
Department of Earth Sciences
(Faculty of Science)
Earth Sciences (ERTH) Courses
The Earth and Life Odyssey: A Journey Through Billions of Years
Embark on a thrilling journey through Earth's epic history! Discover the groundbreaking events and powerful forces that shaped our planet, revealing the dramatic story behind the world we live in today.
Precludes additional credit for ERTH 1004, ERTH 1006 (no longer offered), ERTH 1009 (no longer offered), ERTH 1010 (no longer offered) and ERTH 1011 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): a 4U/M level in Advanced Functions and at least one of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Sciences or Physics are recommended. This course is for students who are enrolled in the Faculty of Science.
Lectures three hours a week, a laboratory three hours per week, and a field excursion.
Earth's Epic Tale: A Story Across Billions of Years
Embark on a thrilling journey through Earth's epic history! Discover the groundbreaking events and powerful forces that shaped our planet, revealing the dramatic story behind the world we live in today.
Prerequisite(s): a 4U/M level in Advanced Functions and at least one of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Sciences or Physics are recommended. This course is for students who are not enrolled in the Faculty of Science except the Bachelor of Computer Science.
Lectures three hours a week.
Maps, Satellites and the Geospatial Revolution
Introduction to the creation and use of maps using a variety of geospatial tools to better understand and resolve physical, social and environmental problems. Overview of geomatics (cartography and map design, geographic information systems, GPS, remote sensing).
Precludes additional credit for GEOM 2004 (no longer offered).
Lectures and laboratory, four hours a week.
Planet Hollywood
Earth Science concepts and content portrayed in Hollywood films are sometimes accurate but more frequently misrepresented. This course will examine popular Hollywood films to critically evaluate the Earth Science concepts and content that they present and directly compare them to the actual science.
Mineralogy to Petrology
Chemical, optical and crystallographic properties of common rock-forming minerals, with introduction to common mineral assemblages of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
Precludes additional credit for ERTH 3202 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): ERTH 1002, CHEM 1001, and CHEM 1002.
Lectures two hours a week and laboratory three hours a week.
Geodynamics
The structure, composition, and rheological properties of the Earth: lithosphere, mantle and core. Plate tectonics and its relation to geophysical fields, driving mechanisms, and processes at plate boundaries and in plate interiors.
Precludes additional credit for ERTH 3805 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): ERTH 1002 or GEOG 2013.
Lectures two hours a week and a laboratory three hours a week.
Geochemistry
This course looks at geochemical processes from deep Earth to surface environments, and the use of geochemical pathways in order to better understand the Earth’s history.
Precludes additional credit for ERTH 3003 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): ERTH 1002, CHEM 1001 and CHEM 1002.
Lecture 1.5 hours per week, a laboratory three hours per week.
Paleontology
Introduction to macrofossil and microfossil groups, their paleoenvironmental significance, and principles of evolutionary paleoecology.
Precludes additional credit for ERTH 2316, GEOL 2301 (no longer offered) and GEOL 2306 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): ERTH 1002 or GEOG 2013.
Lectures two hours a week and a laboratory three hours a week.
Sedimentation and Stratigraphy
Origin of sediments and their transport, distribution, and primary structures; processes of sediment-to-rock transformation; spatial patterns; controls of stratigraphy; methods of correlation.
Precludes additional credit for ERTH 2318 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): ERTH 1002 or GEOG 2013.
Lectures three hours a week and a laboratory three hours a week.
Paleoecology
Introduction to macrofossil and microfossil groups, their paleoenvironmental significance, and principles of evolutionary paleoecology.
Lectures two hours a week.
Dinosaurs
A general introduction to dinosaurs, their place in evolution, their social behaviour, the Mesozoic landscape and extinction theories.
Climate Change: An Earth Sciences Perspective
An exploration of the often dramatic climate changes that have occurred through earth history from a geological perspective, emphasizing the history of earth climates, geological causes of climate change and impact that rapid climate change has had on the biosphere.
Introduction to Oceanography
An environmental approach to understanding the oceans; introducing the physical and biological aspects of oceanography, marine resources and marine pollution.
