An introduction to environmental geology and geomorphology through study of the processes that form the earth and its surface features. A mandatory one day field trip will be held.

An introduction to the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil. Application to environmental and land use impacts.

The surface heat and water balance of natural and human-modified landscapes. Emphasis on interactions of people and the biosphere with climate.

Geological evolution of the Earth and paleontological evidence for the evolution of marine life, with emphasis on the geological history of North America.

Students enrolling in this course must purchase a field kit available through the School of Geography and Earth Sciences.

An introduction to issues, perspectives and models in environmental studies at local, regional, national and international scales.

A study of natural processes including plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, river erosion and climate change and their impacts on human populations.

Introduction to the principles and techniques underlying the use of Geographic information systems (GIS) for capturing and visualizing geographically referenced information. Databases, models and cartographic principles are also introduced emphasizing the production of effective thematic maps using GIS software.

Introduction to crystallography, optical theory, and the polarizing microscope. Identification of minerals in igneous and sedimentary rocks and discussion of their structure and chemistry.

An examination of gemstones focusing on their geologic origin, mineralogy, colour, chemistry, economic value and historical significance.

Hydrological processes including precipitation, snowmelt, hillslope runoff, streamflow and hydrological data analysis.

Selected environmental issues related to water, including floods and droughts, irrigation, effects of water management projects and pollution. Examples from Canada and the world.

The earth's climatic history including natural causes of past climate change and human influences on climate will be explored.

Methods in underwater exploration; geoarcheological record of human interaction with the marine environment and the effects of climate and sea level changes.

Sedimentary processes, stratigraphy and depositional environments of clastic systems.

A field camp to introduce students to field equipment and methodologies used by earth and environmental scientists. Most of this course occurs outside the regular academic term, usually the two weeks preceding the start of term in September; details and applications are available in March.

Students enrolling in this course must pay both the incidental fees as prescribed by the School and the regular tuition fees.

Advanced treatment of geographic information systems (GIS) focusing on raster data models and techniques. Real-world problem solving emphasizes site selection and environmental applications. Topics include multi-criteria evaluation, terrain mapping and analysis, 3D visualization, spatial interpolation and watershed analysis.

The integration of academic learning with an employment or a volunteer experience, providing students the opportunity to explore careers and develop linkages between classroom knowledge and professional practice. Students are responsible to arrange a suitable internship and agreement of the supervisor.

This course is evaluated on a Pass/Fail basis.

Introduction to igneous and metamorphic petrology, including thin section examination of rock suites, use of phase diagrams in petrology, and discussion of petrogenesis.

A mandatory one day field trip is held in September to collect samples from Lake Ontario. Students enrolling in this course must pay both the incidental fees as prescribed by the School and the regular tuition fees.

Focus on the primary mechanisms controlling the distribution, transport and fate of contaminants, particularly organic contaminants, throughout the environment with an emphasis on aquatic pollution and atmosphere-aquatic interactions. Topics include partitioning processes (dissolution, volatilization, sorption), degradation and contaminant remediation processes (abiotic, biotic) and analytical techniques used to measure concentrations in environmental samples.

Review of approaches to the formulation of research questions, and to the gathering and interpretation of evidence, using a variety of environmental and earth sciences-based topics. The course includes the formulation of a research proposal, and develops skills in the communication of research results.

Aerial photography. Passive and active satellite direction systems. Image processing and interpretation procedures. Application to resource exploration and environmental management.

Use of simple numerical models applied to solving environmental problems related to anthropogenic perturbations. Introduction to STELLA numerical simulator, statement of the problem and "what if" scenarios.

Introduction to principles and applications of geophysics in groundwater and environmental investigations. Practical demonstrations in magnetics, gravity, shallow seismic, radar, borehole logging, surface EM and electrical methods.

Mechanisms and processes of water movement in the subsurface including the saturated zone (groundwater) and the unsaturated zone (soil water).

This course develops energy and mass exchange processes in the near surface layer, the lower atmosphere and at the earth-atmosphere interface. Sensitivities of these processes to environmental change and feedback mechanisms are examined. Seminars and individual presentations are emphasized.

Technical and policy issues involved in the production and the appraisal of environmental impact assessments.

Students enrolling in this course must pay both the incidental fees, as prescribed by the School, and the regular tuition fees.

Selected topics in field research in the Environmental and Earth Sciences. Topics may vary from year to year, and the timing of the course will depend on the offerings. Details will be posted in the School.

Students enrolling in this course must pay the incidental fees, as prescribed by the School, and the regular tuition fees.

The development and movement of glaciers, glacial depositional processes and sedimentary successions in terrestrial, lacustrine and marine environments. A mandatory one day, local field trip will be included. 

Students enrolling in this course must pay both the incidental fees as prescribed by the School and the regular tuition fees.

The integration of academic learning allowing the student to explore careers and the development of linkages between classroom knowledge and professional practice. Students are responsible to arrange a suitable internship and agreement of the supervisor. 

This course is evaluated on a Pass/Fail basis.

Normally, students complete 130 hours of academic work through the duration of the employment or volunteer experience.

Study of the underlying concepts and principles of geomicrobiology (environment-microorganism interaction) as they relate to the formation of the Earth and environmental processes through lectures, laboratory practical exercises and student led seminar discussions of primary literature showcased in the textbook.

The student will conduct a comprehensive review of a selected topic. The review paper is due before the final examination period.

Synthesis of plate tectonics, with application to crustal evolution and genesis of ore deposits.