Faculty calendars

Archived Calendars

GEO - G�ologie / Geology

Course descriptions

GEO1111	Introduction to Earth Systems	(3,0,0) 3 cr.
Course suited for students in the faculties of Science or Engineering who want to learn more about how the solid earth, oceans, atmosphere, and life have worked in an integrated way over the past 4.6 billion years. Prerequisite: OAC Chemistry and Mathematics (calculus, algebra and geometry). This course cannot be combined for credits with GEO1301. BACK TO TOP

GEO1115	Introduction to Earth Materials	(1.5,0,3) 3 cr.
Identification, properties and interpretation of Earth materials in field excursions and laboratory exercises. Common rock-forming and metallic minerals; sedimentary rocks and fossils; igneous rocks and textures; metamorphic rocks and fabrics; unconsolidated materials (clay, silt, sand, gravel and soils). Geology of the Ottawa area. A minimal fee is required to cover transportation for field trips. Prerequisite: OAC Chemistry and Mathematics (calculus, algebra and geometry). BACK TO TOP

GEO1301	The Earth and How it Works	(3,0,0) 3 cr.
Course designed for students outside the faculties of Science and Engineering. Students will learn about a number of geological processes that started 4.6 billion years ago and continue to mould our Earth today, including earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain building. In addition the evolution of life and the scientific and environmental issues related to natural resource exploitation (water, oil, gas, coal, metals) will be discussed. This course cannot be credited to students from the Faculties of Science and Engineering. This course cannot be combined for credits with GEO1111. BACK TO TOP

GEO1511	Introduction aux syst�mes terrestres	(3,0,0) 3 cr.
Cours de base con�u pour toute personne des facult�s de Sciences ou de G�nie qui veut savoir comment la Terre solide, les oc�ans, l'atmosph�re et la biosph�re fonctionnent d'une mani�re int�gr�e depuis plus de 4,6 milliards d'ann�es. Pr�alable: CPO Chimie et Math�matiques (calcul infinit�simal, alg�bre et g�om�trie). Les cours GEO1511 et GEO1701 sont mutuellement exclusifs. BACK TO TOP

GEO1515	Introduction aux mat�riaux terrestres	(1.5,0,3) 3 cr.
Identification, propri�t�s et interpr�tation des mat�riaux terrestres sur le terrain et au laboratoire. Principaux minerais m�talliques et min�raux de la cro�te terrestre; roches ign�es et leurs textures; roches s�dimentaires et les fossiles; roches m�tamorphiques et leurs fabriques; mat�riaux meubles (argile, silt, sable, gravier, sols). G�ologie de la r�gion d'Ottawa. Des frais minimes sont exig�s pour d�frayer le transport lors des excursions. Pr�alable: CPO Chimie et Math�matiques (calcul infinit�simal, alg�bre et g�om�trie). BACK TO TOP

GEO1701	Comment percer les secrets de la Terre	(3,0,0) 3 cr.
Cours offert � toute personne � l'ext�rieur des facult�s de Sciences et de G�nie. Ce cours donne une vue d'ensemble sur de nombreux processus g�ologiques (tremblements de terre, volcans, cha�nes de montagnes) qui fa�onnent notre plan�te depuis maintenant 4,6 milliards d'ann�es. L'origine et l'�volution de la vie seront aussi discut�es, ainsi que les aspects scientifiques et environnementaux de nos ressources (eau, p�trole, gas naturel, charbon, m�taux). Ce cours ne peut pas �tre cr�dit� aux �tudiants des facult�s de Sciences et de G�nie. Les cours GEO1701 et GEO1511 sont mutuellement exclusifs. BACK TO TOP

GEO2113	Paleontology	(1.5,0,3) 3 cr.
The nature of fossils, particularly the fossilized remains and traces of common macro-invertebrates. Study of aspects of morphology most useful in identifying and classifying fossils and in interpreting their paleoecology and evolutionary history. Prerequisite: Science threshold year. (offered in alternate years with GEO2513) BACK TO TOP

GEO2163	Introduction to Mineralogy	(1.5,0,3) 3 cr.
Fundamental concepts of mineralogy. Crystal systems, symmetry, point groups, crystal chemistry and the classification of minerals. Systematic survey of the crystal structure, uses, and occurrence of the principal minerals in rocks and soils. Prerequisite: Science threshold year. BACK TO TOP

