Course Descriptions

ESC 051 - Geology Co-op Work Term 1

Four month Co-op work term approved by the department and arranged by the Co-op coordinator.
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 051 or GEOL 051.*

ESC 052 - Geology Co-op Work Term 2

Four month Co-op work term approved by the department and arranged by the Co-op coordinator.
***Prerequisite: ESC 051.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 052 or GEOL 052.*

ESC 053 - Geology Co-op Work Term 3

Four month Co-op work term approved by the department and arranged by the Co-op coordinator.
***Prerequisite: ESC 052.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 053 or GEOL 053.*

ESC 054 - Geology Co-op Work Term 4

Four month Co-op work term approved by the department and arranged by the Co-op coordinator.
***Prerequisite: ESC 053.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 054 or GEOL 054.*

ESC 102 - Earth and Environment

The nature of the earth. Plate tectonics and the geological time scale. Earthquakes, volcanism and surface processes with reference to their effect on the human environment. Earth resources, waste disposal, and pollution in a geological context.
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 102 or GEOL 102.*

ESC 201 - Internal Processes of the Earth

Internal earth processes and materials composing the earth. The geological time scale. Deformation and structures of earth materials. Plate tectonics, continental drift and mountain building. Earth resources.
***Prerequisite: ESC 102 with a minimum grade of 60%.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 201 or GEOL 201.*

ESC 210 - Mineralogy I

Crystal structure and symmetry, Chemistry and occurrence of minerals. Mineral optics.
***Prerequisite: ESC 201 with a minimum grade of 65%.***
*Note: ESC 201 may be taken concurrently with a minimum grade of 75% in ESC 102.*
*Note: Students are strongly recommended to take CHEM 104 prior to, or concurrently, with this course.*
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 210 or GEOL 210.*

ESC 211 - Mineralogy II

Mineral phase diagrams. Minerals of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Mineral paragenesis. Geothermometers and geobarometers. X-ray techniques. Introduction to thin section identification of minerals in igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
***Prerequisite: ESC 201, ESC 210 and CHEM 104.***
*Note: It is strongly recommended that students register in CHEM 105 prior to, or concurrently with, this course.*
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 211 or GEOL 211.*

ESC 240 - Earth System History

Inter-connected evolution of atmosphere-biosphere-hydrosphere-lithosphere over the course of geologic time; its forcing mechanisms, interactions, and feedbacks. Major physical and biological global events emphasizing North America and Western Canada.
***Prerequisite: ESC 102.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 240 or GEOL 240.*

ESC 241 - Paleontology

Classification, morphology, evolution, paleoecology, and stratigraphic distribution of the main groups of fossils.
***Prerequisite: ESC 240.***
*Note: ESC 241 is only offered in the Winter term.*
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 241 or GEOL 241.*

ESC 270 - Earth Resources and the Environment

An intermediate course focused on origin, global distribution, use and environmental impact of earth resources, metallic minerals, energy resources, industrial minerals, and the social, economic and political implications of mineral resources.
***Prerequisite: ESC 102.***
*Note: ESC 270 may not be taken by students who have passed ESC 472 and/or ESC 470.*
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 270 or GEOL 270.*

ESC 307 - Geochemistry

Principles of crystal, aqueous, and isotopic geochemistry, and applications to igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks, and geochemical exploration. Principles of radiometric dating of rocks. Practical problem solving in applied geochemistry.
***Prerequisite: CHEM 105 and one of ESC 201 or ESC 211 (ESC 211 is strongly recommended).***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 307 or GEOL 307.*

ESC 313 - Igneous Petrology

Classification and genesis of igneous rocks. Introduction to the common igneous rock suites and associations. Study of hand specimens and thin sections.
***Prerequisite: ESC 211 and ESC 307; ESC 307 and ESC 313 may be taken concurrently if ESC 211 has been completed successfully. CHEM 250 is recommended.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 313 or GEOL 313.*

ESC 314 - Sedimentology

Classification, genesis, and petrology of sedimentary rocks. Sediment transport and deposition processes. Sedimentary environments.
***Prerequisite: ESC 201 and ESC 211.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 314 or GEOL 314.*

