Geology Course Descriptions

PART I

GEOL1101 EARTH SCIENCE 1: EARTH MATERIALS & PLATE TECTONICS

(3 credits) Semester 1 Level I

Prerequisites: Passes in at least two science subjects at CAPE or equivalent

Syllabus: A course in physical geology which introduces the study of earth materials and earth systems. The foundation for understanding how basic earth processes work and how rocks and minerals are formed. Introduces topics such as the structure of the Earth, its internal processes, and basic earth materials, minerals and rocks. A central focus is on plate tectonics, now seen as the unifying concept linking earth processes and materials in the rock cycle. Practical instruction will provide the basic skills of mineral and rock identification, and will also cover volcanic and seismic processes on broader regional and global scales.

Evaluation: Two-hour theory examination 50%

Two-hour practical examination 30%

One-hour in-course test 10%

Field trip (assessment of field questionnaire) 5%

Two tutorial assignments 5%

Prescribed Text(s):

Grotzinger, J. and T. Jordan, 2010. Understanding Earth , 6th Edition, W.H. Freeman and Co., New York,

Recommended Reading:

Prothero, D. and R. Dott, 2010. Evolution of the Earth , 8 th Edition, McGraw Hill, New York.

Stanley, S. M., 2009. Earth System History , 3rd Edition. W.H. Freeman and Co., New York, (ISBN 1-4292-0520-2).

Web Resources:

http://www.usgs.gov/

http://www.mona.uwi.edu/geoggeol/GeolMuseum/index.htm (Geology Museum, the University of the West Indies)

http://www.mona.uwi.edu/earthquake/ (Earthquake Unit, The University of the West Indies)

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/

GEOL1102 EARTH SCIENCE 2: EARTH PROCESSES & EARTH HISTORY

(3 credits) Semester 1 Level I

Prerequisites: As for GEOL1101

Syllabus: A course in physical geology involving the study of the different physical and chemical processes that operate within different environments and produce a range of geomorphological features on the Earth. Introductory aspects of physical geology, including: weathering and erosion; landforms (rivers, slopes, coastlines, arid lands, glaciated environments); and the use of topographic maps. An appreciation of the processes acting on the Earth's surface and how they can be used to interpret Earth history is central to understanding the global distribution of rocks, geological features and earth resources. An introduction to historical geology – origin of the Earth, origin of life on Earth, the geological timescale – with an emphasis on using present geological processes to interpret the past.

Evaluation: Two-hour theory examination 50%

Two-hour practical examination 30%

Coursework 10%

Field trip exercise 5%

Two tutorial assignments 5%

Prescribed Texts:

Grotzinger, J. and T. Jordan, 2010. Understanding Earth , 6th Edition, W.H. Freeman and Co., New York.

Recommended Reading:

Prothero, D. and R. Dott, 2010. Evolution of the Earth , 8 th Edition, McGraw Hill, New York.

Stanley, S. M., 2009. Earth System History , 3rd Edition. W.H. Freeman and Co., New York, (ISBN 1-4292-0520-2).

Web Resources:

http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/index.php

http://www.usgs.gov/

http://www.paleoportal.org/

http://www.mona.uwi.edu/geoggeol/GeolMuseum/index.htm (Geology Museum, the University of the West Indies)

GEOL1103 EARTH SCIENCE 3: MINERALS & MINERAL DEPOSITS

(3 credits) Semester 2 Level I

Prerequisites: As for GEOL1101

Syllabus: The course is designed to develop the theoretical knowledge and critical practical expertise in observing, analyzing, describing and classifying minerals and rocks, using a hand lens to investigate hand specimens and a petrographic microscope to investigate thin sections. These basic skills are essential for the identification of ore and industrial minerals, as well as in the investigation of sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks that will be introduced in advanced level courses.

Evaluation: Two-hour written examination 50%

Two-hour practical examination 30%

One-hour in-course examination 11%

Three tutorial assignments 9%

Prescribed Texts:

Klein, C and Dutrow, B. 2008. Manual of Mineral Science , 23rd Edition, John Wiley & Sons.

Recommended Reading:

Grotzinger, J. and T. Jordan, 2010. Understanding Earth , 6th Edition, W.H. Freeman and Co., New York.

