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ESCI
EARTH SCIENCES
Students should note that in the Science Faculty the minimum acceptable grade in a course which is required by a particular
program or is used to meet a prerequisite, is a "C". Any student who fails to attain a "C" or better in such a course must repeat the
course (at the next regular session) until a grade of "C" or better is attained. Students will not be eligible for graduation until such
deficiencies are removed. The only exception will be granted for a single course with a “D” grade that is a normal part of the final
year of that program, and is being taken for the first time in the final year.
Note: See Courses -> Saint John or Fredericton -> Standard Course Abbreviations in the online
undergraduate calendar for an explanation of abbreviations, course numbers and coding.
ESCI 1001
The Earth: Its Origin, Evolution and Age
3 ch (3C)
Novas and Supernovas; The Solar Nebula Theory, Catastrophism and Uniformitarianism. Earth as a
heat engine. Origin, growth and main features of the Earth's crust. Origin and evolution of oceans,
continents and the atmosphere. The rock cycle, seafloor spreading, plate tectonics, mountain
building and deformation of the Earth's crust. Earthquakes, igneous and metamorphic processes
and their products, including mineral resources. Credit can be obtained for only one of ESCI 1001
or ESCI 1063.
ESCI 1006
Introduction to Geology Laboratory I
2ch (3L)
A laboratory course designed to accompany ESCI 1001. An introductory study covering
topographic and geological maps (bedrock and surficial) and their interpretation; construction of
cross sections; identification of common minerals, igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks;
geological structures (map analysis as a predictive tool); dating and the geological time scale;
coastal processes; glaciations and glacial deposits; aspects of plate tectonics. Pre- or co-requisite:
ESCI 1001.
ESCI 1012
Earth Processes, Resources and the Environment
3 ch (3C)
Natural resources and environmental problems in the context of the Earth's physical, biological
and chemical processes.
ESCI 1017
Introductory Geology Laboratory II
2ch (3L)
A laboratory course designed to accompany ESCI 1012. This course concentrates on environmental
geology, especially the biosphere and hazards. It covers fossils and fossilization, volcanic
eruptions, earthquakes, floods, mass wasting (landslides and flows), meteorite impacts, and
ground water issues. Pre- or co-requisite: ESCI 1012.
ESCI 1026
Geology Lab for Engineers
2 ch (3L)
An introductory study covering topographic and geological maps (bedrock and surficial) and their
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interpretation; construction of cross sections; identification of common minerals, igneous,
sedimentary and metamorphic rocks; geological structures (map analysis as a predictive tool);
dating and the geological time scale; coastal processes; mass wasting (especially the recognition
and amelioration of hazards related to debris flows, avalanche and landslides); and glaciations and
glacial deposits (especially glacial deposits in eastern Canada and their significance to engineers).
ESCI 1036
Geology Lab for Foresters
2 ch (3L)
An introductory study covering topographic and geological maps (bedrock and surficial) and their
interpretation; construction of cross sections; identification of common minerals, igneous,
sedimentary and metamorphic rocks; geological structures; dating and the geological time scale;
coastal processes; mass wasting (in terrane analysis, and the recognition and avoidance of
hazards); and glaciations and glacial deposits (especially in eastern Canada and their relevance to
foresters).
ESCI 1063
Earth Systems Geology (How the Earth Works)
3ch (3C)
Designed primarily for students in faculties other than Science, Engineering and Forestry and
Environmental Management. Surveys the origin of the Earth as part of the solar system, formation
of a dynamic planet, geophysical and geochemical characteristics, development and evolution of
life, plate tectonics, geomorphology, rocks and minerals, deformation, sedimentation, climate
change and geological hazards. Geological concepts are discussed through reference to features in
parks and other famous sites across Canada. Credit can be obtained for only one of ESCI 1001 or
ESCI 1063.
ESCI 1703
Field School (1 week)
3 ch [W]
Introduction to field observations, traversing, sampling and mapping in the first week of May or
before classes begin in the fall. Accommodation expenses (Fredericton) paid by the student.
