Earth & Space Sciences

This is a special studies course involving an internship with a corporate, public, governmental, or private organization, arranged with the Study Center Director or Liaison Officer. Specific internships vary each term and are described on a special study project form for each student. A substantial paper or series of reports is required. Units vary depending on the contact hours and method of assessment. The internship may be taken during one or more terms but the units cannot exceed a total of 12.0 for the year.

The course gives a brief introduction to all fields of astronomy. Overview of general fundamental concepts. The night sky and its motion. Astronomical instruments and observation techniques. The sun and the planetary system, exoplanets. The distances to the stars and their motion. The structure and evolution of stars. The space between the stars. The Milky Way and other galaxies. Theories of the origin and development of the universe.
 

This course examines the science and scientific methods within the life, environmental and Earth sciences. In particular, the course will introduce students to the research undertaken in the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES) and its application to contemporary environmental problems, management and issues. The course also focuses on skills including relevant quantitative techniques, methods for collecting environmental data including new technologies, sampling and experimental design, methods for visualizing environmental information (graphics, mapping) and communicating results.

This course examines analytical capabilities within GIS, various applications to complex environmental and coastal issues and ethical considerations in using and disseminating geographical information and knowledge. The fundamentals of GIS, spatial modelling and Earth observation will be introduced in the context of environmental and coastal management. Students will build on these foundational concepts through problem-based learning in which GIS methods will be applied to address issues relating to fire and biodiversity, acid sulphate soils, coastal processes and water security. 

This course provides upper-level undergraduate students an holistic overview of physical processes that develop alluvial, eolian, lake, delta, shoreline, and shallow-marine, tidal depositional systems. The focus of this class ranges from applications of the basic principles i.e., sediment transport and depositional mechanics to stratigraphy and basin interpretation in various depositional environments. Topics include Interpreting sedimentary successions, Ichnology and facies models, Siliciclastic facies models, Glacial deposits, Alluvial deposits, Eolian systems, Wave-and storm-dominated shoreline and shallow-marine systems, Tidal depositional systems, Deltas, Transgressive wave-dominated coasts, Deep-marine sediments and sedimentary systems, and Lakes.

Prerequisite: Sedimentary Petrology

This course examines geology, paleontology and Earth’s systems. It covers plate tectonics, the formation of rocks and minerals, the evolution of the atmosphere, and the origin of the hydrosphere. Students will gain knowledge about the evolution of life and what the fossil record tells us about past climates and ecosystems. The course will provide a basis in advanced measurement techniques using ground-, aircraft-, and satellite-based systems. Students will also learn how to use their understanding of geological processes to investigate and manage environmental issues. A comprehensive understanding of Earth’s processes is critical for the development of sustainable societies, protecting our ecosystems, sourcing materials for modern technologies, and economic growth.

This course explores whether the chemical and biological evolutions on the Earth could be a universal phenomenon in the galaxy. From an astronomical point of view the course examines the evolution of cosmic matter up to heavy elements, which are essential ingredients for forming biological creatures.  

Topics include: modern search techniques, their limitations, and potential search technologies of the future; the formation of terrestrial planets as distinguished from Jovian; how orbits of the exo-planets are analyzed for evidence that they may be solar terrestrial planets; the evolutionary path of Earth over the last 4.6 billion years; the Goldilocks problem of atmospheric evolution; birth and growth of civilization; parameterization of human ignorance by Drake's equation; Gaia, and Ohn-Saeng Myung; interstellar communication; terraformation of Mars; heavens and hells. 

This is an independent research course with research arranged between the student and faculty member. The specific research topics vary each term and are described on a special project form for each student. A substantial paper is required. The number of units varies with the student’s project, contact hours, and method of assessment, as defined on the student’s special study project form.

This course examines the physics of the Universe from scales ranging from our Solar System and extrasolar planets to the origin and fate of the Universe. It covers astronomical techniques, history of astronomy across cultures, beginnings of the Universe, formation and evolution of galaxies, origin of life on Earth and search for life elsewhere, stellar structure and evolution, planet formation, black holes, and compact objects.

This course examines the interactions of biological and physical processes in the ocean and how physical processes regulate productivity and distribution of organisms in oceanic and coastal ecosystems, from the microscale to the macroscale.