M.Sc. Applied Geology

Master of Science in Geology

List of Academic Staff

Name	Status and Qualification	Research Interest
O. A. Adekeye	Professor and Head of Department B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ilorin)	Paleontology, Sedimentology, Petroleum Geology, Biostratigraphy
O. O. Ige	Reader B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ilorin)	Engineering Geology, Hydrogeology, Environmental Geology
O. A. Omotoso	Reader B.Sc., (Ado-Ekiti); M.Sc., (Ibadan); Ph.D. (Ilorin)	Medical Geology, Engineering Geology, Hydrogeology, Environmental Geology, Hydrogeochemistry
M. A. Yusuf	Senior Lecturer B.Sc., M.Sc., (Ilorin); Ph.D. (South Africa)	Geochemistry, Hydrogeology, Environmental Geology
K. O. Ibrahim	Lecturer I B.Sc., M.Sc., (Ilorin); Ph.D. (South Africa)	Hydro-gechemistry, Environmental geology
Omolayo A. Omorinoye	Lecturer I B.Sc., M.Sc., (Ilorin); Ph.D. (Malaysia)	Geochemistry, Mineral Exploration
L. M. Johnsom	Lecturer I B.Sc.(Ilorin); M.Sc. (Derby); Ph.D. (Australia)	Organic Geochemistry, Sedimentology
Mercy T. Alebiosu	Lecturer I B. Sc. (Crowford); M.Sc., (Ilorin)	Mineralogy, Crystallography, Mining Geology, Solid Mineral Prospecting and Exploration
K.O. Iheme	Lecturer I B.Sc. (Uli), M.Sc. (Awka)	Hydrogeology, Environmental Geology
*W. O. Raji	Reader B.Sc., M.Sc. (Ilorin); Ph.D. (Liverpool)	Geophysics, Environmental Geology, Mineral Exploration

*Lecturers from other Departments

B. Introduction

The department started offering postgraduate programme in Geology (M.Sc and Ph.D) since 1983. The programme has since matured with time and today offers teaching and research supervisions in the following areas: Geochemistry, Sedimentology, Petroleum Geology, Palynology, Biostratigraphy, Engineering Geology, Solid Mineral Exploration, Hydrogeology and Mining Geology.

C. Philosophy

Philosophy of postgraduate programmes in Geology is anchored on the unbiased accurate documentation and interpretation of facts and phenomena with a view to generate a body of knowledge. We offer expert teaching and supervision in various aspects of theory and application of Geology.

D. Aim and Objectives

The aim of this programme is produce students that have adequate knowledge of geology

The objectives of the programmes are to:

offer participants higher degree that will qualify them for employment
produce graduates that can independently carry out research and be engaged in geological based research in public institutions
enhance the competence of the graduates in the practice of geology profession.

E. Admission Requirements

Graduates of the University of Ilorin or any other NUC approved university with degree of Bachelor of Science in Geology (at least second class upper division).
However, graduates of the University or any other approved University who obtained a second class (lower division) of the degree of Bachelor of Science may be admitted provided they score minimum of 60% in the qualifying examination administered by the University.
Those that possess postgraduate Diploma in Geology from University of Ilorin or any other approved University and have scored minimum of 60% are qualified for admission.

F. Duration of the Programme

The M.Sc. in Geology programme shall be of full-time for a minimum of eighteen months and a maximum of twenty-four months. Candidate may apply for extension of not more than 12 calendar months after the expiration of the maximum period.

G. Detailed Course Description

GEM 801: Research Methods 2 Credits

Geological field mapping, sampling and samples preparation. Analytical techniques in mineralogy, geochemistry, palaeontology, sedimentology and geophysics. Data management and interpretation. Geological report writing and presentations. Writing of research proposals. 15h (T); 45h (P); C.

