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Course Outlines

MINE 1101

Physical Geology

School School of Construction and the Environment
Program Mining and Mineral Exploration Technology
Course Credits 4
Minimum Passing Grade 50%
Start Date September 02, 2014
End Date December 12, 2014
Total Hours* 60
Total Weeks 15
Hours/Weeks 4
Delivery Type Lecture
CRN 30583

Acknowledgement of Territories

The British Columbia Institute of Technology acknowledges that our campuses are located on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish Nations of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam).

Instructor Details

Name Reza Tafti
E-mail Reza_Tafti@bcit.ca
Location SW1-2570G
Office Hours

Wed. 2:30 to 5:00 pm

Course Description

Presents an overview of the processes and materials that form and shape the planet Earth. The theory of plate tectonics is introduced and used as the basis of understanding the fundamental geological processes that operate both on, and beneath the Earth's surface. The formation and characteristics of minerals and development of the geological time scale, and deformation in the Earth's crust are reviewed as are an introduction to the geology of mineral and energy deposits and the geology of North America. Laboratory work includes identification of minerals, examination of geological maps and structures, and study of geological processes.

Course Learning Outcomes/Competencies

Upon successful completion, the student will be able to:

  • Explain the significance of plate tectonic theory to the geological sciences.
  • Describe the mechanisms of plate tectonics and the major types of plate boundaries.
  • Identify the major divisions of the Earth's crust and describe their physical characteristics.
  • Explain mantle plumes, hot spots and the supercontinent cycle.
  • Describe the chemical and crystalline characteristics of minerals.
  • List the main physical properties that can be used to distinguish minerals in the field.
  • Identify common rock forming and economic minerals in the laboratory.
  • Discuss the characteristics, origin and form of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.
  • Name and describe at least 10 igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.
  • Give examples of common plate tectonic settings for igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.
  • Explain the rock cycle and its interaction with the hydrological and tectonic cycle.
  • Outline the difference between relative and absolute geological time.
  • List common geological contacts.
  • Recall the geological time scale.
  • Describe stress and strain and its relationship to rock deformation.
  • Outline the features of common deformation structures such as joints, fractures, faults, foliation and folds.
  • List common mineral deposits types that occur in British Columbia.
  • Describe the formation of coal, oil and gas.
  • Discuss the formation of oil and gas deposits.
  • Identify the major geological divisions of North America.
  • Discuss the geological characteristics of the Canadian Shield, the Appalachians, the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin, and the Canadian Cordillera.

Learning Resources


Required:
Laboratory Manual in Physical Geology, 9th Edition, 2011: R.M. Busch, Editior, American Geological Institute; National Association of Geoscience Teachers, Prentice Hall.
Drafting equipment such as straight edge, metric scales, compass, protractor, etc.
Optional:
* Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals, The Audubon Society. (Recommended)
Dictionary of Geological Terms, 3rd Edition, 1984: R.L. Bates and J.A. Jackson , Editors. Prepared by the American Geological Institute
Geoscience Handbook: AGI Data Sheets 4th Edition, 2006: J. Douglas Walker, Harvey A. Cohen. Published by the American Geological Institute

Evaluation Criteria

Criteria % Comments
Mid-term exam and quizzes 22
Lab assignments 20

Laboratory exam

 8
Term Project 15
Final Exam 35

Course Schedule and Assignments

Date Material Covered Readings Assignment Due Date

BCIT Policy

The following statements are in accordance with the BCIT Policies 5101, 5102, 5104, and 7507, and their accompanying procedures. To review these policies and procedures please click on the links below.

Attendance/Illness:
In case of illness or other unavoidable cause of absence, the student must communicate as soon as possible with his/her instructor or Program Head or Chief Instructor, indicating the reason for the absence. Prolonged illness of three or more consecutive days must have a BCIT medical certificate sent to the department. Excessive absence may result in failure or immediate withdrawal from the course or program. Please see Policy 5101 - Student Regulations, and accompanying procedures

Academic Integrity:
Violation of academic integrity, including plagiarism, dishonesty in assignments, examinations, or other academic performances are prohibited and will be handled in accordance with Policy 5104 - Academic Integrity and Appeals, and accompanying procedures.

Accommodation:
Any student who may require accommodation from BCIT because of a physical or mental disability should refer to BCIT's Policy on Accommodation for Students with Disabilities (Policy #4501), and contact BCIT's Disability Resource Centre (SW1 2360, 604-451-6963) at the earliest possible time. Requests for accommodation must be made to the Disability Resource Centre, and should not be made to a course instructor or Program area.

Any student who needs special assistance in the event of a medical emergency or building evacuation (either because of a disability or for any other reason) should promptly inform their course instructor(s) and the Disability Resource Centre of their personal circumstances.

Human Rights, Harassment and Discrimination:
The BCIT community is made up of individuals from every ability, background, experience and identity, each contributing uniquely to the richness and diversity of the BCIT community as a whole. In recognition of this, and the intrinsic value of our diversity, BCIT seeks to foster a climate of collaboration, understanding and mutual respect between all members of the community and ensure an inclusive accessible working and learning environment where everyone can succeed. Campus Mediation Services is a supportive resource for both students and employees of BCIT, to foster a respectful learning and working environment. Any student who feels that they are experiencing discrimination or harassment (personal or human rights-related) can confidentially access this resource for advice and support. Please see Policy 7507 – Harassment and Discrimination and accompanying procedure.

Students should make themselves aware of additional Education, Administration, Safety and other BCIT policies listed at https://www.bcit.ca/about/administration/policies.shtml

Guidelines for School of Construction and the Environment

Attempts:
Students must successfully complete a course within a maximum of three (3) attempts at the course. Students with two attempts in a single course will be allowed to repeat the course only upon special written permission from the Associate Dean. Students who have not successfully completed a course within three attempts will not be eligible to graduate from their respective program.

Approved

I verify that the content of this course outline is current.
Reza Tafti, Instructor
August 11, 2014

I verify that this course outline has been reviewed.
Russell Hartlaub, Program Head
August 21, 2014

I verify that this course outline has been reviewed and complies with BCIT policy.
Robert Stevens, Associate Dean
August 21, 2014

Note: Students will be given reasonable notice if changes are required to the content of this course outline.

*Course hours and credits are calculated per Policy 5012 and the associated procedure.

Total hours – Example of 3 credit lecture/lab course:

  • Full-time course: 45 hours of scheduled learning
  • Flexible Learning course: 36 hours of scheduled learning plus 9 hours of independent (non-scheduled, non-instructional) learning