Earth Sciences Option

Department of Earth Sciences

• Earth Sciences Programs 
• Honours Program 
• Major Program 
• Pass Program 
• Co-op Program 

Faculty

• Broster, Bruce, BSc (Waterloo), PhD (UWO), Prof - 1987
• Butler, Karl E., P. Eng, BSc (Queen’s), MSc (UBC), PhD (UBC), Prof – 1999
• Dingwell, Don BSc (Memorial), PhD (Alberta), Adjunct Prof – 2005
• Donovan, Stephen, BSc (Manchester), PhD, DSc (Liverpool.), Adjunct Prof – 2000
• Keighley, David, BSc (Manchester), PhD (UNB), Assoc Prof - 2004
• Lentz, David R., BSc (UNB), MSc (UNB), PhD (Ottawa), Prof - 2000
• McCutcheon, Steven, BSc, PhD (UNB), Adjunct Prof – 2001
• McFarlane, Chris R.M., BSc (Toronto), MSc (Calgary), PhD (Austin), Assoc Prof – 2007
• Miller, Randall, BSc, MSc, PhD (Waterloo), Adjunct Prof - 1995
• Shaw, Cliff, BSc (Goldsmith), MSc, PhD (Western), Prof & Chair – 2002
• Spray, John G., BSc (Cardiff), PhD (Cambridge), Prof - 1986
• Susak, Nicholas John, BS (Penn State), MA, PhD (Princeton), Assoc Prof – 1982
• Timmermans, Ann C., BSc (Waterloo), MSc (Carleton) Instructor - 2014
• White, Joseph C., BSc, PhD (Western), Prof - 1981
• Williams, Paul F., BSc (Durham), MSc (NSW), PhD (Sydney), Em. Prof - 1980

Adjunct 

General Information

Earth Science is the natural science that deals with Earth, its interior make-up, and surficial features, its formative and destructive processes, its age, history and development through time. Earth is the natural habitat of all life including mankind. Urban and land-use planning and efforts to clean up our environment require a sound knowledge of geology and geological processes. Earth scientists are concerned with a diverse range of issues such as the origin, migration and quality of groundwater, river and coastal erosion, desert-dune migration, the origin and evolution of oceans and continents, of mountain ranges, valleys and canyons. Studies concerning the causes and effects of natural hazards, such as those created by land and rock slides, earthquakes, floods and droughts, and volcanic eruptions all fall within the realm of Earth Sciences.

Geologists research the origin of Earth's natural resources, and are extensively involved in the discovery, development, and conservation of the metallic minerals we use, the clay, sand, gravel, cement, and fertilizer we need to improve our living conditions, the water we drink and the coal, oil and natural gas we use for energy.

Earth Sciences include studies of the origin, history and evolution of life through time. Most importantly, Earth Science is concerned with the special set of circumstances that makes life on Earth possible and Planet Earth so unique in our Solar System if not in the Universe.

Geochemists deal with the chemical make-up of magmas and rocks in the earth's crusts, and are concerned with using geochemical techniques in the discovery of new ore reserves and in addressing environmental concerns. Geophysicists measure and study the gravity, magnetic and electrical fields of the earth and record and analyse seismic waves generated by earthquakes and manmade sources. This information is used to investigate the nature and form of the Earth's interior, from the near surface to the inner core, in mineral and petroleum exploration, engineering site investigations, and in the solution of environmental Earth Science problems.

Biogeologists are concerned with the taxonomy, biogeography and behavioural evolution of fossils, paleoecological aspects of ancient life forms, history and evolution of life and establishing a relative time frame for past geological events. Mineral economics is mainly concerned with applying economic principles to the unimpeded and ordered supply of metals and energy resources for an expanding society on a global basis.

Geologists, geochemists, geophysicists, biogeologists and mineral economists find employment in the mineral industry, including exploration for oil, metals, and industrial minerals, in government surveys, in University teaching and research, and as independent consultants to the mining industry and engineering and environmental organizations.

W.E. Hale Fund

In addition to the required field schools, the Department supports non-credit field trips through the W.E. Hale Fund. This fund partly defrays the cost of student-initiated field trips. These field trips are generally scheduled during spring break or at the end of term. In the past the Hale Fund has sponsored trips to Iceland, the Eifel volcanic field in Germany, the active Volcanoes of Italy and to the Grand Canyon and the Basin and Range Province of the southwest USA. This fund was established by the friends and colleagues of the late Dr. W.E. Hale, a Professor and former Chair of the Department of Earth Sciences. 