GEO2164	Analytical Methods in Mineralogy	(1.5,0,3) 3 cr.
Introduction to principal analytical methods available for the study of minerals and rocks. Progagation of light in crystalline media and the use of the polarizing microscope, powder X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, electron microbeam analysis and scanning electron microscopy. Prerequisite: GEO2163 BACK TO TOP

GEO2165	Stratigraphy and Sedimentation	(1.5,0,3) 3 cr.
The origin of sedimentary rocks. Characteristics of primary structures and secondary alteration. Basic principles of stratigraphy. Prerequisite: GEO1115 BACK TO TOP

GEO2307	Environmental Geology	(3,0,0) 3 cr.
Natural hazards, and environmental problems related to the exploitation of mineral resources, fossil fuels and nuclear energy. Physical and chemical characteristics of surface and subsurface environments, biogeochemical cycles, water, soil and air pollution. Remediation processes and environmental rules and regulations. Prerequisite: GEO1111 (offered in alternate years with GEO2707) BACK TO TOP

GEO2321	Structural Geology and Tectonics	(1.5,0,3) 3 cr.
Stress and strain analysis, geometrical analyses of rock structures, deformation mechanisms, fabric-forming mechanisms, introduction to plate tectonics. Prerequisites: GEO1115 or Pre or Co-requisite GEO2163.(offered in alternate years with GEO2721) BACK TO TOP

GEO2334	Quaternary Geology and Climate Change	(1.5,0,3) 3 cr.
Examination of the past two million years of Earth history, including Pleistocene glaciations, sea level fluctuations, arid/pluvial cycles, and holocene migrations and extinctions. Cycles and mechanisms of natural and anthropogenically driven climatic change through the Quaternary and up to the present. Field excursions. A minimal fee is required to cover transportation for field trips. Prerequisites: GEO1111 or GEO1115 (offered in alternate years with GEO2734) BACK TO TOP

GEO2371	Earth Resources: Metals and Industrial Minerals	(3,0,0) 3 cr.
Basic concepts of mineral resources, exploration and development of mineral deposits, major types of economic industrial and metallic mineral deposits, their distribution in the world and in Canada, and geological processes of their formation. Prerequisites: GEO1111 or GEO1115 (offered in alternate years with GEO3372) BACK TO TOP

GEO2513	Pal�ontologie	(1.5,0,3) 3 cr.
�tude et classification des principaux invert�br�s fossiles. Interpr�tation pal�o�cologique et �volutive � partir des traits morphologiques. Pr�alable: Cours d'accueil en sciences. (offert tous les deux ans en alternance avec GEO2113) BACK TO TOP

GEO2563	Introduction � la min�ralogie	(1.5,0,3) 3 cr.
Concepts de base en min�ralogie, syst�mes cristallins, sym�trie, groupes ponctuels, classification des min�raux. Aper�u syst�matique de la structure cristalline, de l'utilisation et de la distribution des principaux min�raux dans les roches et les sols. Pr�alable: Cours d'accueil en sciences. BACK TO TOP

GEO2564	M�thodes analytiques en min�ralogie	(1.5,0,3) 3 cr.
Introduction aux principales m�thodes analytiques pour l'�tude des min�raux et des roches. Propagation de la lumi�re en milieux cristallins, utilisation du microscope polarisant, diffraction-X sur les poudres, spectrom�trie par fluorescence-X, analyse par microsonde �lectronique et microscopie � balayage �lectronique. Pr�alable: GEO2563 BACK TO TOP

GEO2565	Stratigraphie et s�dimentation	(1.5,0,3) 3 cr.
Origine des roches s�dimentaires. Caract�ristiques des structures primaires et des ph�nom�nes d'alt�ration secondaire. Principes de base en stratigraphie. Pr�alable: GEO1515 BACK TO TOP

GEO2707	G�ologie environnementale	(3,0,0) 3 cr.
Dangers naturels et probl�mes environnementaux reli�s � l'exploitation des ressources min�rales, combustibles fossiles et �nergie nucl�aire. Caract�ristiques physiques et chimiques des environnements de surface et sous-surface, grands cycles biog�ochimiques, pollution de l'eau, des sols et de l'air. Processus de d�pollution et normes environnementales. Pr�alable: GEO1511 (offert tous les deux ans en alternance avec GEO2307) BACK TO TOP

