Common-pool resources (CPRs) include pastures, forests, watersheds, ocean fisheries, traffic, the Internet, and the Earth’s climate. CPRs present a variety of social dilemmas because it is difficult to exclude and prevent resources users from accessing, using, and polluting a resource. Individual self-interest may put CPRs at risk of overuse, overconsumption, and exploitation to result in a “tragedy of the commons” scenario. However resource users across the world, have devised rules and strategies to avoid such tragedies to sustain CPRs over centuries. In this course, through playing games in the classroom, we will learn whether and how theories of collective action, cooperation, and institutions provide insight into achieving conservation of CPRs that delivers on the twin goals of social and environmental justice.

This interdisciplinary course examines the vital roles of forests in the Earth’s systems. Focusing primarily on Canadian forest ecosystems, we will explore the dynamic role of forests in biogeochemical cycling and how we measure and monitor both natural and human-driven disturbance. Using UTM's forests as a living lab, students will collect field measurements to investigate the meteorological, biological, and social factors that shape forest change and management strategies. By the end of the course, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the ecosystem services that forests provide and the environmental and societal pressures that threaten their resilience, through a cumulative research project.

This course is an in-depth analysis of conservation policy in Canada. The course begins with an overview biodiversity crisis facing the planet and then moves to an overview of Canada's approach to managing biodiversity across the country. We will carefully examine the federal Species at Risk Act as well as the provincial and territorial wildlife legislation. The remaining of the course will be aimed at making improvements to the Canadian strategy. During the course of the semester, the students will focus on the recovery of endangered species in Canada through the development of a recovery strategy for a specific species.

This course highlights various topics of special interest in environmental studies. The specific focus and format of the course will vary, depending on the chosen topic. The course will not be offered every year. The contact hours for this course may vary in terms of contact type (L,S,T,P) from year to year, but will be between 24-36 contact hours in total. See the UTM Timetable for details.

These courses highlight various topics of special interest in environmental studies. The specific focus and format of the courses will vary, depending on the chosen topic. The courses will not be offered every year. The contact hours for this course may vary in terms of contact type (L,S,T,P) from year to year, but will be between 24-36 contact hours in total. See the UTM Timetable for details.

Restoration ecology is an emerging cross-disciplinary field of study that concerns human activities undertaken to promote the recovery, health, integrity and sustainability of degraded ecosystems. This course introduces the fundamental concepts of ecological restoration, addressing topics such as assessing ecosystem health, resilience, resistance and stability; community structure and biodiversity; invasive species; ecosystem processes and functions; societal aspects of ecological restoration (e.g., the relationship between social, economic and environmental sustainability).

The follow-up course to Restoration Ecology I, ENV496H5 will build on its theoretical foundations to focus on student involvement in a variety of restoration projects planned or underway by Credit Valley Conservation and other groups in Mississauga and the greater Credit Valley watershed. The emphasis here is on planning and implementation of restoration projects; good scientific design; understanding policies and procedures; identifying and working with stakeholders, etc. Occasional field exercises may be scheduled during regular class meeting times.

This independent project course is designed to give students experience in the definition and execution of a one-term research study on an environmental topic, under the guidance of a member of the faculty. Students who wish to pursue this option with a specific faculty member or who have an idea for a research project should approach the faculty member early - before the start of the academic term - to negotiate the terms of the project.

We discuss the age and origin of the Earth, the nature of its deep interior, the origin of mountains, oceans, earthquakes and volcanoes, and show how these features are related in a unifying theory known as Plate Tectonics, that explains how the evolution of the Earth's surface is driven by internal processes. Practicals will include laboratory exercises devoted to the understanding and recognition of minerals, rocks and geological structures.

Life as we know it is completely dependent on our planet. The Earth is an integrated system, where the ocean, atmosphere, life and planet interact with and affect one another. The evolution of the smallest organisms has drastically changed Earth’s climate, and small changes in Earth’s climate have a profound effect on the distribution of life. Understanding how organisms feed, breath, grow, and reproduce are integral to mitigating large-scale climate changes and organic cycles, and how this will affect the Earth as a system. Processes such as plate tectonics produces an ever changing surface, and has been a major control on how and when life evolved and flourished. After introducing how the Earth works, topics discussed will include how life on Earth has evolved, how large-scale geological processes affect climate and life and how ecosystems have changed in response to weather and climate change. We will also discuss the effect that our species has had on this planet; from the sudden shifts in stability of Earth’s systems, to feedback cycles, to use of resources and sustainability.

Through many exceptionally unlikely coincidences, Planet Earth exists in the perfect location for life to flourish. Our civilization is the culmination of over 3.5 billion years of evolution, and we now have the power to change Earth’s systems. This course will explore the reasons why Earth is the perfect planet for life to exist on, and how narrow the range of habitable conditions can be, and how life came to be. It will also discuss how our species evolved, and how the geology of Earth has helped and hindered the growth of civilisations. In particular, this course will cover water, energy and mining resources; how they are formed, how we utilize these resources, and how fragile they are, with an emphasis on sustainable utilization of these resources for the future.

