Department of Geology Faculty of Science Brandon University This document is meant as a planning guide only. Students are advised to consult with the Chair of the Department if they have specific questions about the program. Program Overview: Geology is the study of the planet Earth. It is concerned with the origins of the planet, its materials, its dynamic processes, and its 4.6-billion year history. It is a science that deals with the processes that shape the planet's present landscape as well as those that acted upon it throughout geologic time. As such, modern geology is a discipline that draws on many other sciences, including chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics and geography and requires a well-rounded scientist. Geology is a practical science; its knowledge is applied in the search for mineral, energy and water resources. Geologic knowledge is fundamental to solving many types of environmental problems, including the elimination or mitigation of geologic hazards such as landslides, earthquakes and floods. Consequently, geoscience is about the way we interact with and are affected by the dynamic planet on which we live and depend. Our mission is to Prepare Tomorrow s Geoscientists, to provide a quality educational experience that prepares men and women to enter careers in geology and related fields. The Brandon University Department of Geology is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in Geoscience education that prepares them for Professional Registration, graduate studies, and rewarding careers in many different fields. Many of our courses have a laboratory component which allows the students to gain practical experience in the laboratory and field study of rocks, minerals, fossils and resources. The Geology Department offers three- and four-year degrees and a four-year Honors degree. The 4-year Honors degree in Geology fulfills all the academic requirements for full registration as a Professional Geoscientist. Students may also take the appropriate electives for registration as a Professional Environmental Geoscientist. The department, in conjunction with the petroleum and mining industries, and government geological surveys and resource departments, offers a co-op work experience program for interested students. The geology program at Brandon University offers many exciting opportunities for undergraduate students. They are able to participate in national and international research projects, and have chances to gain teaching experience by working in the labs as teaching assistants. Students are encouraged to participate in geology field trips and field school. Many students gain invaluable experience by working in geoscience related fields during summer. These opportunities provide a wonderful dimension to their education that may not be possible for undergraduate students at larger universities. For students wishing to further their education, the Department of Geology offers opportunity to obtain a Master of Science degree through interdisciplinary studies focused on the interrelations between the geological, environmental and life sciences.
Career/Graduate School Opportunities: Geology is a global science, and Canadian geologists are in demand worldwide. Career opportunities are available in Mining and Mineral Exploration, the Petroleum Industry, Hydrogeology, Gemology, Engineering, Environmental applications, Provincial and Federal governments and agencies, Museums and Academia, Teaching, Graduate studies in Geology and/or Environmental sciences, and Private consulting. A background in geology can be helpful and possibly essential, when combined with a Business degree, for senior management in a resource company, as a financial analyst or federal and provincial government agencies. Lawyers with a strong geological background are uniquely positioned to understand the legal and geological complexities of disputes involving minerals, petroleum, mining and environmental issues. Program Objectives: 1. Students will have basic knowledge and understanding of the content of modern geology. 2. Students will develop the basic observational skills they need to function as geoscientists. 3. Students will perform tests and collect data to analyze geological materials, features, and processes both qualitatively and quantitatively. 4. Students will apply critical thinking skills such as inductive, deductive, and mathematical reasoning to solve geological problems using scientific methods. 5. Students will synthesize the principles learned in the classroom, in the laboratory, and during field studies to identify geological features, interpret geological history, and solve geological problems. 6. Students will demonstrate the ability to acquire and communicate scientific data, ideas, and interpretations through written, oral, visual, and digital means. Program Outcomes: The Bachelor of Science in Geology is designed for those students who intend to become professional geologists and/or those who plan to attend graduate school in geosciences. The program includes courses normally expected of graduate school applicants, including a spring field school and courses in related sciences. The 4-year Honors Major in Geology fulfills all Geoscience & Foundation Science academic requirements for full registration as a Professional Geoscientist. The 4-year Major in Geology fulfills all Geoscience academic requirements for registration as a Professional Geoscientist (but does not completely fulfill the Foundation Science requirements). The 3-year Major in Geology provides an option for undergraduates who wish to study Earth sciences as a foundation for careers in a variety of areas, such as environmental law, natural resource business, land use planning, Earth science education, science journalism, and many governmental positions. A minor in Geology may be an asset when graduates apply for positions related to aforementioned areas. Students graduating with a B. Sc. in Geology from Brandon University will be able to: 1. Have the basic knowledge and skills demanded for entry-level competence in typical careers in Earth science. 2. Apply the fundamental principles of geology, mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology to address geological issues. 3. Identify common Earth materials and determine their composition, origin, and uses.
