ERTH 3303

Stratigraphy

Lec 01 and Lab B01 selected

Stratigraphy is the backbone of the geological sciences; it brings together sedimentology, paleontology, petrology and structural geology to reconstruct Earth history. We survey the impact of sea-level change, tectonics and climate on sediment accumulation, with emphasis on seismic and sequence stratigraphy. Case studies focus on sedimentary basins across Canada, and practical work includes laboratory and class exercises, as well as field excursions.

Sections

Lecture
Lab

From the syllabus

From the Fall 2026 syllabus by Owen Sherwood. Open the PDF

Grading

10%In-class quizzes and exercises (10)Weekly
40%Lab/field assignments (10)Weekly; lowest mark dropped
20%Midterm examDate TBA; 1.5 hours
30%Final examCumulative; date TBA; 3 hours

Textbooks

  • Stratigraphy Class Readings (free)
  • The Last Billion Years, 2nd Edition, Atlantic Geoscience Society
  • Sedimentology and Stratigraphy, 3rd Edition, G. Nichols
  • Principles of Sedimentology and Stratigraphy, 4th Edition, Sam Boggs Jr. (optional)

Course rules

Late work
Lab assignments lose 10% per day and are not accepted more than five days late.
Missed labs
The lowest lab assignment mark is dropped; further missed assignments require a Student Declaration of Absence to avoid zeroes.
Field trips
Both field trips are mandatory unless unavoidable circumstances prevent participation; arrange an alternative with the instructor.
Collaboration
Lab collaboration is encouraged, but students must submit their own work.
Generative AI
AI may support learning, but submitting AI-generated text as your own is plagiarism.
Missed midterm
With exceptional circumstances and advance notice, the final exam counts for 50% of the final grade.
Missed final
With exceptional circumstances and advance notice, a makeup exam or grade reweighting will be provided.
Attendance
Lectures, labs, and field trips are in person; lectures are not recorded.

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