Applied Mineral Exploration - MSc Geology Courses

• GEOL 5136
• May 1-11, 2026 / next in 2028
• Primary Guest Lecturer: Dr. Michael Doggett
• Coordinator: Dr. Ross Sherlock

This 11-day intensive course provides the financial tools necessary to operate effectively in the modern mineral exploration business.
It includes methods to evaluate mineral projects at various stages of advancement and examines exploration strategies and decision-making for majors and juniors through commodity and project cycles.

Students will learn to:

• Critically evaluate the basic components of financial markets and the implications of different corporate strategies.
• Calculate and evaluate the intrinsic value of projects and companies by applying discounted cash flow models and assessing the impact of key inputs.
• Evaluate competing exploration scenarios and strategies appropriate for each type of company in the mineral exploration industry and recommend a path forward based on technical feasibility, risk assessment, and financial upside.
• Critically analyze and defend the selection between growth by exploration vs acquisition in the context of metals and industrial minerals producers.
• Assess the benefits and drawbacks of different types of financing, project development and operational agreements that companies negotiate
  through the life cycle of a project, from financing and exploration through production and sales to mine closure.

Prerequisites:
Background in geoscience, business, engineering or related field.

Format:
Six days (days 2-7) will be taught by Dr. Michael Doggett and will include lectures, case studies and practical group lab exercises. The other five days will include lectures by academic and industry subject experts, group work on a real-world project evaluation, labs and project presentations. The course will be delivered in person, in the Executive Learning Centre, at Laurentian University, in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.

Schedule:

Fees:

INDUSTRY PARTICIPANT PRICING in Canadian dollars (+13% HST)

Industry participants (not enrolled as university students) are encouraged to register by March 31 to take advantage of our 20% off discounted pricing.

Enrolment in this professional development course does not count towards a degree except for university-enrolled students. Email Lisa Gibson at lgibson2@laurentian.ca to determine your eligibility for degree program application or admission.  

• Course capacity: 30 students.
• Contact: Dr. Ross Sherlock, Coordinator
• Registration: Roxane Mehes, Administrative Assistant
• Infosheet
• Registration Form

• GEOL 5326 (field-based in Rouyn-Noranda)
• August 24- September 4, 2026; next in 2028

This 10-day course focuses on recognizing, describing, and mapping volcanic lithofacies, alteration types, mineralization, and deformation in a well-exposed Precambrian volcanic succession hosting base and precious metal deposits. The course is delivered as a mapping project with evening lectures and discussions following a one-day introductory field trip. An introduction to graphic core logging is provided. Mapping is conducted in teams, and grades are based on the map, structural cross-sections, and a final report, which includes a description and interpretation of the geology and structure and an assessment of exploration potential with recommendations.

Cost for industry participants: $4,000 + HST = $4520. Cost includes course tuition, return transportation from Sudbury, hotel breakfasts, and double-occupancy lodging at Quality Inn, Rouyn-Noranda. Lunch and dinner are the students’ responsibility. The class size will be limited to 20 participants.

• View 2024 Flyer
• Download Registration Form
• Contact Dr. Ross Sherlock for additional course/content information.
• Contact Ms. Roxane Mehes for registration, logistics, and accommodation information.

GEOL 5026

September 5-13, 2026, followed by labs in the fall term; offered annually in August-September.

Instructor: Dr. Stephane Perrouty; 

This field-based course focuses on key aspects of mineral systems: sources, pathways and traps, at the regional to deposit scales. This course shows how Precambrian mineral exploration questions can be answered by integrating detailed mapping with petrographic and whole-rock geochemical analysis. The 9-day field component begins the first week of the fall session, and is followed by 3 days in the lab.

In fall 2026, the group will leave from Sudbury, visiting Timmins and then Kirkland Lake on Sept 5. The group will proceed to Noranda and Val d'Or on Sept 6. From the 7th to the 12th, there will be mapping exercises in the Val d'Or area, and the group will return to Sudbury on September 13. 