ESC 315 - Metamorphic Petrology

Metamorphic minerals, rocks and processes. Agencies and occurrence of metamorphism. Metamorphic grade, zones and facies. Metamorphic reactions and the petrogenic grid. Metamorphic textures. Anatexis and development of migmatites.
***Prerequisite: ESC 211 and ESC 307 (ESC 307 may be taken concurretly.)***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 315 or GEOL 315.*

ESC 329 - Soils and Sediment Analysis

Introduction to the analysis, properties and classification of soils and sediments. Includes an understanding of the distribution of soil types at local, regional and global scales due to environmental indices like climate, geology, water, and vegetation. This course uses experiential learning where students conduct a field and laboratory study of their own field site, using basic measurements of soils and sediments.
***Prerequisite: GES 121.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 329, GEOL 329, ESC 494AD, GEOL 494AD, GEOG 329, or GES 329.*

ESC 340 - Stratigraphy

Principles and problems of stratigraphy. Geological history of North America in its world setting. Index fossils. Geological maps.
***Prerequisite: ESC 220 or ESC 241, ESC 240 and 314. ESC 314 may be taken concurrently.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 340 or GEOL 340.*

ESC 353 - Structural Geology I

Primary structural features. Geometry of structural features including simple folds and faults. Relationship between structural features and land forms. Geological maps and air photos.
***Prerequisite: ESC 201 and ESC 211.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 353 or GEOL 353.*

ESC 396 - Geology Field School I

Geological study and mapping in an area of sedimentary rocks. Supervised study for several days during the Spring/Summer semester. An additional charge will be assessed to cover accommodation and meals.
***Prerequisite: Six courses (18 credit hours) in Geology.***
*Note: Students must advise the Geology Department of their intent to register prior to February 15.*
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 396 or GEOL 396.*
*Additional Fee: $1000.*

ESC 400AA - Undergraduate Thesis in Geology - First Half

Original investigation under the supervision of a faculty member. A thesis describing the research is written and presented, and defended.
*Note: This is the first half of ESC 400 Thesis, and should be taken prior to ESC 400AB.*
***Prerequisite: ESC 313, ESC 314, ESC 315, ESC 340, ESC 453 and ESC 396, and a minimum grade point average of 70%.***
**Permission of the Department Head is required to register.**
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 400AA or GEOL 400AA.*

ESC 400AB - Thesis - Second Half

Original investigation under the supervision of a faculty member. A thesis describing the research is written and presented, and defended. ***Prerequisite: ESC 400AA.***
*Note: This is the second half of ESC 400 Thesis, and should be taken after ESC 400AA.*
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 400AB or GEOL 400AB.*

ESC 400AC - Undergraduate Thesis in Geology

Original investigation under the supervision of a faculty member. A thesis describing the research is written and presented, and defended.
***Prerequisite: ESC 313, ESC 314, ESC 315, ESC 340, ESC 453 and ESC 396, and a minimum grade point average of 70%.***
**Permission of the Department Head is required to register.**
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 400AC or GEOL 400AC.*

ESC 413 - Igneous Petrogenesis and Processes

Advanced study of the processes of magma formation and crystallization. Characteristics and genesis of igneous rock suites and associations. Study of igneous rock suites in hand specimen and thin section.
***Prerequisite: ESC 313.***
*Note: Not offered every year.*
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 413 or GEOL 413.*

ESC 414 - Geology of Siliciclastic Rocks

Depositional models using modern sedimentary analogues to interpret ancient environments.
***Prerequisite: ESC 314 and ESC 340.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 414 or GEOL 414.*

ESC 416 - Geology of Carbonate Rocks

Modern and ancient depositional environments of limestone and dolomite. Diagenetic processes affecting carbonate rocks.
***Prerequisite: ESC 307 and ESC 314; ESC 307 may be taken concurrently.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 416 or GEOL 416.*

