Program Overview

Introduction to the Undergraduate Certificate in Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences

The Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences (EOAS) at the University of British Columbia offers an Undergraduate Certificate in Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences. This 9-credit certificate is designed to provide students with a foundation in understanding the complex interactions among the major spheres of the Earth, from the atmosphere to the core.

Program Description

The certificate aims to equip students with knowledge about the Earth's evolution and ongoing changes, which will influence various careers, including politics, economics, science, and social studies. The program explores nine themes related to Earth and its changing environment, including:

• Earth Systems Science
• Non-renewable resources
• Alternate sources of energy
• Pollution
• Current climate change
• Reference to the current climate crisis
• Climate and environmental change impact on society
• Ancient climate change
• Changes in biodiversity / extinctions

Eligibility Information

Almost all UBC Undergraduate Students are eligible to take this Certificate, except for those registered in any degree administered by EOAS, the CMS Environment and Earth Sciences option, the BA in Environment and Sustainability, and the BSc in Geographical Sciences. To be eligible, students must already be registered in a degree specialization. Unclassified Students cannot take the Certificate at this time.

Program Requirements

To complete the Certificate, students are required to take one course from each of the 3 units below, for a total of 9 credits. Depending on course selection, a minimum class standing of 2 is required, although some courses have additional prerequisites.

Unit 1: The Geosphere (3 credits)

One of the following courses:

• EOSC_V3101
• EOSC_V3111

Unit 2: The Atmosphere and Hydrosphere (3 credits)

One of the following courses:

• ATSC_V3133
• EOSC_V3141
• EOSC_V3403
• EOSC_V3454

Unit 3: The Biosphere (3 credits)

One of the following courses:

• EOSC_V3151
• EOSC_V3265
• GEOS_V3036
• GEOS_V3066
• GEOS_V3076

1 Prerequisite: Class Standing 2 in any faculty
Credit exclusion with EOSC 110
3 Requires some 100-level course prerequisites
4 Prerequisite: Class Standing 3 in any faculty
5 Prerequisite of at least one Biology 100-level course and Class Standing 3 in any faculty
6 Courses have recommended prerequisites

The UBC calendar page for the Undergraduate Certificate in Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences includes these formal program requirement details as well.