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APSC 151 Earth Systems Engineering Units: 3.30
This course provides an introduction to the complex Earth System (the solid earth, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere) and our interactions with it. The science behind our exploration and understanding of our planet and its ongoing evolution is explored in combination with the engineering geology of geo-materials, geo-resources, geo-dynamics and geo-risk. The connection between the Earth System and human activity is explored in depth, including local and global-scale impacts of engineering works, geopolitics, and resource issues. Examples of the terrestrial sources of geo-materials used in engineering activities are highlighted along with the technical, social, economic and environmental challenges associated with their life cycle including sustainability, contamination, biodiversity loss, social impact and climate change.
(Lec: 2.8, Lab: 0.5, Tut: 0)
(Lec: 2.8, Lab: 0.5, Tut: 0)
Offering Term: F
CEAB Units:
Mathematics 0
Natural Sciences 18
Complementary Studies 10
Engineering Science 12
Engineering Design 0
Offering Faculty: Smith Engineering
Course Learning Outcomes:
- Visualize the components of the Earth System and understand the evolution of, and interactions between the Geosphere, Hydrosphere, Atmosphere and Biosphere.
- Describe and differentiate processes of change within the mantle, the crust and on surface in the context of Earth History and the Evolution of Life.
- Characterize, classify, identify fundamental minerals and igneous rocks (primary materials) and their engineering properties.
- Characterize, classify, identify fundamental minerals and igneous rocks (primary materials) and their engineering properties.
- Characterize, classify, identify ongoing processes including deformation, tectonics, weathering, erosion, deposition and glaciation and their impacts on the past, current and future.
- Associate societal needs with and human impact on the Earth System.
- Associate geological processes and history with engineering properties of geo-materials.
- Assess challenges related to surficial engineering geology and ongoing geological, processes including groundwater, geotechnical construction, surface mining and natural hazards.
- Assess geological challenges related to underground engineering including tunnelling, waste storage and mining.
- Associate geological systems with mineral and energy resources and compare impact of key conventional and alternative energy sources.
- Explore the complexities of the mineral resource cycle from discovery, to economic assessment, mining, processing, utilization and recycling.
- Develop design alternatives based on georisk, environmental impact and earth material availability.
- Construct a framework for the life cycle management of engineering materials derived from the Earth.
- Classify, Analyze and Interpret geological structure in order to Interpolate and Extrapolate 3D structural model from 2D surficial data.
- Assess GeoRisk from natural and constructed hazards involving the Earth System and Earth Materials and provide mitigation options.
- Identify the stakeholders in a mining project, and analyze their value systems and objectives. Propose how your analysis could inform technical decision-making.
- Describe key concepts in applied sustainability, particularly with respect to engineering design criteria in relation to the Earth System and Society.
- Understand and Personify the expectations associated with Engineering Practice.
- Follow established procedures and policies for workplace health and safety.
- Establish an atmosphere of inclusion and equity within work teams.