Geology (GEOL) 313

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

Unit 1: Resources: An Introduction

Unit 2: Plate Tectonics and the Origins of Resources

Unit 3: Resource Exploitation and the Environment

Unit 4: Energy from Fossil Fuels

Unit 5: Nuclear Power and Other Energy Alternatives

Unit 6: The Abundant Metals

Unit 7: The Geochemically Scarce Metals

Unit 8: Industrial Minerals

Unit 9: Water and Soil Resources

Unit 10: Resource Development and International Trade

Evaluation

To receive credit for GEOL 313, you will be based on five assignments, a course project, and two examinations. The passing grade for GEOL 313 is sixty per cent (60 percent). You must average sixty per cent on the assignments and receive a grade of at least sixty per cent to pass each examination. The table below lists the components that contribute to your grade, and their weight.

5 Assignments (8% each)	Mid-term Exam	Course Project	Final Exam	Total
40%	20%	15%	25%	100%

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

Course Materials

Textbooks

Booklets

Bott, R. Canada's Oil Sands, 3rd Ed. Calgary, AB: Canadian Centre for Energy Information, 2010.

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

Coal: Economics
Coal: Environment
Coal: Evolution
Coal: Technology

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 reading file.

Challenge for Credit Course Overview

The Challenge for Credit process allows students to demonstrate that they have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university level course.

Full information for the Challenge for Credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.

• Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Policy
• Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Procedures

Challenge Evaluation

To receive credit for the GEOL 313 challenge registration, you must achieve a grade of at least “C-” (60 per cent) on the examination.

Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Course Registration Form

• Challenge for Credit Form