GEO2721	G�ologie structurale et tectonique	(1.5,0,3) 3 cr.
Contraintes et d�formation, analyses g�om�triques de structures, m�canismes de d�formation, m�canismes formateurs de fabriques, introduction � la tectonique des plaques. Pr�alables: GEO1515 ou Pr�lable ou concomittant: GEO2563 (offert tous les deux ans en alternance avec GEO2321). BACK TO TOP

GEO2734	G�ologie quaternaire et changement climatique	(1.5,0,3) 3 cr.
Examen des derniers deux millions d'ann�es de l'histoire de la Terre, glaciations du Pl�istoc�ne, changements du niveau de la mer, cycles arides et pluviaux, extinctions et migrations de l'Holoc�ne. Cycles et m�canismes naturels et anthropog�niques conduisant aux changements climatiques pendant le Quaternaire. Excursions sur le terrain. Des frais minimes sont exig�s pour d�frayer le transport lors des excursions. Pr�alables: GEO1511 ou GEO1515 (offert tous les deux ans en alternance avec GEO2334) BACK TO TOP

GEO2901	Rapport de stage coop I	3 cr.
Co-op Work Term Report I BACK TO TOP

GEO2920		5 cr.
�tudes de terrain I

GEO3152	Geological Data Analysis	(3,0,4) 5 cr.
Introduction to commonly used quantitative methods of geological data analysis. Review of basic statistics: Types of data and methods of presentation; descriptive statistics; probability and sampling theory; error analysis; statistical tests, linear regression and correlation, spatial statistics. Vector analysis. Experimental design and analysis of variance. Non-parametric statistics. Multivariable analysis. Examples and applications in geology, hydrogeology, and environmental sciences. Prerequisite: MAT2378 or MAT2377.(offered in alternate years with GEO3552). BACK TO TOP

GEO3163	Igneous Petrology	(1.5,0,3) 3 cr.
Fundamentals of igneous rock classification, crystallization, differentiation, and tectonic affiliations. Microscopy of igneous rocks. Survey of the common volcanic and plutonic rocks. Prerequisite: GEO2164 BACK TO TOP

GEO3164	Metamorphic petrology	(1.5,0,3) 3 cr.
Fundamentals of metamorphic rock classification. Metamorphic facies and isograds; mineral equilibria, and thermobarometry; microscopy of metamorphic rocks; and metamorphic processes. Prerequisite: GEO2164 BACK TO TOP

GEO3165	Carbonate Sedimentology	(1.5,0,3) 3 cr.
Processes and products of deposition in warm-to cool-water carbonate and associated evaporite producing environments; concepts of facies and microfacies, diagenetic processes and products; microscopy of carbonate and evaporite rocks. Prerequisite: GEO2165 (offered in alternate years with GEO3565). BACK TO TOP

GEO3166	Siliciclastic Sedimentology	(1.5,0,3) 3 cr.
Classification and origin of siliciclastic sedimentary rocks. Processes of sediment transport/deposition, biogenic structures, and diagenetic alteration during burial. Microscopy of siliciclastic rocks. Prerequisite: GEO2165 (offered in alternate years with GEO3566) BACK TO TOP

GEO3342	Introduction to Hydrogeology	(1.5,0,3) 3 cr.
The water cycle, groundwater and aquifers, theory of groundwater flow, groundwater resources, contaminants and contamination risks, impacts of over- exploitation. Laboratories to include soil physics and saturated flow experiments. Prerequisite: GEO1115,science threshold year. (offered in alternate years with GEO3742). BACK TO TOP

GEO3372	Petrology of Mineral Deposits	(1.5,0,3) 3 cr.
Identification of major metallic minerals and their host rocks. Reflected light microscopy of metallic mineral assemblages and textures. Prerequisite: GEO2163 (offered in alternate years with GEO2371). BACK TO TOP

