Geophysics

The Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences offers majors, honours, combined honours, and minor specializations in Geophysics. For information on graduate degrees see Geophysics.

Geophysics is an interdisciplinary physical science of the Earth, the planets and their environments. Geophysics applies the knowledge and techniques of physics, mathematics, computing and chemistry to understand planetary structure, climate and surface processes, and their evolution through time. The specialization provides the rigorous foundation in physical sciences and mathematics necessary for studying or addressing challenges related to Earth and planetary systems, natural hazards, and the stewardship of energy, material resources and the natural environment.

Those who wish to undertake graduate studies or apply for professional registration as a geophysicist in industry are encouraged to enrol in Major or Honours Geophysics specializations, or combine the minor with another science discipline. Students who desire to register as Professional Geoscientists (P.Geo.) should contact Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (EGBC) to ascertain course and other requirements.

For details of other undergraduate Science specializations available in the department, see Atmospheric Science, Earth and Ocean Sciences , Environmental Sciences, Geological Sciences, and Oceanography. The department also offers Geological Engineering as part of the B.A.Sc. program.

Co-operative Education Option

This option integrates academic study and supervised work experience. Enrolment is limited. Admissibility to any Geophysics specialization is prerequisite for admission. Detailed information is available from Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences or the Science Co-operative Education Office.

Specializations

Major (0001): Geophysics

Specialization Objectives

Mastery of the curriculum will provide a thorough background in a wide range of geophysics:

1. that will qualify students for a wide range of careers in, or involving, the quantitative natural and applied sciences and the analysis of data;
2. that students may use towards registration as a Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.) with Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia (EGBC);
3. that will qualify students for graduate school in geophysics.

Learning Goals

Students completing this specialization will be able to:

1. demonstrate basic knowledge of the physics of the Earth and other planets;
2. use analytical problem solving and mathematical techniques for model development;
3. use numerical problem solving, computer programming skills, statistical approaches and inverse theory for data analysis and modelling;
4. illustrate the distinctions between data, experiment, theory, and model;
5. integrate theory, observations, and/or numerics to solve geophysics and related geoscience or technical problems;
6. apply geophysical approaches to understand the structure and dynamics of Earth and other planetary bodies, including their climates, surface evolution and internal composition;
7. use relevant scientific and technical literature, write reports and communicate through oral presentations.

Honours (0380): Geophysics (GEOP)¹

Specialization Objectives

Honours will provide more depth than the Major. Mastery of the curriculum will provide a thorough background in a wide range of geophysics:

1. that will qualify students for graduate school in geophysics and other quantitative Earth Sciences;
2. that students may use towards registration as a Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.) with Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (EGBC);
3. that will qualify students for a wide range of careers in, or involving, the quantitative natural and applied sciences and the analysis of data.

Learning Goals

Students completing this specialization will be able to:

1. demonstrate basic knowledge of the physics of the Earth and other planets;
2. use analytical problem solving and mathematical techniques for model development;
3. use numerical problem solving, computer programming skills, statistical approaches and inverse theory for data analysis and modelling;
4. illustrate the distinctions between data, experiment, theory, and model;
5. integrate theory, observations, and/or numerics to solve geophysics and related geoscience or technical problems;
6. apply geophysical approaches to understand the structure and dynamics of Earth and other planetary bodies including their climates, surface evolution and internal composition;
7. define, conduct, and present the results of an individual research project;
8. use relevant scientific and technical literature, write reports and communicate through oral presentations.

Combined Honours: Geophysics and Another Science Subject¹

Minor: Geophysics (GEOP)

The minor consists of 18 credits, including all of EOSC 352, EOSC 354, EOSC 410, EOSC 453, and two of EOSC 353, 429, 440, 450, 454, ATSC 404. See Minor Options.