemical field techniques; includes a mixture of lecture, laboratory and field exercises. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Prerequisite: ESS311H1
Exclusion: GLG448H1
Recommended Preparation: ESS312H1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ESS420H1    Advanced Geological Field Methods

A two-week 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. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Prerequisite: ESS322H1 & ESS330H1
Exclusion: GLG445H1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ESS423H1    Mineral Deposits[24L/36P]

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

Prerequisite: ESS322H1
Exclusion: GLG442H1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ESS425H1    Analytical Methods for the Geosciences[24L/36P]

Theory and hands-on learning of current analytical techniques (laboratory work is worth 50% of the final grade). In each lab, groups of two students receive instruction from an experienced analyst and acquire hands-on experience using state-of-the-art analytical equipment. Where possible, samples supplied by the students are analyzed. Techniques covered include Neutron Activation, X-ray Fluorescence, X-ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Gas Chromatography, Ion Chromatography, Atomic Absorption, Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry.

Prerequisite: ESS322H1
Exclusion: ENV315H1
Recommended Preparation: ESS311H1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ESS441H1    Advanced Structural Geology[24L/24P]

Principles of geological mechanics: stress, strain, rheology. Faulting, folding and development of tectonic foliations and lineations. Structural analysis of fractures, folds and tectonites.

Prerequisite: ESS241H1 and 1.0 FCE in ESS at the 300-level
Recommended Preparation: ESS345H1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ESS445H1    Global Tectonics[24L/24P]

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: ESS441H1
Exclusion: GLG465H1
Recommended Preparation: ESS322H1 & ESS332H1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ESS450H1    Geophysical Field Techniques[TBA]

A ten-day field course in late August at the Deep River field site. 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. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Exclusion: GLG330H1
Recommended Preparation: JGA305H1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ESS461H1    Palaeoenvironmental Studies[24L/24P]

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: ESS261H1
Exclusion: GLG436H1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: Living Things and Their Environment (4)

ESS481H1    Advanced Topics in Earth Sciences[TBA]

An in-depth study of a modern earth science question, for example mineralogy and material science, advanced petrology, or exploration geochemistry.

Prerequisite: appropriate 300-level ESS credits. Prerequisites change from year to year; consult Department for details.
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ESS490H1    Geological Capstone Fieldtrip

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. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Prerequisite: ESS322H1 & ESS330H1
Exclusion: GLG420H1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ESS491H1    Undergraduate Thesis Project

Research emphasising methods used in field and experimental work. Students must obtain the consent of an instructor and register with the undergraduate coordinator and are urged to do so toward the end of their third year. In addition to submitting a thesis, students are required to give an oral presentation of their research results to an open meeting of the department. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Prerequisite: Completion of the required 300-level courses, and enrollment in a relevant program and permission of the department.
Exclusion: GLG471H1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)

ESS492Y1    Undergraduate Thesis Project

Research emphasising methods used in field and experimental work. Students must obtain the consent of an instructor and register with the undergraduate coordinator and are urged to do so toward the end of their third year. In addition to submitting a thesis, students are required to give an oral presentation of their research results to an open meeting of the department. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Prerequisite: Completion of the required 300-level courses in an appropriate program and permission of the department.
Exclusion: GLG470Y1
Distribution Requirement Status: This is a Science course
Breadth Requirement: The Physical and Mathematical Universes (5)