GEM 802: Advanced Sedimentology 2 Credits

Nature and origin of sedimentary rocks. Structures in sedimentary rock. Facies and facies analysis. Paleocurrents and paleogeography. Environmental analysis. Depositional environments. Sedimentation and tectonics. Sequence stratigraphy 30h (T); C

GEM 803: Seminar 2 Credits

Each student shall present one seminar on a topic approved by the Department. 90(P); C

GEM 804: Geological Prospecting and Exploration 3 Credits

Nature and types of earth resources. Prospecting criteria. Exploratory systems, geostatistical and geo-economics considerations. Selected case histories of prospecting and Exploration for minerals, groundwater and fossil fuels. 30h (T); 45h (P); C

GEM 805: Remote Sensing 2 Credits

Principles and methods of remote sensing. Geological Interpretation of aerial photographs, Radar, Landsat and Thermal images. Digital processing and image enhancement Techniques. 15h (T); 45h (P); C

GEM 806: Exploration Geochemistry 3 Credits

Associations and patterns of geochemical distribution of elements, background and values and anomalies. Bedrock, soil, stream sediment, vegetation, water and vapour surveys. Sampling and analyses. Method of analyses of geochemical samples. Treatment of geochemical data, statistical interpretation. Case histories 30h (T); 45h (P); E

GEM 807: Advanced Geochemistry 2 Credits

Energy in geochemical systems. Equilibrium thermodynamics. Thermodynamics of solids and fluids. Kinetics of geochemical processes. Trace element geochemistry. Isotope geochemistry. Organic geochemistry. 15h (T); 45h (P); E

GEM 808: Advanced Mining Geology 3 Credits

Types of mines and mining methods. Mining and quarrying Instruments. Development of mine exploration programmes and Techniques of mine mapping. Sampling and assaying of mineral deposits. Estimation of tonnage and grade of ore deposits. Mine economics. Case histories. 30h (T); 45h (P); E

GEM 809: African Geology and Mineral Resources 2 Credits

General introduction to geology of Africa with emphasis on West Africa. Detailed examination of the geological evolution of Africa. Geological habitat of the African mineral deposits. 30h (T);

GEM 810: Biostratigraphy 2 Credits

The use of fossils in dating and correlation. Stratigraphic divisions and nomenclature. Types of zones; their definition and use in stratigraphy. Lateral relationships and facies changes. Breaks in sedimentation. Detailed biostratigraphy and basin analysis. 30h (T); C

GEM 811: Groundwater Geology 3 Credits

Groundwater occurrence and exploration. Groundwater exploitation and management. Well hydraulics and aquifer tests. 30h (T); 45h (P); C

GEM 812: Advanced Structural Geology 3 Credits

Concepts of stress and strain. Strain analysis. Deformation mechanisms. Structural elements. Geometrical analysis. Structural cross-sections. 15h (T); 90h (P); C

GEM 813: Applied Geophysics 3 Credits

Nature of Geophysics and the classification of different geophysical methods. The physical properties of minerals and rocks. General treatment of the basic principles; instruments, survey techniques, interpretation approaches and application of the major geophysical prospecting methods. 30h (T); 45h (P); C.

GEM 814: Case Histories in Exploration Geophysics 2 Credits

Exploration and optimization of geophysical surveys. Selected case histories of geophysical investigations for metallic and non-metallic minerals, for fuels, and for solving ground-water and engineering problems. 30h (T); C.

GEM 815: Clay Mineralogy 2 Credits

Clay mineral structures and classification. Genesis and Physico-chemical characteristics of clay minerals. Sedimentological and strati graphical importance of clays. Clays as industrial minerals. Geophagy and geophagy clays. 30h (T); E

GEM 816: Ore Mineralogy 2 Credits

Detailed treatment of the ore minerals, their physical, chemical and Optical properties and inter-relations. Identification of the minerals by optical and microchemical methods. Study of the Para genesis of Mineral suites from a selected mining district. 15h (T); 45h (P); E

GEM 817: Sedimentary Petrology 2 Credits

The fundamental properties of sedimentary rocks – mineral and chemical composition, texture and sedimentary structures. Granulometric analysis. Detailed petrography of sedimentary rocks. Process that form sedimentary rocks. Provenance of sedimentary rocks. 15h (T); 45h (P); C

GEM 818: Coal Geology 2 Credits

Origin, geographical and strati graphical distribution of coals. Petrographic analysis of coals. Reserve estimation and mining methods. 15h (T); 45h (P); E

GEM 819: Mineral Economics 2 Credits

The economics role of minerals. Depletion, exhaustibility and Conservation of minerals. Mineral industry demands and general market equilibrium. 30h (T); E

GEM 820: Groundwater Geology of Nigeria 3 Credits

Groundwater resources of Nigeria. Aquifer characteristics in Nigeria. Case studies of groundwater exploration and exploitation in Nigeria. 30h (T); 45h (P); C

