Bachelor of Science in Geology

This is an introductory course to natural resources extraction and research methods. The course is designed to provide students with an overview of geology, mining and petroleum engineering, and their significance for the society. The course will equip the students with the fundamental knowledge of geological processes and mining and petroleum operations covering areas across the entire mineral industry value chain. This includes exploration, evaluation of assets, main components of mining and petroleum operations, post-processing, operational health and safety, risk assessment, environmental impact, and the latest technological advancements towards more efficient and sustainable operations. In addition, the course will introduce students to research methodology considering ethical principles. By the end of the course, the students are expected to acquire essential knowledge towards undertaking comprehensive studies in their selected program of study related to natural resource extraction industries.

Course learning outcomes
1. Characterize the basic concepts of geological processes and mineral exploration.
2. Classify best practices in mining operations across the entire value chain, mineral processing, mine health and safety and risk assessment, and sustainability and efficiency of mining operations.
3. Acquire knowledge of petroleum systems and E&P best practices, including differentiation of rock classifications, reservoirs, reservoir fluids, and recovery mechanisms.
4. Contrast the interplay between exploration, production, and mid-stream operations.
5. Outline the research process, research methodology, research methods, and research ethics.

This introductory course to Geology will cover the following topics: the Solar System; formation, differentiation, and present structure of the Earth; the mantle, the oceanic crust and plate tectonics; the continental crust; rivers and oceans; origins and evolution of life; climate change; natural resources. Important minerals, rocks, and fossils will be progressively introduced in the course with respect to their geologic context.

Course learning outcomes
1. Outline Earth history, structures and describe various physical and geomorphological processes using plate tectonic theory.
2. Explain the basic concepts of stratigraphy and interpret maps with geological and structural information included.
3. Classify and identify types of minerals and rocks igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks in nomenclature, composition and formation.
4. Describe the geology and resources of Kazakhstan.

This course in mineralogy will provide the students with the necessary fundamentals which are required for following courses in petrology and geology of ore deposits.

Course learning outcomes
1. Understand basic concepts of crystal symmetry, crystal systems and mineralogy.
2. Recognize the major-rock forming minerals in hand specimens and under the microscope.
3. Construct thin-sections independently of mineral or rock samples.
4. Identify and describe the formation of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks with the appropriate nomenclature.

The main aim of the course is understanding of landforms and the processes that produce and modify them. The course considers some of the practical aspects of reading a geomorphological, map, recognized the landforms and understanding the natural processes.

Course learning outcomes
1. Possess an in-depth and sophisticated understanding of geospatial techniques applied for geomorphology.
2. Be intellectually agile, curious, creative in geospatial techniques applied for geomorphology.
3. Be thoughtful decision-makers for the selection and application of appropriate geospatial techniques applied for geomorphology e-dimensional structures from planar representations.

This course on geologic maps and cross-sections will introduce the students to the reading of topographic and geologic maps, to the identification of geologic structures on geologic maps, as well as to the construction of cross-sections.

Course learning outcomes
1. Deduce the relief of a landscape from the information given on a topographic map.
2. Analyze the spatial relations of rock formations on geologic maps.
3. Deduce three-dimensional structures from planar representations.
4. Construct geologic cross-sections.
5. Represent rock formations with the appropriate symbols, notations and color codes as used on geologic maps.

This course is a necessary complement to the course on Sedimentology and Stratigraphy. It will cover the major groups of organisms preserved as macrofossils and microfossils in the geologic record. During the laboratories, the characteristic fossils for each time period will be studied. The applications of paleontology to such important fields as paleoclimate reconstruction or petroleum exploration will also be covered.

Course learning outcomes
1. Recognize and describe the main groups of macrofossils preserved in the geologic record.
2. Discuss some important applications of microfossils in geology and petroleum exploration.
3. Place these macrofossils and microfossils against the geologic time scale and periods of mass extinction which have affected the planet.
4. Measure the importance of paleontology in correlation studies and the reconstruction of paleoenvironments.

