Earth Sciences - Geology (Direct Entry)

The geological sciences deal with the history of the Earth and its life, especially the history recorded in rocks. The Department of Earth Sciences gives students the theoretical and instrumental expertise needed to tackle many resource extraction, mineral processing and environmental problems.

Areas of employment include:

• Mining/mineral resources companies

• Environmental consulting firms

• Petroleum industry

• Government (municipal, provincial and federal) e.g., geological survey divisions

• Resource exploration companies

• Engineering firms

• Universities

• Science centres and museums

• Professional geoscience consulting

• Geological software development firms

Geology is the study of Earth systems and their interactions, including:   

• the history of the Earth and the formation of natural resources

• natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes and mudslides

• classification of fossilized life forms, rocks and minerals

• scientific predictions of global climate change based on the study of past processes

Major and honours geology students are introduced to geological field mapping techniques in an intensive course following their second year of study. A subsequent advanced field mapping course provides experience in regional scale geological and air photo mapping, and develops observational skills, data recording techniques, recording and project report mapping skills.