GEO3382	Geochemistry	(3,0,0) 3 cr.
Basic concepts and applications of geochemistry to other geological disciplines. Introduction to geochronology, radiogenic isotope systematics and stable isotope geochemistry. Particular emphasis on the present-day composition of the Earth and the processes modifying the distribution of elements in rocks, and natural waters. Prerequisites: Science threshold year (offered in alternate years with GEO3782) BACK TO TOP

GEO3393	Planetary Geology	(1.5,0,3) 3 cr.
Geology of Moon, Mercury, Mars and Venus, compared with the Geology of Earth; the outer planets and their satellites; meteorites and tektites; impact craters; origin and development of the Solar System. Laboratory: photo-interpretation of surface features of Moon, study of geological maps of Moon and Mars, microscopic examination of lunar rocks, meteorites, and terrestrial impact breccias. Co-requisite: GEO3163 or GEO3563.Not offered each year. Students must check with the department. BACK TO TOP

GEO3552	Analyses de donn�es g�ologiques	(3,0,4) 5 cr.
Introduction aux m�thodes d'analyse quantitative des donn�es g�ologiques. Revue des statistiques de base: types de donn�es et m�thodes de pr�sentation; statistiques descriptives; probabilit� et th�orie de l'�chantillonage; analyse de l'erreur; estimation et d�cision statistique; r�gression lin�aire et corr�lation. Statistiques dans l'espace. Analyse de vecteurs. Design exp�rimental et analyse de variance. M�thodes non- param�triques. S�ries statistiques multiples. Exemples et applications en g�ologie, en hydrog�ologie, et en sciences environnementales. Pr�alables: MAT2778 ou MAT2777 (offert tous les deux ans en alternance avec GEO3152) BACK TO TOP

GEO3563	P�trologie ign�e	(1.5,0,3) 3 cr.
Concepts de base de la classification des roches ign�es; processus de cristallisation et de diff�rentiation; discrimination et identification tectonique. Microscopie des roches ign�es. Aper�u des principales roches volcaniques et plutoniques. Pr�alable: GEO2564 BACK TO TOP

GEO3564	P�trologie m�tamorphique	(1.5,0,3) 3 cr.
Concepts de base de la classification, des faci�s et des isogrades m�tamorphiques, �quilibre des min�raux et thermobarom�trie, microscopie des roches m�tamorphiques, processus m�tamorphiques. Pr�alable: GEO2564 BACK TO TOP

GEO3565	S�dimentologie carbonat�e	(1.5,0,3) 3 cr.
Processus et produits de la s�dimentation carbonat�e et �vaporitique dans les milieux marins chauds et froids; concepts de faci�s et microfaci�s, processus et produits diagen�tiques; microscopie des roches carbonat�es. Pr�alable: GEO2565 (offert tous les deux ans en alternance avec GEO3165) BACK TO TOP

GEO3566	S�dimentologie silico-clastique	(1.5,0,3) 3 cr.
Classification et origine des roches s�dimentaires silico- clastiques. Processus de transport/d�position des s�diments, structures biog�niques, et alt�ration diagen�tique au cours de l'enfouissement. Microscopie des roches silico-clastiques. Pr�alable: GEO2565 (offert tous les deux ans en alternance avec GEO3166) BACK TO TOP

GEO3742	Introduction � l'hydrog�ologie	(1.5,0,3) 3 cr.
Introduction au cycle de l'eau, nappes phr�atiques, th�orie de l'�coulement des eaux souterraines, sources d'eau, contaminants et risques de contamination, impact de la surexploitation. Laboratoires (physique des sols, �coulements satur�s). Pr�alable: GEO1511,cours d'accueil en sciences. (offert an alternance avec GEO3342) BACK TO TOP

GEO3782	G�ochimie	(3,0,0) 3 cr.
Concepts de base et applications de la g�ochimie dans les domaines de la g�ologie. Introduction � la g�ochronologie, syst�matique des isotopes radiog�niques, g�ochimie des isotopes stables. Accent mis sur la composition actuelle de la Terre et les processus modifiant la distribution des �l�ments dans les roches et les eaux naturelles. Pr�alables: Cours d'accueil en sciences (offert � tous les deux ans en alternance avec GEO3382) BACK TO TOP

