1200 Understanding the Earth

3 credit hours

Everything that is known about the history of the solid Earth has been determined from studying rocks and minerals. This course introduces the student to major types of rocks and minerals, how they are described, classified and interpreted, and how their age can be determined. Gemstones, fossils and other Earth materials will also be described.

Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. a week.

Amethyst the purple variety of quartz

1201 The Dynamic Earth

3 credit hours

The study of the Earth as a dynamically evolving planet that has been in constant transformation since the beginning of its formation.  This course introduces the students to both surface and subsurface processes which will be described using many geological examples from Atlantic Canada.

Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. a week.

1202 Planet Earth: Atlantic Canada Perspective

3 credit hours

Why is the Atlantic Ocean getting wider? Where in Atlantic Canada are there remnants of huge volcanic explosions and lava flows? How did a fault as big as the San Andreas cut through Nova Scotia ? This course will provide an understanding of the Earth and the processes which affect it, using examples drawn from the geology of our region. You will study plate tectonics, learn to recognize and interpret Earth materials, and understand their impact on Atlantic Canada. Sections of this course may be offered via world-wide web. This course is intended mainly for non-science students including those in Atlantic Canada Studies.

Nova Scotia from space

1203 Earth History: Atlantic Canada Perspective

3 credit hours

What was the origin of the Earth and when did life develop? When did dinosaurs and other fossil groups appear in our region, and how did they disappear? When did the Atlantic open, and how have the rivers, deserts, and ice ages contributed to our landscape? You will trace four billion years of Earth history through the rock and fossil records of Atlantic Canada, from the oldest rocks to the present day. Sections of this course may be offered via world-wide web. This course is intended mainly for non-science students including those in Atlantic Canada Studies.

1206 Global Change

3 credit hours

This course examines global changes in the Earth's crust, oceans, biota and atmosphere caused by natural processes and human activity. Topics covered include the reconstruction of ancient environments, some of which were dramatically changed by meteorite impacts, volcanic activity and glaciation, and the evaluation of accelerating environmental change caused by phenomena such as ozone depletion and greenhouse gas emissions.

Manicouagan Impact Crater, Quebec

1207 Environment, Radiation and Society

3 credit hours

Radioactivity has an impact on our society and environment. Radiation given off during the process of radioactive decay is harmful, but is accompanied by the release of energy that can be harvested. The course reviews radioactive decay and explores geological sources of radiation, uranium deposits and mining, economics of nuclear power and the geological aspects of radioactive waste disposal. The course will foster an understanding of issues that surround the use of nuclear technology in our society.

Point Lepreau Nuclear Power Plant

1208 Environmental Geology: Atlantic Canada Perspective

3 credit hours

This course examines the geological principles that lie behind environmental problems facing society. Topics considered may include geological hazards such as volcanoes, earthquakes, slope instability, and pollution and waste disposal, as well as energy and mineral resources, and the quality of water. This course will include examples of environmental geology in the Atlantic Provinces.

1210 Dinosaurs and Their World

3 credit hours

This course focuses on dinosaurs and the world in which they flourished for 135 million years, up to the time of their (near) extinction. Spectacular and sometimes controversial evidence indicates how dinosaurs and other creatures lived, died, and were preserved as fossils over geologic time. Nova Scotian dinosaur localities will receive special attention in the class.