194
Programs by Department
194.6 Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Earth and Atmospheric Sciences encompass the study of the atmosphere, surface and interior of the earth. The Department administers 12 academic programs: Honors and Specialization in Atmospheric Sciences, Honors and Specialization in Environmental Earth Sciences, Honors and Specialization in Geology, Honors and Specialization in Paleontology, BSc Specialization in Planning, BA Major and Minor in Human Geography, and BA Major in Planning. For details on the Major and Minor in Human Geography and on the BA Major in Planning, see Faculty of Arts listing.
194.6.1 Honors in Atmospheric Sciences
Atmospheric science is the study of atmospheric composition, state and motion, from the small scale (e.g., the environment of a single leaf) through medium scales (e.g., a cumulus cloud) to the global scale (global pollution and warming). Most atmospheric scientists in Canada work for Environment Canada, providing weather forecasts or environmental information. Opportunities also arise with provincial governments and in the private sector.
Continuation in the Honors in Atmospheric Sciences program requires successful completion of at least 
24 with a minimum of 3.0 GPA in the previous Fall/Winter. In addition, graduation requires a minimum 3.0 GPA on the last 60 credited to the degree.
A student enrolling in the Honors program should consult the Atmospheric Sciences advisor before registration each year.
Year 1 | |
CMPUT 174 | |
EAS 100 | |
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MATH 113 or 114, 115 | |
MATH 125 or 127 | |
PHYS 144 and 146 | |
STAT 141 or 151 |
Year 2 | |
EAS 212, 221 and 270 | |
EAS 294 or HGP 250 | |
MATH 214 and 215 | |
PHYS 244 and 281 | |
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Year 3 | |
EAS 327, 370, 371, 372 and 373 | |
PHYS 234 | |
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Year 4 | |||||||||||||
EAS 426 | |||||||||||||
EAS 470, 471 and 475 | |||||||||||||
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194.6.2 Specialization in Atmospheric Sciences
Continuation in the Specialization in Atmospheric Sciences program requires successful completion of at least 18 with a minimum 2.3 GPA in the previous Fall/Winter. In addition, graduation requires a minimum 2.3 GPA on the last 60 credited to the degree.
A student enrolling in the Specialization program should confer with the Atmospheric Sciences program student advisor before registration each year.
Year 1 | |
CMPUT 174 | |
EAS 100 | |
| |
MATH 113 or 114, 115 | |
MATH 125 or 127 | |
PHYS 144 and 146 | |
STAT 141 or 151 |
Year 2 | |
EAS 212, 221, and 270 | |
EAS 294 or HGP 250 | |
MATH 214 and 215 | |
PHYS 244 and 281 | |
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Year 3 | |
EAS 327, 370, 371, 372 and 373 | |
PHYS 234 | |
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Year 4 | |
EAS 470, 471 and 475 | |
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Notes | |
Students are recommended to consult Advisor for approved Science options. | |
Open option – Chosen from any credit course offered by the University of Alberta | |
For students in the Industrial Internship Program: EAS 401, WKEXP 955, 956. | |
Recommended Arts options include any EAS X9X courses or any HGP courses. | |
For students entering Atmospheric Science Specialization, credit in SCI 100 will be considered equivalent to CMPUT 174, EAS 100, MATH 113, 115, PHYS 144, 146 and | |
194.6.3 Honors in Environmental Earth Sciences
Environmental Earth Science is the study of interactions between humans and Earth's natural environment. It encompasses the influence of human activities on the local and global environment, as well as how our actions are shaped and controlled by the geologic and geomorphic processes occurring around us. Environmental Earth Scientists are typically employed by consulting companies, large resource and industrial firms, and government organizations.
Continuation in the Honors in Environmental Earth Sciences program requires successful completion of at least 24 with a minimum 3.0 GPA in the previous Fall/Winter. In addition, graduation requires a minimum 3.0 GPA on the last 60 credited to the degree.
A student enrolling in the Honors program should confer with the Environmental Earth Sciences Program student advisor before registration each year.
Year 1 | |
CHEM 101 and 102 | |
EAS 100 and 105 | |
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MATH 113 or 114 and 115 | |
PHYS 124 and 126 or PHYS 144 and 146 |
Year 2 | |
BIOL 108 | |
EAS 221, 222, 224, 225, 233, 234, and either 212 or 270 | |
EAS 294 or HGP 250 | |
STAT 141 or 151 |
Year 3 | |
BIOL 208 | |
EAS 250, 320, 323, 324 and 354 | |
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GEOPH 223 | |
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Year 4 | |
EAS 425 or 468 | |
EAS 426 | |
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Notes | |
EAS 458 may be taken more than once for credit. Science and related options require the approval of the Environmental Earth Sciences advisor. | |
For students in the Industrial Internship Program: EAS 401, WKEXP 955, 956. | |
For students entering Environmental Earth Science Honors, credit in SCI 100 will be considered equivalent to BIOL 108, CHEM 101, 102, EAS 100, 105, MATH 113, 115, PHYS 144 and 146. | |
194.6.4 Specialization in Environmental Earth Sciences
Continuation in the Specialization in Environmental Earth Sciences program requires successful completion of at least 18 with a minimum 2.3 GPA in the previous Fall/Winter. In addition, graduation requires a minimum 2.3 GPA on the last 60 credited to the degree.
