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Our three specialized programs—Geology, Environmental Geoscience, and Geophysics (a joint offering with the Department of Physics)—equip students with the expertise to pursue graduate studies while qualifying them as professional geoscientists upon graduation. The Geology program delves into planetary solid-body processes, covering volcanic activity, sedimentary formations, orogeny, mineral and ore genesis, and Earth's evolutionary history. The Environmental Geoscience program expands this foundation by incorporating groundwater systems and biogeochemical interactions. The Geophysics program trains students to model planetary physical processes and employ advanced subsurface imaging techniques in 4D (space-time dimensions), applicable to diverse fields from archaeological surveys to resource exploration and tectonic modeling.
The Environmental Geoscience program emphasizes Earth system interconnectivity (biosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere) through core subjects including earth materials, aqueous geochemistry, hydrogeology, sedimentology, geomorphology, and biogeochemistry. This curriculum prepares graduates for environmental careers in consulting, water resource management, waste solutions, and sustainability across private, public, and academic sectors.
All programs prioritize experiential learning through laboratory work and field studies. Each requires at least one field course, with optional intensive trips ranging from single-day excursions to fortnight-long expeditions. Recent destinations include Newfoundland, the American Southwest, Hawaii, Chile, and New Zealand, with undergraduate research conducted in Turkey, Peru, Greece, and South Africa. These immersive experiences build professional networks, enhance teamwork abilities, facilitate practical learning, and foster close faculty mentorship. Students are further encouraged to pursue international study programs, summer research, internships, and collaborations with industry and NGOs.
Students from different countries should have qualifications equivalent to Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Six 4U/M courses, including:
English Language Requirements
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): The minimum requirement is an overall band of 6.5, with no band below 6.0.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): The minimum scores required for the different TOEFL tests are:
Internet-based Test:
Minimum Requirement: total score of 100 + 22 on Writing
Discretionary Range: total score 89-99 + 22 on Writing
Cambridge Assessment English C1: Advanced or C2: Proficiency: A minimum overall score of 180, with at least 170 in each component.
Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL): The minimum score required to meet our English facility requirement is an overall score of 70 and no part below 60.
Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees (CanTEST): The minimum requirement is a total score of 4.5, and no part below 4.