GEOL 313 explores the nature and uses of numerous physical resources of the world, emphasizing on the resources of Canada, and Alberta in particular. The course covers such topics as formation, distribution, extraction, and use of fossil fuels, and nuclear and other energy resources. GEOL 313 examines water, soil, metallic, and industrial resources as well as the political, economic, and social impacts of their development.

GEOL 415 explores the evidence for the various processes, events, and materials involved in the formation of Earth and the evolution of the young Earth. The course also describes various geochemical tools and techniques used by geologists to reveal and interpret the evidence.