Academic Calendar 2012/2013

course Descriptions • course Descriptions • course Descriptions • course Descriptions • course Descriptions • course DescriptionsEASC-100Planet Earth3 Credits (45:36:0 hours)This course provides an introduction to the origin and evolution of theEarth and the Solar System, and the mechanics of plate tectonics andthe rock cycle. The origin and characteristics of minerals and rocks arestudied. Energy balances and interactions between radiation and theatmosphere, land, oceans, ice masses, and the global hydrological cycleare examined. Other concepts that are explored are the evolution oflife, the carbon cycle, biogeography, and global climate in the contextof geological time. The formation, location, and human utilization ofmineral and energy resources are also covered.Note: Credit can only be obtained in EASC 100 where no credit hasbeen obtained for either EASC 101 or 102.EASC-101Introduction to Physical Science3 Credits (45:36:0 hours)This course provides an introduction to the origin of the Earth andsolar system, the concept of geological time, and the identificationof minerals and rocks. The theory of plate tectonics and the resultingstructural features of the Earth are covered. Surface weathering processesand principles of geomorphology are described. Note: Credit can onlybe obtained for one of EASC 100 and EASC 101.EASC-102Introduction to Environmental Earth Science3 Credits (45:36:0 hours)In this course, the global energy budget and major energy pathways, theEarth’s patterns of weather systems and their impact on temperature,precipitation, moisture and winds are covered. Atmospheric and oceaniccirculation systems and their effect on the global environmental systemare discussed. Components of the atmosphere and their interactionsto create weather and climate are also topics dealt with in this course.The hydrologic cycle and local water balance calculations are examined.Biological ecology and global biomes are examined. NOTE: Credit canonly be obtained for one of EASC 100 and EASC 102.EASC-103Historical Geology3 Credits (45:36:0 hours)This course provides a study of the geologic history of the Earthfrom the development of the solar system to the present. The role ofgeochronology, stratigraphy, sedimentary and structural geology, aswell as aspects of plate tectonics in paleontology are discussed. Theorigin and evolution of life are explored, along with an examinationof fossilization. A time-sequence analysis of the Earth’s geologic pastis performed using the development and movement of continents,orogenies, changes in sea-level and the appearance and evolution oflife through fossils. The focus will be on the North American continent.NOTE: Credit can only be obtained for one of EASC 103 and EASC 105Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in EASC 101.EASC-105The Dynamic Earth Through Time3 Credits (45:36:0 hours)This course explains the plate tectonic framework of a dynamic Earthas it relates to structural geology along with the associated earthquakesand formation of mountain belts. Surface weathering and erosionalprocesses and their sedimentary products are covered. Determinationand aspects of geologic time are discussed. Evolution of the Earth’slarge-scale surface features, continents and ocean basins is described.The history of life on Earth through the fossil record and periods ofmass extinctions is examined. Note: Credit can be obtained in only oneof EASC 105 or EASC 101.Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in EASC 100 or EASC 102.EASC-206Geology of the Solar System3 Credits (45:0:0 hours)This course demonstrates how information gleaned from both mannedand robotic space missions, as well as astromaterials available for directstudy, are used to gain an understanding of the geology of our SolarSystem. Geological processes that were, and continue to be, active inthe Solar System are examined with a special emphasis on impactcratering. The similarities and differences in the geology of planets, howthese relate to the origin and evolution of the Solar System, and theirimplications for the search for life are also investigated.Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in EASC 100 or in ASTR 120.EASC-208Introduction to Global Change3 Credits (45:0:0 hours)This course examines the natural and human-generated causes of globalscale environmental change. Included are the roles of the atmosphere,oceans, biosphere and cryosphere in the processes of environmentalchange and as monitors of that change. Relationships between levelsof technology and development, and the character of environmentalchange associated with human activity are investigated.Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in EASC 100 or EASC 102.EASC-209Geology of Western Canada and the National andProvincial Parks3 Credits (45:0:0 hours)This course presents an overview of the geology and landscapes ofWestern Canada. The exposed rock of the prairie and mountain parks ofAlberta and British Columbia are discussed within a regional geologicalcontext and examples from parks such as Yoho, Banff, Jasper, Dinosaurand Kananaskis are featured. Geological processes of mountain buildingand past and present landscape evolution are emphasized.Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in EASC 100.EASC-219Mineralogy3 Credits (45:36:0 hours)This course employs a theory and laboratory oriented approachto understanding mineralogy. Topics include mineral origin andformation, classification and crystallography. Hands-on mineralidentification is undertaken in the laboratories with a focus on majorrock forming minerals, such as the silicates. The opportunity to examinerare meteorites in thin section is also provided. Students are assignedtheir own petrographic microscope for use during the term, utilizingthe Raman microscopy. A field trip to the Royal Alberta Museum isconducted during the term.Prerequisites: Minimum grade of C- in EASC 105.272Grant MacEwan University • A C A D E m I CRefer to the Online Alberta Transfer Guide at www.transferalberta.ca for transfer opportunitiesC A L E N D A R 2012/2013 • www.MacEwan.ca