The content of this course is the following: Igneous petrology: Composition and properties of magmas, magmatic differentiation, cooling and textures, modal compositions of the major types of igneous rocks, IUGS classification, CIPW norm calculations. Laboratories: Macroscopic and microscopic description procedures for the major types of igneous rocks. Classification based on modal abundances and normative calculations. Metamorphic petrology: Temperature-pressure conditions of regional and contact metamorphism, major types of metamorphic rocks, notion of metamorphic facies, characteristic minerals, metamorphic reactions and isograds, P-T diagrams. Laboratories: exercises constructed around macroscopic and microscopic observations, identification of metamorphic reactions, and interpretation of chemical and thermometric data.

Course learning outcomes
1. Identify the major types of igneous and metamorphic rocks in terms of their textures and mineralogical compositions with the appropriate terminology
2. Interpret the igneous and metamorphic rocks formed in different tectonic settings
3. Interpret chemical and thermometric data of igneous and metamorphic rocks in terms of the temperature and pressure conditions of their formation
4. Investigate the geological processes that led to the formation of these studied rocks from their textures and their mineralogical and chemical compositions

The content of this course is the following: sedimentary processes and depositional environments; sedimentary facies and paleoenvironments; lithostratigraphic units, biostratigraphy, chronostratigraphy, and correlations; introduction to sequence stratigraphy. This course will provide the students with a solid background in sedimentology, in particular concerning the formation and evolution of sedimentray rocks in the context of the rock cycle, the concepts of stratigraphy and the relation between sedimentary processes and geologic time, and the importance of sedimentology and stratigraphy in petroleum exploration.

Course learning outcomes
1. Discuss weathering, sediment transport agents and sediment transport mechanisms.
2. Identify sediment types and classify them using a range of classification schemes.
3. Describe sedimentary structures in cores and outcrops and use them to interpret sedimentary processes and depositional environments.
4. Discuss the age of sedimentary formations in relation with the geologic time scale.
5. Apply the principles of sedimentology and stratigraphy to geological mapping.
6. Predict the architecture and extent of groundwater or petroleum reservoirs.

This course consists of ten days of field work in the Karatau region. It will give the opportunity to students to put into practice and integrate what they learned in the following courses: geologic maps and cross-sections, sedimentology and stratigraphy, sedimentary petrology, and paleontology. They will create their own geologic maps and stratigraphic charts. They will draw representative cross-sections as well as multiple representative depositional environment diagrams, which will allow them to deduce the structural events which led to the formation, destruction, and/or preservation of the sedimentary formations. The students will also learn how to use a compass and a GPS equipment, a Jacob’s staff and a laser range finder, as well as satellite maps and terrestrial photogrammetry images.

Course learning outcomes
1. Identify sedimentary formations on the field.
2. Draw detailed sedimentary logs using the appropriate symbols and notations.
3. Construct a preliminary geological map.

The course has been organized by ore deposit type with an effort to integrate aspects of geodynamics, tectonics, petrology, mineralogy and physical chemistry which are important to establish genetic models for ore deposits. Examples from Kazakhstan are used as case studies for the laboratories when this is possible. 

Course learning outcomes
1. Discuss the geological processes and physico-chemical conditions leading to the formation of ore deposits.
2. Describe the behavior of trace elements in geological processes and their transport by geologic fluids.
3. Identify the important ore-forming minerals.
4. Formulate conceptual genetic models for ore deposits.

This course will cover the fundamentals of geochemistry and geochemical thermodynamics, and demonstrate with the aid of examples their usefulness in magmatic and metamorphic petrology. The content is the following: 1. Fundamentals of thermodynamics and their application in the Earth Sciences; 2. Phase diagrams for igneous and metamorphic petrology; 3. Trace element and isotope geochemistry for igneous and metamorphic petrology.

Course learning outcomes
1. Apply the most important thermodynamic relations to simple petrological problems.
2. Relate the stability of mineral assemblages to temperature and pressure conditions with the aid of phase diagrams.
3. Apply the concepts of trace element partitioning and isotope geothermometry in petrologypartitioning and isotope geothermometry in petrology.
4. Explain the principles of the major isotopic systems commonly applied in petrology.

