Courses for your Earth Sciences degree

First-year courses and beyond* (Geology specialization)

Programs/majors in the Faculty of Science start right in first year. To select your program with confidence, here’s some handy info to get you started.

If you're considering the Geophysics or Hydrogeology specialization, we'll send you details when you select your first-year courses as the courses are slightly different for each specialization.

September to December

EARTH 121/121L – Introductory Earth Sciences/Laboratory
CHEM 120/120L – General Chemistry 1/Laboratory
MATH 127 – Calculus 1 for the Sciences
EARTH 123 – Introductory Hydrology
Choose one of
- PHYS 111/111L – Physics 1/Laboratory or
- PHYS 121/121L – Mechanics/Laboratory

January to April

EARTH 122/122L – Introductory Environmental Sciences/Laboratory
CHEM 123/123L – General Chemistry 2/Laboratory
MATH 128 – Calculus 2 for the Sciences
ENGL 193/COMMST 193 – Communication in the Sciences
Choose one of
- PHYS 112/112L – Physics 2/Laboratory
- PHYS 122/122L – Waves, Electricity and Magnetism/Laboratory

After first year

Most of the classes you’ll take will be Earth Sciences courses. You must specialize in one of the program's three specializations: Geology, Geophysics, or Hydrogeology.

View a list of all the courses required for your degree.

Sample upper-year courses

EARTH 270 – Disasters and Natural Hazards
EARTH 281 – Geological Impacts on Human Health
EARTH 331 – Volcanology and Igneous Petrology
EARTH 438 – Engineering Geology

Types of courses you'll take

61% Earth, 6% chemistry, 6% math, 6% physics, 6% program electives, 12% free electives, 3% communication

This is a general guideline. The ratio of courses may change slightly from year to year.

Skills you'll develop with this major

Critical thinking
Problem solving
Communication
Fieldwork capabilities, including rock sampling and geological mapping

This isn't an exhaustive list – rather a glimpse into the skills an Earth Sciences major can provide.

Your experience will be unique, and the skills you develop will depend on your goals; which courses you take; and your involvement with any clubs, jobs, or research projects.

*This is a sample schedule. Courses may be subject to change depending on availability each term.

Advisors are here to help

With so much flexibility, you might have a lot of questions. We're here to help! If you're applying for admission, contact our Faculty of Science recruitment co-ordinator.

Once you're a Waterloo student, you'll have access to academic advisors who can help you