Prerequisites: One of ESCI 1006, 1026, or 1036 and one of ESCI 1001, 1012 or 1017 or approved
equivalent.
ESCI 2022
Engineering Geology
5 ch (3C 3L)
A study of geological materials and hazards for site investigation and assessment of risk and
remediation; engineering classification of geological materials, properties and relationships;
engineering in the existing and changing environment and exacerbation of natural processes;
geological constraints for construction, foundations, tunnelling, waste disposal and mining, with
case histories of geological problems in engineering projects. Prerequisites: ESCI 1001, 1026 or
equivalent or permission of the instructor.
ESCI 2131
Earth Materials I
5 ch (2C 3L) [W]
Appraisal of the material properties of minerals and selected ceramics. Fundamentals of silicate
chemistry and the behaviour of the major rock-forming minerals at varying pressures and
temperatures. Laboratories focus on describing the physical properties of the more common
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minerals and on their identification in hand specimen. Pre- or co-requisites: ESCI 1001, one of ESCI
1006, 1026 or 1036. Recommended co-requisite: ESCI 2211.
ESCI 2142
Earth Materials II
5 ch (2C 3L)
Lectures examine the composition, crystallography and optical properties of minerals and rocks,
the thermodynamic parameters that control the behaviour of geological systems such as pressure,
temperature, activity and fugacity and the kinetic parameters that control the rates of cooling and
crystallisation of rocks and minerals. The laboratories focus on the practical aspects of mineral and
rock description and identification using orthoscopic and conoscopic polarizing microscopy
techniques. Prerequisite: ESCI 2131.
ESCI 2151
Earth Science and Society
3 ch (3C)
An in-depth examination of topical societal issues related to earth science (e.g., the uranium cycle,
climate change and sea level rise, shale gas and groundwater resources, metals in the
environment, mine development and remediation, earthquakes, tsunamis, active volcanism,
medical geology, planetary geology, asbestos and industrial mineralogy). Topics will vary according
to recent geological events and societal issues.
ESCI 2202
Biogeology
5 ch (2C 3L)
Nomenclature and taxonomy of main invertebrate groups. Paleoecology and factors governing
distribution of modern and ancient organisms. Fossilization processes, life and death assemblages.
Selected microfossil groups; taxonomy, function and affinities.
ESCI 2211
Sedimentology I: Process, Product, and Stratigraphy
5 ch (3C 2L)
Lectures and labs cover: physical properties, mineralogy, and classification of sediment and
sedimentary rock; origin of sediment, including weathering, biogenic sediment production, and
precipitation; fluid flow, gravitational, chemical, and biological influence on sediment erosion,
transportation, deposition, reworking, and lithification; sedimentary structures; and an
introduction to stratigraphy. Pre- or co-requisites: ESCI 1001, one of ESCI 1006, 1026 or 1036.
Recommended co-requisite: ESCI 2131.
ESCI 2321
Structural Geology I
5 ch (2C 3L)
Emphasis on description and classification of folds, faults, foliations, lineations and joints, and the
use of primary structures. Labs include geological maps and cross sections, and stereographic
projection. Pre- or co-requisites: ESCI 1001, one of ESCI 1006, 1026 or 1036. Recommended corequisites: ESCI 2131 and 2211.
ESCI 2602
Principles of Geochemistry
5 ch (2C 3L) [W]
Origin of elements. Theories of the origin and chemical evolution of the earth, atmosphere, and
oceans. Laws governing the distribution of elements in the earth. Application of phase diagrams to
petrologic problems of the crust and mantle. Chemical weathering. Use of stable and radioactive
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isotopes in geology. Geobarometry and geothermometry. Hydrothermal process and base-metal
ore deposits. Prerequisites: CHEM 1012, 1017 (or equivalent), MATH 1013 or 1063, ESCI 2131.
