Earth Sciences (Co-op and Regular)

• About
• Beyond the classroom
• Specializations
• First-year courses
• Upper-year courses
• Co-op
• Beyond University of Waterloo
• Important information

About

Earth Sciences is a multidisciplinary field that applies principles from many different areas of Science to study natural processes occurring within and at the surface of the Earth. A major focus of Earth Sciences is to learn how to manage Earth's resources, from minerals and petroleum to groundwater, surface water and the atmosphere. Our department has strengths in many diverse areas but environmental science has particular emphasis. Top students are attracted to Earth Sciences at Waterloo because of our challenging programs, internationally respected professors, and our reputation for pioneering new approaches to problems. Our graduates find rewarding and unique career opportunities, and continue to impress employers with their well-developed technical skills and knowledge base.

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Beyond the classroom

Starting in first year, you'll be working in our constantly updated labs, learning essential data-gathering and analysis skills. In upper years, you'll work with specialized equipment, including polarised light microscopes for examining thin rock sections, field geophysical and hydrogeologic instruments, and in our labs for geochemical testing, data acquisition and computer modelling.

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Specializations

As an earth sciences major, you can choose to focus your studies in atmospheric or environmental science, hydrogeology, geology or geophysics.

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First-year courses

All programs feature engaging courses, many supplemented by hands-on learning in labs and field trips. In Applied Geomorphology, for example, you'll study topics such as glacial drift, permafrost, and flood control, with practical work in air photo interpretation and terrain analysis.

First-year courses you'll take:

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Upper-year courses

Here is a list of some of our upper-year courses in earth sciences.

• Geochemistry
• Mineralogy
• Volcanology and Petrology
• Stratigraphy and Earth History
• Principles of Paleontology
• Atmospheric Science
• Earth System Science
• Hydrogeology
• Flow Through Porous Media
• Geological Impacts on Human Health
• Quaternary Geology
• Sedimentology
• Geophysics

Earth Science course descriptions and requirements, are found in the undergraduate Calendar.

Upper year course sequencing, (including specializations), is found in the Undergraduate Studies Academic Calendar.

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Co-op

What is co​-op?

In the second term of your second year, you are able to begin a co-op job. You will complete 4 months of co-op, then return for 4 months of school. This pattern will continue the rest of your stay at University of Waterloo.

For more information visit the Co-operative Education website.

Co-op students at work

• Geology Assistant, Mobil Oil Canada Ltd, Calgary branch
• Hydrogeology Lab Researcher, K H2O, California
• Research Geophysicist, Imperial Oil Resources
• Geological Surveyor Assistant, Natural Resources Canada
• Aquifer Test Technician, City of Guelph

Co-op earnings

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Beyond University of Waterloo

Because our Earth Sciences program emphasizes research and computer skills, employers find that our students are valuable team members who quickly learn new techniques and who are able to quickly problem solve. what are our grads doing now

• Hydrogeologist, Jacques Whitford Ltd., Calgary
• Exploration Geophysicist, Petro Canada
• Hydrographer, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
• Geosystems Analyst, Ager, Berretta and Ellis Inc.
• Hydrologist, U.S. Geological Survey

Other careers students are following can be found in our careers in Science website.

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Important information

Information on admission requirements, financing and housing, is found in our admission website.

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