While some of the courses listed below are normally offered each year (marked †), the remainder are offered either in alternating years, or on demand, and depend partly on student enrolment.
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† GEOL-800*  |
Foundations of Geosciences |
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The course will consist of three, seminar-based sections, each worth 1/3 of 0.5 credits: (1) Principles of scientific methodology in the Geosciences: will provide an overview of the scientific method and tools for effective scientific communication. Professional practice and ethical aspects will also be discussed. (2) Mathematical methods for Geosciences: will provide a foundation in numerical methods and mathematical analysis. Topics include spatial statistics, probability, linear regression, and an introduction to numerical modeling techniques. (3) Experimental/Analytical Techniques in Geosciences: will provide an overview of analytical techniques and equipment available to geoscientists. Intended as an introduction to more advanced “methods” modules, this last section will provide a fundamental knowledge of the theory and operation of instruments and techniques available to members of our department. Staff. Offered 2011-2012.
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| † GEOL-802* |
Graduate Field School |
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Graduate field school held in several regions of the world consisting of field trips to selected areas of geological interest, emphasizing relationships between local and regional geological environments and their natural resources and hazards, in the context of the tectonic evolution of the area visited. Students are expected to research background on areas to be visited and must produce one or more substantial reports and present one or more seminars. Extra fees may apply to cover the cost of travel. Field excursions in the fall, winter and/or beginning of Summer term. Staff. Offered 2011-2012.
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| GEOL-813* |
Rock Engineering- Concepts and Case Histories |
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Overview of development of rock engineering; discussion of acceptability criteria for engineering design; site characterization techniques and objectives; rockmass classification methodology and property determination; analysis of structural instability; assessment of stress; design of underground structures in weak rock; rock support design; risk management for rock engineering. Three hour lecture, two hours tutorial. Fall. Instructor: D. Jean Hutchinson or M.S. Diederichs. Offered 2012-2013 and alternate years thereafter.
PREREQUISITE: Rock Mechanics course or permission of the instructor.
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| GEOL-815* |
Topics in Tectonics |
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A seminar-based course focussing on advanced concepts in structural geology and Tectonics. Topics may include flow concepts applied to ductile deformation, description and interpretation of microstructural fabrics, subduction processes, fluid and faulting, modelling approaches to Tectonic problems, and exhumation processes of metamorphic rocks. Far field effects such as lithosphere rheology, climate, and erosion will also be discussed. Three hour lectures; Winter. Offered in 2012-2013 and in alternate years thereafter.
PREREQUISITE: Permission of the instructor.
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| GEOL-816* |
Structural Analysis |
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Mechanisms of brittle and ductile deformation applied to geological structures and rock fabrics. Emphasis is on structures in fold and thrust belts, fracture and vein analysis, and studies of superposed deformation. (Offered jointly with GEOL-481*, but extra assignments are given.) Two hours lecture, 1 hour tutorial; 2 hours lab; Fall. L. Godin. Offered in 2011-2012 and in alternate years thereafter.
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| GEOL-819* |
Igneous Petrology |
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Rock classification and tectonic associations, petrochemistry, petro-genesis; the origin and differentiation of primary magmas, model studies of magmatic evolution. Phase diagrams of igneous minerals. Laboratory study of rock suites and special projects. (Offered jointly with GEOL-421.) Two hours seminar, three hours laboratory; Winter. D. Layton-Matthews. Offered 2011-2012 and in alternate years thereafter.
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| †GEOL-822* |
Metallogeny in Mineral Exploration |
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The major geological environments considered from a plate tectonic perspective, and their associated ore deposits: approaches to the definition of the characteristics of ore deposit types, with particular emphasis on the role of theories of ore genesis in defining geological criteria for area selection in mineral exploration. (May be offered jointly with GEOL-422*, depending on enrolment.) Three hours lecture, three hours seminar, seminar/laboratory; Fall. G.R. Olivo, Coordinator. Offered in 2011-2012.
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| GEOL-832* |
Geostatistics |
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The course provides a solid grounding in statistics and an understanding of the particularities of geostatistics, including spatial data analysis and its application to resource estimation and the analysis of very large data sets. The theoretical part focuses on the significance and application of statistical concepts, in particular those applicable to geology. The necessary formulations and mathematical methods, as well as examples from real geological data sets will be given throughout the course. The practical part will give students the opportunity to have hands-on experience with real-world data sets, through lab work and assignments and through personal projects. Not offered in 2011-2012.
