Geology (M.Sc.)

This course is designed to train students at the graduate level in a wide variety of techniques commonly used to collect standard types of data used in geological research. These techniques include x-ray diffraction; X-ray fluorescence; wet chemical techniques for dissolving silicate rock materials; atomic absorption spectrophotometry; H2O and CO2 analysis; U-stage optical techniques; and methods of storing, retrieving and analyzing data using the department's interactive computer terminal. Other techniques to be added as they become available. In the lecture portion of this course, the theoretical basis for each technique will be discussed. Practical applications of each technique to geological problems will be strongly emphasized. Students will be required to show competence in each of the techniques to successfully complete the course. cr 3

The goal of the course is for students to develop and improve their communication skills. The focus of the course is on conference-style oral presentations, how to write effective abstracts, and how to deliver high-quality, engaging, and effective presentations. Instruction is based on lectures, complemented by group activities and peer feedback. Students are expected to present two seminars (one per year) on relevant topics, selected in consultation with their supervisors. At least one seminar shall be based on the student's research. Students are expected to attend all research seminars. (lec 1, sem 1) cr 3

This course is required for and limited to students enrolled in the coursework master's option in Geology. Students will register for the course each semester that they are enrolled in the program. They will select a research topic in consultation with a faculty advisor during the first course module, prepare a research proposal for evaluation at the second course module, present short seminars during successive course modules, and submit the results of their research in a written format. It is expected that full-time students will complete the research project course within two and one-half years after the date of initial enrolment. cr 6

A lecture-seminar course on the structure, crystal chemistry, phase equilibria, and natural occurrences of the more common rock-forming minerals. Prerequisite to the course is an adequate undergraduate background in mineralogy, igneous and metamorphic petrology, and economic geology. cr 3

This is a lecture-seminar course covering selected topics in igneous petrogenesis. Students will also undertake a major term project selected in consultation with the professor. cr 3

This course covers selected topics in metamorphic petrology and geochemistry. Current periodical literature will normally form the basis of discussion topics. Lectures, student seminars and field excursions are included. cr 3

This course covers, first and foremost, the coupling of surface and crustal processes on Earth. More specifically, the course examines: (i) the genetic classification of ancient and modern sedimentary basins; (ii) the relationships between supercontinent cycles and mechanisms of basin generation and destruction; and (iii) the secular evolution of sedimentary basins through geological time. Current topics may also be considered. PREREQ: GEOL 3217EL or equivalent from other universities. (lec/sem/cst 3) cr 3.

Use of facies models in the interpretation of the structural, stratigraphic and sedimentary framework of depositional basins. Application of sedimentary facies models to hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation. cr 3

This lecture-seminar course addresses the diversity of carbonate lithofacies and their spatial and temporal distribution. Topics span the full geographic range of carbonate depositional environments, including peritidal, shallow-marine, reefal, slope, pelagic and terrestrial (lacustrine, tufa, travertine, speleothemic carbonates) settings, and associated evaporitic lithofacies. The evolution of carbonate depositional systems is traced through time, following the geochemical evolution of the atmosphere/hydrosphere and the evolutionary addition of new biological groups to the carbonate-sediment-generating system. (lec 3, sem 3) cr 3.

A lecture-seminar course on strain and kinematics of shear zones and transpression zones, the development of vein-fracture systems, stress and fluid pressure cycling during ore genesis, and deformation and recrystallization processes in sulphide minerals. Structural controls on the development of mineral deposits will be emphasized. Other topics tailored to individual student146s research needs will be considered. cr 3

This course will address the tectonic and structural controls on the localization and genesis of mineral deposits. It will examine regional tectonic settings, regional structural controls, and local structural controls, using the lode Au deposits in Northern Ontario as a case study. The course is normally given in a field trip mode and will include evening lectures and field/underground mapping exercises. All field costs will be borne by the student. NOTE: The course is typically held during the last week of August and first week of September cr 3

Topics covered in this course will be selected from applications of remote sensing to geological, land cover and water quality mapping. cr 3

This course will focus on: a) the products and deposits formed by volcanic eruptions; b) eruptive processes and styles; c) mechanisms of emplacement, and d) landforms produced. Special emphasis will be placed on mineralisation and alteration processes associated with hydrothermal systems in both submarine and subaerial environments and the application of information gained from these systems to exploration. The course is normally given during a 10-12 day field trip. All field costs to be borne by the student. cr 3