To truly understand the Earth, and the rocks that form it, we must study their basic building blocks – minerals. Minerals are all around us; in rocks and sediments, in soils, in our bones and teeth, and in building materials. This course will examine the complex nature of minerals and crystals from a geological, physical and chemical perspective and will introduce the petrology of volcanic rocks, intrusive plutonic rocks, metamorphic rocks formed in the depths of mountain ranges and sedimentary rocks deposited through time. The course will train students in the use of optical mineralogy (rock slices under a microscope); a key analytical method in petrology and by doing so aims to provide students with detailed knowledge and skills inherent to all geologists, and to give a unique perspective of the Earth from the study of the small scale minerals and rocks.

An introduction to geological time and the dynamic evolution of the surface of the Earth. Lectures discuss the processes involved in the deformation of Earth's crust including mechanical principals, stress, and strain. Particular focus on the structure of rocks. Practical exercises focus on the geometry of rock units and determining the geological history of an area from information presented in geological maps, cross sections, and stereographic projections.

Deep beneath volcanoes lie magmatic systems where magma is formed and evolves. These systems are directly related to plate tectonics and the structure and chemistry of the Earth. This course will study these systems – how they are formed, and why they evolve, as well as what they lead to; volcanic eruptions. This course will use rock specimens, thin sections and geochemistry to study igneous rocks and processes, and will link these processes to the wider tectonic controls on magmatic systems, as well as to metamorphic rocks that are often seen in conjunction with magmatic systems.

Sedimentology and stratigraphy concerns the origin, formation, accumulation, alteration, and preservation of sediments in the geological record. This course will focus on the reconstruction, correlation, and interpretation of ancient carbonate and siliciclastic paleoenvironments and facies based on the analysis of sedimentary structures, depositional environments, stratigraphic successions, and fossils. The interplay between biological and geological factors responsible for sedimentary deposits will form the core of the course, including the physical transport and biological accumulation of sediments, the effects of climate-driven sea-level change on sediment deposition, the importance of resource management and sustainability. This course will include a laboratory component with hand samples, thin sections, and physical models, in addition to a field trip, allowing for first-hand experience with describing and interpreting sedimentological units.

Fieldwork is at the heart of being an Earth Scientist. The Earth is a natural laboratory, and the best place to study it is outdoors on the outcrops. Skills gained during fieldwork are key as part of an Earth Scientist’s toolbox, and are highly regarded in a career. This course introduces fieldwork to students during a week-long fieldtrip in late August looking at outcrops of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks around Ontario, teaching critical field methods employed by Earth Scientists to understand our planet. Methods taught will include basic geological observation, description and interpretation, the collection of field notes, geological measurements and presentation of collected data. Enrolment approval into the course is by application only, and requires an addition course fee which covers accomodation, transport, geological equipment and some food costs. Registration on ACORN is required; priority will be given to Earth Science Specialists and Majors. Please see the UTM CPS Earth Science Fieldtrip page for more information.

This courses provides a richly rewarding opportunity for students in their second year to work in the research project of a professor in return for 299Y course credit. Students enrolled have an opportunity to become involved in original research, learn research methods and share in the excitement and discovery of acquiring new knowledge. Participating faculty members post their project descriptions for the following summer and fall/winter sessions in early February and students are invited to apply in early March. See Experiential and International Opportunities for more details.

Since the creation of the Solar System and Earth 4.5 billion years ago, Earth’s natural processes have differentiated the chemical elements, generating distinct differences in composition between the oceans and the atmosphere, and Earth’s crust, mantle and core. These differences allow Earth Scientists to understand and quantify these processes, as well as track the rocks and deposits formed out of these processes. This course will focus on the application of geochemistry to understand Earth processes, such as the generation of magma and volcanic eruptions, the formation of ore bodies, the role of oxygen in ocean sediments, common analytical methods employed in Earth Science and the use of isotopes to track changes to Earth over time.

This course will focus on how the plate tectonic system works, from the composition and structure of the earth, to the evolution of plate tectonics through Earth history, to modern tectonic hazards including earthquakes and volcanoes. A major portion of the course will focus on the analysis and interpretation of major structural provinces as they relate to Earth's plate boundary interactions including convergent, divergent, and transform settings.

How do Earth scientists explore the Earth’s interior? What methods do they use to understand our planet’s physical properties? This course will focus on key geophysical concepts and techniques essential for studying the interior of the Earth and the theory of Plate Tectonics. Major topics include gravity, isostasy, magnetism, heat flow, and seismology. Students will learn to apply fundamental geophysical equations to address real-life geoscience problems. They will also be introduced to commonly used applied-geophysical techniques for subsurface sensing, covering instrument operation, data collection and interpretation, as well as applications in resource exploration, engineering, and environmental studies.