GEO3901	Rapport de stage coop II	3 cr.
Co-op Work Term Report II BACK TO TOP

GEO3902	Rapport de stage coop III	3 cr.
Co-op Work Term Report III BACK TO TOP

GEO3920	�tudes de terrain II	3 cr.
Ce cours met l'accent sur l'examen de roches arch�ennes � partir de coupes et d'affleurements pr�sents dans la Sous- province de l'Abitibi. Cours pr�paratoires � Ottawa, cours additionnels sur le terrain, observations sur le terrain avec rapports quotidiens. Le camp de terrain se tiendra apr�s la p�riode d'examen � la fin du mois d'avril. Des frais sont exig�s pour d�frayer les co�ts de transport et de logement. Pr�alable: GEO2920 Field Studies II The course focuses on Archean rocks through detailed examination of key sections and outcrops within the Abitibi Sub-province. Preparatory lectures in Ottawa, additional lectures in the field, field observations with daily assignments. The field camp will be held following the end of the examination period, in late April. Fees are requested to cover accommodation and transportation. Prerequisite: GEO2920 GEO2920 BACK TO TOP

GEO4300	Field studies in Earth Sciences	3 cr.
Special projects based on a total of at least 10 days of fieldwork investigations and requiring a written research report. Prerequisite: Completion of the 3rd year compulsory geology program or consent of instructor. BACK TO TOP

GEO4301	Selected Topics in Earth Sciences	(3,0,0) 3 cr.
Lectures and seminars on selected topics in geology. Prerequisite: Completion of the 3rd year compulsory geology program or consent of instructor. BACK TO TOP

GEO4322	Advanced Structure	(3,0,0) 3 cr.
A study of the structural evolution of mountain belts, with emphasis on field methods. Prerequisites: GEO2321 or GEO2721 (Not offered each year, students must check with the Department). BACK TO TOP

GEO4329	Principles of Rock Deformation	(3,0,0) 3 cr.
Principles applicable to brittle and ductile deformation of rocks within the earth. Prerequisites: GEO2321 or GEO2721 (Not offered each year, students must check with the Department). BACK TO TOP

GEO4332	Permafrost Geomorphology	(3,0,0) 3 cr.
Description and interpretation of processes and landforms typical of permafrost terrain. Emphasis on the Arctic and Sub-Arctic environments of North America and the former Soviet Union. Prerequisite: GEO2334 or GEO2734.This course is also offered under the course code GEG4101.(Not offered each year, students must check with the Department). BACK TO TOP

GEO4341	Advanced Physical Hydrogeology	(3,0,0) 3 cr.
The principles governing the movement of groundwater through various geological media and the mathematical modeling of groundwater flow. Methodologies for the exploration, development and monitoring of groundwater resources. Groundwater, geohazards and geotechnics. Prerequisites: GEO3342 or GEO3742 (Not offered each year, students must check with the Department). BACK TO TOP

GEO4342	Groundwater Geochemistry	(3,0,0) 3 cr.
Thermodynamic principles and processes controlling water-rock interaction, and the geochemical evolution of ground waters. The carbonate system, weathering, redox evolution, geochemical modelling, environmental isotope tracers and the hydrological cycle. Case studies. Prerequisites: GEO3342 or GEO3742 (Not offered each year, students must check with the Department). BACK TO TOP

GEO4354	Quantitative Analysis in Geology	(3,0,0) 3 cr.
One or more of the following topics will be addressed: morphology analysis, image analysis, geostatistical contouring techniques, introduction to geographic information systems, expert systems, Markov chain analysis, fractals, non-linear dynamics, growth algorithms. Prerequisites: GEO3152 or GEO3552 (Not offered each year, students must check with the Department). BACK TO TOP

GEO4362	Advanced Igneous Petrogenesis	(3,0,0) 3 cr.
A course dealing with the genesis of plutonic and volcanic rocks and concentrating on one or more of the following - origin and differentiation of basaltic magma; origin of granite; computer modelling of partial melting and fractional crystallization; magmatism in time and space; trace elements and isotopes in petrogenesis. Prerequisites: GEO3163 or GEO3563 (Not offered each year, students must check with the Department). BACK TO TOP

GEO4363	Advanced Metamorphic Petrology	(3,0,0) 3 cr.
An advanced lecture and seminar course dealing with metamorphic processes and concentrating on one or more of the following - field relations of metamorphic rocks; graphical treatment and interpretation of mineral assemblages. Prerequisites: GEO3164 or GEO3564 (Not offered each year, students must check with the Department). BACK TO TOP

