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.  Field trip costs will be finalized by September, when the detailed trip plan is presented to interested students.  In previous years, the maximum cost of the trip has been $3000/student.  Funding from thesis supervisors may be available to help offset these costs. (3 credit units)

A review of the tectonic origin and filling of various types of sedimentary basins, followed by an examination of the diagenesis of siliciclastic, carbonate and organic sediments and the implications for the occurrence of hydrocarbons and mineral deposits. (1.5 credit units). PREREQUISITE: GEOL 238* or equivalent; GEOL 365* or equivalent

This course consists of a short and focused exploration of a pre-approved topic in engineering geology removed from the thesis research. The course may be hosted at Queen’s or offsite under the co-supervision of the designated departmental instructor. Course delivery may vary from special lecture series to supervised field/lab course. Deliverables would include a self-directed report and presentation. Field trip fee may apply. (1.5 credit units). PREREQUISITE: Permission of the instructor.

This course consists of a short and focused exploration of a pre-approved topic in applied geology removed from the thesis research. The course may be hosted at Queen’s or offsite under the co-supervision of the designated departmental instructor. Course delivery may vary from special lecture series to supervised field/lab course. Deliverables would include a self-directed report and presentation. Field trip fee may apply. (1.5 credit units). PREREQUISITE: Permission of the instructor.

The theory and practical aspects of the techniques of Scanning Electron Microscopy and the Electron Microprobe.  A project is required where the student employs these techniques to study a material of their choice. (1.5 credit units). PREREQUISITE: Permission of the instructor. EXCLUSION: GEOL 452

The theory and practical aspects of the techniques of X-ray powder diffraction and mineral spectroscopy. Techniques include Vis-infra-red spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and Mossbauer spectroscopy. A project is required where the student employs these techniques to study a material of their choice. (1.5 credit units). PREREQUISITE: Permission of the instructor. EXCLUSION: GEOL 452

An introduction to 3d visualization of natural sciences data with a focus on methods relevant to geological engineering, mineral exploration and geoscience research. Perception, representation and analytical methods. Design tools and data integration methods. Temporal analysis of natural sciences data. LiDAR data analysis. Global and local models. Virtual worlds. (1.5 credit units) PREREQUISITE: GEOL/GEOE 463 or GEOL 853 or Permission of the instructor

An introduction to 3d visualization of natural sciences data with a focus on methods relevant to geological engineering, mineral exploration and geoscience research. Perception, representation and analytical methods. Design tools and data integration methods. Temporal analysis of natural sciences data. LiDAR data analysis. Global and local models. Virtual worlds. (1.5 credit units) PREREQUISITE: GEOL/GEOE 463 or GEOL 853 or Permission of the instructor

Mechanisms of brittle and ductile deformation, strain, rheology and deformation mechanisms applied to geological structures and rock fabrics, with an emphasis on microstructural development of fabrics, flow paths and vorticity analysis. Applications to problems in continental tectonics studies. (1.5 credit units) PREREQUISITE: Permission of the instructor. EXCLUSION: GEOL 481, GEOL 816

An overview of the major themes, approaches and methods of geographic information science and related GIS software tools. Spatial analysis, fundamentals of cartography and fundamentals of data management. Students will gain exposure at a level appropriate for effectively managing and using spatial data for graduate level projects. (1.5 credit units) PREREQUISITE: Permission of the instructor. EXCLUSION: GEOL 463, GPHY 243

This course addresses the major challenges of mineral exploration and mining industries in providing well-being 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 involves 20 hours of lectures and discussion of papers and it culminates with the presentation of comprehensive seminar and report by the participants. (1.5 credit units)

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 hours lecture, two hours tutorial. PREREQUISITE: Rock Mechanics course or permission of the instructor. (3 credit units)

A seminar-based course focusing 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 hours lecture. (3 credit units). PREREQUISITE: Permission of the instructor.

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. (3 credit units)

This course covers key theoretical principles and practical applications for presenting science. Students will learn about different types of presentations and means for presenting scientific data based on their target audience. It should be emphasized that the “science” component of this course is also critically important and therefore students are expected to select their presentation topics according to their scientific discipline. (1.5 credit units). PREREQUISITE: Permission of the instructor.

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. (3 credit units)

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 short course. The course includes a three-day workshop, six 2-hour laboratory sessions and three-day field trip. Field trip fees are approximately $100. (3 credit units)

An investigation of selected geological problems. Offered on demand (3 credit units)

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. (3 credit units)

An investigation of selected geological engineering problems. Offered on demand. (3 credit units)

An investigation of selected paleontological problems. Seminar weekly plus a project and a major essay. Offered on demand. (3 credit units)

The course develops those evaluation skills which enable exploration geologists and engineers to translate their technical knowledge and expertise into economic planning 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 Mineral Exploration. (3 credit units)

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. (3 credit units) PREREQUISITE: GEOL 841

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. (3 credit units)

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. (3 credit units)

Course focusses 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 judgement associated with numerical analysis for problems involving rockmasses. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab. (3 credit units)

Principles of rock-water interaction and element migration in the near surface environment applied to environmental and exploration geochemistry. Students learn field and analytical techniques, evaluate and interpret geochemical data and design solutions related to geochemical hazards to human health, environmental impacts of mining and formulation of strategies for detecting mineral deposits. Field trip fee $50. (3 credit units). PREREQUISITE: Permission of the instructor. (Offered jointly with GEOL 475)

Theory and application of observing geophysical fields from space-borne platforms. Orbital mechanics, signal propagation, uncertainty will be addressed. Current missions including radar and laser altimetry, gravimetry and magnetometry and synthetic aperture radar. Applications in science and engineering (site investigation, geodynamics, ocean and ice, natural resources) through student projects. (3 credit units)

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. (3 credit units). PREREQUISITE: GEOL 368 or permission of instructor.

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. (3 credit units). PREREQUISITE: GEOL 368 or permission of the instructor.

Principles and applications of space-based systems for geo-spatial data acquisition with particular focus on Global Navigation Satellite Systems and Geodetic Satellite Missions. Applications for small to mid-scale engineering problems and larger scale Earth monitoring systems. (3 credit units) PREREQUISITE: Permission of the instructor.

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 filed trip. (3 credit units). PREREQUISITE: A geology core program or permission of the instructor.

Theory of elastic waves and seismic processing methods. Application of seismic reflection and refraction methods to oil and gas exploration. Hands-on experience in seismic data processing using leading-edge software systems. (3 credit units) PREREQUISITE: Permission of the instructor