Earth & Environmental Sciences

Code Course Description
EAES 1120

Introduction to Earth Sciences

This is an introductory course focusing on physical geology. Topics include minerals, rocks (igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic), plate tectonics, earthquakes and volcanic activity, Earth resources, and the many processes that have shaped the Earth. The course includes practical hands-on labs. A field trip may be required.
EAES 1121

History of the Earth

This course is concerned with Earth history and the events that have shaped the development of the Earth. Topics include: the origin of the Earth, movement of Earth's tectonic plates over time, origin and evolution of life, mass extinction events, and ancient climates. Techniques used to date and interpret events of the past and reconstruct ancient environments will be discussed. The course includes practical hands-on labs. A field trip may be required.
EAES 1130

Dinosaur Planet

This course is about using fossils to reconstruct the origin, evolution, behaviour and extinction of dinosaurs. We will look at changes in the public perception and scientific interpretation of dinosaurs in the time since their initial discovery, with particular emphasis on relationships, adaptations and Mesozoic history.
EAES 1201

Global Environmental Change

The survival of this planet will, in large part, depend upon people acquiring an understanding of the intricate interrelationship of the physical, chemical and biological systems found in nature and the impact upon them of human activity. In this context, this course will provide an overview of contemporary changes to our global environment, the driving forces and the observed and foreseen consequences, from a natural science and social science perspective.

EAES 1207

Introduction to Environmental Science

Within the framework of marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems, this course explores the natural environment and the dynamic biological, physical and chemical interactions that characterize it. The role of humans in altering the natural biogeochemical cycles will be explored through focused discussions of topics such as natural resource exploitation (forestry, agriculture, mining, oil & gas, alternative energies), pollution (waste management, soil and water contamination, atmospheric pollution and climate change), and land use changes (e.g., urbanization). Emphasis will be placed on the local and regional environment. Field trips may be required.
EAES 1240

Ocean Environment

This course helps students develop an understanding of the ocean environment and interactions with other Earth systems. Students will learn about the physical, chemical, geological and biological factors affecting the Earth's oceans. Current issues such as climate change, sea level rise, and pollution will be examined. A field trip may be required.
EAES 1500

Field Methods 1

This course introduces students to field methods used by Earth Scientists. Topics include identification and interpretation of minerals, rocks and geological features in the field, recording of information, field safety and use of field equipment. Most of the course will take place in a field setting, where activities will involve hiking and working on steep rock slopes.
EAES 1900

Resources from the Earth

This course is an overview of resources that are extracted from the Earth. Origin, extraction, use, economic effects and environmental impact will be discussed. Resources to be studied include energy, metals, industrial minerals, other minerals, soil, water and groundwater. A field trip may be scheduled.
EAES 2340

Sedimentology & Stratigraphy

This course investigates the sedimentary rock record with the aim of determining depositional environments and their ages. The principles of stratigraphy and sedimentology will be used to show how environmental information can be interpreted from the rocks. Field trips will be required.

EAES 2400

Introduction to Mineralogy

This course provides an introduction to the physical and chemical properties of minerals. The course will cover identification and classification of rock-forming and economic minerals, crystallography and analytical methods, mineral occurrences and associations. Field trips will be required.
EAES 2410

Introduction to Petrology

This course will investigate the origin/formation, occurrence, and classification of igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic and economically important rocks. This course will also serve as an introduction to the petrographic microscope and the use of the microscope to identify minerals and rocks. Field trips will be required.
EAES 2500

Field Methods 2

Building on Field Methods 1 and other courses, this course broadens and deepens knowledge and field skills used by Earth Scientists. Topics include description and identification of minerals and rock units, integration of cross-sections and geologic maps, advanced use of field tools for positioning and measurement.
EAES 2530

Earth Science Project

This course enables Earth Science students to learn extensively about a focused topic. Projects will involve learning the geology of a locale or a region, and other associated aspects of interest (e.g.: a resource deposit, paleontology of specific fossil beds, unusual minerals, earthquakes). Projects are determined through agreement between a student and a sponsoring instructor (Guided Study). Field work and travel may be required, and additional fees may apply for transportation and other expenses.
EAES 2537

Environmental Science Project

This course enables Environmental Science students to learn more about a focused topic. Projects will involve learning about the environment of a locale and associated environmental issues. Projects are determined through agreement between a student and a sponsoring instructor. Field work and travel may be required, and additional fees may apply for transportation and other expenses.

EAES 2550

Structural Geology

This course describes the deformation of rock. Students will learn about stress and strain, plate tectonics, structural analysis, techniques of collecting structural data, and some economic applications. Field trips will be required.
EAES 2605

Environmental Geology

This course explores the interaction between Earth and human activities. Students will investigate how geology is applied to solving environmental problems such as natural hazards, exploitation of resources and global issues of environmental change. Field trips may be required.
EAES 2800

Resource Deposits and Geological Maps 1

This course is concerned with the techniques of collecting and mapping geological information with applications to sedimentary resource deposits. Some field trips will be required that may be outside of scheduled class hours.
EAES 2805

Resource Deposits and Maps

This course introduces techniques used for collection and mapping of geological information, with applications to sedimentary, magmatic and hydrothermal resource deposits. Field trips will be required. These field trips may take place outside of scheduled class hours.
EAES 2810

Geological Mapping 2

This course is about the techniques of collecting and mapping geological information as applied to the characteristics of magmatic, hydrothermal and supergene ore deposits. Field trips will be required for this course.
EAES 2851

Geological Information Systems

This course will introduce students to the use of computer applications for analysing geological and mining exploration data, and producing a variety of outputs including maps, cross-sections, statistical plots, and others.
EAES 2855

Geological Information Systems

This course introduces computer applications for analyzing geological and mining exploration data to produce a variety of outputs including maps, cross-sections and 2D and 3D models.
EAES 2900

Exploration and Mining 1

This course covers the various stages of the mineral exploration process, from reconnaissance to pre-development. Field trips may be required.
EAES 2905

Exploration and Mining

This course is an introduction to the mineral exploration and mining industries. Topics include techniques used in exploration, reserve estimation, mining methods, indigenous consultation, environmental assessment, and the mine cycle (from reconnaissance prospecting to mine closure and reclamation). Field trips may be required. These field trips may take place outside of scheduled class hours.
EAES 2910

Exploration and Mining 2

This course covers mining issues such as reserve evaluation, mine development, mining methods, environmental assessment and protection, mine closure and reclamation, and case studies of projects (advanced exploration to closure). Field trips may be required.