Geology is the study of the Earth and its origins; it examines the materials and processes that shape our world, including the nature and origin of the atmosphere and oceans. Laurentian is a great place to study geology because it is surrounded by rock containing gold, nickel, copper, platinum, and palladium. As a result, there are more geologists in Sudbury than in any other part of Ontario. Sudbury is home to several major mining companies, junior exploration companies, and the Ontario Geological Survey. Students may find summer jobs with these organizations, assist faculty members with research projects throughout Canada and participate in a variety of field trips.
- Four-year program leads to an honours bachelor of science in earth sciences which allows students to qualify for professional registration as a geoscientist in Ontario
- Upper-year classes typically have 20-25 students and provide an open learning environment that promotes strong interaction with faculty, graduate students and other students
- The Society of Economic Geologists - Student Chapter and the undergraduate Earth science club organize national and international field trips
- Also available: thesis-based M.Sc. in geology and PhD in mineral deposits and Precambrian geology
Prospects: environmental consulting, geological mapping with GIS, graduate studies, mineral exploration, petroleum exploration and production, research, teaching science at the high school level…
Offered in English.
Admission requirements
Ontario secondary schools
- 1 grade 12 4U mathematics
- 2 grade 12 4U sciences
- 1 grade 12 4U English
- 2 other grade 12 4U/M courses
It is recommended that students include calculus, chemistry and physics in their program at the grade 12 4U level. Students without grade 12 4U chemistry must take CHMI 1041 before enrolling in the required 1st-year chemistry course. Students with grade 12 4U calculus, but with a grade of less than 60%, are strongly advised to take MATH11912 as a refresher course before proceeding to MATH 1036.
Students with grade 12 4U geology (or equiv.) may request exemption from GEOL 1006 and 1007. The department chair (or a representative) considers the request and sends a recommendation to the dean of the faculty, normally prior to or during registration.
See Admissions for other requirements.
General information
See Geography for information on the Bachelor of Arts in Earth Science.
See Environmental Earth Science for details on this Bachelor of Science program.
The 4-year B.Sc. in Earth Sciences is designed for students with a strong background and interest in the physical sciences, chemistry, physics and mathematics whose careers as geologists will be in mineral exploration, the mining industry/government agencies, or the petroleum industry. The program also provides a solid academic base for studies at the master’s or Ph.D. level.
The 3-year B.Sc. in Earth Sciences program is designed for students who intend to work in educational fields, geography, economics, business administration, etc. and may want a broad background in geology. It is not designed for students who wish to become professional geologists.
Students specializing in geology are encouraged to acquire field experience with federal or provincial geological surveys, and mining, oil or exploration companies during the summer months in order to supplement their formal academic training.
Programs
Course descriptions