Montgomery, C. W. 2008. Environmental Geology , 8 th Edition, McGraw-Hill, New York.

Web Resources:

http://www.usgs.gov/

http://www.mona.uwi.edu/geoggeol/GeolMuseum/index (Geology Museum, the University of the West Indies)

http://www.nrl.navy.mil/lattice/index

http://neubert.net/Crystals/CRYStruc

http://www.rockhounds.com/rockshop/xtal/

GEOL1104 EARTH SCIENCE 4: GEOLOGICAL MAPS & ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY

(3 credits) Semester 2 Level I

Prerequisites: As for GEOL1101

Syllabus: A course in physical geology/earth science providing students with skills to understand structural geology and geological maps, as well as providing an introduction to environmental geology, geological hazards, and basic concepts of environmental pollution. In structural geology, the student will learn how to describe, measure and analyze planar and linear features in rocks, including folds, faults and fabrics. Geological map interpretation will allow the recognition of how rock relationships are depicted on maps, and practical classes will concentrate on the construction of geological cross-sections and the interpretation of geological histories. In environmental geology, the student will be introduced to the natural and anthropogenic physical and chemical factors that affect the environment, with topics including climatic change and the combustion of fossil fuels; ocean pollution; toxic and radioactive waste disposal; land use management; geological hazards; water resources; and energy resources.

Evaluation: Two-hour theory examination 50%

Six laboratory exercises 36%

Two tutorial assignments 5%

Field trip (assessment of field notebook) 9%

Prescribed Texts:

Grotzinger, J. and T. Jordan, 2010. Understanding Earth , 6th Edition, W.H. Freeman and Co., New York.

Recommended Reading:

Keller, A. E. 2010. Environmental Geology , 9th Edition, Prentice Hall.

Montgomery, C. W. 2008. Environmental Geology , 8 th Edition, McGraw-Hill, New York.

Web Resources:

http://www.usgs.gov/

http://www.mona.uwi.edu/geoggeol/GeolMuseum/index.htm Geology Museum, the University of the West Indies)

http://www.mona.uwi.edu/earthquake (Earthquake Unit, The University of the West Indies)

PART II

GEOL2201 PALAEONTOLOGY & THE HISTORY OF LIFE

(3 credits) Semester 2 Level II

Prerequisites: [GEOL1101 and GEOL1102] or [BIOL1262 and BIOL1263]

Syllabus: An overview of the most important fossil groups, and an introduction to modern palaeontological methods and research. The practical part of the course covers the fundamentals of fossilization and taphonomy and the morphology of common fossil groups within the major phyla. The lecture portion introduces the most important topics in palaeobiology, evolution, the species concept in palaeontology, phylogenetics, speciation and extinction. There will also be an overview of the major patterns in life history, covering large-scale biotic radiations and crises and their linkages to global environmental change.

Evaluation: Two-hour written paper 50%

Two-hour practical exam 20%

One-hour in-course test 20%

1200-1500 tutorial essay 10%

PRESCRIBED TEXT

• Benton, M.J. & D.A.T. Harper (2009), Introduction to Paleobiology and the Fossil Record . Wiley-Blackwell.

RECOMMENDED TEXTS

• Prothero, D.R. (2004), Bringing Fossils to Life: An Introduction to Paleobiology, McGraw-Hill, New York.
• Clarkson, E.N.K. (1998). Invertebrate Palaeontology and Evolution. Allen and Unwin, London.
• Prothero, D. & R. Dott (2010), Evolution of the Earth. McGraw-Hill, New York, 8 th ed.
• Shubin, N. (2009), Your Inner Fish – A Journey into the 3.5-Billion-Year History of the Human Body. Random House.

WEB RESOURCES

• http://evolution.berkeley.edu/
• http://www.mona.uwi.edu/geoggeol/GeolMuseum/index.htm
• http://palaeoblog.blogspot.com/

GEOL2202 SEDIMENTARY GEOLOGY

(3 credits) Semester 1 Level II

Prerequisites: GEOL1101 and GEOL1102

Syllabus: The course provides the basic skills necessary to understand sedimentary rocks. Classification schemes for clastic and carbonate sedimentary rocks based on grain size, grain type and grain fabric , and their use in the field, in hand specimens and under the microscope. Sedimentary structures (erosional, depositional, post-depositional). Diagenetic features of rocks, and diagenetic pathways using sedimentary fabrics, stable isotopes and petrography.