ESCI 2703
Field School (2 weeks)
6 ch [W]
Principles of stratigraphy and geological mapping. Provides two weeks supervised training in field
work and preparation of stratigraphic sections, geological maps, and cross sections. At least the
cost of accommodation expenses are paid by the student. Prerequisites: ESCI 2131, 2211, 2321.
ESCI 3131
Origin of Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks
5 ch (2C 3L) [W]
Petrology of igneous and metamorphic rocks with emphasis on their macroscopic textures, mineral
associations, classification and field relations. Laboratories concentrate on the identification of the
common igneous and metamorphic rocks using hand specimens and thin sections. Prerequisites:
ESCI 2131, and 2142 or approval of instructor.
ESCI 3201
Historical Geology (A)
5 ch (2C 3L)
Selected topics in paleontology and earth evolution including biostratigraphy, taphonomy, nature
of the fossil record, lagerstätten, mass extinctions, paleobiology, origin of life, Precambrian life,
fossil communities. Offered alternate years. Prerequisite: ESCI 2201.
ESCI 3322
Structural Geology II
5 ch (2C 3L)
Stress and strain, introduction to deformational behaviour of rocks. Origin of folds, foliations,
lineations, joints and faults. Geometrical analysis. Labs will include simple experiments and
advanced map problems. Prerequisites: ESCI 2321, 3131.
ESCI 3411
Rock Mechanics
5 ch (3C 2L) [W]
An introduction to the deformation and fracture of rocks when subjected to a natural or manimposed stress field. The concepts of stress, strain, stress-strain relations; creep and strength are
applied to geological materials. The mechanisms involved in the failure of continuous,
discontinuous and layered rocks are discussed. Prerequisites: ESCI 2321, MATH 1013 or 1063.
ESCI 3442
Environmental Geology (A)
4 ch (3C 1L) [W]
An introduction to the global water cycle and water balance, catchment water balance,
measurement and estimation of water balance parameters, aspects of sediment transport and
erosion, monitoring the distribution of contamination by sediment sampling. Assignments focus
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on aspects of catchment water balance. Seminars and term papers are based on topics of regional
and global importance with respect to water availability and quality. Prerequisites: ESCI 1001, ESCI
1012 and one of ESCI 1006, ESCI 1026, or ESCI 1036.
ESCI 3482
Mineral Resources, Economics, and the Environment
3 ch (3C)
This course presents various types of mineral deposit resources, integrated with economic and
environmental considerations with impacts related to exploration and mining activity.
Prerequisites: ESCI 1001, 1012 and one of ESCI 1006, ESCI 1026 or ESCI 1036.
ESCI 3492
Petroleum Geoscience (A)
5 ch (2C 3L)
This multi-disciplinary subject is covered by introductory lectures on: chemical composition of
petroleum (particularly oil and gas); the environment of petroleum (e.g. subsurface conditions,
associated rock-types); theories of petroleum generation; migration and accumulation of oil and
gas; sedimentology and heterogeneity of reservoir rocks; structural and stratigraphic traps;
exploration and development of petroleum resources; Canadian petroleum resources; and world
petroleum reserves. Lab focus on exploration methods, including geochemical fingerprinting, core
analysis, and interpretation of petrophysical and seismic data. Prerequisites: ESCI 1001, 1012, and
one of 1006, 1026, or 1036. Recommended: ESCI 2211, 2321.
ESCI 3621
Exploration Geochemistry (A)
5 ch (2C 3L)
Application of geochemistry to mineral exploration. Distribution and controls on element migration
in rocks and soils. Recognition of anomalous concentrations. Selected case histories. Laboratory
covers common analytical methods for rock, soil, and water samples. Prerequisite: ESCI 2602.
ESCI 3631
Geochemistry of Natural Waters
5 ch (3C 3L) [W]
The principals of chemical equilibria, reaction kinetics and transport applied to natural water
systems. Chemical weathering and diagenesis. Chemistry of surface waters, ground water and the
oceans. Geochemical cycles. Applications to environmental problems. Labs include chemical
analysis of water, carbonate equilibria and geochemical modeling. Prerequisite: ESCI 2602 or
permission of instructor.
