Teaching

My aim in teaching is to enhance student learning.

I teach a suite of geology courses starting with the fundamentals and then focusing on sedimentary geology, glacial environments and applied aspects of sedimentary geology. I incorporate field trips and hands-on labs in all of my courses.

ENVS 2240 Fundamentals of Environmental Geology

IThis course introduces the Fundamentals of Environmental Geology including concepts and real-world examples of environmental issues related to plate tectonics, natural resources and igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary processes and rocks, groundwater and structural geology and using specific locations from across Canada. Students develop laboratory skills in rock and mineral identification, geological map interpretation and site characterization.

ENVS 3180 Sedimentary Environments

This course examines the principles of sedimentology and stratigraphy as applied to various ancient and modern sedimentary systems. Students learn to describe and interpret sedimentary deposits in terrestrial and marine systems as well as the larger forces that control the preservation and evolution of these sedimentary systems over geological time. The course includes several field trips.

ENVS 4360 Glacial Environments

This course explores modern to ancient glacial environments, focusing on the sedimentary record they leave behind and applications of glacial geology including reconstructing past environments, examining how glacial deposits affect the distribution of resources or groundwater contaminants, and discovering the response of glaciers to recent and past climate change. Students develop skills in critically evaluating literature and geological data, description and identification of glacial deposits.

ENVS 6720 Geology of Groundwater systems

Geology often plays an important role in groundwater flow systems, influencing recharge to aquifers as well as contaminant fate and transport. This course will examine the geological characteristics and processes that influence groundwater flow systems and contaminant transport and fate in different geological settings. The course will include seminar discussions of readings, guest speakers from industry and government agencies as well as hands-on exercises in class.