Evaluation: Two-hour written paper 50%

Four practical assignments 40%

Field project 10%

PRESCRIBED TEXT

• Boggs, S. (2012) , Principles of Sedimentology and Stratigraphy . Prentice-Hall, New Jersey. 5 th ed.

RECOMMENDED TEXTS

• Tucker, M.E. (2011), SedimentaryRocks in the Field: A Practical Guide. The Geological Field Guide Series. John Wiley, 4 th ed.
• Tucker, M.E. (2003), Sedimentary Rocks in the Field. The Geological Field Guide Series. John Wiley, 3 rd ed.
• Adams, A.E., W.S. MacKenzie & C. Guilford (1984), Atlas of Sedimentary Rocks under the Microscope . Longmans.
• Tucker, M.E. & P.V. Wright (2000), Carbonate Sedimentology. Blackwells.
• Coe, A.L. (ed.) (2010), Geological Field Techniques. Wiley-Blackwell.

USEFUL WEBSITE

• USGS bedform sedimentology site: http://walrus.wr.usgs.gov/seds/

GEOL2203 PETROLOGY OF IGNEOUS & METAMORPHIC ROCKS

(3 credits) Semester 1 Level II

Prerequisites: GEOL1101 and GEOL1103

Syllabus: The course builds on the two major rock types (igneous and metamorphic) and rock-forming mineral identification introduced in GEOL1101 and GEOL1103, in the context of the mineralogy, chemical composition, petrology, field geology, tectonics (at the macro- and micro-scale), structure, and historical genesis of these rocks.

Evaluation: Two-hour written paper 50%

Two-hour practical exam 20%

Two one-hour in-course tests 20%

Assignment/project 10%

PRESCRIBED TEXT

• K. Hefferan & J. O'Brien (2010) Earth Material . Wiley-Blackwell.

RECOMMENDED TEXTS

• Best, M. (2003) Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology. Blackwell, 2 nd ed.
• Bucher, K. & R. Grapes (2011) Petrogenesis of Metamorphic Rocks. Springer, 8 th ed.
• Deer, R.A., Howie. R.A. & J. Zussman (1992) An Introduction to the Rock-Forming Minerals. Pearson, 2 nd ed.
• MacKenzie, W.S., Donaldson, D.H. & C.Guilford (1982) Atlas of Igneous Rocks and Their Textures. Pearson.
• Wilson, B.M. (2007) Igneous Petrogenesis: A Global Tectonic Approach. Pearson.
• Winter, J.D. (2009) Principles of Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology . Prentice-Hall, 2 nd ed.

• Yardley, B.W., MacKenzie, W.S. & C. Guilford (1990) Atlas of Metamorphic Rocks and Their Textures.

  USEFUL WEBSITE

• Geology.com website: http://geology.com/rocks/

GEOL2204 FIELD TECHNIQUES FOR GEOLOGY

(3 credits) Semester 2 Level II

Prerequisites: GEOL1101 and GEOL1102 and GEOL1104

Syllabus: Various techniques for collecting field data in geology, including geological mapping, collection of structural data, collection of data in a field notebook, and sedimentary logging. The course will distinguish between data (observation and recording of information) and interpretation of data. It will involve a 5-day residential field course and one-day field trips.

Evaluation: Geological field map, cross-sections, etc. 40%

Two field notebook reports 20%

Eight laboratory exercises 40%

PRESCRIBED TEXT

• Coe, A.L. (ed.) (2010), Geological Field Techniques. Wiley-Blackwell.

RECOMMENDED TEXTS

• Barnes, J.W. with R.J. Lisle (2004), Basic Geological Mapping. The Geological Field Guide Series. Wiley, 4 th ed.
• Tucker, M.E. (ed.) (1988), Techniques in Sedimentology. Blackwell.

