Science Academic Programs and Plans

Advisors: See Faculty of Science academic advisors.

Honours Earth Sciences, Geophysics Specialization is available in both systems of study: regular and co-operative.

Geophysics is a broad field where mathematics and physics are combined to study the many phenomena that happen inside, on the surface, and in the atmosphere of the Earth and other planets. In addition to mineral and energy exploration, geophysicists are involved in evaluating earthquake and volcano hazards, monitoring nuclear weapons treaties, assisting in managing and protecting groundwater resources and studying geomagnetic phenomenon, such as the Aurora Borealis. Students in the Geophysics Specialization acquire a wide range of quantitative skills from their studies of earth sciences, mathematics, and physics. Geophysicists are in demand by employers in all areas of earth sciences from oil, gas, and base metal exploration to environmental monitoring and management, in both the public and private sectors.

Continuing in Honours Earth Sciences, Geophysics Specialization (regular and co-op) requires a minimum cumulative overall average of 60% and a minimum cumulative average of 60% in all EARTH courses.

Successful completion requires:

1. 21.75 units distributed as follows:
   
   • 9.25 EARTH units: EARTH 121, EARTH 121L, EARTH 122, EARTH 122L, EARTH 123, EARTH 221, EARTH 223, EARTH 231, EARTH 232, EARTH 235, EARTH 238, EARTH 260, EARTH 333, EARTH 358, EARTH 390, EARTH 458, EARTH 458L, EARTH 460, EARTH 461, EARTH 471
   • 1.0 EARTH unit: EARTH 436A and either EARTH 436B or one EARTH elective at 300-level or higher
   • 2.5 EARTH elective units with the following conditions:
     
     • 0.5 unit must be 200-level or higher
     • 2.0 units must be 300-level or higher
   • 1.5 CHEM units: CHEM 120, CHEM 120L, CHEM 123, CHEM 123L
   • 1.5 PHYS units: PHYS 121, PHYS 121L, PHYS 122, PHYS 122L
   • 2.5 MATH units: MATH 106 or MATH 114; MATH 127 and MATH 128; MATH 227 or CIVE 221; MATH 228 or CIVE 222 or ENVE 223
   • 0.5 STAT unit: STAT 202
   • 2.0 program elective units chosen from any AMATH, BIOL, CHEM, CS, MATH, MNS, or PHYS course
   • 0.5 ENGL unit: ENGL 193/SPCOM 193
   • 0.5 elective unit chosen from any 0.5 unit lecture course
2. Co-operative program requirements (when applicable) that include:
   • A minimum of four work terms: COOP 1, COOP 2, COOP 3, COOP 4.
   • A minimum of three work-term reports: one as part of PD 11, WKRPT 200S, WKRPT 300S.
   • A minimum of four Professional Development courses: PD 1, PD 11, and two other PD courses.

Notes

1. EARTH 342 and EARTH 440 are recommended EARTH electives.
2. SCI and EARTH courses may not be counted as program electives.
3. CS 100, MATH 103, MATH 104, MATH 124, and MATH 199 may not be counted as program electives.
4. Students will need enrolment permission for required courses offered through Engineering.

Recommended Course Sequences

See regular plan.

See co-op plan.