Synopsis

Studies leading to the degree of Master of Science in Geology normally emphasize the fields of Petrochemistry and Tectonophysics. Petrochemistry is deemed to include: field and laboratory studies of ore deposits, igneous, metamorphic and lithified sedimentary rocks. Tectonophysics is deemed to include: field and laboratory studies of structural geology, rock magnetism and basin analysis.

Candidates can obtain information on the University's application procedure and general admission requirements from the Office of Graduate Studies. In addition to the general requirements, candidates must have completed an Honours Bachelor of Science in Geology or equivalent with a minimum B average. Candidates possessing an HBSc in disciplines such as Chemistry, Mathematics, or Physics may also be considered.

Program

A candidate for the MSc degree in Geology must successfully complete a total of 5 full courses of which the required thesis is equivalent to three full courses. The candidate is required to take at least one full course equivalent from the graduate course offerings in Geology. Permission may be granted to the candidate to take one full course equivalent from some of Geology's fourth year offerings or from a cognate department.

Courses

Geology 5111: Mineral Equilibria

Principles of phase equilibria as applied to sulphide systems. Study of mineralogically significant systems, including Fe-S, Fe-Ni-S, and Cu-Fe-S, and their applications to ore genesis.

Geology 5113: Geochemistry of Ore Deposits

Selected topics including aqueous chemistry as applied to the genesis of hydrothermally emplaced ore deposits, chemical parameters of carbonate hosted Pb-Zn deposits, and chemical models for the origin of stratiform massive sulphide deposits.

Geology 5115: Advanced Mineralogy

Application of x-ray diffraction and other techniques to mineralogical studies.

Geology 5133: Quantitative Techniques in Structural Geology

Incremental and finite strain. Coaxial and non-coaxial strain. Determination of incremental strain, total strain, and strain histories in sedimentary rocks and tectonites. Review of total strain analysis methods applicable to crystalline and layered rock using field observations. Total strain integration as a guie to regional synthesis.

Geology 5135: Metamorphic Processes in Crystalline Rocks

Microscopic analysis of common mineral assemblages and textures with special emphasis on low baric types. Study of crystal dislocation theory and deformation mechanisms operative in major rock-forming crystals. P-T-E control of deformation mechanisms. Deformetion, recovery and recrystallization of silicates.

Geology 5137: Tectonics

Tectonic associations, variation in tectonic styles. Tectoninc schemes, including Plate Tectonics. Precambriam orogenesis and the evolution of the Archean crustal segments.

Geology 5138: Tectonophysics

Finite strain of rocks by coaxial and noncoaxial stain histories. Behaviour of rock due to large deformations. Stress and paleostress in the crust. Elastic, viscous and palstic behaviour of rock. Testing techniques and flow laws.

Geology 5139: Theoretical Topics in Structural Geology

A course in theoretical aspects of structural geology such as the following: coaxial and noncoaxial strain histories; relationship of progressive deformation to the development of schistosity; folds and boudins; finite element analysis; models for the development of folds and other structures.

Geology 5151: Advanced Topics in Igneous Petrology I

Selected studies of the plutonic regimes of continental regions. Possible topics include: syenitic complexes; granitic batholists; anorthositic batholists; layered basic intrusions; carbonatites and ultramafic plutons.

Geology 5153: Advanced Topics in Igneous Petrology II

Selected studies of volcanic regimes of the continental and oceanic regions. Possible topics include: Plate Convergence volcanism; continetal volcanism (including kimberlites); oceanic volcanism.

Geology 5155: Methods in Geochemistry

Discussion and practice in the methods used in analytical geochemistry with emphasis upon the use of x-ray fluorescence for the major and trace element analysis of silicate rocks, and instrumental and radiochemical methods of neutron activation analysis as applied to the determination of trace elements at the ppm and ppb level.

Geology 5157: Advanced Topics in Geochemistry

Discussion of aspects of the geochemistry of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks with emphasis upon the controls of element distribution. Possible topics include: nucleosynthesis and meteorite geochemistry; Sr, Nd and Pb isotope geochemistry; mantle geochemistry; geochemistry of the rare siderophile and chalcophile elements. Some experimental work involving neutron activation analysis or radio-tracers may be required.

Geology 5171: Advanced Sedimetology

A study of the texture and the primary sedimentary structures of clastic and non-clastic rocks and their use in the interpretation of depositional environments and basin analysis.

Geology 5173: Advanced Stratigraphy

Principles of stratigraphy and biostratigraphy with emphasis on the late Proterozoic and Phanerozoic stratigraphy of North America.

Geology 5175: Topics in Geology

Subject matter to be arranged in the form of readings and seminars to suit and faculty area of specialization.

Geology 5901 (9901): Master's Thesis

 

Geology 6000: Petrophysics

Topics for visiting PhD students.