Earth Science (formerly Geology)

We are directly dependent on our planet for our survival and as we shift toward a greener future, our society requires Earth Scientists. For example, Earth Scientists are crucial for exploration and mining of critical mineral resources to support clean energy infrastructure (e.g., lithium batteries, rare earth elements for wind turbines, indium for solar voltaic panels) and food security (e.g., potash for fertilizers), to develop and practice sustainable solutions for carbon based energies, and for predicting and mitigating erosion of our coastlines and continental interior due to rising sea levels and more frequent and severe weather systems. 

Earth Science is the study of Earth, its materials, the processes that affect its surface and interior, the history of change that it has undergone, as well as the interaction between Earth and the environment. Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science degree program may choose to pursue a Concentration, Major, or Honours in Earth Science. For Majors and Honours in Earth Science, the Department offers three streams: Earth Science, Geology, and Environmental Geoscience.

The general Earth Science stream is for students wishing to engage in advanced studies in the geosciences, but whose career trajectory does not require Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.) registration. This program is of interest for students who are considering career paths such as teaching, science communication, environmental law, resource-related business, working for development organizations, or emergency management.

The Geology stream is intended for those who wish to work as a designated P.Geo., including careers in mineral exploration and mining, petroleum geoscience, and/or government geoscience.

Those who pursue our Environmental Geoscience stream study the structure of Earth with a direct focus of understanding human interactions with the planet, particularly to predict or anticipate geologic and/or geomorphologic hazards and to provide information to help minimize impacts on the environment. This program will also have the necessary knowledge requirements to register for P.Geo. with career prospects including (but not limited to) mine site reclamation, environmental monitoring, environmental policy, and/or hydrogeology.

Many of our courses may be taken by students majoring in other science subjects as well as those in arts and business. A double major Earth Science/Geography or Earth Science/Environmental Science will emphasize environmental aspects of geology. The Earth Science/Business program emphasizes the economic aspects of the earth. In addition, a number of courses are offered for non-science students, emphasizing global aspects of geology, Earth history, and the interactions between Earth and human society.

Science students interested in Earth Science should take Understanding the Earth (GEOL 1200) and The Dynamic Earth (GEOL 1201). Those planning to pursue the double majors and honours programs should take these courses in their first year. These courses provide a broad survey of the discipline, with practical experience provided through labs and field trips.

Students wishing to enter the Earth Science program after taking other 1000-level Earth Science courses (Planet Earth: Atlantic Canada Perspective (GEOL 1202)Earth History: Atlantic Canada Perspective (GEOL 1203)Global Change (GEOL 1206)Environmental Geology: Atlantic Canada Perspective (GEOL 1208), and Atlantic Ocean: Formation, Fossils, Phenomena (GEOL 1211)], may substitute the course for The Dynamic Earth (GEOL 1201). Therefore, these students can enter the program in the 2nd year by either taking  Understanding the Earth (GEOL 1200) concurrently with Mineralogy (GEOL 2301) in the fall semester, or Geology for Engineers (GEOL 1204) in the spring preceding the 2nd year of the program in lieu of Understanding the Earth (GEOL 1200). Likewise, engineering students who, after taking Geology for Engineers (GEOL 1204), wish to continue taking Earth Science courses, may substitute this course for Understanding the Earth (GEOL 1200).

In 2nd year, Mineralogy (GEOL 2301), Optical and Analytical Mineralogy (GEOL 2302)Sedimentation and Stratigraphy (GEOL 2325) and Applied Earth Science Techniques (GEOL 2326) will help establish or further round out student's appreciation and knowledge of how we study the Earth. These courses are also recommended for students in other programs.

Students in the Earth Science Major and Honours programs should seek the advice of the Department Chair as to their elective and supporting courses, and are encouraged to tailor their course selection for P.Geo. registration in one of the two streams available. Year 4 students are encouraged to participate in the research projects being carried out in the Department. Under special circumstances, some prerequisites for 3000 and 4000-level courses may be waived with the permission of the Department.