The application of paleoecological principles and theory to the analysis of ancient environments. The distribution of major ecosystems in time and space: paleobiogeography of the Phanerozoic. Terrestrial paleoecosystems: fossil faunas and floras of upland to lowland environments, equatorial and polar latitudes; lacustrine and fluvial settings. Coastal paleoenvironments: estuaries, deltas, supratidal and intratidal settings. Marine paleoenvironments: shelf settings, siliciclastic and carbonate, the slope, reefs. The deep sea and its fossil record: refugia during mass extinctions. cr 3

This lecture-seminar course covers selected topics in the early evolution of life. Special emphasis is placed on the appearance, taphonomy, evolution and utility of prokaryotic organisms as recorded in Precambrian and Phanerozoic microbialites and organic-walled microfossils, the early fossil record of protists and algae, fossil evidence of the Precambrian-Phanerozoic transition, and selected aspects of Paleozoic marine invertebrate paleontology. (lec 3, sem/lab 3) cr 3.

This course will examine the long-term record of global change as reflected in sedimentary rocks, fossil faunas and floras and low-temperature isotope geochemistry. Topics to be considered will include: major changes in biogeochemical cycling processes of carbon, phosphorus, nitrogen, and sulphur through geologic time; lithosphere-ocean-atmosphere interactions; sedimentary suites as paleoclimatic keys; siliciclastics, tillites, paleosols, carbonates, evaporites, laterites, phosphorites, coals; sedimentary processes related to global change: e.g. sea level changes, storm events, climate cycles; fossils as paleoclimatic keys: reefs and reef organisms, stromatolites, coralline fossils, shelly fossils, paleobotany and palynology; plate tectonic models and mountain-building as forcing mechanisms for climatic change, extraterrestrial forcing (e.g. Milankovic cycles, impacts, etc.). cr 3

This course will focus on the geology and petrogenesis of magmatic ore deposits. Deposit types will include Ni-Cu-PGE sulphide, chromite, magnetite and ilmenite deposits. Emphasis will be placed on the processes responsible for their formation and the features pertinent to exploration. cr 3

This course will focus on the geology, alteration and origin of hydrothermal ore deposits. Deposit types will include epithermal and mesothermal precious metal, porphyry Cu and Cu-Au, and VMS deposits. Emphasis will be placed on the processes responsible for their formation, the recognition of alteration halos, and the features pertinent to exploration. cr 3

This course will address the principles and methods of geochemical exploration, including planning, sampling, geochemical analysis, data handling and interpretation. It will include case histories of stratiform PGE deposits in layered intrusions, magmatic Fe-Ni-Cu-(PGE) sulphide deposits in ultramafic lavas, porphyry Cu deposits, volcanic-associated Cu-Zn-(Pb) deposits, Archean lode gold deposits, sedimentary-exhalative Pb-Zn-Cu deposits, and diamond exploration. cr 3

The scope of this course includes concepts of Precambrian crustal evolution; the synthesis of wide-ranging geological data in modeling the evolution of Precambrian cratons, as well as discussion of the most recent field work in the Canadian Shield, especially in Ontario. cr 3

This course will focus on the application of magnetic, gravity and electrical techniques in mineral exploration, including remote sensing, image processing and geographic information system (GIS) management. cr 3

This course covers the fundamentals of geophysical methods including the theoretical background, modelling techniques, hardware, data acquisition, processing methods, and geophysical interpretation techniques. PREREQ: an undergraduate course in geophysics and in mathematics, preferably applied mathematics. (lec 3, sem 3) cr 3.

The goal of the course is for students to develop and improve their communication skills. This includes how to write effective abstracts and deliver high-quality oral presentation, but also how to structure, write, and edit other technical and scientific documents. Instruction is based on lectures, complemented by group activities and peer feedback. Students are expected to present two seminars (one per year) on relevant topics selected in consultation with their supervisors. At least one seminar shall be based on the student's research. Students in residence are expected to take the course during the first two years of study and to attend all research seminars. (lec 1, sem 1) cr 3

This is an independent study course on a topic in geology that is not covered in another graduate course in the Department. Written description of the project must be submitted to the Thesis Advisory Committee and the Department for approval prior to registration. This course is only available to PhD students and can only be taken once for credit. 3 cr.