Graduate Courses

The course schedule is subject to change. Please refer to student centre for the most up to date information. Registration for fall courses opens in early August, Winter courses in December and Summer courses in April. 

Fall 2026

GP9509: Geophysics Field Techniques

Instructor: Sheri Molnar

See field courses below.

*Crosslisted ES 4451

PS9603: Introduction to Planetary Science

August 31 - September 6, 2026

Instructor: Catherine Neish

This intensive 7-day course is designed for graduate students, researchers, industry professionals, and government employees. It is mandatory for new 糖心Vlog planetary science graduate students, ideally taken in the first year. The course covers fundamental processes shaping planets, moons, asteroids, and comets, with lectures by leading experts and hands-on activities using data from recent planetary missions.

Contact instructor at cneish@uwo.ca for more details.

 Course Outline: 9603

GP9572: Earth's Interior

NEW online format
May not be offered in 2027-2028

Instructor: Rick Secco

An introduction to physics of the Earth's interior. Major topics are: Earth structure from seismic observations, heat flow, the physics of minerals under high temperatures and pressures, equations of state, seismological, thermal and compositional models.

 Course Outline: 9572

*Crosslisted with ES 4321

GL9506: Stable Isotope Geochemistry

Instructor: Elizabeth Webb

MWF 11:30AM-12:30PM

Stable isotopes (O,H,C,S,N), atmosphere, hydrosphere, sedimentary and diagenetic systems, hydrothermal systems, fluid migration, ore-forming fluids, igneous and metamorphic rocks. Environmental applications: groundwater, oceans, wetlands, acid rain; acid mine drainage, climate fluctuation; global cycle modification.

 Course Outline: 9506

*Crosslisted with ES 4431

GP9573/HRR9573: Natural Catastrophes

Instructor: Katsu Goda

T 1:30-4:30PM

Natural hazarads and disaster risk reduction is a rapidly evolving interdisciplinary field in Canada and globally, spanning natural sciences, applied engineering, data sciences, and risk financing. This course introduces natural catastrophe modelling, covering hazard characterization, exposure modelling, volunerability assessment, and financial risk analysis.

 Course Outline: 9573

  

Winter 2027

GL9369: Environmental Microbiology

Instructor: Jeremiah Shuster

Lec MW 9:30-10:30AM / Lab F 2:30-5:30PM

An introduction to the role of microorganisms in geochemical processes within Earth’s diverse environments over time. Topics include methods for the analysis of bacteria, factors affecting their community structure and function, and their relationship to biogeochemistry. The laboratory component will introduce students to fundamental microbiological techniques and research methods.

 Course Outline: 9369

*Crosslisted ES 3369

GL/GP9580: Grad Seminar

Instructor: Roberta Flemming

Time TBD

This is a required course for all new M.Sc. and Ph.D. students. The objectives of the course are to: i) write and present a thesis/project proposal, ii) develop strong research skills, iii) learn how to effectively present information orally,  iv) become familiar with grant proposal writing, and v) practice scientific and professional learning skills through teamwork exercises.

 Course Outline: 9508

GL9312: Origin of Planetary Materials

New - Pending

Instructor: Roberta Flemming

Lec T/Th 10:30-11:30AM Lab T 2:30-5:30PM

This course reviews the origin and evolution of our solar system and formation of the rocky planets and other bodies by examining dynamical evidence and meteorites. We examine meteorite mineralogy and textures using optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction and geochemical data. We also examine Earth impacts, the moon and Mars. 

 Course Outline: TBD

*Crosslisted ES 4312

GP9505: Forward & Inverse Theory Modelling

May not be offered in 2027-2028

Instructor: Robert Shcherbakov

Lec MW 11:30AM-12:30PM Lab T 2:30-5:30PM

An introduction into parameter estimation and data inversion for several geophysical  problems. Students will be given an overview of fundamental concepts related to the construction of forward models, design of optimization methods and algorithms, and inversion of data for the underlying geophysical processes. Topics will include discrete linear inverse problems, maximum likelihood methods, singular value decomposition,
uniqueness and accuracy, data and model weighting, Bayesian formulation of the inverse problems, and non-linear inverse problems.

 Course Outline: 9505

*Crosslisted ES 4420

GP9507: Advanced Mineral Physics

May not be offered in 2027-2028

Instructor: Sean Shieh

Lec T/Th 11:30AM-12:30PM Lab Th 1:30-4:30PM

The course introduces elementary solid state theory, thermodynamics, elasticity, equation
of state, stress and strength, phase transformations, high pressure and high temperature
science and technique, mineral physics of mantle and core.

 Course Outline: 9507

*Crosslisted ES 4424

Notes

GL9576 Advanced Glacial Geology was offered in Winter 2026, will not be offered in Winter 2027, but will return in Winter 2028.

 

Field Courses

GP9509: Geophysical Field
Techniques

Aug 29 - Sep 8, 2026

Instructor: Sheri Molnar

Contact instructor at smolnar8@uwo.ca for more details.

 Course Outline: 9509

GL9650: Field Structural Analysis

First two weeks of May 2027

Instructor: Dazhi Jiang

A field school in a deformed metamorphic region. Emphasis will be on mapping techniques at large scales (from individual outcrops to macroscopic scales). The students will learn how to identify, measure, and document geological features at the outcrop scale and to make connections between outcrops. They are required to understand the structure of their map area in three-dimensions and to establish a kinematic synthesis for the history of their map area.

*Crosslisted ES 3350

PS9604: Impact Cratering Short Course and Field School

Instructor: Gordon Osinski

 

Will run in late April or May 2027