4. Understand the origin of the solar system and Earth and explain the differences between Earth and other planets. 5. Understand how geologists carry out geological studies and reconstruct Earth history. 6. Comprehend the 4.6 billion year history of Earth and the evolution of the solid Earth and its spheres, and the chronology of life on Earth and the fundamentals of biologic evolution. 7. Describe the origin and distribution of resources such as water, minerals, and energy; and apply acquired geoscience knowledge in exploration of various types of resources. 8. Be aware of natural hazards, their impact on civilization and efforts at mitigation. 9. View Earth as a dynamic system of solid, liquid, gaseous and living components, connected through the cycling of matter and energy. 10. Develop increased capacity in the skills of independent learning, critical thinking, problem definition, and problem solving. Understand how science works via inquiry, observation, verification, reason and critical thinking. 11. Communicate effectively and professionally through oral, written, and graphical means and to participate effectively in their workplace and in individual and team-related activities. 12. Apply the tenets of professional, ethical and responsible conduct as geoscientists. Example of a Program Schedule for the 4-year Honors Major* *many students choose independent paths to achieve the degree requirements Brandon University s 4-year Honors Major in Geology fulfills all Geoscience & Foundation Science academic requirements for full registration as a Professional Geoscientist. First year 42:160 Introduction to Earth Science 3 42:161 Historical Geology 3 18:160 General Chemistry I 3 Electives from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, 3 62:181 Calculus I 3 Electives from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, 3 Electives from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math, or 3 Electives from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, 3 Computer Science* Humanities/Social Science electives 3 Humanities/Social Science electives 3 Total Credits 15 Total Credits 15 *Course requirements and options see below. Second year 42:263 Structure Geology 3 42:283 Optical Mineralogy 3 42:270 Earth s Energy Resources and/or 42:271 Earth Mineral Resources and/or 42:272 Environmental Geology and/or 42:286 GIS I 3 or 6 42: 42:374 Invertebrate Paleontology and/or 42:264 Geological Data Analysis and/or 42:266 Continents Adrift and/or 42:278 Geomorphology 3 or 6
74:161 Foundations of Physics I 3 Electives from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, 3 Electives from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math, or 3 Humanities/Social Science electives 3 Computer Science* Total Credits 15 Total Credits 15 Note: Some courses in italic are not offered every year; *Courses requirements and options see below. Third year 42:360 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy 3 42:366 Introduction to Geochemistry 3 42:362 Igneous Petrology 3 42:361 Sedimentary Petrology and/or 3 42:363 Metamorphic Petrology Any 300 level Geology courses offered 6 42:353 Remote Sensing 3 Humanities/Social Science elective 3 Any 400 level Geology course offered 3 Open elective 3 May take 42:333 Field Geology in Spring term 6 Total Credits 15 Total Credits 15 to 21 Note: Some 300 and 400 level courses are not offered every year. Students at their 3 rd year are encouraged to take some 400 level courses when offered provided they have the prerequisite. Fourth year 42:466 Mineral Deposits 3 42:470 Facies and Basin Analysis 3 42:468 Petroleum Geology 3 42:465 Mineral Exploration and Sustainable 3 Development 42:449 Honours Thesis (both terms) 6 42:480 Geobiology or 3 42:467 Fossil Plants and Paleoenvironments May take 42:333 Field Geology in Spring term 6 Open Elective 3 Total Credits 15 Total Credits 9 to 15 Note: Students should refer to the Undergraduate Calendar for detailed course/degree requirements, and examine the Timetable for the availability of courses in each academic year. Not all courses listed in the Calendar are included in the above list (e.g. 42:399 Seminar in Geology, 42:352 Work Experience in Geology). Students are welcome to consult with the department faculty members.
