Major in Earth and Environmental Sciences
The Earth and Environmental Sciences program provides an education reflecting the multi-disciplinary nature of the field. Students will acquire a fundamental understanding of past and present relationships among air, water, rocks and minerals, and biota. Flexible program requirements allow students to acquire a degree that meets their personal objectives. Programs can also be designed to meet curriculum guidelines required for professional licensure1. For example, students are referred to the Geoscientists Canada and the Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia websites for syllabus requirements for licensure as a Professional Geoscientist. Licensure or registration with other national and provincial bodies may be possible with careful course selection.
1Licensure as a professional in geoscience and other related fields is managed by organizations external to UBC. Efforts are made to ensure that the relevant UBC courses meet provincial and national requirements, but students are reminded that the final decision on course acceptance rests with these external organizations.
| First and Second Years1 | Credits |
|---|---|
| EESC_O 111, 112 | 6 |
| Two of BIOL_O 116, 125, COSC_O 101, 111, 114, 121, DATA_O 101 | 6 |
| CHEM_O 121, 123 | 6 |
| MATH_O 100 | 3 |
| MATH_O 101 or 103 | 3 |
| PHYS_O 111 or 112 | 3 |
| PHYS_O 121 or 122 | 3 |
| Communication Requirement2 | 6 |
| One of BIOL_O 202; GEOG_O 271, STAT_O 121, 230 | 3 |
| EESC_O 200-level courses | 9 |
| EESC_O or other Science 200-level courses3 | 6 |
| Non-Science electives | 6 |
| Total Credits | 60 |
| Third and Fourth Years1 | Credits |
|---|---|
| EESC_O 300- and 400-level courses4 | 18 |
| EESC_O or GISC_O 300- or 400-level courses | 6 |
| EESC_O, GISC_O or other Science 300- and 400-level courses5 | 12 |
| Non-Science electives6,7 | 6 |
| Electives7 | 18 |
| Minimum total credits for degree | 120 |
1Students are advised to consult a departmental program advisor or the program website for guidance on which courses to take in first and second year. The choice of courses, and the order to take them in, may vary depending on student interests. Careful selection of courses at all levels may be required to meet the requirements of licensure as a professional. Consultation with a departmental program advisor is recommended at the end of 1st-year or in the first weeks of 2nd year if a student is aiming to meet requirements of professional licensure.
2Communication Requirement: This may be fulfilled by 6 credits from: APSC_O 176, 201, CORH_O 203, ENGL_O 109,112, 113, 114, 150, 151, 153, 154, 155, 156, BIOL_O 313, EESC_O 398. In exceptional circumstances, such as transfer students, other courses may be permitted by the program advisor. Students who have not completed the Communication Requirement by the time they enter fourth year will not be permitted to enrol in any courses other than courses that satisfy the requirement.
3Students may choose 200-level courses from Earth and Environmental Sciences courses, Geography courses accepted as science courses, or from across the sciences. Students should consult with a program advisor to select courses to match their intended program of study and professional licensure intentions.
4A few upper-level Earth and Environmental Sciences courses are offered in alternate years. Planning with a department advisor is recommended.
5Students may choose from Earth and Environmental Sciences courses, Geospatial Information Science courses, Geography courses accepted as science courses, or from across the sciences. Students should consult with a program advisor to select courses to match their intended program of study and professional licensure intentions.
6Those Geography courses regarded as Science courses cannot be used for Non-Science credit. See the Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements for a list.
7At least 6 credits of these electives must be 300-level or higher. Students entering the B.Sc. in 2024 or later must complete at least 9 credits of non-science designated courses and 3 credits from INDG_O 100 or ENGL_O 114. Students who entered the B.Sc. prior to 2024 are required to complete 12 credits of non-science designated courses. These students are strongly encouraged to take INDG_O 100 or ENGL_O 114.
Earth and Environmental Sciences Honours Program
The Earth and Environmental Sciences Honours program is designed for dedicated students in Earth and Environmental Sciences desiring a recognized research component in their B.Sc. degree. Students must maintain a high academic standing, and demonstrate their ability to undertake independent research through completion of an individual research project.
Admission Requirements
- Fourth-year standing;
- A minimum grade average of 76% in 200-, 300- and 400-level courses applicable to the Major in Earth and Environmental Sciences;
- Enrolment in EESC_O 449 with a research project and supervisor approved by the department head;
- An individual research project as agreed upon by the student and the supervising faculty member; and
- Permission of the Department Head.
In exceptional cases, such as transferees from another institution, a student may be admitted to the Honours program notwithstanding the criteria listed above.
Graduation Requirements
- Completion of the course requirements for the Major in Earth and Environmental Sciences with EESC_O 449 Honours Thesis representing 6 of the 120 credits;
- A minimum 76% graduating grade average;
- A minimum average of 76% in all 300- and 400-level Earth and Environmental Sciences courses including up to 6 credits of Geospatial Information Science courses used to fulfill the program requirements; and
- A minimum grade of 76% in EESC_O 449. A written thesis is required and the research must be publicly presented either as a seminar or poster.