Registration will open in summer 2026.

GEOL-5146

October 14-24, 2026, and in 2028 

This in-person course trains students to create integrated models and use them for exploration targeting. Students will analyze and integrate multi-disciplinary data in 3D models created using both explicit and implicit approaches. They will define target minimums and use traditional approaches, prospectivity mapping and become familiar with AI-assisted data analytics to select exploration targets.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Critically assess data quality and apply methods to effectively integrate historical and modern multidisciplinary data with differing survey parameters and data density.
2. Generate a 3D model framework that is designed to answer defined questions with appropriate resolution.
3. Apply implicit and explicit approaches to interpret integrated common earth models that respect geological, geophysical and structural data.
4. Analyze the pros and cons of implicit and explicit model creation and updating techniques, with reference to contrasting approaches to interpretation, interpolation and extrapolation.

5. Critique the strengths, weaknesses and biases of various exploration targeting methods, including conventional approaches, prospectivity mapping, and AI-assisted data analytics and targeting.

   ---

   Software: Seequent Leapfrog & Mira Geoscience Geoscience Analyst Geology Pro. Students will have access to licensed software to use for this course.

   ---

    Topic Outline

Day 1

Introduction to Models and Model Data

Part 1: 3D model framework design, model types, and methodology of model development

Part 2: Data as the foundation of models, with topics including data types, levelling datasets, QAQC, outlier data, coordinate systems, and data bias

Day 2

Creating a compiled workspace in Geoscience Analyst

Navigate the interface, perform exploratory data analysis, use advanced visualization tools, and generate a 3D compilation

Day 3

Explicit model building

Part 1: Visualizing geophysics data as survey data and inversions

Part 2: Modeling building in section, including complex geometries

Day 4

Validating and Learning From Explicit Models 

Part 1: Model validation in 2D and 3D

Part 2: Adding value through interpretation and extrapolation of geological and geochemical data, defining trends and understanding outliers.

Day 5

Exploration Targeting

Part 1: Traditional approaches to target generation

Part 2: Prospectivity mapping: user defined and weights of evidence 

Day 6 

Implicit modeling skills (Leapfrog Geo)

Part 1: Project definition, data prep and import

Part 2: Visualization and exploratory data analysis

Day 7

Implicit model building

Part 1: Model building workflow

Part 2: Model validation and visualization: adding constraints 

Adding value through interpretation and extrapolation of geological and geochemical data, defining trends and understanding 

Day 8

Implicit modeling of geochemistry and alteration 

Part 1: Isoshells and categorical models 

Part 2: Interfacing between geochemistry plots and spatial position (ioGas link)

Day 9

Exploration Targeting in Leapfrog Geo

Part 1: Distance Properties

Part 2: Designing Drillholes

Day 10 

Updating models with new data

Part 1: Dynamic model updates in Leapfrog Geo vs manual updates in GA Geology Pro

Part 2: The impact of adding dense data to a sparse model

Day 11

AI-assisted Target Generation

Part 1: Data analytics 

Part 2: AI-driven target definition

Day 12

Case studies and Report

Part 1: Case studies

Part 2: Extra lab slot for report work

GEOL 5806

December 12-23 2026 / next in 2028
Course Coordinator: Dr. Stefanie Brueckner

This 10-day (plus optional 1-day introduction to ioGAS) course addresses the principles and methods of geochemical exploration, including planning, sampling, geochemical analysis, data handling and interpretation. It includes case histories of stratiform PGE deposits in layered intrusions, magmatic Fe-Ni-Cu-(PGE) sulfide deposits in ultramafic lavas, porphyry Cu deposits, volcanicassociated Cu-Zn-(Pb) deposits, Archean lode gold deposits, sedimentary-exhalative Pb-Zn-Cu deposits, and diamond exploration. 