GEOL2205 PLATE TECTONICS & GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURE

(3 credits) Semester 2 Level II

Prerequisites: GEOL1101 and GEOL1102 and GEOL1104

Syllabus: The course builds on the Level I course in plate tectonics and sets igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks within their geological context. It will look at igneous suites and their geochemical characterization, and how this can be used to identify their plate tectonic setting. Metamorphic rocks will be used to infer geological indicators. The course will also build on the student's understanding of structural geology from GEOL1104, and explore the different tectonic styles found in different parts of the Caribbean and the importance to geological resources.

Evaluation: Two-hour written examination 50%

2500-word field report 10%

Eight laboratory exercises 40%

PRESCRIBED TEXT

• Hefferan, K. & J. O'Brien (2010), Earth Material . Wiley-Blackwell.

RECOMMENDED TEXTS

• Winter, J.D. (2009) Principles of Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology. Prentice-Hall, 2 nd ed.
• Marshak, S. (2006), Basic Methods of Structural Geology. Prentice-Hall, 2 nd ed.
• Park, R.G. & Park, R.G. (2004), Foundation of Structural Geology . Routledge, 3 rd ed.

WEBSITES

• Tectonic Analysis Ltd.: http://www.tectonicanalysis.com/
• Caribbean Plate Tectonic Site: http://www.ig.utexas.edu/CaribPlate/CaribPlate.html

GGEO2332 INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS

(3 credits) Semester 2 Level II

Prerequisites: Two of [GEOG1131/GEOG1132/GEOG1231/GEOG1232] OR

Two of [GEOL1101/GEOL1102/GEOL1103/GEOL1104]

Syllabus: The course introduces students to the theory and general principles of GIS and to practical skills and hands-on experience in its use: the fundamental concepts and basic functions of a GIS; the properties of GIS maps; the structure of a GIS database; coordinate systems and map projections; methods of performing simple vector and raster spatial analysis. In lab exercises students will work with ArcMap to visualize geographic data, create maps, query a GIS database, perform spatial analysis using common analytical tools, and solve geographical problems using a systematic approach. The course introduces the core functionality of GIS software packages such as ArcMap, ArcCatalog, and ArcToolbox.

Evaluation: Two-hour written examination 50%

Coursework 50%

Six laboratory assignments 30%

One-hour in-course test 20%

PRESCRIBED TEXTS

• Bolstad, P. (2007), GIS Fundamentals, A First Text on Geographic Information Systems . Eider Press, White Bear Lake, Minnesota, 3 rd ed.
• Chang, K.T. (2010), Introduction to Geographic Information Systems . McGraw-Ho: Toronto, 5 th ed.
• Mitchell, A. (1999), The ESRI Guide to GIS Analysis, Vol. 1: Geographic Patterns and Relationships. ESRI Press, Redlands, California.

RECOMMENDED READINGS

• De Smith, M.J., M.F. Goodchild & P.A. Longley (2011), Geospatial Analysis: A Comprehensive Guide to Principles, Techniques and Software Tools . A free web-based GIS resource, available online at http://www.spatialanalysisonline.com/ . The Winchelsea Press.
• Janelle, D.G. & M.F. Goodchild (2011), ‘Concepts, principles, tools, and challenges in spatially integrated social science,' in T.L. Nyerges, H. Couclelis & R. McMaster (eds.), The Sage Handbook of GIS and Society , pp. 27-45. Sage, Thousand Oaks, California.
• Longley, P.A., M.F. Goodchild, D.J. McGuire & D.W. Rhind (2011), Geographical Information Systems and Science. Wiley, Hoboken, N.J., 3 rd ed.
• Goodchild, M.F. (2009), ‘Geographic information systems and science: today and tomorrow,' Annals of GIS , 15(1), pp. 3-9.
• Gregory, I.N. (2003), A Place in History: A Guide to using GIS in Historical Research . Oxbow, Oxford. 2 nd ed. Available online at http://www.ccsr.ac.uk/methods/publications/ig-gis.pdf .
• .Doorn, P. (2005), ‘A spatial turn in history,' GIM International , 19(4). See http://www.gm-international.com/issue/articles/id453-A_Spatial_Turn_in_History.html .
• Gregory, I.N. (2008), ‘”A map is just a bad graph”: why spatial statistics are important in historical GIS,' in A.K. Knowles (ed.), Placing History: How Maps, Spatial Data, and GIS are Changing Historical Scholarship, pp. 151-178. ESRI Press, Redlands, California.