PREREQUISITE: Permission of instructor
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| GEOL-833* |
Hydrogeology |
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Mathematical description of groundwater flow and solute migration. Analysis of flow systems, flow to wells and response to pumping. Water quality issues. Laboratory topics: parameter measurement, evaluation of groundwater contamination, water quality analyses. Short presentation, research paper required. Participation in one weekend field exercise is required. Two hours lecture, three hours laboratory. V.H. Remenda. Offered on demand.
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| GEOL-835* |
The Environmental Impact of Mining |
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This course will expose students to the concepts and the current practice of mine waste management including acid mine drainage, neutral-pH metal leaching, secondary mineral precipitates, prediction and permitting, site remediation, etc. Students who complete this course will have a comprehensive understanding of the nature of the environmental impact of mining on ecological and human health, the scientific principles behind the interaction between mine waste and the surface environment, and the tools that professionals use to predict, control, remediate and regulate metal mining activities. Offered as full course or module. Not offered 2011-2012. The course includes a three-day workshop, six 2-hour laboratory sessions and a three-day field trip. Winter. H. Jamieson. Estimated cost for field trip is $75 per student.
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| GEOL-836* |
Developing Proposals for Successful Mineral Exploration |
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Course focuses on the development of exploration proposals and programs based on geological, economic and corporate considerations. It integrates knowledge gained from other courses taken for the course work master's degree in mineral exploration. Specific topics will be selected to illustrate the interrelationships between exploration philosophies and strategies, geological and economic environments, and the use of appropriate search techniques and tactics in mineral exploration. Three term hours; Fall. Staff with industry partners. Not offered in 2011-2012.
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| †GEOL-839* |
The Geochemistry of Fluids Associated With Economic Ore Deposits |
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Basic principles of litho- and aqueous-geochemistry. New principles involving stable and radiogenic isotope geochemistry will follow. The hydrologic cycle will be examined from a geochemical perspective, leading to discussion of hydrothermal fluids and ore deposits associated with hydrothermal alteration. Phase equilibrium, mineral stability, oxidation-reduction reactions, isotope geochemistry, and other characteristics of hydrothermal fluids. The origin and chemical compositions of magmatic and metamorphic fluids. (Portions of the course are given jointly with GEOL-465*.) Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory. Winter. T.K. Kyser. Not offered in 2011-2012.
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| GEOL-840* |
Problems in Geology |
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An investigation of selected geological problems. Staff. Offered on demand.
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| GEOL-841* |
Special Topics in Geology & Geological Engineering I |
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A course unit composed of two modules on topics in the geological sciences and geological engineering. Each module will consist of a workshop, short course or extended field trip, as approved by the Department. The unit will be completed within two years. Specific modules offered during each academic year will be announced on the department's web site in September or, in exceptional circumstances, as opportunities arise. Modules taken for GEOL-851* are not eligible. Staff. Offered in 2011-2012.
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| GEOL-842* |
Mineral Chemistry |
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The methods, applications, and limitations of electron probe microanalysis in the characterization of minerals are investigated. The general principles of solid solution, substitution, and stoichiometry are developed, and their relation to mineral stability is discussed. Two hours lecture, two hours laboratory; Fall. Staff. Offered on demand.
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| GEOL-843* |
Problems in Geological Engineering |
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An investigation of selected geological engineering problems. Staff. Offered on demand.
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| GEOL-847* |
Topics in Paleontology |
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An investigation of selected paleontological problems. Seminar weekly plus a project and a major essay. G.M. Narbonne. Offered on demand.
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| GEOL-849* |
Economic Guidelines for Exploration Planning |
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The course develops those evaluation skills which enable exploration geologists and engineers to translate their technical knowledge and expertise into economic planning criteria. Cost, risk, and return characteristics of mineral exploration; introduction to economic evaluation; cash flow and time value concepts; discounted cash flow methods; mining taxation considerations; sensitivity and risk analysis techniques; exploration economics and strategies; evaluation of exploration projects; exploration planning issues, financial statement analysis. Lectures in the fall term and in December during the intensive course on Economic Guidelines for Mineter Exploration. Fall. M. Doggett. Offered in 2011-2012.
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| GEOL-851* |
Special Topics in Geology & Geological Engineering II |
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A course unit composed of two modules on topics in the geological sciences and geological engineering. Each module will consist of a workshop, short course or extended field trip, as approved by the Department. The unit will be completed within two years. Specific modules offered during each academic year will be announced on the department's web site in September or, in exceptional circumstances, as opportunities arise. Modules taken for GEOL-841* are not eligible. Staff. Offered in 2011-2012.