Earth Sciences Programs

Three programs are offered to students starting their second year in Science and wishing to specialize in Earth Sciences: Major, Honours, and Pass. Two required off-schedule field schools for the Major and Honours programs contribute 12ch to the program totals. The Pass program includes 6ch of second year field school.

Honours students follow the Major Program and are only identified as Honours students in their final year. Students must consult with the Director of Undergraduate Studies of the Department of Earth Sciences prior to selecting programs and courses. Note that many third year and most fourth year courses are offered on an alternate year (A) basis. Consult the department's undergraduate advisor or webpage for anticipated third and fourth year elective offerings.

1. Honours Program: (173ch + 12 ch field schools): This program is designed for properly qualified students entering the final year of their undergraduate studies who wish to explore in some detail an Earth Sciences subject area of particular personal interest and to gain practical experience in research and in presentation of the results in a written form. The Honours degree is the standard for professional registration in New Brunswick. 
   
   Entrance to the Department of Earth Sciences Honours Program requires a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 overall, by the end of the year prior to the student's final year. A written request for admission to this program must be submitted to the Departmental Chair. 
   
   For graduation with an Honours degree, a minimum cumulative grade point average overall of 3.0 and a grade of B- or higher in ESCI 4900 are required. Students failing to meet these requirements will be awarded a Major degree.
   
   
2. Major Program: (166 ch + 12 ch field schools): This is the program selected by students specializing in Earth Sciences. Minimum course requirements are given below. 
   
   
3. Pass Program: (141 ch + 6 ch field school): This program is designed for those students who are looking for a minimal specialization in Earth Sciences and the opportunity of taking more elective courses outside the Department. Minimum course requirements are given below. The Pass Program can be tailored to meet the requirements for professional registration in New Brunswick.
   
   
4. Minor Program: The Department can also offer a Minor in Earth Sciences following the University guidelines outlined in the online calendar. A Minor consists of a coherent grouping of courses totalling at least 24 credit hours (with a grade of C or better) approved by the department. Courses required as part of a declared degree program may not normally be counted towards the Minor. The Earth Sciences Minor typically does not meet the requirements for professional registration in New Brunswick.
   
   

Students are reminded that courses offered by other Departments can form an important complementary part of the overall course of studies.

Honours Program

First Year
ESCI 1001, ESCI 1012, one of ESCI 1006, 1026 or 1036; ESCI 1017; MATH 1003 or 1053, MATH 1013 or 1063; CHEM 1001, CHEM 1006, CHEM 1012, CHEM 1017; PHYS 1061 OR 1071, PHYS 1062 or 1072, PHYS 1091, PHYS 1092 ; (36 ch minimum).

Second Year
ESCI 2131, ESCI 2142, ESCI 2202, ESCI 2211, ESCI 2321, ESCI 2602, ESCI 2703, 6 ch of mathematics or statistics chosen from MATH 1503, MATH 2003, MATH 2013, MATH 2213, STAT 2513, STAT 2253, STAT 2264 or STAT 2593. It is strongly recommended that the seven 'core' second year Earth Sciences courses and second year field school be taken as a coherent group.

Third Year
ESCI 3131, ESCI 3322, ESCI 3703, plus sufficient electives to meet program requirements.

Fourth Year
ESCI 4312, ESCI 4900, plus sufficient electives to meet program requirements.

Electives

A minimum of 35 ch of Earth Sciences at or above the 2000 level. 
The electives must include one course each of geophysics (ESCI 4501 or ESCI 4512), quaternary geology (ESCI 4401) and resource geology (choose from ESCI 3482, ESCI 3492, ESCI 4442, ESCI 4461, ESCI 4472). 
A minimum of 9 ch in the Faculty of Science outside of Earth Sciences. 
A minimum of 12 ch of approved courses outside of the Department of Earth Sciences.
A minimum of 15 ch of free electives. 

Major Program

First Year
ESCI 1001, ESCI 1012, one of ESCI 1006, 1026, or 1036; ESCI 1017; MATH 1003 or 1053, MATH 1013 or 1063; CHEM 1001, CHEM 1006, CHEM 1012, CHEM 1017; PHYS 1061 or 1071, PHYS 1062 or 1072, PHYS 1091, PHYS 1092; (36 ch minimum).

