Spring 2026 - EASC 204 D100
Structural Geology I (3)
Class Number: 2471
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Thu, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Apr 25, 2026
Sat, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Daniel Gibson
hdgibson@sfu.ca
1 778 782-7057
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Prerequisites:
EASC 101, PHYS 101 or 120 or 125 or 140. All with a grade of C- or better.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Description, classification and interpretation of Earth structures: folds, faults, joints, cleavage and lineations. Elementary rock mechanics.
COURSE DETAILS:
This course introduces the fundamental concepts and principles of structural geology with an emphasis on practical applications. Lectures will cover the nature of structural geology; which includes the description and analysis of deformation and deformation processes at scales ranging from minerals to mountain belts. Topics will cover major types of structures and fabrics (e.g. folds, faults, joints, cleavage, foliation), dynamic analysis (stress and strain), kinematic analysis of deformation, and an introduction to concepts of plate tectonics. Laboratory exercises will emphasize practical techniques applicable to the field analysis of geologic structures, including interpretation of geologic maps, stereographic projection and analysis of structural data, and cross section construction and interpretation.
Grading
- Exam 1 15%
- Exam 2 15%
- Final Exam 30%
- Laboratory Exercises 15%
- Laboratory Exam 25%
NOTES:
The laboratory exercises will include a Saturday or Sunday field exercise late in the term. There will be lectures and a laboratory exercise the first week of classes.
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
Mechanical pencil, colored pencils (hard lead), good eraser, ruler, tracing paper, protractor, drawing compass, calculator.
REQUIRED READING:
Structural Geology of Rocks and Regions. Davis, G.H., Reynolds, S. and Kluth, C.F. 3rd Edition, 2011, John and Wiley and Sons. ISBN 9780471152316
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.
To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.