Prerequisites: Advanced undergraduate-level training (minimum 3rd or 4th-year training) in mineral deposits, geochemistry, and petrology is highly recommended.
 

Format: Lectures, laboratory practicals, and
problem sets. 
 

• GEOL 5307 (field-based)
• September 2 – 14, 2025, and in Fall 2027

Join Dr. Bruno Lafrance for this 12-day field- and lecture-based course that addresses the fundamentals of structural field analysis.

The course will be held in Sudbury and Kirkland Lake, Ontario. In Sudbury, participants will investigate the development of regional folds, cleavages, and shear zones in the Paleoproterozoic Southern Province and Mesoproterozoic Grenville Province. This will provide the participants with the tools needed to interpret the regional tectonic controls and local structural controls on orogenic gold mineralization in the world-renowned Kirkland Lake gold district. Mapping exercises will be complemented by lectures, allowing the unique opportunity to directly apply classroom learning to the field.

By the end of the course, participants will have learned how to:

• Conduct a geometrical structural analysis of a multiply deformed terrane
• Complete a structural interpretation of a deformed terrane
• Determine the sense of movement in shear zones
• Determine the geometry and dynamic significance of orogenic quartz vein systems

Course Cost for Professional Participants: CDN $3,850 + 13% HST ($500.50) = $4,350.50. This includes shared accommodation in Kirkland Lake on the nights of Sept. 10, 11, 12 & transportation during the field school. 

Professional registrants are responsible for their accommodations in Sudbury for the nights of Sept. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 13.

Food/meals are not covered. Discount for MERC members: (Foundation: 20%, Tier 1: 10%, Tier 2: 5%).

• Form: Download the Registration Form
• University Students: See the enrollment page for further information.
• Registration: Contact Ms. Roxane Mehes
• More Information: Contact Prof Bruno Lafrance 

GEOL 5156 EL

April 2027 and 2029

This 12-day intensive modular course prepares students for leadership positions with responsibility for exploration field programs. 

Students will complete lab exercises, evaluate case histories, and collaborate in groups to develop an exploration project proposal as a final project. 

By the end of this course, students will be able to apply principles of project management to exploration programs, design effective exploration surveys, and outline legal requirements and best practices for safety, environment, and community and Indigenous consultation.

Instructor: Lisa Gibson, P.Geo.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Develop multi-disciplinary data collection and work programs that are appropriate to the level of project maturity and that are tailored to project-specific financial, geological and geographical constraints.
2. Work collaboratively to design and construct an accurate, detailed field program project plan using the terminology and processes of modern project management and industry-standard project management templates
3. Assess and justify the selection of appropriate parameters for the design and implementation of geological, geophysical and geochemical surveys that will meet program objectives and respect program budgets and timelines.
4. Develop an exploration project proposal that addresses compliance and social responsibility by integrating legal requirements and industry best practices for safety management, environmental control, and Indigenous and community consultation.
5. Assess and propose strategic choices for management techniques to plan, organize, lead, track, and adjust the work of a project team.
6. Evaluate and communicate the significance of exploration results to a variety of audiences.

Topic Outline 

Day 1

The Exploration Project Pipeline, project SWOT analysis, requirements for multi-disciplinary data to support project migration.

Day 2 

Part 1: Project-specific factors: land tenure, plans and permits, remote and urban areas, contracts and procurement, mobilization and demobilization, ongoing commitments

Part 2: Project resourcing and executing: workforce and services selection, contractor engagement, results turnaround and timelines

Day 3

Project management essentials part 1 - terminology and processes of modern project management

Day 4

Project management essentials part 2 - project plans and routines

Day 5

Project management essentials part 3 - budgets and schedules

Day 6

Planning and ensuring quality of early stage surveys: geological mapping, geochemical surveys, ground and airborne geophysical surveys

Day 7

Planning and ensuring quality of late stage surveys: drilling, downhole surveys, drillcore studies 

Day 8 

Health and Safety: Regulatory framework, management systems, simple tools and best practices.

