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Bachelor's Degree Programs

Geology and Environmental Geoscience

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Increasingly, humans are inhabiting areas of both natural and human-made geological hazards. In order to prepare for and manage potential hazards, we need to know more about the natural geological processes that affect them. New generations will need to know more about the earth to make the best decisions for humans’ well-being.

Geology emphasizes solid earth science and applications in mineral and oil and gas resources. It can be divided into two areas of concentrations:

  • mineral exploration
  • oil and gas exploration

Environmental geoscience focuses on applications in environmental studies.

Our programs have a well-rounded curriculum that promotes a solid understanding of the fundamentals of the earth sciences across all sub-disciplines, combined with extensive hands-on training, field-oriented class exercises, regular use of the Saskatchewan Geological Survey’s subsurface core repository, and two intensive field school courses. Our programs have an established reputation for training highly qualified graduates.

Graduates are eligible to apply for membership in the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS) which follows the recommendations of the Canadian Geoscience Standards Council that sets the professional curriculum across Canada.

Our graduates are sought after by employers and have a high rate of employment.

What is Geology and Environmental Geoscience?

Geology is the study of the processes and physical structure of the earth. Environmental Geoscience is the study of the geological and geographic composition of the environment and the forces that shape the earth.

The U of R’s geology and environmental geoscience programs are highly relevant to today’s world, where human societies require more and more mineral resources and energy sources from the earth. At the same time, environmental issues, including climate change, resource depletion, scarcity, and pollution are increasingly constraining sustainable economic development and affecting our living environment.

Geology and environmental geoscience are especially important for Saskatchewan, where oil, gas, and mineral resources play an important role in the economics of the province.

Some specialty courses in geology and environmental geoscience at the U of R include:

Environmental Geology

Environmental Geology studies the nature of the earth, including plate tectonics and the geological time scale. Geological hazards like earthquakes, volcanism, and surface processes like avalanches and flooding are studied with reference to their impact on the human environment. Conversely, the impact of humans on the physical environment, such as extraction and scarcity of earth resources, waste disposal, and pollution, is studied in a geological context.

Earth System History

Earth System History examines the inter-connected evolution of atmosphere-biosphere-hydrosphere-lithosphere over the course of geologic time, including its forcing mechanisms, interactions, and feedbacks. Includes major physical and biological global events with an emphasis on North America and Western Canada.

Paleontology

Paleontology is the classification, morphology, evolution, paleoecology, and stratigraphic distribution of the main groups of fossils.

Soils and Sediment Analysis

Soils and Sediment Analysis is an introduction to the measurement, field sampling and laboratory analyses of the properties of soils and sediments for the description of soil properties used in their classification. Includes an understanding of the distribution of soil types at local, regional and global scales due to environmental indicators like climate, geology, water, and vegetation. This course includes an experiential learning component, where students conduct a field and laboratory study of their own.

Field School II

Field School II involves the geological mapping and study in an area of crystalline rock (usually in Flin Flon, northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan.) Supervised study for ten days during the Spring/Summer semester.

Geology and Environmental Geoscience Meet Your Faculty

Quick Facts

Program: Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Geology Bachelor of Science Honours in Geology Bachelor of Science in Environmental Geoscience Bachelor of Science Honours in Environmental Geoscience
Length: BSc: 4 years
Accreditation: Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS)
Offered Through: University of Regina Campion College First Nations University of Canada Luther College
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Why Study Geology and Environmental Geoscience at the University of Regina?

In addition to emphasizing training in field-based methods and hands-on skills, our programs are accredited with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS). Graduates with a degree in geology or environmental geoscience will be eligible to apply for membership in APEGS, and develop a career in the public or private sectors in mining, oil and gas companies, environmental consulting companies, and governmental geological surveys.

Geology and Environmental Geoscience Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Science Honours?

Bachelor of Science Honours students in Geology or Environmental Geoscience are required to conduct research and present a thesis.

The honours program has higher academic requirements. To graduate with a Bachelor of Science Honours degree, you must have an overall average of at least 70 per cent, and an average of least 75 per cent in geology courses and other required science courses.

If you are interested in the honours program, you must get permission from the Geology department and plan to enter before the start of your fourth year of studies.

What clubs, campus events, and networking opportunities do geology and environmental geoscience students participate in?
Can I transfer into a geology or environmental geoscience program?
Students must meet the admissions requirements for the Faculty of Science. Students can be accepted directly into Science from high school, but if they register in another faculty first, in order to transfer they must complete requirements at the university.
Are there any additional costs other than tuition?
There are additional fees for two required field courses for the Geology programs and one required field course for the Environmental Geoscience programs.
Do you offer scholarships?

Yes! We offer the following scholarships to undergraduate geology and environmental geoscience students:

  • Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS) Entrance Bursary (Geology)
  • Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS) Undergraduate Scholarship
  • 30 by 30 APEGS Award for Women in Geoscience
  • John Lewry Prize in Geology
  • W. A. Gordon Prize in Geology
  • D. M. Kent Prize in Sedimentary Geology
Use our online Student Awards Management System (SAMS) to find other awards and scholarships for which you may be eligible.

Geology and Environmental Geoscience Concepts and Goals

In addition to gaining fundamental knowledge of different aspects of earth science, you’ll also learn field-based methods and hands-on skills.

Learn

You will learn about the nature of the earth and its internal processes, the geological time scale, plate tectonics, geological hazards (such as earthquakes), continental drift, pollution, and the impact of humans on the environment. You will also learn about mineralogy, paleontology, geochemistry, sedimentology, stratigraphy, structural geology, geographic information systems, and more.

Get experience

Many of our students are employed by the Saskatchewan Geological Survey, as well as petroleum, mining, and environmental consultant companies as summer students. This provides you with unique training and networking opportunities with experienced geoscientists, helping you develop confidence in future career choices and establish contacts and potential mentors in your professional field.

Get jobs

Recent graduates have secured full-time positions with regional, national and international agencies or corporations, such as:

DeBeers, Rio Tinto, Cameco, Orano, Shell Canada, Crescent Point Energy, Nexen, Husky Oil and Gas, Clifton Associates, Mollard Consultants, Prairie Lithium, Golder and Associates, the Saskatchewan Research Council, and more.

Geology Concentrations

Mineral Exploration

Oil and Gas Exploration

What Can You Do With a Geology or Environmental Geoscience degree?

Upon successfully completing your bachelor’s program in geology or environmental geoscience, you will be prepared for the next step of your career. Some students go on to graduate studies.

To explore minors that may be available in this program area, please visit the Academic Calendar or meet with your faculty advisor in the Academic Advising Office after you are admitted.

Here are some of the jobs our graduates have gone on to:

  • Environmental Consultant (e.g. soils and sediment analyses for stability and contamination)
  • Environmental Geoscientist
  • Exploration Geologist
  • Field Geologist (e.g., mining, petroleum, water resources, Quaternary and climate change)
  • Geoscientist
  • Hydrologist
  • Paleontologist
  • Volcanologist
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