ESCI 3703
Field School (2 weeks)
6 ch
Principles of structural geology and geological mapping. Provides two weeks supervised training in
field work and preparation of an independent structural map and report of a selected area. At least
the cost of accommodation expenses are paid by the student. To be taken as part of the final year
of degree program. Prerequisites: ESCI 2703, 3322, 3131.
ESCI 3713
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Environmental Geology Field School (2 weeks)
6 ch
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Principles of surficial geology and field sampling of water and recent sediments. A cost will be
associated with this course. Prerequisites: ESCI 2703, 3442, 3631.
ESCI 3803
Work Term Report I
CR
A written report on the scientific activities of the work term. Credit for the course is dependent in
part on the employer's evaluation of the student's work activities. Students must be accepted into
the Geology Coop program to register for this course.
ESCI 4112
Igneous and Metamorphic Petrogenesis (A)
5 ch (2C 3L) [W]
Study of Igneous and metamorphic rocks emphasizing the processes responsible for their
formation in terms of heat, pressure and fluid effects related to tectonic setting. Laboratories
primarily concentrate on the acquisition of observational skills via hand specimens and detailed
petrographic work supported by interpretation of geochemical and isotopic datasets. Prerequisite:
ESCI 3131 or equivalent.
ESCI 4152
Volcanology (A)
5 ch (2C 3L)
Physical volcanology, textural, petrologic, and petrogenetic study of ultramafic to felsic volcanic
systems in a variety of tectonic environments are examined. Emphasis on magma/melt properties,
phase relations and composition, crystallization processes, and gas exsolution and groundwater
interaction processes are key. Laboratory studies emphasize petrology of volcanic and
volcaniclastic rocks in a variety of geological settings. Prerequisites: ESCI 2131, 2142, 3131.
Sedimentology II: Petrography, Palaeoenvironments, Sequence
5 ch (2C 3L)
Stratigraphy (A)
Labs cover microscopic examination of sedimentary rocks (classification, porosity, and diagenesis)
and exercises relating to palaeogeography and stratigraphic correlation. Lectures focus on modern
and ancient sedimentary environments and facies (including rivers, lakes, deltas, estuaries,
beaches, barrier islands, shallow and deep oceans), and sequence stratigraphy. Prerequisites: ESCI
2142, 2211.
ESCI 4212
ESCI 4312
Geotectonics
3 ch (3 C/S/T)
Seminar course investigating the principles of crustal growth and recycling, plate tectonics, plate
motions, plate margin processes, mantle anisotropy, and their application to Phanerozoic,
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Proterozoic, and Archean mantle and lithosphere evolution. Prerequisites: ESCI 3131, 3322.
ESCI 4322
Flow of Rocks (A)
5 ch (2C 3L)
Application of material science to rock deformation. Theory of rock deformation. Development of
microstructure and fabric in deformed rock. Labs will be concerned with observation and
measurement of microstructure and fabric. Prerequisites: ESCI 2211, 3322.
ESCI 4401
Applied Glacial Geology
5 ch (3C 3L) [W]
Study of the mass balance of glaciers and characteristics of flow, erosion and deposition by active
and stagnant ice masses, facies relationships in processes and products of glaciated terrain, and
assessment of terrain from air photos, maps, geophysical and core data. Practical applications
include: relevance of sample collection and analyses for geotechnical evaluation and mineral
prospecting, and identification of industrial resources and terrain hazards. Prerequisites: ESCI
2211, 2321 or permission of the instructor.
ESCI 4412
Applied Rock Mechanics (A)
5 ch (3C 2L) [W]
The acquisition and use of geological data in the construction of engineering structures sited in
rocks. The design of slopes in rock considering both the two and the three dimensional cases of
sliding failure. The analysis of failed slopes to determine cohesion along the sliding surface. The
improvement of rock slopes including the design of rock anchors. Prerequisites: ESCI 1001, ESCI
1012 and one of ESCI 1006, ESCI 1026 orESCI 1036.