GEM 821: Advanced Igneous Petrology 3 Credits

Origin and types of magmas. Petrological variation diagrams. Phase rule and phase diagrams. Experimental igneous petrology, Volcanism and volcanic rocks. Plutonism and plutonic rocks. Behaviour of trace elements in igneous processes. Melting and Crystallization models. Isotopes in igneous petrology. 30h (T); 45h (P); E

GEM 822: Advanced Metamorphic Petrology 3 Credits

Types and fields of metamorphism. Phase equilibria. Graphical Representation of metamorphic Para genesis. Fluids in metamorphic Process. Geothermometric and Geobarometry. Facies series. 30h (T); 45h (P); E

GEM 823: Carbonate Petrology 2 Credits

Genesis and classification of carbonate minerals and rocks. Carbonate diagenesis. Economic importance and mineralization in carbonates and economic significance. 15h (T); 45h (P); E

GEM 824: Advanced Palynology 3 Credits

Stratigraphically important palynofossils groups: Their Biology, Paleoecology and Chronology. Palynostratigraphy of West Africa, –Northeast South America paleo floristic province. Application of palynology to coal basin and hydrocarbon source rocks and sequence stratigraphy. 30h (T); 45h (P); E

GEM 825: Metallic Mineral Deposits 3 Credits

Metallogenesis and origin of the major types of metallic ore deposits: their distribution in space and time and Theories of ore formation. 30h (T); 45h (P); C

GEM 826: Non-metallic Mineral Deposits 2 Credits

A survey of principal industrial and non-metallic minerals, particularly in Nigeria. Economic importance and uses of these commodities. 15h (T); 45h (P); C

GEM 827: Subsurface Geology 3 Credits

Well logs, principles and applications: core and ditch cutting descriptions, preparation of core logs, borehole logging. Concepts and methods of subsurface facies analysis. Preparation and interpretation of structure contour maps, isopach and isolith maps and their use in prospect evaluation. Seismic data processing and interpretation. Introduction to subsurface software applications. 30h (T); 45h (P); C

GEM 828: Petroleum Economics 2 Credits

Role of the explorationists in identifying and developing a play and producing leads and prospects; petroleum system analysis, and play fairway definition; case studies of selected fields; Development of mapping techniques and an understanding of the data required to evaluate a lead / prospect; estimation of reserves. 30hrs (T); E

GEM 829: Geochemistry and Petroleum Systems 2 Credits

The concept of petroleum systems: organic geochemistry, sedimentology of source rocks, and the kinetics of oil and gas formation. Introduction to 1D thermal modelling. Methods of analysing the source rocks (petrography, vitrinite reflectance, Rock-Eval) of oils and extracts. Practical application. 2D and 3D modelling as a means of understanding and predicting the migration of hydrocarbons in basins. Characterization of reservoirs. 15hrs (T); 45hrs (P); E

GEM 830: Advanced Engineering Geology 2 Credits

Engineering geological maps and their evaluation. Site investigations for engineering constructions. Soils and rocks as construction materials. Embankments and foundations: types and design. Elements of road pavements. 15h (T); 45h (P); C

GEM 831: Soil and Rock Mechanics 3 Credits

Engineering classification of soils and rocks. Weathering and soil formation. Stress- strain relationships. Theories of elasticity and plasticity. Engineering properties of soils and rocks 30h (T); 45h (P);, C

GEM 832: Geological Mapping 3 Credits

Detailed mapping of a selected area to be chosen in consultation with the coordinator(s) and the Head of Department (The work carried out in this course shall be distinct from the Research Project)135h (P); C

GEM 833: Gravity and Magnetic Prospecting 3 Credits

Theory of the gravitational and magnetic potential. Methods and techniques of gravity and magnetic surveys. Data correction and reduction. Gravity and magnetic data interpretation. Selected examples. 30h (T); 45h (P); C

GEM 834: Electrical Methods of Prospecting 3 Credits

The electrical properties of minerals and rocks. Electrical resistivity, electrochemical and electromagnetic methods of prospecting. Methods and techniques of field surveys. Data processing and selected samples.30h (T); 45h (P); C

GEM 835: Seismic Prospecting 3 Credits

Propagation of body waves in elastic media. Transmission, reflection and refraction of waves at velocity interfaces. Field procedures, data processing and interpretation. Examples of reflection and refraction surveys. 30h (T); 45h (P); C

