Earth Sciences
Earth sciences is the study of the Earth and its neighbours in space. This discipline deals with the origin, composition and history of our planet as well as the physical, chemical and biological processes that have changed and shaped it over the past 4.5 billion years. Today, we routinely view images of the planet from space. Studies of the Earth's continents, oceans and atmosphere reveal a complex and yet fragile, world. This view has propelled us into an extraordinary age of geoscientific research. Earth scientists commonly explore the formation of mountains, drift of the continents, sources of mineral and fossil fuel deposits and environmental hazards of an expanding human population.
Employment opportunities for earth sciences graduates include but are not limited to mineral or petroleum resource exploration and development environmental assessment, teaching, education and research science journalism and publishing, protection and remediation governmental agencies (natural resources, geological surveys and parks). Natural resources, such as the offshore oil and gas industry and mining industry, play a crucial role in the economic and social development of the province and are major areas of employment for graduating students of this program.
New discoveries and theories in our understanding of planetary structure and function affect not only how we live but also how we relate to one another. The goal of the introductory earth sciences program at Memorial is to share the excitement of these discoveries by providing an overview of planet Earth, its structure, its history and the role of earth sciences in resource and environmental studies. It provides a solid foundation of knowledge and skills for earth sciences majors and allows other students to explore earth science topics of interest and relevance.
Earth science majors, minors and students in certain joint honours programs (earth sciences/biology, earth sciences/chemistry, earth sciences/geography, earth sciences/physics and geophysics/physical oceanography) are required to take Earth Sciences 1000 and Earth Sciences 1002 in preparation for their more detailed and specialized second year courses.
Non-majors are welcome to explore a variety of course offerings, including: Earth Sciences 1000, Earth Sciences 2150 (The Solar System), Earth Sciences 2914 (The Earth's Energy Resources), Earth Sciences 2916 (Natural Hazards on a Dynamic Earth), Earth Sciences 2917 (Gems: the Science and Politics) or Earth Sciences 2918 (Earth's Story).
Earth Sciences 1000
Earth Systems is a survey of the structure, function and interrelations of Earth's lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. Topics include an exploration of the physical and chemical properties of planetary materials, forces driving and sustaining Earth systems and biological modifiers (including humankind) on the Earth today.
Lectures: Three hours per week
Laboratories: Three hours per week
Prerequisite: None
Earth Sciences 1002
Concepts and Methods in Earth Sciences provides an introduction to a broad range of concepts concerning the development of the geological record and the Earth; practical methods for collection of field based data; topics in map interpretation and geometric analysis, stratigraphy, paleontology, structure and petrology. The course is presented with an emphasis on the development of practical skills needed to pursue a career in earth sciences.
Lectures: Three hours per week
Laboratories: Three hours per week
Prerequisite: Earth Sciences 1000
Note: Earth Sciences 1000 and 1002 are required for earth sciences majors, minors and all joint programs.