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| GEOL-853* |
Methods of Geological Data Analysis |
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A broad base of digital and analog methods will be used to examine the collection, correction, and analysis of geologic data. Field data collection using GPS and handheld computers will lead to a discussion of field data semantics, Geographic Information Systems technology, and the acquisition and distribution of data across the Internet. Manipulation of air photo and remotely sensed imagery will lead to a discussion of state of the art geologic sensing systems including Radar and Hyperspectral methods. The underlying theme of the labs and assignments will be the application of these techniques to resource and environmental assessment. (Offered jointly with GEOL-463*.) Two hours lecture, three hours laboratory; Fall. R.M. Harrap. Not offered in 2011-2012.
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| GEOL-858* |
Topics in Isotopic Dating |
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A discussion of recent developments in the various isotopic/geochronological techniques, intended for graduate students with no previous background in geochronology. Topics discussed will include: nature of isotopes, theory of radioactive decay; the mathematics of diffusion and closure temperatures; error propagation and least-squares fitting; 40Ar/39Ar dating; interpretation of: 40Ar/39Ar age spectra, isochrons and correlation diagrams; U-Pb and Pb-Pb dating; other geochronological systems including Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, Re-Os, Lu-Hf, U-Th-series disequilibrium, (U, Th)-He, and fission track; recent developments in geochronology. Three hours lecture including student seminars; Winter. Staff. Offered on demand.
PREREQUISITE: 1st-year calculus and statistics.
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| GEOL-859* |
Numerical Analysis in the Earth Sciences |
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A course in the use of analytical and computational mathematical techniques to solve a variety of problems in the earth sciences and geological engineering. Through the direct design and implementation of computer programs, the utility, significance and widespread applicability of numerical methods will be illustrated in the evaluation and solution of practical problems taken from environmental science, geology, geotechnique, and geophysics. Students will also be expected to complete a major term project in their field of interest. Three hours lecture, one hour tutorial; Winter. Offered on demand.
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| GEOL-862* |
Resources and Sustainability |
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This course addresses the role of mineral exploration and mining industries in providing wellbeing for people and ecosystems; includes discussions of the global distribution of, and demand for, water, energy and mineral resources, and the major geological, technological, economic, environmental, social and governance issues. It culminates with the design of solutions based on sustainable management. 3 hours, 1 hour tutorial: including lectures, panel discussions and seminars. Winter. G.R. Olivo. Not offered 2011-2012.
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| GEOL-866* |
Isotopes and the Environment |
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A course for advanced students in the fields of biology, chemistry, geography or geology in the principles of stable isotope and radiogenic isotope systematics in natural processes. Emphasis will be placed on the use of isotopes in tracing elemental cycles, biological cycles and hydrologic cycles and how some isotopes can be used to place constraints on the timing of specific events within these cycles. (Offered jointly with GEOL-466*.) Three hours lecture, two hours laboratory; Winter. T.K. Kyser. Offered in 2011-2012 and then alternate years thereafter.
PREREQUISITE: CHEM-112 (or equivalent), or permission of instructor.
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| GEOL-869* |
Advanced seismic imaging |
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Wave and ray theory, eikonal equations, Fourier and Radon transform imaging methods, Born and Rytov series and approximations, seismic migration methods, diffraction tomography, generalized Radon transform methods, time and frequency domain finite difference modelling, optimization methods including gradient and Newton methods, frequency domain waveform tomography. The course will develop an understanding of these topics through a study of some of the critical journal publications in each of these areas. A term project involving the implementation of at least one of the above topics will be required. Three hours seminar/lecture; Winter. Offered on demand.
PREREQUISITE: GEOL 439 and GEOL 429, or equivalent.
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| GEOL-873* |
Applied Numerical Analysis for Rock Engineering |
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Course focuses on a comprehensive suite of numerical analysis techniques suited to geotechnical design of rock structures and analysis of rockmass stability in natural and engineered settings. Finite element, finite difference, discrete/distinct element and boundary element methods are all discussed with hands-on application workshops using state-of-the-art geomechanics software. Analytical models and pre- and post processing techniques suited to typical rock engineering problems are developed through assignments. Strength criteria and non-linear inelastic constitutive models for continuum plasticity, brittle fracture and discontinuum deformation are explored in detail. Projects involving real case histories are undertaken to highlight the application of and engineering judgment associated with numerical analysis for problems involving rockmasses. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab; Winter. M.S. Diederichs. Not offered in 2011-2012.