This course is an introduction to remote sensing technologies and geological applications. Students will learn about imaging of the Earth by electromagnetic waves and the state-of-the-art remote sensing systems and technologies for geological mapping and exploration. Topics may include remote sensing fundamentals and physical principles, remote sensing systems for geological applications, geological mapping and resource exploration. Students will also acquire skills in image processing, data integration, information extraction, and validation for geological applications.

This course will focus on principles of correlation, facies concepts, dynamic processes, and their geologic records in modern and ancient sedimentary environments, with focus on basins. Factors that influence sedimentary formation and evolution will be investigated, including sea level and sediment supply. Emphasis will be placed on sequence stratigraphic approaches to the evaluation of sedimentary systems. Sustainable management of oil, water, and gas resources within sedimentary basins will be covered.

The world’s oceans cover approximately 70% of the Earth Surface and Canada has extensive coastlines along three major ocean basins. This course will provide a broad understanding of chemical, biological, physical and geologic aspects of the oceans. In addition, this course will offer an insight into the paleoceanographic evolution of our planet and present-day environmental threats such as pollution, habitat destruction, acidification and ocean warming. Even though this course does not include specific lab or tutorial sessions, relevant exercises will be included.

Despite civilization’s dependence on nature for energy, food, and water, human activity has severely affected the environment in recent centuries. Particularly, the use of energy is significantly impacting our planet via resource extraction, climate change and pollution of the atmo-, bio-, hydro-, and geosphere. While some environmental impacts will be diminished as part of the ongoing carbon-free energy transition, the use of alternative energies can also lead to negative environmental consequences. This course studies the relationship between fossil fuels, nuclear and renewable energy and environment on a broad scale discussing topics such as mining, water pollution, nuclear waste management, climate change, and geoengineering.

This course, held on the north shore of Lake Huron in the summer, covers crucial geological field skill in an authentic field-based learning environment in order to interpret ancient geological environments. The course occurs over approx. 12 days of field instruction. The course covers an overview of the regional geology at Whitefish Falls, Ontario, including Manitoulin Island, Elliot Lake and Sudbury. Students will also before engaging in a small group mapping projects in which geologic maps of a defined region will be assembled over 5-6 days of student-led field work.

Note: U of T Mississauga students must register in the Summer Session, and provide consent waivers and the course fee to the Earth Science Lab & Field Coordinator in the Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences. This course fee is in addition to tuition, and covers accommodation, geological field gear and transport (but does not include any food). This field camp is usually held in early May. The registration deadline is in early March. For specific yearly course information, please see the UTM CPS Earth Science Fieldtrip page for more information on dates, required field gear and other information.

A survey of current thinking in Earth science. Topics may include obtaining data in the field or lab and analyzing it, an interdisciplinary research project, and supervised readings. The contact hours for this course may vary in terms of contact type (L,S,T,P) from year to year, but will be between 24-36 contact hours in total. See the UTM Timetable.

This course provides a richly rewarding opportunity for third or higher year students to work on the research project of a professor in earth sciences in return for 399Y course credit. Students enrolled have an opportunity to become involved in original research, enhance their research skills and share in the excitement and discovery of acquiring new knowledge. Participating faculty members post their project description for the following summer and fall/winter session on the ROP website in mid-February and students are invited to apply at that time. See Experiential and International Opportunities for more details.

Our modern civilisation is dependent on resources. These include energy resources (such as oil and natural gas), metallic resources (such as iron, copper or gold) or building resources (such as gravel or limestone). Resource deposits require specific conditions to form on Earth as a result of processes such as plate tectonics, magma differentiation and hydrothermal fluids. Exploration geologists target potential resource sites, while mining and engineering geologists seek to extract the resource via mines or rigs. This course will explore the processes which lead to ore or resource deposits forming in Earth's crust, explain the mechanisms through which we are able to extract those resources and convert them into useable metals or energy sources, and explore the economics which control the resource markets.

This course will cover stress, strain and rheology, the analysis and interpretation of structural features in complexly folded and faulted strata and in plutonic and metamorphic rocks, and basic rock mechanics. Methods include strain analysis, stereographic projection, construction of balanced cross-sections, and geomorphometry.

Why do earthquakes occur and how do they cause damage? What is a seismogram and what can it tell us about earthquakes and the Earth’s structure? Earthquakes tend to strike suddenly and without warning. Because of their destructive power, tremendous efforts and monetary resources are dedicated to advancing earthquake science and designing effective hazard mitigation controls. This course will provide an overview of the physics of earthquakes and seismic wave propagation, and current seismic hazard mitigation plans and policies. Concepts covered in this course include stress and strain relations, elastic wave equation, body and surface waves, seismic instrumentation and data, global earth structure, seismic source theory, earthquake mechanics, ground motion, earthquake recurrence models, seismic hazard analysis, and human-induced earthquakes. Students will learn to apply basic math and physics concepts to solve seismological problems. They will also gain hands-on experience in analyzing and interpreting seismic data using computational tools.