The content of this course is the following: (1) Constituents of sedimentary rocks; (2) classifications and nomenclatures for clastic and carbonate rocks; (3) evaporites, oil shales, and coal-bearing strata; (4) diagenetic processes and their relation to porosity and permeability. This course will provide the students with a solid background in sedimentary petrology, in particular concerning the description and identification of sedimentary rocks, the interpretation of sedimentary rocks in terms of the processes which generated them, and the importance of sedimentary petrology in petroleum exploration.

Course learning outcomes
1. Describe a sedimentary rock with the appropriate nomenclature.
2. Perform petrographic observations under the microscope.
3. Identify the sedimentary processes which led to the formation of a given sedimentary rock.
4. Discuss the evolution of porosity and mineral transformations in terms of burial diagenesis.

This course will introduce the students to the mechanics of rock deformation, the recognition and interpretation of faults, folds, foliation, lineation, shear zones, mylonites and other kinematic indicators, as well as to the regional structural geology. The course will be accompanied by laboratory sessions during which the students will learn the techniques used in structural analysis, as well as to draw cross-sections from geologic maps.

Course learning outcomes
1. Discuss the fundamental aspects of the rheology of the Earth’s crust.
2. Describe deformational structures in hand specimens and on the field using the appropriate nomenclature.
3. Possess a three-dimensional visualization of geologic structures.
4. Apply an understanding of structural geology on the field, as well as in resource exploration.

Economic analysis presents a structured approach to understanding natural resource industries. The focus of this course is on the market mechanism and its demand-supply model. Students learn both the theory and its applications to analyzing natural resource markets. Specifically, topics include market equilibrium, prices, costs, and government regulation.  Students apply economic models to understand how resource markets are impacted by the business cycle, economic growth, emerging technologies, and climate policies.

Course learning outcomes
1. Analyze resource consumers, producers, and markets.
2. Assess the influence of costs and market structure on resource prices and profits.
3. Evaluate economic impacts of new technologies and climate policy on resource industries.

GIS course for Geosciences introduces the theoretical and practical applications of geospatial and geodetic surveying methods applied for geosciences with the focus on onshore and marine petroleum and gas & mining industry. It then presents geospatial data collection methods for geosciences (Professional and Portable GPS, Total Station, Levelling and their associated geodetic and topographic instruments and UAV drone technologies). Once geodetic data is collected, it is being processed utilizing publically accessible and commercial geospatial software packages: input and representation of data with proper quality assurance and standardized management principles; manipulation and storage of geospatial data; digital cartographic design and mapping; geospatial data analytics; interpretation of the results, production of digital maps.

Course learning outcomes
1. Collect and validate geospatial and geodetic data applied for geosciences.
2. Perform site-measurements applied for geosciences.
3. Develop digital cartographic products for geosciences.

This course will cover the fundamentals of physics, aqueous and geochemistry required in hydrogeological studies as well as in groundwater resource management. The contents include: Darcy’s law, groundwater flow theory, aquifer properties, groundwater flow in porous and fractured aquifers, groundwater chemistry, and contamination, and applications to geothermal energy.

Course learning outcomes
1. Describe the characteristics of surface and groundwater recharge, discharge and aquifers types using numerical models.
2. Discuss and solve groundwater flow issues using MODFLOW software.
3. Discuss the flow mechanism and behavior of contaminants in groundwater systems using groundwater/surface water modelling.
4. Implement environment-friendly behavior by understanding the interaction between anthropogenic activities, water resource security and the environment.

This course will introduce the fundamentals in the three main disciplines of geophysics – gravimetry, seismology, and geomagnetism. The theory will be illustrated with applications in the geological sciences, in particular in mineral and petroleum exploration, and in groundwater resource assessment. An introduction to the interpretation of seismic profiles will be given, and the techniques of measurement in gravimetry and geomagnetism will be explained.

Course learning outcomes
1. Relate geophysical observations to Earth structure or material properties.
2. Interpret geophysical data in terms of subsurface geology.
3. Apply geophysical methods for mineral, petroleum or groundwater exploration.
4. Carry out geophysical measurements on the field.

