Earth and Environment
Beginning September 2025.
Students must consult the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies (BACS) degree regulations that form minimum requirements for the relevant programs in all subjects. Listed below are special or additional requirements that must also be met by students taking a Minor in Earth and Environment.
PLEASE NOTE: Earth and Environment is only available as a Minor program.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) / Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies (BACS) Minor (24 credits in Earth and Environment)
Bachelor of Arts (BA) / Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies (BACS) Minor in Earth and Environment provides students with a broad understanding of the Earth system (materials, processes, surface features, natural and water resources, environments, natural hazards, and history), as well as the intersection of the Earth system and human society (environmental degradation, climate change, anthropogenic pollution, environmental sustainability, and possible threats to human health).
The Minor aims to ensure that School of Arts and Social Sciences (SASS) students gain exposure to the methods used in earth and environmental through hands-on/practical learning experiences, including lab activities and field trips.
Requirements: Students are encouraged to take a diverse suite of courses as part of this Minor that includes offerings from both the Earth sciences (GEOL course codes) and environmental-focused courses (ENVS or ENVI course codes). However, no requirement for a certain number of percentage of each.
Students will choose 8 GEOL and ENVS/ENVI/ENGI courses that are currently offered.
*Compulsory courses at the 1000 level (Students must choose only 3 of the 4):
GEOL-1105 Introduction to Geology
GEOL-1107 Deadly Planet
GEOL-1205 Evolving Earth
ENVS-1101 Art & Science of Env Studies
*Compulsory courses at the 2000 level (Students will choose only 2 of the 6):
GEOL-2101 Engineering Geology
GEOL-2103 Geochemistry
GEOL-2104 Oceanography and Climate
ENVS-2101 Cdn Env Perspectives
ENVS-2103 Intersectional Env. Science
ENGI-2133 Environmental Engineering
*Courses at the 3000 or 4000 level (Students will choose only 3 of the 14):
GEOL-3101 Water Resources
GEOL-3103 Petroleum Geology
GEOL-3701 Special Topics in Geology
GEOL-4801 Directed Study
ENVS-3101 Env. Writing: Past & Present
ENVS-3103 Environment & Business
ENVS-3104 Field Course: Env. & Comm. Issues
ENVS/GEOL-4101 Resource Sustainability
ENVS-4103 Global Env. Perspectives
ENVI-3131 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) I
ENVI-3137 Engineering for Sustainable Development II
ENVI-3138 Environmental Auditing
ENVI-3139 Environmental Sampling
ENVI-3141 Remediation Techniques
The Minor is designed to be accessible to and useful for undergraduate students whose Majors are not related to Geology, other Earth Science sub-disciplines, or Environmental Studies.
Please note that this list is revised from time to time, so consult with the Chair for additional information.