Second Year
ESCI 2131, ESCI 2142, ESCI 2202, ESCI 2211, ESCI 2321, ESCI 2602, ESCI 2703; 6 ch of mathematics or statistics chosen from MATH 1503, MATH 2003, MATH 2013, MATH 2213, MATH 2513, STAT 2253, STAT 2264 or STAT 2593. It is strongly recommended that these seven 'core' second year Earth Sciences courses and second year field school be taken as a coherent group.

Third Year
ESCI 3131, ESCI 3322, ESCI 3703, plus sufficient electives to meet program requirements.

Fourth Year
ESCI 4312, plus sufficient electives to meet program requirements.

Electives

• A minimum of 35 ch of Earth Sciences at or above the 2000 level.
• A minimum of 9 ch in the Faculty of Science other than Earth Sciences.
• A minimum of 12 ch of approved courses outside of the Department of Earth Sciences.
• A minimum of 15 ch of free electives.

Pass Program

First Year
ESCI 1001, 1012, one of ESCI 1006, 1026, or 1036; MATH 1003 or 1053, 1013 or 1063; CHEM 1001, CHEM 1006, CHEM 1012, CHEM 1017. A minimum of 2 term courses of lectures chosen from BIOL 1001, 1012, or PHYS 1061, 1062 or PHYS 1071, 1072; plus an additional 6 ch (38 ch minimum).

Second, Third and Fourth Year
ESCI 2131, 2142, 2211, 2321, 2602, 2703, 3131, 4312, plus at least 25 ch of Earth Sciences courses at or above the 2000 level, plus at least 45 ch of other approved electives (which may include Earth Sciences courses).

Note: All of the 2000 level Earth Sciences courses listed above need not be taken in the second year of the program but students should be aware that most of these courses are prerequisite to many 3000 and 4000 level courses. See Description of Courses, Earth Sciences for prerequisite requirements for specific courses.

Co-op Program

Major and Honours Only

The Department of Earth Sciences operates a Co-operative Education (Co-op) Program that is available to academically qualified Earth Sciences students who have completed two years of study. The program allows students to put classroom knowledge to practical and profitable use in the Canadian workplace. At UNB the Co-op Program in Earth Sciences consists of eight study terms of four months each and two work terms of eight months each. This program is normally completed in five years compared to the regular four year program and allows students to obtain a Majors or Honours designation in Earth Sciences. Students normally apply for this program during their third term of study and enter the program at the end of their second year.

1. Students must normally have achieved a minimum of a 2.7 cgpa in the study term preceding their application for employment.
2. Students must register for each work term in order that they be considered as full-time students while working.
3. A work term fee will be charged for each 8 month work term registered.
4. The overall assessment of the work period is the responsibility of the Department of Earth Sciences. The work period assessment shall consist of two components: 1) student performance as evaluated by a coordinator, given input from the employer, and 2) a work report graded by a coordinator or a member of faculty.
5. Students will normally have at least one study term after their last work term.
6. Students must be registered as full-time students in order to be eligible to apply for Co-op jobs.

First Year
ESCI 1001, ESCI 1012, one of ESCI 1006, 1026, or 1036; ESCI 1017; MATH 1003 or 1053, MATH 1013 or 1063; CHEM 1001, CHEM 1006, CHEM 1012, CHEM 1017; PHYS 1061 or 1071, PHYS 1062 or 1072, PHYS 1091, PHYS 1092; (36 ch minimum).

Second Year
ESCI 2131, 2142, 2202, 2211, 2321, 2602, 2703, 6 ch of mathematics or statistics chosen from MATH 1503, 2003, 2013, 2213, 2513, STAT 2253, 2264, 2593 .

Third, Fourth and Fifth Year
ESCI 3131, 3322, 3703, 4312 (plus ESCI 4900 for the Honours Program), a minimum of 35 ch of approved Earth Sciences electives, plus a minimum of 9ch in the Faculty of Science other than Earth Sciences, plus a minimum of 12 ch of approved courses outside of the Department of Earth Sciences, plus a minimum of 15 ch of approved electives that may include Earth Sciences courses.

Courses must be selected such that Work Term #1 (ESCI 3803) starts in the winter term of the third year and terminates at the end of summer term of the third year. Work Term #2 (ESCI 4803) will start in the summer term of the fourth year and terminate at the end of the fall term in the fifth year.

ESCI 3703 must be taken in the Fall Term of the Third year.