EASC 206 - Geology of the Solar System
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
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This course demonstrates how information gleaned from both manned and robotic space missions, as well as astromaterials available for direct study, are used to gain an understanding of the geology of our Solar System. Geological processes that were, and continue to be, active in the Solar System are examined with a special emphasis on impact cratering. The similarities and differences in the geology of planets, how these relate to the origin and evolution of the Solar System, and their implications for the search for life are also investigated. |
| Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in one of EASC 100, EASC 101 or in ASTR 120. |
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EASC 209 - Geology of Western Canada and the National Parks
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
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The geologic history of Western Canada begins 4 billion years ago with the formation of the Canadian Shield and, through tectonic and erosional modification, has evolved into its present configuration. The formation and modification of the Canadian Shield, Western Canada Sedimentary Basin, and Canadian Cordillera will be discussed. In addition, the economic resources that formed as a result of these geologic processes are addressed. The National Parks within Western Canada are examined in context of their geology and formation, describing why they are important regions to conserve. |
| Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C- in EASC 100 or EASC 101. |
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EASC 219 - Mineralogy
| Hours:45:36:0 |
Credits:3 |
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This course employs a theory and lab-oriented approach to understanding mineralogy. Topics include mineral origin and formation, classification and crystallography. Hands-on mineral identification will be undertaken in the labs with a focus on major rock forming minerals, such as the silicates. The opportunity to examine rare meteorites in thin section will also be provided. Students will be assigned their own petrographic microscope for use during the term, with an additional lab designed to utilize the Raman spectrometer. A field trip to the Royal Alberta Museum will be conducted during the term. |
| Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in either EASC 101 or in EASC 105. |
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EASC 221 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
| Hours:45:36:0 |
Credits:3 |
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This course provides a theoretical and practical introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as applied to geologic and environmental sciences. Lectures combine an overview of the general principles of GIS with a theoretical treatment of the nature and analytical use of spatial information. Laboratories impart the technical aspects through hands-on experience with appropriate software. |
| Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C- in one of EASC 100, EASC 101, EASC 102, or ANTH 206. |
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EASC 225 - Introduction to Geomorphology
| Hours:45:36:0 |
Credits:3 |
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This course introduces students to geomorphology - the study of landforms and landscape-shaping processes. Fluvial, glacial, periglacial, slope, and aeolian landforms and processes are examined. A special emphasis is placed on Alberta's landscape and the geomorphology of the Late Cenozoic, especially the Quaternary Period. Central to this course is fieldwork in Edmonton's river valley. |
| Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in EASC 100 or EASC 101. |
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EASC 226 - Introduction to Soil Science
| Hours:45:36:0 |
Credits:3 |
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This course examines the fundamental aspects of soil formation and soil occurrence in natural landscapes. Physical, chemical, mineralogical, and biological properties of soils are emphasized, and how these properties relate to plant growth and environmental quality. Identification of soils is practiced and estimates of their performances in both natural and agricultural ecosystems are analyzed. Note: A 100-level chemistry course is strongly recommended. |
| Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in EASC 100, EASC 101, EASC 102 or ANTH 206. |
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EASC 230 - Invertebrate Paleontology
| Hours:45:36:0 |
Credits:3 |
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This course addresses principles and problems associated with paleontology in areas such as origin of life, evolution, mass extinction, paleoecology, functional morphology, biogeography and biostratigraphy. There is a systematic coverage of invertebrate fossils, including microfossils, Porifera, Cnidaria, Brachiopoda, Bryozoa, Mollusca, Echinodermata, and Arthropoda. Labs promote recognition of fossils and their attributes. |
| Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in EASC 103 or EASC 105. |
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EASC 238 - Geology of Natural Resources
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
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This course consists of the geological study of the major types of economically important metallic and nonmetallic ore minerals and energy resources. Basic processes which form and concentrate these materials in the Earth are examined. Various methods of exploration and mining of the resources are detailed. Alberta's coal and petroleum resources are emphasized. Environmental effects of the production and use of mineral and energy resources are discussed. |
| Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in EASC 101. |
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EASC 240 - Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
| Hours:45:36:0 |
Credits:3 |
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Focusing on the production, transport, and deposition of sediment, this course explores sedimentary depositional environments, processes, controls, and structures. The course further examines stratigraphic relationships between sediments (including litho-, bio-, chemo-, and chrono-stratigraphic approaches), and facies analysis – the examination and interpretation of sedimentary characteristics that reflect specific environmental conditions under which a given material was deposited or formed. Course topics include the environmental controls on sediment generation, transport, and deposition; properties and classification of clastic, carbonate and evaporitic sediments and rocks; sequence stratigraphy, correlation, and facies analysis; tectonic development of sedimentary basins; hydrocarbon formation and generation; and the interface between sedimentary processes and environmental contamination and rehabilitation. The subsurface characterization of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin will be introduced as part of this course. In laboratory sections, students will identify characteristics of common sedimentary facies, describe and classify sedimentary rocks in hand specimen, map and correlate sedimentary units, and create stratigraphic sections. |
| Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in EASC 101 and in EASC 102. |
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EASC 270 - The Atmosphere
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
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This course provides an introduction to atmospheric science, weather, and climate. Topics include the composition and vertical structure of the atmosphere, humidity and clouds, atmospheric dynamics, circulation, weather systems, weather forecasting and maps, atmospheric boundary layer, and climate dynamics. Training for reading and interpreting weather maps, and modeling atmospheric processes is provided. Note: MATH 114 is recommended. |
| Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C- in any 100-level Physical Sciences course, or in BIOL 107 or BIOL 108. |
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EASC 271 - The Oceans
| Hours:45:36:0 |
Credits:3 |
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Covering nearly three quarters of the Earth’s surface, the oceans play a fundamental role in the Earth system. This course provides an overview of the discipline of oceanography, as well as highlighting the importance of the oceans within a global context. The course examines the physical, chemical, biological, and geological properties of the oceans. Topics include the origins of the oceans, the physical and chemical properties of seawater, water mass structure and chemistry, the physical structure of ocean basins and marine provinces, ocean circulation, wave and tide dynamics, ocean sediments and sedimentary records, biological oceanography and primary productivity, and the role of, and consequences for, the oceans in a changing climate. Furthermore, relevant methods in oceanographic research and data analysis are discussed and applied within the laboratory component of this course. Emphasis is placed on the interdisciplinarity of oceanography, alongside the linkages of the oceans to other spheres of planet Earth, including the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and cryosphere. EASC 271 includes an optional field trip to a coastal area. |
| Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C- in EASC 101, EASC 102, or EASC 103. |
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