Day 9 

Part 1: Environment: Regulatory framework, management systems, best practices.

Part 2: Community consultation and case studies

Day 10

Relationship building with indigenous rights holders, case studies

Day 11 

Part 1: Leadership in action: skills to plan, organize, lead, inspire, track and adjust the work of the project team to meet program objectives.

Part 2: Evaluating and communicating the significance of exploration results

Day 12

Part 1: Test

Part 2: Presentation of Final Projects

• GEOL 5607
• April 2025 and 2027
  • (April 5-14, 2025)

This 10-day in-person course features morning lectures and hands-on afternoon labs examining representative ore suites.

The course focuses on the geological (regional setting, deposit-scale features), mineralogical, alliteration, and geochemical parameters used to classify and explore for the major magmatic-hydrothermal ore-deposit systems.

Following an introduction to relevant geochemical principles used to study these deposits, the course begins at the magmatic-hydrothermal transition represented by critical metal-rich (Li, Ta-Nb, Cs, REEs) pegmatite and alkaline-rock settings (e.g., carbonatites) before examining high- and low-temperature deposit types (i.e., porphyry- and skarn-types (Cu, Au, Mo, and Sn-W), epithermal Au-Ag, VMS, orogenic and intrusion-related Au, sediment-hosted Cu-Pb-Zn-Co (Sedex/MVT, red-bed), and uranium).

Knowledge gained from relevant undergraduate courses in ore deposit geology, petrology, and high-temperature geochemistry are recommended.

Cost for industry participants:

• Full course (on campus): CDN $2,750 + 13% HST ($357.50) = $3,107.50
  Individual days (on campus): CDN $300/day + 13% HST ($39) = $339
   
• Discounts for MERC members: (Foundation: 20%, Tier 1: 10%, Tier 2: 5%). Contact us for pricing options for multiple participants in the same company.
   
• Forms: Download Registration & Payment Form
   
• Registration: Contact Ms. Roxane Mehes to register.
   
• Course Information: Contact Dr. Dan Kontak for course information.

• GEOL 5956
• Next in December 2027
• Downloads:
  • Syllabus, Schedule and Logistical Information
  • Registration Form

This 10-day course includes an introduction to the physical properties of rocks and how these can be inferred from geophysical data. The role that geophysics plays in mineral exploration programs will also be discussed. Methods covered gravity, magnetics, electrical and induced polarization, electromagnetics, gamma-ray spectrometry, reflection seismology, borehole, and airborne methods.  There are daily exercises, many involving computer applications, and the final day will include a regional interpretation of public domain geophysical data.

Details: This 10-day intensive course in geophysical methods applied to mineral exploration is offered by the Harquail School of Earth Sciences (HES) and the Mineral Exploration Research Centre (MERC) at Laurentian University.  The course will be classroom-based with lectures in the morning and part of the afternoon. Students taking the course for credit undertake laboratory exercises in the late afternoon. Topics to be covered include the physical properties of rocks and how these can be inferred from geophysical data. The role that geophysics plays in mineral exploration programs will also be discussed. The course is structured such that each day will cover one of the methods commonly used in mineral exploration. In each case, the material will be presented by an academic or industry person who is an expert practitioner in that method. The specific methods covered are gravity methods, magnetic methods, electrical and induced polarization methods, electromagnetic methods, gamma-ray spectrometry, reflection seismology and borehole methods. There will also be talks from industry representatives discussing the importance of airborne geophysical methods in exploration, and how borehole EM is used in the search for and delineation of conductive ore. The final day will be a presentation by staff from the Ontario Geological Survey on the role that public domain data can have in the mineral exploration process. A regional interpretation of public domain data will also be undertaken. The course does not rely heavily in mathematics, but attempts to impart an understanding of the basic scientific principles. There is a strong emphasis on case studies.