Engineering Geoscience
Applications of the basic concepts of geology, earth materials and earth processes to practical engineering and environmental science. Topics include rock and soil mechanics, slope stability, hydrogeology, geological hazards, and site investigations. Overview of related geophysical methods.
Precludes additional credit for ERTH 2414 (no longer offered), ERTH 1006 (no longer offered) and ERTH 1010 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): completion of first year of any B.Eng. program.
Lectures three hours a week and a laboratory three hours a week.
Structural Geology
Structures and deformation of earth materials. Topics include stress, strain, folding and faulting.
Precludes additional credit for ERTH 3806 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): ERTH 1002 and ERTH 2102.
Lecture three hours a week and a laboratory 3 hours a week.
Natural Disasters
Physical characteristics and causes of natural disasters of geological origin such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunami, landslides, hurricanes and meteor impacts. Discussion on historical perspective, societal impact and mitigation strategies. Emphasis on Canadian case histories.
Prerequisite(s): second-year standing in any degree program. With the exception of the Minor in Earth Sciences, available as a free elective only in any B.Sc. program, including Earth Sciences.
Lectures three hours a week.
On the Origin of Planets
Origin and evolution of all planetary objects in the solar system. Topics include the geology of comets, asteroids, the terrestrial planets and rocky moons, Earth's formation and early evolution, ocean worlds, the search for exoplanets and detection of extraterrestrial life.
UNESCO World Geoparks and Geoheritage
Development of the geologic sciences and enhanced knowledge of the Earth and its history through the lens of inspiring and extraordinary global geological sites that have contributed significantly to science and culture.
A Geologic Tour of the National Parks of North America
An introduction to the geology of North America's National parks, the ultimate awe-inspiring educational experience, and how these parks collectively tell the story of the processes that have shaped the continent.
Drivers of Climate Change through Geological Time
A survey of Earth's 4.5-billion-year climate history, focusing on the use of geologic data to understand the drivers of climate change and their impact on the development of the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. Course includes experiential learning assignments.
Precludes additional credit for ERTH 2402.
Lecture three hours per week; also includes additional online synchronous/asynchronous experiential learning practicum.
Field Geology I
Field analysis using geological, geophysical and computational methods leading to the interpretation of the origins of geological features and processes.
Prerequisite(s): ERTH 2314 and ERTH 2407 and permission of the department.
Field work for two weeks off campus. A supplementary fee will apply.
Igneous Petrology
Origins and evolution of igneous rocks through partial melting, crystallization, degassing, and assimilation of host rocks. Phase diagrams and classification schemes will be used to provide systematic tools for the description and interpretation of igneous rocks.
Precludes additional credit for ERTH 2104 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): ERTH 2102.
Lecture three hours per week, a laboratory three hours per week.
Vertebrate Evolution: Mammals, Reptiles, and Birds
Evolution of mammals, reptiles and birds. Emphasis on surveying amniote diversity, and the origin of key amniote transformations, as evidenced by the fossil record.
Also listed as BIOL 3111.
Prerequisite(s): ERTH 1002 or BIOL 2001.
Lectures two hours a week and a laboratory three hours a week.
Vertebrate Evolution: Fish and Amphibians
Evolution of fish and amphibians. Emphasis on surveying fish and amphibian diversity, and the origin of key transformations of these groups, as evidenced by the fossil record.
Also listed as BIOL 3112.
Prerequisite(s): ERTH 1002 or BIOL 2001.
Lectures two hours a week and a laboratory three hours a week.
Geology of Human Origins
The origin and evolution of our species from geological, biological and cultural perspectives. The course traces human ancestry from our primate roots through time and changing environments, and explores controversies, frauds, and misperceptions.
Lectures three hours per week.
Evolution of Mammals, Reptiles and Birds
Evolution of mammals, reptiles and birds. Emphasis on surveying amniote diversity, and the origin of key amniote transformations, as evidences by the fossil record.
Prerequisite(s): any 1000- or 2000-level Earth Sciences or Biology course.
Lectures two hours per week.
