Program Overview

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Earth Sciences Degree

The Earth Sciences degree program at the University of Waterloo offers students the opportunity to explore the fascinating and complex world under their feet. The program covers topics such as geology, geophysics, and hydrogeology, and provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the Earth's history, composition, and processes.

Program Overview

The Earth Sciences program is a four-year degree that includes a combination of coursework, laboratory work, and field experiences. Students can choose from three specializations: Geology, Geophysics, or Hydrogeology. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the principles of Earth Sciences, as well as the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in the field.

Coursework

The first-year courses for the Earth Sciences program include:

• EARTH 121/121L – Introductory Earth Sciences/Laboratory
• CHEM 120/120L – General Chemistry 1/Laboratory
• MATH 127 – Calculus 1 for the Sciences
• EARTH 123 – Introductory Hydrology
• PHYS 111/111L – Physics 1/Laboratory

In the second semester, students take:

• EARTH 122/122L – Introductory Environmental Sciences/Laboratory
• CHEM 123/123L – General Chemistry 2/Laboratory
• MATH 128 – Calculus 2 for the Sciences
• ENGL 193/COMMST 193 – Communication in the Sciences
• PHYS 112/112L – Physics 2/Laboratory

Specializations

After the first year, students must choose one of the three specializations:

• Geology: This specialization focuses on the study of the Earth's composition, structure, and processes. Students take a range of courses, including geology, geochemistry, and geophysics.
• Hydrogeology: This specialization focuses on the study of groundwater and its role in the Earth's hydrologic cycle. Students take courses in hydrogeology, geology, and engineering.
• Geophysics: This specialization focuses on the study of the Earth's internal and external physical processes. Students take courses in geophysics, mathematics, and physics.

Sample Upper-Year Courses

Some sample upper-year courses for the Earth Sciences program include:

• EARTH 270 – Disasters and Natural Hazards
• EARTH 331 – Volcanology and Igneous Petrology
• EARTH 342 – Geomorphology and GIS Applications
• EARTH 390 – Methods in Geological Mapping
• EARTH 436 – Honours Thesis
• EARTH 471 – Mineral Deposits

Skills and Knowledge

The Earth Sciences program provides students with a range of skills and knowledge, including:

• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Communication and teamwork
• Fieldwork and laboratory skills
• Geospatial analysis and mapping
• Data analysis and interpretation

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Earth Sciences program can pursue a range of career opportunities, including:

• Energy and natural resources
• Environmental consulting
• Field research and exploration
• Government and policy
• Education and research

Some sample job titles for Earth Sciences graduates include:

• Airborne Geophysicist
• Groundwater Specialist
• Hydrogeologist
• Geologist
• Environmental Consultant

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for the Earth Sciences program include:

• Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses, including English, Advanced Functions, and Calculus and Vectors
• A minimum final grade of 70% in each of these courses
• Two of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Mathematics of Data Management, or Physics

The admission average for the Earth Sciences program is typically in the low 80s.

Co-op Program

The Earth Sciences program at the University of Waterloo offers a co-op option, which provides students with the opportunity to gain paid work experience in their field of study. The co-op program is designed to provide students with a range of skills and knowledge, as well as the opportunity to network and build relationships in the industry.

Co-op Work-Study Sequence

The co-op work-study sequence for the Earth Sciences program is as follows:

Year	September to December (Fall)	January to April (Winter)	May to August (Spring)
First	Study	Study	Off
Second	Study	Co-op	Study
Third	Co-op	Study	Co-op
Fourth	Study	Co-op	Co-op
Fifth	Study	Study	-

Sample Co-op Job Titles

Some sample co-op job titles for Earth Sciences students include:

• Mining exploration field assistant
• Geophysical data processor
• Geological research assistant
• Earth science museum tour guide and curriculum developer
• Geochemistry lab assistant
• Groundwater technician
• Environmental geoscientist
• Waste water project assistant

Faculty and Research

The Earth Sciences program at the University of Waterloo is taught by a range of faculty members with expertise in geology, geophysics, hydrogeology, and other related fields. The program is also supported by a range of research facilities and equipment, including laboratories, field equipment, and geospatial analysis software.

Conclusion

The Earth Sciences program at the University of Waterloo provides students with a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of Earth Sciences. The program offers a range of specializations, coursework, and field experiences, as well as opportunities for co-op work experience and research. Graduates of the program can pursue a range of career opportunities in energy and natural resources, environmental consulting, field research, and other related fields.