GEM 836: Environmental Protection and Waste Management 3 Credits

Waste disposal techniques, disposal of domestic, toxic, and nuclear wastes. Remediation and redevelopment of contaminated soils and rocks. Management of natural and man-made hazards.30h (T); 45h (P); C

GEM 837: Advanced Palaeontology 3 Credits

Stratigraphically important macro- and microfossil groups, their biology, paleoecology and chronology. Application of fossils in regional investigations, paleogeography and environmental analysis. Special emphasis on the use of microfossil studies in basin analysis. 30h (T); 45h (P); C

GEM 838: Advanced Petroleum Geology 3 Credits

Modern concepts related to source studies, migration and reservoir characteristics. Role of structural, stratigraphic and hydrodynamic controls in hydrocarbon accumulation. Petroleum geochemistry, sub-surface and stratigraphic procedures. Logs and their interpretation. Geologic information from drilling. Sedimentary basin analysis. The Niger Delta Petroleum Province; petroleum system. 30h (T); 45h (P); C

GEM 839: Research Project 6 Credits

An independent research study, the topic of which is to be determined in consultation with the approved Supervisor(s) and Head of Department. 225h (P); C

SCI 801: Management and Entrepreneurship 2 credits

Feasibility studies. Entrepreneurship skills development. Organization and management of business. Sourcing for funds. Financial management. Patency. Marketing and managerial problems.30h (T); C

SCI 802: Scientific Research Methodology 2 Credits

Principles of scientific research: Data collection, processing and Analysis. Statistical packages: Precision and accuracy of estimate. Hypothesis: Formulation and testing. Organization of research. Report writing and presentation. Research ethics and grants. 30h (T); C

SCI 803: Computer Appreciation 2 Credits

Introduction to computer science. Components of computer. Operating systems. Software application. Programming languages and their applications. Internet/information technology. 90h (P); C

H. Graduation Requirement

1. M.SC. Solid Mineral Exploration and Mining

Core Courses (C): GEM 801 (2), GEM 803 (2), GEM805 (2), GEM 825 (3),

GEM 826 (2), GEM 832 (3), GEM 839 (6), SCI 801 (2), SCI 802 (2), GEM804 (3),

GEM 808 (3), GEM 812 (3) = 33

Elective Courses (E): GEM 806 (3), GEM 813 (3), GEM 818 (2), GEM 819 (2),

GEM 815 (2), SCI 803 (2). (Any 6 Credits)

TOTAL (C + E) = 39

2. Petroleum Geology and Sedimentology

Core Courses (C): GEM 801 (2), GEM 803 (2), GEM827 (2), GEM832 (3) GEM838

(3), GEM 802 (2), GEM 839 (6), SCI 801 (2), SCI 802 (2), GEM 837 (3), GEM 817 (2),

GEM 810 (2), GEM 838 (3) = 35

Elective Courses (E): GEM 804 (3), GEM 818 (2), GEM 823(2), GEM 815 (2), GEM

811 (2), SCI 803 (2) (Any 6 Credit).

TOTAL (C + E) = 39

3. Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology

Core Courses (C): GEM 801 (2), GEM 803 (2), GEM 805 (2), GEM 832 (3),

GEM 811 (3) GEM 830 (2), GEM 839(5), SCI 801(2), SCI 802 (2), SCI 803(2), GEM

836 (3), GEM 820(3), GEM 831 (3) =34

Elective Courses (E): GEM 814 (2), GEM 834 (3), GEM815 (2) (Any 6 credit)

TOTAL (C + E) = 40

4. Geophysics

Core Courses (C): GEM801 (2), GEM 803 (2), GEM 805 (2), GEM 813 (3), GEM814

(2), GEM 832 (3), GEM 815 (2), SCI 801 (2), SCI 802 (2), GEM 839 (6), GEM 833 (3),

GEM 834 (3), GEM 811 (3) = 33

Elective Courses (E): GEM 804 (3), GEM 812 (3), GEM 827 (3). SCI 803 (2) (Any 6

Credit)

TOTAL (C + E) = 39

Minimum number of credits that a student must pass to graduate is 30. Candidates must register for all the compulsory and required courses in their chosen option. Furthermore, candidates are advised to register for at least two elective courses relevant to their option as advised by the Departmental Postgraduate Coordinator. The pass mark in any course is a minimum of 50%.

I. Summary

Minimum Total number of core credits 33 credits

Minimum number of Elective credits 6 Credits

M.Sc. Applied Geology

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