Evolution of Fish and Amphibians
Evolution of fish and amphibians. Emphasis on surveying fish and amphibian diversity and the origin of key transformations of these groups, as evidenced by the fossil record.
Prerequisite(s): any 1000- or 2000-level Earth Sciences or Biology course.
Lectures two hours per week.
Mineral Deposits
Analysis and interpretation of the geological and geochemical processes responsible for mineral deposit genesis in a global context.
Prerequisite(s): ERTH 2102 and ERTH 2106.
Lectures two hours and a laboratory three hours a week.
Physical Hydrogeology
Principles of deep- to shallow fluid flow within the Earth's crust, and introduction to the exploration, development and management of groundwater as a global resource.
Prerequisite(s): ERTH 1002 or GEOG 2013.
Lecture three hours a week and a laboratory three hours a week.
Metamorphic Petrology and Processes
Genesis of metamorphic rocks as determined from field, petrographic and geochemical data.
Precludes additional credit for ERTH 3202 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): ERTH 2102.
Lectures two hours a week, a laboratory three hours a week and a field excursion.
Geophysical Methods
An introduction to the tools of applied geophysics including seismology, electrical, magnetic, and gravitational surveying methods.
Precludes additional credit for ERTH 2405 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): ERTH 2105.
Lecture two hours a week and a laboratory three hours a week.
Isotope Geochemistry and Geochronology
This course looks at stable and radiogenic isotope systematics applied to different Earth environments. Students will delve into geochronological techniques and their applications, and apply the principles of elemental and isotopic fractionation to investigate several geological processes.
Precludes additional credit for ERTH 4803 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): ERTH 2106.
Lecture 1.5 hours per week, a laboratory three hours per week.
Co-operative Work Term
Directed Studies in Earth Sciences
One or more projects involving at least 15 days field and/or laboratory research, not related to thesis research. Assessment based on written reports and an oral presentation. Expenses for long-distance travel are borne by the student.
Prerequisite(s): fourth-year standing in any B.Sc. Hons. or Combined Hons. program in Earth Sciences.
Schedule to be arranged.
Special Topics in Earth Sciences
Field, laboratory or literature research, not related to thesis research. Assessment based on written reports and an oral presentation. Expenses for travel are borne by the student.
Schedule to be arranged.
Field Environmental Geobiology
Exploration of the relationship between micro- and macro-ecological and evolutionary processes and the Earth's physical and chemical environment. Paleobiology and evolutionary ecology in the context of paleoceanography, paleolimnology and/or paleoclimatology. Will include one or two weeks of field based instruction with costs borne by student.
Field work off campus.
Evolutionary Developmental Paleobiology
This course explores the mechanistic basis of organismic evolution from genetic, morphogenetic and epigenetic perspectives, within a phylogenetic context of living and extinct vertebrates.
Precludes additional credit for BIOL 4007.
Prerequisite(s): ERTH 2312 or BIOL 2001, and BIOL 2104.
Lectures or seminars three hours per week.
Topics in Paleobiology and Evolution
This multidisciplinary seminar course investigates various topics in paleobiology, paleoecology and evolutionary theory.
Lectures and seminar discussion, three hours per week
Geotechnical Mechanics
Soil composition and soil classification. Soil properties, compaction, seepage and permeability. Concepts of pore water pressure, capillary pressure and hydraulic head. Principle of effective stress, stress-deformation and strength characteristics of soils, consolidation, stress distribution with soils, and settlement. Laboratory testing.
Also listed as CIVE 3208.
Prerequisite(s): ERTH 3405.
Lectures three hours a week, laboratory three hours alternate weeks.
Contaminant and Remediation Hydrogeology
Geochemical and physical processes controlling contaminant release, migration, and fate in groundwater along with the processes and techniques used for contaminant mitigation and remediation. Examples will include organic and inorganic contaminants in a variety of settings.
Prerequisite(s): ERTH 2106 and ERTH 3205.
Lectures three hours per week and a laboratory three hours per week.
Mineral Exploration Field Geology
Introduction to the essentials of conducting geological mapping campaign in the Canadian Shield in a field area that has seen considerable industry exploration for volcanogenic massive sulfide mineralization. Activities include outcrop and trench mapping, strain analysis, interpretation of geophysical data, drilling proposals, report writing.