Course requirements and options for 4- year Honors Major Brandon University s 4-year Honors Major in Geology fulfills all Geoscience & Foundation Science academic requirements for full registration as a Professional Geoscientist. Students considering a 4-Year (Honors) Geology Major must complete a minimum of 69 credit hours: Required Courses: 45 42:160 Introduction to Earth Science 3 42:161 Historical Geology 3 42:283 Optical Mineralogy 3 42:333 Field Geology 6 42:360 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy 3 42:362 Igneous Petrology 3 42:366 Introduction to Geochemistry 3 42:449 Honors Thesis in Geology 6 42:466 Mineral Deposits 3 42:468 Petroleum Geology 3 Plus: one of the following 3 42:361 Sedimentary Petrology 3 42:363 Metamorphic Petrology 3 Plus: two of the following 6 42:278 Geomorphology 3 42:353 Remote Sensing: Air Photo Interpretation 3 42:470 Facies and Basin Analysis 3 Plus: 15 credit hours of additional Geology courses above the 200 level of which 6 15 must be at the 400 level Must achieve 3.0 gpa to meet Honors Major requirement Major Total 69 Plus: Ancillary courses (Foundation Science) listed below: 9 18:160 General Chemistry I 3 62:181 Calculus I 3 74:161 Foundations of Physics I 3 Plus: 18 credit hours from the following, with no more than two courses in any of 18 the six subject areas (i.e. Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics). These courses may also be included in your minor. 15:162 Cells, Genetics & Evolution 3 15:163 Biodiversity, Functions & Interactions 3 18:170 General Chemistry II 3 18:260 Physical Chemistry I 3 18:261 Organic Chemistry I 3 18:262 Introductory Analytical Chemistry 3 18:274 Inorganic Chemistry I 3 62:160 Computer Science I 3 62:161 Computer Science II 3 62:171 Introduction to Statistics 3 62:182 Linear Algebra I 3 62:191 Calculus II 3 62:292 Linear Algebra II 3 74:162 Foundations of Physics II 3
74:272 Electricity & Magnetism 3 74:273 Optics 3 74:275 Modern Physics 3 74:276 Mathematical Physics I 3 74:281 Computational Physics 3 Plus: * Minor Must achieve 2.0 gpa to meet Minor requirement requirement Plus: ** Liberal Education requirement Humanities (6 credit hours) and Social Sciences (6 credit hours) Plus: Additional elective credit hours Must achieve 2.5 degree gpa for graduation Degree Total: 120 4-YEAR MAJOR Brandon University s 4-year Major in Geology fulfills all Geoscience academic requirements for registration as a Professional Geoscientist, but does NOT fulfill the foundation Science requirements. Students can refer to the program schedule for 4-year honors major, but not necessarily do 42:449 Honor thesis in Geology in the 4 th year (can do 42:499 Thesis in Geology if they wish). The science electives listed above in the 1 st year can vary as well. Students considering a 4-Year Geology Major must complete a minimum of 63 credit hours of Geology as listed below. Other degree requirements apply. Required Geology Courses: 39 42:160 Introduction to Earth Science 3 42:161 Historical Geology 3 42:283 Optical Mineralogy 3 42:333 Field Geology 6 42:360 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy 3 42:362 Igneous Petrology 3 42:366 Introduction to Geochemistry 3 42:466 Mineral Deposits 3 42:468 Petroleum Geology 3 Plus: one of the following 3 42:361 Sedimentary Petrology 3 42:363 Metamorphic Petrology 3 Plus: two of the following 6 42:278 Geomorphology 3 42:353 Remote Sensing: Air Photo Interpretation 3 42:470 Facies and Basin Analysis Plus: 15 credit hours of additional Geology courses above the 200 15 level of which 3 must be at the 400 level. Must achieve 2.0 gpa to meet Major requirement Major Total: 63
3-YEAR MAJOR Students considering a 3-Year Geology Major must complete a minimum of 39 credit hours in Geology as listed below. Other degree requirements for 3-year Major apply. Required Geology Courses: 18 42:160 Introduction to Earth Science 3 42:161 Historical Geology 3 42:360 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy 3 Plus: 21 credit hours of additional Geology courses 21 Must achieve 2.0 gpa to meet Major requirement Major Total: 39 MINOR IN GEOLOGY Students considering a Geology Minor must complete a minimum of 18 credit hours in Geology as listed below. Required Courses: 6 42:160 Introduction to Earth Science or 3 42:162 Our Dynamic Earth 3 42:161 Historical Geology or 3 42:163 This Old Earth: A Trip Through Time 3 Plus: two of the following: 6 42:264 Geological Data Analysis 3 42:266 Continents Adrift 3 42:270 The Earth s Energy Resources 3 42:271 The Earth s Mineral Resources 3 42:272 Environmental Geology 3 Plus: 6 credit hours of additional Geology courses 6 Must achieve 2.0 gpa to meet Minor requirements Minor Total: 18