ESCI 4442
Mineral Resource Utilization (A)
5 ch (3C 2L)
Mineral exploration, evaluation, exploitation, processing, marketing and conservation.
ESCI 4452
Environment Impact Assessment (A)
4 ch (3C 1L)
Introduction to environmental impact assessment (EIA) from the Canadian perspective, covering
the history, scope and need for EIA, as well as the general approach and regulatory framework
used in Canada and New Brunswick. The majority of the course focuses on geosciences in
environmental investigations. Topics include: goals of investigations; physical processes of
dispersion in the atmosphere, surface water, groundwater and glacial systems; important
geochemical concepts that influence the transport and fate of contaminants in the environment.
Prerequisites: ESCI 3442.
ESCI 4461
Economic Geology I
5ch (2C 3L)
General features of mineral deposits, their origin, localization and classification, with emphasis on
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exploration, evaluation and development. Prerequisite: ESCI 3131 or approval of instructor.
ESCI 4472
Economic Geology II (A)
5ch (2C 3L)
Advanced features of mineral deposits, their origin, localization and classification, with emphasis
on exploration, evaluation and development. Prerequisite: ESCI 3131 or approval of instructor.
ESCI 4501
Applied Geophysics I (A)
5 ch (3C 2L)
Introduction to the principles, survey procedures and interpretation techniques of the gravity,
magnetic, and gamma radiation methods of geophysical exploration. Applications of these
methods to geological mapping, mineral and hydrocarbon exploration, engineering and
environmental applications. Prerequisites: MATH 1013 or 1063, PHYS 1061 or equivalent, 1062 or
equivalent. Recommended: MATH 2513 or 2013.
ESCI 4512
Applied Geophysics II
5 ch (3C 2L)
Introduction to principles, survey procedures and interpretation techniques of electrical,
electromagnetic, and seismic methods of geophysical exploration. Application of these methods
are illustrated by examples drawn from mineral and hydrocarbon exploration as well as
engineering and environmental investigations. Prerequisites: MATH 1013 or 1063, PHYS 1061 or
equivalent, 1062 or equivalent. Recommended: MATH 2513 or 2013.
ESCI 4611
Physical Geochemistry (A)
3 ch (3C)
Application of thermodynamics and kinetics to geological problems. Multi-component equilibria
and activity coefficients. Water-rock interactions. Prerequisites: CHEM 2601 or ESCI 2602.
ESCI 4612
Isotope Geochemistry (A)
5 ch (5 C/L) [W]
Theory and application of stable and radiogenic isotope geochemistry in geology. Coverage
includes radiometric dating, radiogenic and stable isotopic systems in petrology and geochemistry,
and applications of radiogenic and stable isotopes to the solution of problems in lithospheric
evolution, paleoclimatology and environmental geochemistry. Prerequisites: ESCI 2602, 3131.
Work Term Report II
CR
ESCI 4803
A written report on the scientific activities of the work term. Credit for the course is dependent in
part on the employer's evaluation of the student's work activities. Students must be accepted into
the Geology Coop program to register for this course. Prerequisite: ESCI 3803.
ESCI 4900
Thesis Project
8 ch [W]
Students who intend to undertake a thesis project, either as an elective course or as a requirement
for an Honours BSc degree, are advised to consult with their intended faculty supervisor near the
end of their third year. Students must have a CGPA of 3.0 or better. Additional requirements and
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guidelines for the project can be obtained from the Director of Undergraduate Studies. A written
request for admission to the Honours program and/or for permission to take this course must be
submitted by the student to the Departmental Chair no later than October 1 of the student's final
year; the letter must state the provisional title of the project and the name of the faculty member
who has agreed to supervise the project.
ESCI 4913
Independent Studies in Geology
3ch
Advanced studies in a topic in geological sciences. The topic is to be chosen jointly by the student,
advisor and Chair of the Department. May be taken for credit more than once. Title of topic will
appear on transcript. Prerequisite: Permission of the Department.
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