A student enrolling in the Specialization program should confer with the Environmental Earth Sciences Program student advisor before registration.
Year 1 | |
CHEM 101 and 102 | |
EAS 100 and 105 | |
| |
MATH 113 or 114 and 115 | |
PHYS 124 and 126 or PHYS 144 and 146 |
Year 2 | |
BIOL 108 | |
EAS 221, 222, 224, 225, 233, 234, and either 212 or 270 | |
EAS 294 or HGP 250 | |
STAT 141 or 151 |
Year 3 | |
BIOL 208 | |
EAS 250, 320, 323, 324 and 354 | |
| |
GEOPH 223 | |
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Year 4 | |
EAS 425 or 468 | |
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Notes | |
EAS 458 may be taken more than once for credit. Science and related options require the approval of the Environmental Earth Sciences advisor. | |
For students in the Industrial Internship Program: EAS 401, WKEXP 955, 956. | |
For students entering Environmental Earth Science Specialization, credit in SCI 100 will be considered equivalent to BIOL 108, CHEM 101, 102, EAS 100, 105, MATH 113, 115, PHYS 144 and 146. | |
194.6.5 Honors in Geology
Geology is the study of the planet Earth—the materials it is made of, the processes which affect these materials, and the origin and evolution of life. Geologists are employed by companies engaged in exploration for and production of minerals and fuels, by government agencies, by companies engaged in engineering and environmental projects, and by universities.
Continuation in the Honors in Geology program requires successful completion of at least 24 with a minimum 3.0 GPA in the previous Fall/Winter. In addition, graduation requires a minimum 3.0 GPA on the last 60 credited to the degree.
A student enrolling in the Honors program should consult the Geology program student advisor before registration each year.
Year 1 | |
CHEM 101 and 102 | |
EAS 100 and 105 | |
| |
MATH 113 or 114 and 115 | |
PHYS 124 and 126 or PHYS 144 and 146 |
Year 2 | |
EAS 221, 222, 224, 225, 230, 232, 233, and 234 | |
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Year 3 | |
EAS 320, 323, 331, 332, 333 and 336 | |
EAS 364 or 368 | |
GEOPH 210 or 223 or 224 | |
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Year 4 | |
EAS 426 | |
GEOPH 210 or 223 or 224 | |
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Notes | |
Recommended Arts options include any EAS X9X courses or any HGP courses. | |
For students in the Industrial Internship Program: EAS 401, WKEXP 955, 956. | |
For students entering Geology Honors, credit in SCI 100 will be considered equivalent to BIOL 108, CHEM 101, 102, EAS 100, 105, MATH 113, 115, PHYS 144 and 146. | |
194.6.6 Specialization in Geology
Continuation in the Specialization in Geology program requires successful completion of at least 18 with a minimum 2.3 GPA in the previous Fall/Winter. In addition, graduation requires a minimum 2.3 GPA on the last 60 credited to the degree.
A student enrolling in the Specialization program should consult the Geology program student advisor before registration each year.
Year 1 | |
CHEM 101 and 102 | |
EAS 100 and 105 | |
| |
MATH 113 or 114 and 115 | |
PHYS 124 and 126 or PHYS 144 and 146 |
Year 2 | |
EAS 221, 222, 224, 225, 230, 232, 233 and 234 | |
| |
|
Year 3 | |
EAS 320, 323, 331, 332, 333 and 336 | |
EAS 364 or 368 | |
GEOPH 210 or 223 or 224 | |
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Year 4 | |
GEOPH 210 or 223 or 224 | |
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Notes | |
Recommended Arts options include any EAS X9X courses or any HGP courses. | |
For students in the Industrial Internship Program: EAS 401, WKEXP 955, 956. | |
For students entering Geology Specialization, credit in SCI 100 will be considered equivalent to BIOL 108, CHEM 101, 102, EAS 100, 105, MATH 113, 115, PHYS 144 and 146. | |
194.6.7 Honors and Specialization in Paleontology
See §194.13 for details on the Honors and Specialization Paleontology programs.
194.6.8 Specialization in Planning
The Planning program educates students in the scientific, aesthetic, and orderly disposition of land, resources, facilities and services with a view to securing the physical, economic and social efficiency, health and well-being of communities. Planners work for all levels of government and in professional planning consultancies
The Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences offers a BA major in Planning and a BSc Specialization in Planning. Students interested in focusing on natural science elements of planning, including environmental management and the use of geographic information sciences, should consider the BSc program and those interested in the aesthetic, economic, and social issues of planning should consider the BA program (see §44.24 of the Calendar).