ESC 429 - Glacial and Periglacial Geoscience

An advanced course relating to cold environments and physical processes. Topics cover the physics of glaciers, glacial and periglacial processes and resulting erosional and depositional landforms and landscapes. Special attention will be paid to the Canadian Arctic environment and the history of glaciation in North America. Lab time is used to conduct short experiments, measure the snow pack and examine glacial sediments to add to our understanding of glacial processes.
***Prerequisite: GES 323.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 429, GEOL 429, GEOG 429, GES 429, or GEOG 423AA.*

ESC 430 - Quaternary Environments and the Anthropocene

This course covers general aspects of the Quaternary Period with emphasis on the Holocene and Anthropocene. It includes the main methods employed to reconstruct Quaternary environments, main climatic oscillations, environmental change and impacts by human activities. It emphasizes the importance of paleo-environmental reconstructions in the conservation and management of present ecosystems.
***Prerequisite: Two 300 level courses in Geology or Geography and Environmental Science and/or permission from the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 430, GEOL 430, or GEOL 490AK.*

ESC 451 - Geology of North America

Geology and geological history of North America, with emphasis on Canada. The nature of continental assembly, crustal evolution and geodynamics through time, and comparative studies of lithostratigraphy and magmatism in relation to geotectonic environment. Phanerozoic sedimentary basins. ***Prerequisite: ESC 313, ESC 315, ESC 340, and ESC 453 or ESC 350.***
*Note: Not offered every year.*
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 451 or GEOL 451.*

ESC 453 - Structural Geology ll

Morphology, nomenclature and classification of large and small scale structures in the earth's crust. Natural stress-strain relations and structural analysis and interpretation. Major tectonic features of the earth.
***Prerequisite: ESC 353 and PHYS 109.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 453 or GEOL 453.*

ESC 454 - Global Tectonics and Earth History

Internal structure and processes of the earth, formation and evolution in the context of the solar system, mantle and crustal processes through time, plate tectonics and orogenic activity, supercontinent cycles, case studies of orogenic belts.
***Prerequisite: ESC 453 (may be taken concurrently).***
*Note: Not offered every year.*
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 454, GEOL 454, or GEOL 452.*

ESC 460 - Applied Exploration Geophysics

Introduction to geophysical methods including seismic, magnetics, gravity, electromagnetics, IP, radiometrics, and remote sensing. Application to finding and developing petroleum pools and mineral deposits.
***Prerequisite: MATH 110, PHYS 112 or PHYS 119, and ESC 201 or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 460 or GEOL 460.*

ESC 461 - Geomodelling

Hands-on computer-based data analysis and processing, applied geostatistics, geospatial studies, and geological modelling methods. Creating 2D and 3D surface-subsurface geological models from diverse data sources including (but not limited to): field maps, boreholes, geochemistry data, structural data, digital elevations, hydrological and geophysical data. Students will gain experience with various software platforms currently used in the Geosciences, including ESRI’s ArcGIS Pro.
***Prerequisite: ESC 313, ESC 314, ESC 315, and ESC 353.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 461, GEOL 461, or GEOL 490AJ.*

ESC 470 - Metallic Mineral Deposits

Geologic characteristics and genesis of metallic mineral deposits. Basic concept of mineral exploration. Ore mineralogy and petrology. ***Prerequisite: ESC 313, ESC 314, and ESC 353.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 470 or GEOL 470.*

ESC 472 - Petroleum Geology

Origin, accumulation, and occurrence of petroleum. Reservoir rocks, fluids and traps. Reservoir conditions and mechanics. Mechanical logs and subsurface methods. Application to finding and developing petroleum pools.
***Prerequisite: ESC 340 or permission of Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 472 or GEOL 472.*

ESC 473 - Petroleum Geochemistry

Production of organic matter and its accumulation and transformation in sedimentary rocks. Kerogen and the generation, migration and alteration of petroleum. Formation of coal. Application to oil and gas exploration.
**Corequisite: ESC 472 or permission of Department Head.**
*Note: Not offered every year.*
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 473 or GEOL 473.*

ESC 474 - Environmental Hydrogeology

Water chemistry, water quality and contamination, discussion of remediation (clean-up) of soil and water, and computer modeling of various hydrogeological problems.
***Prerequisite: ESC 307.***
*Note: Not offered every year.*
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 474 or GEOL 474.*

