Department of Geology - 2000 Courses

Listings and course requirements are subject to continuing revision and updating; for precise details of current courses and requirements, consult the Saint Mary's University Calendar. In cases of discrepancy between these pages and the University Calendar, the University Calendar takes precedence.

2301.1(.2) Mineralogy Prerequisite: GEOL 1214.1(.2)

An introduction to a systematic study of the major mineral groups, including their crystal structure, chemical composition, physical properties, identification and practical use.

Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. a week. 1 semester.

Halite mineral illustrating 3 planes of cleavage

2302.1(.2) Optical Mineralogy

Prerequisite: GEOL 2301.1(.2) or permission of Department.

Optical properties of minerals. Determinative mineralogy with emphasis on the optical methods of mineral identification. petrography of the more common rocks

Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. a week. 1 semester.

Calcite interference figure as seen in polarizing microscope

2305.1(.2) Geophysics

Prerequisite: GEOL 1214.1(.2) and 1215.1(.2)

The physics of the Earth, including rotation, gravity, seismology and internal structure, magnetic and electrical properties, radioactivity, and the Earth's heat. Geophysical exploration of the Earth's crust, including seismic refraction, seismic reflection, magnetic, gravity and electrical methods.

Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. a week. 1 semester.

2325.1(.2) Sedimentology [GEOG 2325.1(.2)]

Prerequisite: GEOL 1214.1(.2) or 1215.1(.2) or GEOG 2213.1(.2).

Weathering and the origin of sedimentary materials. Introduction to sediments and sedimentary rocks. Processes of sedimentation and the origin of sedimentary structures. Interpretation of clastic and carbonate sedimentary rocks in the light of comparison with modern environments in non-marine, marginal marine, and marine settings. Those who are registered for this course or who have already received credit for this course may not register for GEOG 3313.1(.2) [GEOL 3373.1(.2)] (Geomorphology)

Classes 3 hrs, and lab 3 hrs. a week. 1 semester.

2332.1(.2) Cross-listed as CHEM 2332.1(.2) Introductory Analytical Chemistry: Wet Methods

2333.1(.2) Cross-listed as CHEM 2333.1(.2) Introductory Analytical Chemistry: Instrumental Methods

2335.1(.2) Paleobotany

Prerequisite: GEOL 1214.1(.2) and 1215.1(.2) or BIOL 1200.0.

The course will trace the two billion year fossil record of plant evolution in the context of adaptation to Earth's changing geography and climate through geologic time. Particular attention will be paid to the development of terrestrial ecosystems in the Paleozoic and to the world class fossil sites of Nova Scotia , including the paleobotany of coal. Ontogeny and paleoecology will be linked as will taphonomy and paleoenvironments. Laboratories will acquaint the student with the taxonomy of fossil floras, their modes of preservation and practical problems in the interpretation of their record.

Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. a week. Field trips. 1 semester.

Carbonized leaf fossil

2350.1(.2) Environmental Geoscience Issues

Prerequisite: GEOL 1214.1(.2) or 1215.1(.2)

This course examines issues such as risk assessment and prediction of natural hazards (earthquakes, volcanoes, floods); pathways and sinks of pollutants in surface and groundwater; the environmental implications of global change, industrial planning and environmental impacts; geological criteria in the environmental assessment process; the roles of monitoring historical assessment and modeling in environmental problems.

Classes 3 hrs. and lab 3 hrs. a week. 1 semester.