DIGITAL BOOKS

• GIS_Dictionary_ESRI.pdf
• Using_ArcMap.pdf
• Using_ArcCatalog.pdf
• Getting_Started_with_ArcGIS.pdf
• Editing_in_ArcMap.pdf
• Geoprocessing_in_ArcGIS,pdf

USEFUL WEBSITES

• http://www.esri.com/
• http://gisind.com/gis.html
• http://gislounge.com/free-gis-datasets/
• http://linfiniti.com/dia/
• http://www.paulbostad,net/3rdedition/samplechaps/chanpter1_sample.pdf
• http://hcl.harvard.edu/libraries/maps/gis/tutorials.cfm
• http://gislounge.com/basics-foundations-to-gis/
• http://www.rrcap.unep.org/semis/projetoutput/guide_output/Chapter%203.pdf
• http://www.slideshare.net/deirdre/basic-gis-theory-on-map-projections

GGEO2233 WATER RESOURCES

(3 credits) Semester 1 Level II

Prerequisites: [GEOG1231 and GEOG1232] OR [GEOL1102 and GEOL1104]

Syllabus: An in-depth study of the hydrological cycle, evaporation/transpiration, and rainfall-runoff relationships in hydrogeology. The factors affecting evaporation and evapotranspiration from free water surfaces and soils. Different estimates and measurements of evaporation and evapotranspiration and oils moisture storage and movement. The nature and origin of different types of aquifers, their geological properties, the various types of groundwater flows to wells, flows within aquifers under steady/nonsteady conditions. Techniques of hydrogeological investigation, including drilling and pump testing. The hydraulics of surface water systems and seasonal variability of the flow pattern in streams and rivers. Flooding and drought. Special emphasis on the water resources of Jamaica and other Caribbean islands.

Evaluation: Two-hour written examination 50%

Two-hour practical examination 30%

Two one-hour in-course tests 20%

PRESCRIBED TEXTS

• Todd, D.K. (2008), Groundwater Hydrology . Wiley, 3 rd ed.
• Fetter, C.W. (2008), Contaminant Hydrogeology . Waveland, 2 nd ed.

RECOMMENDED TEXTS

• Domenico, P. & F. Schwartz (2008), Physical and Chemical Hydrogeology . Wiley, 2 nd ed.
• Hiscock, K. (2005), Hydrogeology: Principles and Practices . Wiley & Blackwell, 2 nd ed.
• Rushton, K.R. (2003), Groundwater Hydrology: Conceptual and Computational Models . Wiley.
• Fetter, C.W. (2000), Applied Hydrogeology . Prentice-Hall, 4 th ed.
• Ward, R.C. & M. Robinson (2000), Principles of Hydrology . McGraw-Hill, 4 th ed.

USEFUL WEBSITES

• http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/
• http://pr.water.usgs.gov/
• http://water.usgs.gov/
• http://www.wra.gov.jm
• http://www.wasa.gov.tt
• http://www.oas.org/dsd/waterresources.htm

GEOL3001 RESEARCH PROJECT IN FIELD GEOLOGY

(4 credits) Semester 2 Level III

Prerequisites: GEOL2004 and at least two of [GEOL2001, GEOL2002, GEOL2003]

Syllabus: A field-based research project to be undertaken in the summer preceding the final year of the programme, followed by laboratory analyses and report writing. The completed project report and an oral presentation will be required in Semester 2 of the final year.

Evaluation: Project report 90%

Oral examination (end of Semester 2) 10%

GEOL3002 CARIBBEAN GEOLOGY

(4 credits) Semester 1 Level III

Prerequisites: Two of [GEOL2001, GEOL2002, GEOL2003, GEOL2004]

Syllabus: Geological evolution of the Caribbean; geology of Caribbean mainland and island countries, and the Caribbean seafloor.

Evaluation: Two-hour written paper 70%

Research paper 30%

GEOL3004 APPLIED SEDIMENTOLOGY & PETROLEUM GEOLOGY

(4 credits) Semester 2 Level III

Prerequisite: GEOL2002

Syllabus: Advanced sedimentology; facies analysis; petroleum geology.