ESC 476 - Principles of Groundwater Flow

Principles of groundwater flow, properties of aquifers, geology of groundwater occurrence, and regional groundwater flow with examples from the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin.
***Prerequisite: ESC 314 and MATH 110, or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 476, GEOL 476, or GEOL 490AO.*

ESC 477 - Geology of Uranium Deposits

Geochemistry of uranium; geological characteristics and genesis of various types of uranium deposits, with an emphasis on the unconformity-related uranium deposits in the Athabasca Basin.
***Prerequisite: ESC 307, ESC 313, ESC 314, ESC 315, and ESC 353, or must obtain permission of the instructor to register for the course.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 477, GEOL 477, or GEOL 490AM.*

ESC 490AB - Petrographic and Geochemical Methods in the Study of Carbonate Diagenesis

Petrographic (staining, transmitted light microscopy, cathodoluminescence, fuorescence), fluid inclusion, and C-O-Sr isotopic studies of carboneate diagenesis.
***Prerequisite: ESC 314.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 490AB or GEOL 490AB.*

ESC 490AC - Petroleum Geology of the Ukraine

An examination of exploration methodologies utilized by Ukrainian petroleum exploration geologists. An overview of the geology of the Ukraine and oil/gas fields of the Ukraine.
***Prerequisite: ESC 472.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 490AC or GEOL 490AC.*

ESC 490AD - Geology of Columbia

This field based course covers topics that include: igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic petrology, tectonics, geomorphology, sedimentology, stratigraphy, volcanology and natural hazards.
***Prerequisite: ESC 353.***
*Note: Students will find it beneficial to have also taken ESC 496.*
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 490AD or GEOL 490AD.*

ESC 490AF - Fluid Inclusion Studies

Identification and classification of fluid inclusions. Microthermometric measurements. Interpretation and application to solve geologic problems.
***Prerequisite: ESC 307.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 490AF or GEOL 490AF.*

ESC 490AG - Geothermometers and Paleo-geothermal Gradients

Principles of three geothermometers (fluid inclusions, vitrinite reflectance, and raman spectroscopy of carbonaceous matter). Application of these methods to reconstruct paleo-geothermal gradients.
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 490AG or GEOL 490AG.*

ESC 490AH - Remote Sensing and GIS Application in Geological and Geophysical Mapping

Covers the use of remote sensing and GIS techniques in geological and geophysical mapping. An integrated geological mapping approach is followed in which geological maps are digitized and re-interpreted in a GIS environment on the basis of aerial photographs, satellite imagery and airborne geophysical data. The main subjects in this course are airborne geophysics, geological remote sensing, integrated image interpretation and geological mapping methodology.
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 490AH or GEOL 490AH.*

ESC 490AI - Paleoenvironmental Micropaleontology

This course has several objectives: (1) to familiarize the student with the two main applications of micropaleontology: environmental and biostratigraphic (geologic) and (2) to familiarize the student with basic taxonomy of foraminifera and diatoms. At the end of this course the student will be able to (1) recognize the main groups of diatoms and forams (2) know their main application and (3) know how to start basic research in micropaleontology.
***Prerequisite: ESC 241 and ESC 340.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 490AI or GEOL 490AI.*

ESC 490AL - Watershed Hydrology

This course provides an introduction to watershed hydrology including extreme runoff events recorded in the sedimentary record. It is a research-oriented course intended to provide students with an overview of hillslope hydrology and sediment transport accumulation from a process perspective. ***Prerequisite: GES 323 or permission of the Geology Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 490AL, GEOL 490AL, or GEOG 497AA.*

ESC 490AN - Geomicrobiology

Fundamentals of environmental microbiology in the context of Earth Sciences with an emphasis on the influence of microbes on elemental cycling and metal solubility. Course topics includes microbes in mine wastes, microbe-mineral integrations and the role of microbes in redox zonation in natural and contaminated environments.
***Prerequisite: ESC 307 or taken concurently, or special permission of the instructor.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 490AN or GEOL 490AN.*