Geostatistics course for Geosciences introduces the practical applications of basic and advanced statistical methods. It introduces different exploratory with data collection, descriptive and explanatory analysis and quality assurance methods. Geostatistical modelling methods are also be demonstrated. Multivariate regression analyses are also explained. Different clustering techniques are explained for more detailed statistical interpretations. This course also introduces the spatial and tabular queries to geostatistical databases. Besides, geographically weighted regression analyses are explained to resolve various statistical tasks. Different geostatistical visualization techniques are explained for the best quality of the scientific research activities.

Course learning outcomes
1. Perform descriptive and explanatory analysis.
2. Assess and interpret the geostatistical modeling outputs.
3. Develop proper geostatistical visualizations.

This course will focus on the scientific basis for water resource management and environmental geoscience, providing a holistic understanding of the factors influencing environmental conditions on Earth. The course will cover theoretical frameworks regarding water management, water resources (water balance) and quality, soil degradation and desertification, wetland protection, water availability, and the impact of climate change on water scarcity. In this course, students will evaluate the interaction between the environment and human activity, particularly past and present conflicts associated with water resources in Central Asia and their impact on the environment. A local case study, specifically “Water management in Aral-Syrdarya River Basin” will be investigated by the students

Course learning outcomes
1. Evaluate water resources by modeling water balance variables using numerical models and GIS methods.
2. Examine water management policies/strategies in the context of water resource scarcity and environmental sustainability through assessing water problems in Central Asia.
3. Discuss the environmental, economic, and political aspects of water using Central Asian case studies.

This course introduces the petroleum system concept (source rocks, migration, entrapment), petroleum physical properties and chemical composition including biomarkers, methods of petroleum exploration, reservoir architecture and characterization, and critically discusses geological controls on recovery method. In the 2nd part of the course petroleum bearing basins of Kazakhstan are studied in details.

Course learning outcomes
1. Define the types of sedimentary basins and petroleum system elements.
2. Discuss the geological processes involved in the formation, migration and accumulation of petroleum.
3. Interpret the chemical composition of petroleum in terms of thermal maturity, water-washing or bacterial degradation.
4. Describe reservoir architecture and its role on entrapment and production strategy.
5. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the geoscience tools used in petroleum exploration and development.
6. Get familiar with petroleum bearing basins of Kazakhstan.

This course will explore in details the dynamics of the Earth, including the core, the mantle, and the crust.

Course learning outcomes
1. Describe large-scale geologic processes in quantitative terms.
2. Discuss the rheological properties of Earth materials as a function of the temperatures and pressures encountered in the crust, subduction zones and the mantle.
3. Interpret geophysical, geochemical, mineralogical, and experimental data in terms of geodynamic processes.
4. Develop simple conceptual models of these geodynamic processes.

This course will consist in one or two weeks of field work in the Altai Mountains of East Kazakhstan. It will give the opportunity to the students to put into practice what they will have learned in igneous and metamorphic petrology, structural geology, and geographic information systems. They will learn how to identify igneous bodies and metamorphic rocks on the field, and describe their relations with the surrounding rocks. They will also have to perform structural measurements and draw a geological field map.

Course learning outcomes
1. Identify igneous bodies and metamorphic rocks on the field.
2. Perform mineralogical and textural observations as well as structural measurments on the field.
3. Confront their petrologic observations and structural measurements to the geodynamic evolution of the region.

The Research Project I is intended to be a final year, independent research literature review project focused on topics related to Research Project II in the following semester. It provides a senior year students with the opportunity to conduct research work and implement, and integrate their previously learned knowledge, skill-sets and techniques from a wide range of subject to execute an independent research study related to his/her interest and the under the supervision of one faculty member from the department and two additional examiners, who may also act as co-supervisors and/or advisors. 

Course learning outcomes
1. Demonstrate scientific observation and writing skills.
2. Advance scientific writing skills including writing research plans and proposals.
3. Plan and design research work strategy.
4. Integrate various information in geological (geospatial and time) context.

The Research Project II is intended to be a final year, independent research project that follows a successful completion of literature review project (GEOL 404) from the previous semester. It provides a senior year students with the opportunity to conduct research work and implement, and integrate their previously learned knowledge, skill-sets and techniques from a wide range of subjects to execute an independent research study related to his/her interest and under the supervision of one faculty member from the department and two additional examiners, who may also act as co-supervisors and/or advisors.

