Earth sciences encompasses all scientific studies related to the structure and development of our planet, whether investigating the composition of rocks or soil on the Earth’s surface, the movement of plates or the properties of material far beneath our feet. Although field work plays an important role in many studies, today’s geoscientists commonly use ocean drilling vessels, satellite imagery, high-precision geochemical and geophysical instruments, and the latest in electronic and laser microscopes.

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• Admission requirements - entry to the university
• Your first year
• Admission requirements - admission to the major
• Sample courses
• Career opportunities

Earth sciences at Memorial

Memorial University has one of the largest and most diverse Earth sciences departments in Canada. You can choose a comprehensive stream, or specialize in applied geophysics; environmental geoscience; petrology, tectonics and economic geology; or sedimentary basins.

Many companies visit us annually to hire our students both for summer work and permanent positions. A significant proportion of our students become professional geoscientists.

In addition to the major, minor and honours options in Earth sciences, joint programs are offered in:

• biology/Earth sciences (B.Sc. honours)
• chemistry/Earth sciences (B.Sc. honours)
• Earth sciences/geography (B.Sc. honours)
• Earth sciences/physics (B.Sc. major and honours)
• geophysics/physical oceanography (B.Sc. honours)

Non-majors are welcome to explore a variety of course offerings: Earth Sciences 1000 (Earth Systems), Earth Sciences 1002 (Concepts and Methods in Earth Sciences), Earth Sciences 2150 (The Solar System), Earth Sciences 2916 (Natural Hazards on a Dynamic Earth), Earth Sciences 2917 (Gems: the Science and Politics), Earth Sciences 2918 (Earth’s Story) and Earth Sciences 2919 (Introduction to Marine Geology).

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Admission requirements - entry to the university

Applications are considered on a rolling basis. You are encouraged to apply by:

You may apply for admission into the Faculty of Science by indicating bachelor of science as your program choice on the undergraduate application for admission.

Direct entry into the Faculty of Science from high school is subject to meeting the general admission requirements for Memorial University, including appropriate courses in mathematics and a laboratory science.

Important to know: You cannot choose Earth sciences as your major at the time of application. Admission into the major requires the completion of university level courses. Follow the information listed below under your first year and admission to the major for further details.

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Your first year

Have a look at a sample schedule of 10 courses you may need to take before declaring the Earth Sciences major.

This is a sample only. Meet with an academic advisor to create a plan that aligns with your specific needs and goals.

1. If you are completing Mathematics 1090/1000, you will be required to complete Mathematics 1001 as well.
   
   
2. If you are not eligible to register for Chemistry 1050 in the fall semester, you can take Chemistry 1010 in the fall and Chemistry 1050 in the winter semester. Students attending Grenfell Campus for the first year of the program will normally complete Chemistry 1200/1001.
   
   
3. If you are pursuing a geophysics specialization within Earth sciences, you will be required to complete Physics 1051. If you complete Physics 1020 with at least 70%, you should take Physics 1051. If you are registered in Physics 1051, you must also be registered in, or have previously completed, Mathematics 1001. If you receive a grade less than 70% in Physics 1020, you should take Physics 1021. If you are registered in Physics 1050, you must also be registered in Mathematics 1000 (not 1090).
   
   
4. You are required to complete six credit hours in CRW courses, including at least three credit hours in English. Students attending Grenfell Campus will normally complete English 1000/1001 in their first year.

Further assistance

For assistance with course selection, contact the Academic Advising Centre.

For additional program information, visit the Department of Earth Sciences or contact the Manager of Academic Programs.

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Admission requirements - admission to the major

Current Memorial students

To be admitted to the Earth sciences major, you must have successfully completed one three-credit hour course in each of the following subjects: English, mathematics, chemistry, physics, and Earth sciences. These courses must be first-year courses and selected from the list of required courses for the major program.

You must complete Earth Sciences 1000 and 1002 with a minimum grade of 55%, which is required for all second-year courses with Earth Sciences 1000 and 1002 as prerequisite courses.

Declare your major

Upon completion of these courses (normally in your second semester), you should contact the Department of Earth Sciences to declare the major. 

Registration for the core second-year courses in Earth sciences normally requires that all of the sample first-year program courses be completed. It is possible to take Mathematics 1001 as a co-requisite with second year courses in the fall of the second year of the program.

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Sample courses

EASC 2031 - Mineralogy and Petrography
EASC 2702 - Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
EASC 3420 - Global Tectonic Processes

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Career opportunities

A bachelor of science degree, with a major in Earth sciences, prepares students for a variety of careers including:

• environmental geoscientist
• mineralogist
• gemologist
• planetary scientist
• teacher
• museum curator
• park interpreter
• paleontologist

Note: some of these careers may call for supplementary education or preparation in the form of graduate studies, experiential learning or professional courses and exams.

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