ESC 492AB - Geochemistry

Introduction to geochemistry: The elements, analytical techniques, isotope geology and geochronology, exploration geochemistry, aspects of the geochemistry of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.
***Prerequisite: CHEM 230 and two of either ESC 313, 314, or 315, or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 492AB or GEOL 492AB.*

ESC 492AC - Igneous Processes and Volcanism

Directed readings and discussions in the general areas of igneous petrology, the origins and evolution of magma, and volcanic phenomena. Registration for this course requires special approval from the instructor.
***Prerequisite: ESC 210, ESC 211, ESC 307, and ESC 313.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 492AC or GEOL 492AC.*

ESC 494AB - Carbonate Reservoir Geology

The course is intended to give the participant practical experience in observing and describing carbonate rocks, and to use pertinent literature to interpret their dispositional environments. The student will also identify processes that have changed the original character of the rocks and have influenced their hydrocarbon-bearing potential.
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 494AB or GEOL 494AB.*

ESC 494AD - Soil Science

Introduction to the properties, and classification of soil. The geography of soil at local, regional, and global scales. Relationship of soil to geomorphology, climate, water, vegetation, and environmental change.
***Prerequisite: GES 221.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 494AD, GEOL 494AD, ESC 329, or GEOL 329.*

ESC 495AB - Quaternary Geology

A survey of the Quarternary Geology of the Earth, with particular emphasis on the history and record of glacial advance and retreat in North America. Critical review of driving mechanisms.
***Prerequisite: GES 323 or ESC 429 or GES 429 with minimum grades of 60%. Concurrent enrolment allowed. Or permission of instructor.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 495AB or GEOL 495AB.*

ESC 495AC - Late Cretaeous to Recent Marine Paleoecology and Sedimentology

An advanced course that addresses the paleoecology and associated sedimentary environment of ancient seas. An examination of the marine ecosystems in selected time periods from the Late Cretaceous (75 mya) to the present. Emphases are placed on the changes in invertebrate assemblages and accompanying marine vertebrates over vast periods of time. The topic includes an understanding of fossil preservation and the conditions and environments conducive to preservation in marine systems.
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 495AC or GEOL 495AC.*

ESC 495AD - Advanced Structural Analysis with Application to Mineral Deposit Exploration

Theoretical and practical analysis/interpretation of rock structures as a guide to mineral exploration. This course will be largely assignment-based with assignments/projects involving map analysis of structures complemented by sterographic analysis and cross-section construction in an effort to determine the structural controls of mineral deposits in a variety of settings.
***Prerequisite: ESC 453 and permission of Instructor and Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 495AD or GEOL 495AD.*

ESC 495AE - Directed Study in Glacial Geoscience

An advanced course relating to Glacial Geoscience, in which the student conducts a directed study in Glacial processes and cold environments under the supervision of a faculty member. Topics include glacial and periglacial processes and an exploration fo the current theories and controversies on the formation of glacial landforms and landscapes. Special attention will be paid to North America, and the Canadian Arctic environments, and the history of glaciations in Canada during the Quaternary period.
***Prerequisite GES 323.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 495AE, GEOL 495AE, or GEOL 329.*

ESC 496 - Geology Field Camp II

Geological mapping and study in an area of crystalline rock. Supervised study for several days during the Spring/Summer semester. An additional charge will be assessed to cover accommodation and meals.
***Prerequisite: ESC 396, ESC 353, ESC 313, ESC 314, and ESC 315.***
*Note: Students must advise the the Geology Department of their intent to register prior to May 15.*
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 496 or GEOL 496.*
*Additional Fee: $1000.*

ESC 497 - International Field Course

A supervised field course for several days at an international location to be determined. This course involves the observation, measurement, analysis and interpretation of geological sites, to expand geological knowledge and familiarise the student with the geology of other places outside of Canada. ***Prerequisite: 70% UGPA, a minimum of 24 credits in Geology/Environmental Geoscience, full-time student in the previous two terms and/or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of ESC 497 or GEOL 497.*