Continuation in the Specialization in Planning program requires a minimum 2.3 GPA on at least 18 in the previous Fall/Winter. To graduate in four years, a student needs 30 per year.
Graduation requires a minimum 2.3 GPA on the last 60 credited to the degree. A student enrolling in the Specialization program should confer with the Planning program student advisor before registration.
Year 1 | |
BIOL 108 | |
EAS 100 and 105 | |
| |
HGP 100 | |
MATH 113 or 114 or 120 | |
STAT 141 or 151 | |
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|
Year 2 | |
BIOL 208 | |
EAS 221, 225 and 250 | |
HGP 210, 250 | |
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Year 3 | |
EAS 351 | |
HGP 310, 315, 316, 355, 399 | |
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Year 4 | |
HGP 470 and 495 | |
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Notes | |
List A courses include: BIOL 299, 330, 331, 332, 333, 364, 365, 366, 381, 464 and 470; EAS 323, 324, 327, 401, 425, 451, 452, 457, 458. | |
Recommended Open options include, but are not restricted to, the following: EAS 204, 205, 270, 354; HGP 252, 341, 342, 343, 443, 450, 452, 470, 485, 497 and 499; HIST 379; SMO 200. | |
For students entering the Industrial Internship Program: EAS 401, WKEXP 955, 956 are required. | |
HGP 470 may be used as a Science course by students in the BSc Specialization in Planning program. | |
194.6.9 Industrial Internship Program
An Industrial Internship Program, similar to a co-op program, is offered to students in the Specialization or Honors programs in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (see §192.11 for guidelines to the program). The Industrial Internship designation will appear on the degree parchments of students who have participated in the program.
Students approved to enter this stream register for a continuous sequence of Science Work Experience courses (WKEXP 955, 956, 957, 958), starting in May, September or January. During the program, students are considered full-time students of the University. Work experience courses have no weight and are graded credit/no credit, and recorded on the student's transcript. The Industrial Internship Program Advisor maintains contact at approximately three-month intervals with the student and the person designated by the employer to be responsible for the student's progress. This arrangement ensures satisfaction on all sides. If the review shows the situation is not satisfactory, the internship may be terminated and the student would then return to classes at the next available opportunity. The graduation requirements for the Industrial Internship program designation include successful completion of at least WKEXP 955 and 956 plus EAS 401. EAS 401 must be taken in the first term immediately following completion of the WKEXP period. If required by the employer, the student's written report and oral presentation in EAS 401 may be classified confidential. The employer also assesses the student's performance during the work term. Based on the student's written report and oral presentation, and the report from the employer, students are awarded a grade in EAS 401.
Students should be aware that under the Protection for Persons in Care Act, all new employees, volunteers and other people engaged for services by designated agencies (hospitals, nursing homes, lodges, group homes, etc.) must complete a Police Information Check (also known as a Criminal Record Check, Security Clearance Check, or Police Clearance), which must include a Vulnerable Sector Check. In addition, certain other agencies, organizations, and educational facilities may require students to present a Police Information Check prior to entering a practicum, work placement term, internship, or field experience placement.
Students who have concerns related to their ability to provide a clear Police Information Check should consult with the Senior Associate Dean, Undergraduate. Students will be informed of the need for a Police Information Check prior to specific practicum (field experience) placement. See §23.8.3 for more information on the general requirements concerning Police Information Checks and the fees associated with them.
Interested students should see the Industrial Internship Advisor in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences for more information.
194.6.10 Professional Registration
Graduates of EAS programs may qualify for registration as professional geologists (P. Geol.). The practice of geology in Alberta is governed by provincial law in the interest of public protection against unskilled practice. The right to practice independently (meaning that you are legally able to accept responsibility for your work and sign for it), and the right to use the title of professional geologist (P. Geol.), are restricted to individuals registered by the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta (APEGGA). Members of the PS Warren student society are automatically student members of APEGGA and as such are introduced to the professional association.
Individuals who are planning to meet the knowledge requirements for P. Geol. while also completing their degree at the University of Alberta should plan their program course selection carefully. Attention is drawn in particular to the science subject requirements, additional to calculus, physics and chemistry. APEGGA verifies that specific knowledge requirements are met, by reviewing academic credentials course-by-course. Holders of degrees that do not cover the APEGGA syllabus may be assessed examinations in missing subjects by the APEGGA Board of Examiners before being accepted for registration. Current syllabus and registration information is available at the Departmental Office or from APEGGA. Full information is available at www.apegga.com/
Specific questions about programs of study or individual courses applicable to professional registration can also be directed to the Departmental APEGGA Liaison.