Course learning outcomes
1. Demonstrate scientific observation, critical thinking, and analytical skills.
2. Advance scientific writing skills including writing research report and preparing oral presentation and defense.
3. Familiarize with scientific communication tools and strategies (publication process).
4. Integrate various information in geological (geospatial and time) context.

This course will introduce the students to the principles behind the geological and geophysical methods applied in exploration for mineral, hydrocarbon, and water resources.
Course learning outcomes
1. Relate each geophysical exploration method to physical properties of minerals and rocks.
2. Evaluate which exploration methods should be used at which exploration stage in either mineral, hydrocarbon, or water resource exploration.
3. Design a simple exploration strategy for hydrocarbon or mineral resources.
4. Interpret and evaluate geophysical data in terms of subsurface geology.

The course will provide the students with a solid background in sedimentology, in particular concerning the formation and evolution of carbonate sedimentary rocks; deep water sediment transport and deposition in the context of sequence stratigraphy and facies models; mechanical stratigraphy with implications to fluid flow; utility of outcrop studies for subsurface reservoir characterization and modeling.

Course learning outcomes
1. Discuss carbonate depositional settings.
2. Identify different carbonate facies and their spatial relationships.
3. Describe sedimentary structures in cores and outcrops and use them to interpret sedimentary processes and depositional environments.
4. Distinguish early sedimentary fractures from tectonic fractures.
5. Discuss geological controls on petroleum reservoir exploration and development.

This course will cover fundamental aspects of physical chemistry relevant to heavy metal dispersion, radionuclide migration, and oil spill contamination. The processes of adsorption, complexation, solubility, and co-precipitation will be thermodynamically characterized with the aid of a geochemical software. A comprehensive review will be made of environmental pollutants in the atmosphere, the ocean, as well as in continental areas. Remediation techniques will be discussed, and a local case study will be investigated by the students.

Course learning outcomes
1. Discuss the nature and sources of pollutants in the environment.
2. Interpret aqueous geochemical and mineralogical data in terms of their environmental significance, using sound thermodynamic and kinetic reasoning.
3. Expertly model the behavior of contaminants with a geochemical software.
4. Propose remediation techniques for contaminated sites.

Photography is an essential part of Geology. In this digital photography course students will learn to understand what different types of cameras and lenses exist, how to work properly with the camera, including smart phone, understanding and making full use of the various camera settings (iso, shutter speed, aperture etc.). They will learn how to work with natural and with artificial light, learn about colors, composition, making high quality pictures. Notably: images of minerals, fossils, rocks with the macrolense, and under the microscope, and outside in quaries or mountains. Students will learn image processing with Adobe Lightroom (Adobe Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) correcting image quality, and learn e.g. how to stitch images making panoramas, get familiar with different color codes (RGB, CMYK etc.), file formats (GIF, JPEG, TIFF, RAW etc.), loss in quality (e.g. resolution or change in color) when copying images and pasting in word processors, saving them as a PDF, printing on a color printer, or presenting with a beamer. Students will also learn about issues like plagiarism and copyright in photography, tagging, and organising pictures in personal or public database, and preparing pictures for presentation and publication.

Course learning outcomes
1. Propose a conceptual set-up for digital adaptation in accordance to the field of geosciences (C5).
2. Produce digital image processing in accordance with the latest technology in geosciences (P4).
3. Adapt digital photography and image analysis in geosciences (P6).
4. Present their own, new high quality geoscientific photos with explanation to an audience (C6).

Economic analysis presents a structured approach to understanding natural resource industries. The focus of this course is on the market mechanism and its demand-supply model. Students learn both the theory and its applications to analyzing natural resource markets. Specifically, topics include market equilibrium, prices, costs, and government regulation. Students apply economic models to understand how resource markets are impacted by the business cycle, economic growth, emerging technologies, and climate policies.

Course learning outcomes
1. Assess a project using the discounted cash flow model.
2. Analyze alternatives on a before-tax and after-tax basis.
3. Appraise projects considering inflation, exchange rates, and uncertainty.