Bachelor of Science, Majors, Minors and Transfer
Earth Science
- A Minor is offered
- Program Fees: Domestic Students, International Students
- Apply for Admission: Forms and Information
Note: VIU also offers a Bachelor of Arts, Minor in Earth Science.
General Description
The Minor in Earth Science is designed to provide foundational knowledge about the Earth’s materials, processes, resources and history. Earth Science is a multidisciplinary field in which the principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology are applied to understand how the Earth works. Earth Science literacy is of critical importance in understanding and solving challenges facing us regarding energy and resource availability and environmental sustainability.
The Minor in Earth Science is designed to be taken as part of a Double Minor or as a Major and Minor combination for a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts. The program provides a solid foundation in the physical sciences and the flexibility to create individualized programs of study.
The Minor in Earth Sciences combines with Minors or Majors in Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics, and Computer Science. The Minor in Earth Sciences also complements studies in Anthropology, Business, Economics, Creative Writing, and Liberal Studies. Career directions for students with a Minor in Earth Science are varied, but could include work in variety of fields employed with environmental consultants, resource companies or government agencies. The program will be of particular interest to students proceeding towards a career in Primary and Secondary Education, with plans for teaching a science curriculum.
Requirements for a Minor
Students must fulfill all Institutional B.Sc. Degree Requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below.
Years 1 and 2: Require 6 core courses as follows:
Years 1 and 2 |
Credits |
|---|---|
GEOL 111 - (Discovering Planet Earth) |
4 |
GEOL 112 - (Understanding Earth's History) |
4 |
GEOL 200 - (Mineralogy and Petrology) |
3 |
GEOL 201 - (Sedimentology and Stratigraphy) |
3 |
GEOL 202 - (Earth Structures) |
3 |
GEOL 206 - (Field Geology and Geological Mapping) |
3 |
Years 3 and 4: Minimum of 18 credits of Earth Science* courses numbered 300 and above from the following list:
Years 3 and 4 |
Credits |
|---|---|
18 credits from the following list: |
|
CHEM 301 - (Aqueous Environmental Chemistry) |
3 |
CHEM 302 - (Atmospheric Environmental Chemistry) |
3 |
GEOG 326 - (Remote Sensing) |
3 |
GEOG 328 - (Geographic Information Systems) |
3 |
GEOG 372 - (Climatology) |
3 |
GEOG 373 - (Biogeography) |
3 |
GEOG 374 - (Hydrology) |
3 |
GEOG 376 - (Geomorphology) |
3 |
GEOG 428 - (GIS Applications) |
3 |
GEOL 300 - (Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology) |
3 |
GEOL 301 - (Cave & Karst Landscapes and Systems) |
3 |
GEOL 304 - (Hydrogeology) |
3 |
GEOL 308 - (Geochemistry) |
3 |
GEOL 312 - (Environmental Geology) |
3 |
GEOL 380 - (Earth Science Work Experience) |
3 |
GEOL 390 - (Special Field Studies) |
3 |
GEOL 470 - (Earth Science Issues in British Columbia) |
3 |
GEOL 480 - (Earth Science Senior Work Experience) |
3 |
GEOL 490 - (Directed Studies in Earth Science) |
3 |
* Earth Science courses are approved lab science courses from the departments of Geology, Chemistry, and Geography.
Updated December 14, 2009