Evaluation: Two-hour written paper 50%

Two-hour practical exam 50%

GEOL3005 MARINE GEOLOGY & GEOPHYSICS

(4 credits) Semester 2 Level III

Prerequisites: Two of [GEOL2001, GEOL2002, GEOL2003, GEOL2004]

Syllabus: Morphology of ocean basins; ocean circulation; nearshore and offshore processes; marine deposits.Aspects of pure, applied and exploration geophysics; seismic methods and seismology.

Evaluation: Two-hour written paper 60%

Written coursework assignment 20%

Field/laboratory projects 20%

GEOL3010 HYDROGEOLOGY

(4 credits) Semester 1 Level III

Prerequisites: GEOL2002 or [GEOL1101 and GEOG2201]

Syllabus: An in-depth study of the hydrological cycle, evaporation/transpiration, rainfall-runoff relationships, and statistical methods in hydrogeology. The nature and origin of different types of aquifers, their geological properties, the various types of groundwater flows to wells, and the flows within aquifers under steady/nonsteady conditions. Techniques of hydrogeological investigation, including drilling and pump testing, computer-based groundwater modelling, and the evaluation of groundwater resources. The hydraulics of surface water systems and seasonal variability of flow patterns in streams and rivers. Basic concepts of solute transport in groundwater systems and of groundwater quality analysis. Modelling techniques applied to groundwater pollution and pollutant transport problems. Special emphasis on the water resources of Jamaica and other Caribbean islands.

Evaluation: Two-hour written exam 50%

In-course test 20%

Two-hour practical exam 30%

GGEO3201 GEOMORPHIC PROCESSES & LANDFORMS

(4 credits) Semester 2 Level III

Prerequisite: GEOG2201 or GEOL2003

Syllabus: An advanced course in the study of landforms and geomorphic processes, with particular emphasis on Caribbean examples. Limestone geomorphology, volcanic geomorphology, coastal geomorphology, applied geomorphology, geomorphological field and laboratory techniques/

Evaluation: Two-hour written examination 60%

Coursework 40%

GGEO3303 CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE TROPICS

(4 credits) Semester 1 Level III

Prerequisite: GGEO2202 or GEOL2003 or GEOL2004 or HOD permission

Syllabus: A theoretical and practical basis for understanding present-day tropical environments and the causes of global environmental change, as well as for assessing the scale of human interference in natural environmental processes.

Evaluation: Two-hour written examination 60%

Coursework 40%

GGEO3301 INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS & REMOTE SENSING

(4 credits) Semester 1 Level III

Prerequisites: Any two of [GEOG2101, GEOG2102, GEOG2201, GEOG2202] or any two of [GEOL2001, GEOL2002, GEOL2003, GEOL2004] or HOD permission

Syllabus: An introduction to the concepts, techniques and applications of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS). The course provides a background for further enquiry into GIS and RS technologies, as well as equipping students with practical expertise needed for operational GIS and image processing. The course has three main parts: first, the theory and principles of GIS and RS are covered in a lecture setting; secondly, supervised hands-on practical exercises are run in the laboratory; and, thirdly, projects are undertaken by students to apply the knowledge and skills to a specific problem. Areas covered in the course include (but are not limited to) data acquisition and processing, data automation, database management, spatial analysis, image processing, mapping and modelling.

Evaluation: Two-hour written examination 50%

Practical assignments 40%

Project 10%

GGEO3302 DISASTER MANAGEMENT

(4 credits) Semester 2 Level III

Prerequisites: GEOG2201 or GEOG2202 or GEOL2004 or HOD permission

Syllabus: An introduction to the basic principles and techniques in disaster management. A study of theory, hazards, vulnerability, response capability, risk assessment, disaster scenarios, disaster management, preparedness, prevention, emergency response, and simulation. Basic concepts of geology, geomorphology, tectonics and geophysics in the study of natural hazards, with special reference to the Caribbean. Hazards and risks related to volcanic activity, eqrthquakes, landslides, hydrometeorological processes; flooding and hurricanes. Hazard mapping. Approaches to natural hazard loss-reduction.

Evaluation: Two-hour written examination 60%

Coursework 40%