GEO4365	Advanced Carbonate Sedimentology	(3,0,0) 3 cr.
Lectures and seminars will cover aspects of modern depositional systems, dynamic facies models, sequence stratigraphy, mineralogy and diagenesis of carbonate sediments. Practical part of the course will include laboratory exercices that integrate various techniques in carbonate sedimentology (petrography, staining, cathodoluminescence, fluorescence, SEM). Prerequisites: GEO3165 or GEO3565 (Not offered each year, students must check with the Department). BACK TO TOP

GEO4366	Advanced Siliciclastic Sedimentology	(3,0,0) 3 cr.
A lecture and field course on the nature and occurrence of sediment and siliciclastic sedimentary rocks. The physical basis of sedimentary processes and the characteristics of siliciclastic depositional environments analysed in a sequence stratigraphic framework. Prerequisites: GEO3166 or GEO3566 (Not offered each year, students must check with the Department). BACK TO TOP

GEO4367	Advanced Mineralogy	(3,0,0) 3 cr.
Topics covered will include crystal chemistry, phase equilibria and occurrences of the principal rock-forming mineral groups. Prerequisites: GEO2163 or GEO2563,GEO2164 or GEO2564 (Not offered each year, students must check with the Department). BACK TO TOP

GEO4371	Advanced Mineral Deposits	(3,0,0) 3 cr.
A lecture, laboratory and seminar course on the genesis of various ore deposits. Lectures include description of classical deposits, relationship between deposits and host rock, tectonic setting of the deposits, geochemical characteristics of important ores, and various techniques for studying ore genesis. Prerequisites: GEO2371,GEO3372 (Not offered each year, students must check with the Department). BACK TO TOP

GEO4382	Advanced Geochemistry	(3,0,0) 3 cr.
Chemical differentiation and evolution of the Earth through magmatic and sedimentary processes, isotopes for geochronology, isotope systematics for petrogenesis and geochemical cycle. Prerequisites: GEO2163 or GEO2563,GEO3382 or GEO3782 (Not offered each year, students must check with the Department). BACK TO TOP

GEO4700	�tudes de terrain en sciences de la Terre	3 cr.
Projets sp�ciaux comprenant au moins 10 jours de travaux sur le terrain et demandant la r�daction d'un rapport de recherche. Pr�alable: Avoir compl�t� tous les cours obligatoires de g�ologie de niveau 3000. Des frais peuvent �tre exig�s pour d�frayer les co�ts de transport e t de logement. BACK TO TOP

GEO4701	Sujets choisis en sciences de la terre	(3,0,0) 3 cr.
Cours et s�minaires sur un sujet choisi en Sciences de la Terre. Pr�alable: Avoir pris tous les cours obligatoires de g�ologie de niveau 3000. BACK TO TOP

GEO4900	Projet de recherche	(5,0,0) 10 cr.
R�daction d'un m�moire de recherche (projets de terrain et de laboratoire) sur un sujet dirig� par un professeur du d�partement. Les �tudiants sont encourag�s � choisir des sujets de recherche avec leur employeur durant l'�t� pr�c�dant leur ann�e finale. Ils doivent assister aux s�minaires du Centre G�oscientifique Ottawa-Carleton et pr�senter un s�minaire de recherche. Pr�alable: L'�tudiant doit avoir compl�t� les exigences du B.Sc. avec concentration et avoir conserv� une MPC minimale de 4.5 Honours Project A report of research in the field and laboratory on a subject approved by the Department of Earth Sciences and supervised by a faculty adviser. Students are encouraged to seek suitable thesis topics during summer employment preceeding their final year. They are required to attend seminars of the Ottawa-Carleton Geoscience Centre and present a seminar on their thesis topic. Prerequisite: he student must have completed the requirements for the B.Sc. with Concentration with a minimum CGPA of 4.5 he student must have completed the requirements for the B.Sc. with Concentration with a minimum CGPA of 4.5 BACK TO TOP

GEO4901	Rapport de stage coop IV	3 cr.
Co-op Work Term Report IV BACK TO TOP