Overview

GEOL 313 explores the nature and uses of numerous physical resources of the world, emphasizing on the resources of Canada, and Alberta in particular. The course covers such topics as formation, distribution, extraction, and use of fossil fuels, and nuclear and other energy resources. GEOL 313 examines water, soil, metallic, and industrial resources as well as the political, economic, and social impacts of their development.

Outline

Evaluation

To receive credit for GEOL 313, you must attain an average of 60 percent for the assignments, a grade of at least 60 percent on each of the examinations and acheive a course composite grade of at least “C” (60 percent). The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:

To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.

Course Materials

Textbooks

Craig, James R., David J. Vaughan, and Brian J. Skinner. Resources of the Earth: Origin, Use, and Environmental Impact, 3rd ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2001.

The Canadian Centre for Energy Information. Our Petroleum Challenge: Sustainability into the 21st Century, 7th ed. Calgary, AB: Canadian Centre for Energy Information, 2004.

Booklets

Bott, R. Canada’s Oil Sands and Heavy Oil. Calgary, AB: Petroleum Communication Foundation, 2000.

Coal Kit (Modules 1-4). Calgary, AB: The COAL Association of Canada, 2003.

Industry Canada. Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Sector Profile 2005. Ottawa, ON: Public Works and Government Services Canada, 2006.

McKenzie-Brown, P. Canada's Natural Gas Resources. Calgary, AB: Petroleum Communication Foundation, 2000.

The Mineral and Metals Policy of the Government of Canada: Partnerships for Sustainable Development. Ottawa, ON: Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada, 1996.

Other Materials

The course materials include a study guide, student manual, assignment manual, and a book of readings.