Prerequisites: Advanced undergraduate-level courses in geology or physics.

Course Format: lectures, laboratory practicals, and problems.

Course Credit: 3 credits, applicable toward thesis-based or coursework-based MSc programs and PhD programs; also applicable toward continuing education and continuing professional development requirements for Professional Registration. A participation certificate will be issued on request, with hours listed.

Grading: Laboratory practicals and problems 100%.

Non-student cost: 

On campus: $2750.00 plus HST = $3107.50 for the full course, or $300.00 plus HST = $339.00 per day. 

Remote: $1200.00 plus HST = $1356.00 for the full course, or $120.00 plus HST = $135.60 per day.

Discounts for MERC Members (see registration form).

Laurentian student fees are subject to change.

• Registration: Contact Ms. Roxane Mehes to register.
• More Information: Contact Prof Richard Smith for additional information.

• GEOL 5606
• April 2028 - 3cr

Course Description: 10-day intensive course in magmatic Ni-Cu-(PGE), PGE, Cr, and Ti-V deposits, including 3 days of theoretical material, 5 days of case studies, and 2 days of exploration methods. Topics include: S and Cr solubility and metal partitioning in mafic-ultramafic magmas; generation of fertile magmas; applications of stable and radiogenic isotopes (including mass-independent S isotopes) in identifying S and metal sources; sulfide transport and localization mechanisms; textures and deformation of Fe-Ni-Cu sulfide ores, sulfide recalculation and plotting methods; geology/genesis of and exploration for Ni-Cu-(PGE) deposits in mafic-ultramafic lava channels, feeder sills/dikes, and magma conduits; geology/genesis of and exploration for PGE deposits in mafic-ultramafic layered intrusions; geology/genesis of and exploration for stratiform and podiform Cr deposits and Ti-V deposits in anorthosites and mafic-ultramafic intrusions. Case studies and laboratory exercises will include: Alexo (ON), Duluth (MN), Eagle (MI), Eagle’s Nest (ON), Kambalda (WA), Jinchuan and other deposits in China, Noril’sk-Talnakh and Pechenga (RU), Tamarack (MN), Thompson (MB), Raglan (Nunavik), Sudbury (ON), and Voisey’s Bay (Labrador) Ni-Cu-PGE; and Bushveld (SA) and Stillwater (MT) PGE and Cr; and ‘Ring of Fire” (ON) Cr. Exploration methods include geological/mineralogical/ lithogeochemical/geophysical applications to greenfields/regional/brownfields targeting.

Past Speakers: Dr Steven Barnes (CSIRO), Dr Sarah Dare (UQAC), Dr Pedro Jugo (HES/MERC), Dr Michel Houlé (GSC/HES), Alan King (Geoscience North), Prof Michael Lesher (HES/MERC), Dr Eduardo Mansur (NGU), Dr Louise Schoneveld (CSIRO)

Format: On-campus in the Executive Learning Centre at Laurentian University and via live webcast

Industry Participant Pricing (Canadian dollars) +13% HST. Not for course credit.

The number of industry participants is capped at 20. MERC members benefit from a 20% discount.

Laurentian University students register through standard course registration procedures. Graduate students enrolled in other Ontario universities will register through the Ontario Visiting Graduate Student Program and pay fees directly to their university.

• Reference Downloads: 2026
  • Registration Form
  • Poster
  • Schedule
     
• Registration: Contact Ms. Roxane Mehes to register.
• More Information: Contact Dr. Pedro Jugo for additional information.

• GEOL 5055*

This course is required for and limited to students enrolled in the coursework-based Applied MSc in Mineral Exploration program. A research topic relevant to mineral exploration is selected in consultation with a faculty advisor and students submit, in writing, the results of their research at the end of the program. *Students register for this course only in the term they plan to submit their research project paper.

• Additional Information: Contact Lisa Gibson