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| GEOL-878* |
Terrigenous Clastic Sedimentology |
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Detailed examination of depositional processes and external controls on the facies organization and sequence stratigraphy of fluvial, coastal, shelf and deep-marine environments. Introduction to sedimentary basin types. Required extended field trip during term. Three hours lecture, three hours lab; Fall. R.W. Dalrymple. Offered in 2011-2012 and alternate years thereafter.
PREREQUISITE: GEOL-238* or permission of the instructor.
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| GEOL-879* |
Applied Geophysics: Potential Field and Electromagnetic Methods |
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An advanced course dealing with the application of gravity, magnetic, electromagnetic, resistivity, and induced-polarization methods to resource exploration and site investigation. Emphasis is on practical implications of theory as related to the design, implementation and interpretation of field surveys. Three hour lecture, one hour tutorial; winter. R.G. Pratt. Not offered in 2011-2012 and then in alternate years. (Offered jointly with GEOL-479).
PREREQUISITE: MATH 227* (or equivalent), MATH 338* (or equivalent) and GEOL 319*, or permission of instructor.
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| GEOL-882* |
Petrogenesis of Carbonate Rocks |
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The alteration of carbonate sediments in different diagenetic environments leading to the formation of limestone and dolomite. Topics addressed will include biological and chemical modification, cementation, neomorphism, porosity evolution and karst. Emphasis to be on rock-water interactions as revealed through petrography as well as trace element and isotope geochemistry. Three hours; seminars, selected lectures and laboratories; Fall. N. James. Offered in 2011-2012 and then in alternate years.
PREREQUISITE: GEOL-368 or permission of instructor.
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| GEOL-883* |
Carbonate Facies Dynamics |
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Principles of carbonate facies models as derived from modern environments and ancient successions. Assessment of current trends in modelling and the temporal response of carbonate systems to intrinsic and extrinsic controls. Three hours, seminar;' Fall. N. James. Not offered 2011-2012.
PREREQUISITE: GEOL-368 or permission of instructor.
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| GEOL-885* |
Environmental Aqueous Geochemistry |
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Rock-water interaction and geological controls on chemical evolution and anthropogenic modification of surface and ground waters. Thermodynamics, activity diagrams and computer models are applied to problems of water contamination. Students evaluate and design solutions to case studies, including geochemical hazards to human health and environmental impacts of mining, including acid mine drainage. Offered jointly with GEOL-485). Winter. H. Jamieson. Not offered 2011-2012.
PREREQUISITE: GEOL 232* or permission of instructor.
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| GEOL-888* |
Geological Evolution of North America |
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An advanced course discussing the principles of earth evolution as exemplified by North America. The holistic approach illustrates the way in which geodynamics, geochemistry, sedimentation, paleo-biology and oceanography are used to unravel the history of the continent. (Offered jointly with GEOL-488*.) Three hours lecture; five day field trip; Fall. Staff.
PREREQUISITE: A geology core program or permission of the instructor.
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| GEOL-889* |
Seismic Methods in Exploration Geophysics |
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Analysis, modelling, and processing of controlled source seismic data. Seismic data processing, including deconvolution, waveform shaping, velocity analysis, de-reverberation and multi-fold stacking. Advanced theory and practice of modelling and inverse (imaging) methods, and the interpretation of fully-processed seismic data, both in 2-D and 3-D. Three hours lecture, 1 hour tutorial; winter. Not offered in 2011-2012.
PREREQUISITE MATH 227* (or equivalent), MATH 338* (or equivalent) and GEOL 319*, or permission of instructor.
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| †GEOL-962* |
Magmatic-Hydrothermal Ore Deposits |
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The course addresses the "on-site" petrochemical processes resulting in the formation of ore deposits, as well as the magmatic, tectonic and geodynamic factors responsible for the regional distribution of economic mineralization. Both hypogene and supergene environments are considered, and emphasis is placed on the origin of giant and/or unusually high-grade systems. The implications for mineral exploration of modern ore-genetic and metallogenetic concepts and data are evaluated. The focus will be on magmatogene-hydrothermal base-, precious- and lithophile- metal deposits, particularly in the Central Andes. Laboratories involve integrated hand-specimen study and transmitted- and reflected-light petrography. Three hours lecture/seminar, three hour laboratory; Winter. Staff. Offered on demand.
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| GEOL-978* |
Topics in Clastic Sedimentology |
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An investigation of selected problems related to sediment transport and deposition, environmental dynamics, external controls on sedimentation, and sequence stratigraphy of clastic sediments. Seminar weekly. R.W. Dalrymple. Offered on demand.
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Courses of Instruction 