Precludes additional credit for ERTH 3209.
Prerequisite(s): ERTH 2407 or ERTH 3004 and ERTH 3207.
Field work for two weeks off-campus. A supplementary fee will apply.
Frozen Earth: Unveiling the Snowball Earth Catastrophe
Discover how icy cataclysms shaped our planet through Earth’s most extreme climate event: Snowball Earth! We will explore this theory's origins, examine compelling geologic and geochemical evidence, and dive into topics such as glacial sedimentology, the carbon cycle, evolution, and more on this thrilling adventure.
Advanced Sedimentary Geology and Earth History
The origin, composition and diagenesis of sedimentary rocks throughout Earth history. Study of modern and ancient sedimentary systems; development of facies models; petrographic and geochemical analysis of sedimentary rocks.
Prerequisite(s): ERTH 2314.
Lecture two hours a week and a laboratory three hours a week.
Advanced Petrology
Analysis of the physical and chemical conditions, rock-forming processes, as well as the tectonic settings, that control the formation of different rock types. May include one to two weeks of field-based instruction, with costs borne by the student.
Prerequisite(s): ERTH 3207.
Field excursions, lectures or seminars three hours per week.
Physics of the Earth
The physical properties of the solid Earth. Gravitational, magnetic and palaeomagnetic fields; seismology and earthquake occurrence; heat flow and thermal history. Geodynamic processes.
Also offered at the graduate level, with different requirements, as ERTH 5701, for which additional credit is precluded.
Lectures three hours a week.
Field Geology II
Field camp integrating advanced field, theory and experimental data. Assessment is based on reports, seminars, and oral examinations. Part of the cost is borne by the student. Departmental funding assistance is available for only one 4000-level field course per student.
Prerequisite(s): completion of the third-year Earth Sciences course requirements and permission of the Department. A supplementary fee will apply.
Field work off campus.
Vertebrate Paleontology Field Camp
Field camp extends the student's vertebrate paleontological knowledge by integrating field, theory, and experimental data. Assessment based on written reports and seminars. Part of the cost is borne by the student. Departmental funding assistance is available for only one 4000-level field course per student.
Prerequisite(s): ERTH 3111 or ERTH 3112, and ERTH 3113. A Major CGPA of 8.5 or higher and permission of the department. This course is only available to Undergraduate students enrolled in the BSc Earth Sciences with concentration in Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoecology Honours program.
Field work for two weeks off campus. A supplementary fee will apply.
Natural Hazards in Canada
Overview of the main natural hazards (such as floods, landslides, forest fires, earthquakes) and severe weather phenomena (such as ice storms, hail, tornadoes) in the Canadian environment. Risk of catastrophic events and their impact on society and infrastructure.
Also offered at the graduate level, with different requirements, as ERTH 5215 and IPIS 5505, for which additional credit is precluded.
Lectures three hours a week.
Honours Thesis
Independent studies. Requires prior written approval of a topic from a supervisor and the course co-ordinator. Oral and written proposal, progress and defence reports are required.
Precludes additional credit for ERTH 4909, ERTH 4910 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): restricted to B.Sc. Honours and Combined Honours ERTH programs. Major CGPA 8.5 or higher at time of registration for the course.
Research in Earth Sciences
Understanding research methods, data interpretation and presentation, through readings, seminars and-or laboratory projects related to a topic selected by the student with approval of a faculty advisor.
Precludes additional credit for ERTH 4908, ERTH 4910 (no longer offered).
Prerequisite(s): restricted to B.Sc. Honours and Combined Honours Earth Sciences programs.
Note: Not all courses listed are offered in a given year. For an up-to-date statement of course offerings for the current session and to determine the term of offering, consult the class schedule at central.carleton.ca.
Summer session: some of the courses listed in this Calendar are offered during the summer. Hours and scheduling for summer session courses will differ significantly from those reported in the fall/winter Calendar. To determine the scheduling and hours for summer session classes, consult the class schedule at central.carleton.ca