- Program Length4 Years
- CredentialBachelor Degree
- Location OfferedNanaimo
The Earth Science (BA) Program
The Minor in Earth Science is designed to provide foundational knowledge about the Earth’s materials, processes, resources and history. Earth Science is a multidisciplinary field in which the principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology are applied to understand how the Earth works. Earth Science literacy is of critical importance in understanding and solving challenges facing us regarding energy and resource availability and environmental sustainability.
The Minor in Earth Science is designed to be taken as part of a Double Minor or as a Major and Minor combination for a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts. The program provides a solid foundation in the physical sciences and the flexibility to create individualized programs of study.
The Minor in Earth Sciences combines with Minors or Majors in Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics, and Computer Science. The Minor in Earth Sciences also complements studies in Anthropology, Business, Economics, Creative Writing, and Liberal Studies. Career directions for students with a Minor in Earth Science are varied, but could include work in variety of fields employed with environmental consultants, resource companies or government agencies. The program will be of particular interest to students proceeding towards a career in Primary and Secondary Education, with plans for teaching a science curriculum.
Many of the courses taken to satisfy the Minor of Earth Science requirements can contribute towards the academic requirements of the Engineers and Geoscientists BC (formerly APEGBC) for a Professional Geoscientist. However, a significant number of other courses may be required. Check the APEGBC syllabus requirements for a Professional Geoscientist for more details at Engineers and Geoscientists BC.
Program Outline
Requirements for a Minor
Students must fulfill all the Institutional B.A. degree requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below:
|
Years 1 and 2 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
GEOL 111 - (Discovering Planet Earth) |
4 |
|
GEOL 112 - (Understanding Earth's History) |
4 |
|
GEOL 115* - (Laboratory and Field Studies in Earth Science) |
3 |
|
GEOL 200 - (Mineralogy) |
3 |
|
GEOL 201 - (Sedimentology and Stratigraphy) |
3 |
|
GEOL 202 - (Earth Structures) |
3 |
|
GEOL 206** - (Geological Field Methods and Mapping) |
3 |
* Students who completed both GEOL 111 and GEOL 112 prior to September 2011 are exempt from taking GEOL 115 as a prerequisite for 200-level GEOL courses.
** GEOL 206 is a field course that includes approximately 72 hours of instruction over a two week period.
|
Years 3 and 4 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
Minimum of eighteen credits of Earth Science* courses numbered 300 and above from the following list, of which a minimum of nine credits must be GEOL courses: |
18 |
* Earth Science courses are approved lab science courses from the departments of Geology, Chemistry, and Geography.
Domestic Fees | International Fees
Domestic Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
Fees for One Year* |
Amount |
|---|---|
|
Tuition (30 credits x $153.73 per credit) |
4,611.90 |
|
Student Activity fee (4% of tuition) |
184.48 |
|
Student Services fee (30 credits x $6.79 per credit) |
203.70 |
|
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $20.73 per month) |
165.84 |
|
Health and Dental Plan fee ($275 per year) |
275.00 |
|
Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year |
1,500.00 |
|
Total |
6,940.92 |
The Health and Dental Plan fee is in effect only for full-time students at the Nanaimo Campus.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice.
International Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
Fees for One Year* |
Amount |
|---|---|
|
Tuition (2 semesters x $8340 per semester) |
16,680.00 |
|
Ancillary Fee (2 semesters x $381.6 per semester) |
763.20 |
|
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $20.73 per month) |
165.84 |
|
Health and Dental Plan fee ($275 per year) |
275.00 |
|
Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year |
1,500.00 |
|
Total |
19,384.04 |
The above table is based on 15 credits or less per semester. Additional fees of $695.00 per credit will be applied if taking more than 15 credits per semester.
The Health and Dental Plan fee is in effect only for full-time students at the Nanaimo Campus.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice.
Updated| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 7, 2021 |
Sep 1, 2020 to Dec 14, 2020
|
Nanaimo
|
|||||||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Jan 7, 2021
Application Fee
$41.72
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant
Name: Amelia Maher-Ahmed Comments
|
|||||||||
| Jan 7, 2021 |
Sep 1, 2020 to Dec 14, 2020
|
Powell River
|
|||||||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Jan 7, 2021
Application Fee
$41.72
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant
Name: Erin Johnson Comments
Please consult the Vancouver Island University Calendar or contact Student Services/Advising at 604-485-2878 or email pr.studentaffairs@viu.ca for more information on program or admission requirements. |
|||||||||
| Sep 7, 2021 |
Oct 1, 2020 to Mar 31, 2021
|
Nanaimo
|
|||||||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Sep 7, 2021
Application Fee
$41.72
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant
Name: Amelia Maher-Ahmed Comments
Please consult the Vancouver Island University Calendar or contact Student Services/Advising at 250-740-6410 or email advising@viu.ca for more information on program or admission requirements. |
|||||||||
| Sep 7, 2021 |
Oct 1, 2020 to Mar 31, 2021
|
Cowichan
|
|||||||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Sep 7, 2021
Application Fee
41.72
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant
Name: Zoe Doiron Comments
Please consult the Vancouver Island University Calendar or contact Student Services/Advising at 250-746-3509 or email advising.cowichan@viu.ca for more information on program or admission requirements. |
|||||||||
| Sep 7, 2021 |
Oct 1, 2020 to Mar 31, 2021
|
Powell River
|
|||||||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Sep 7, 2021
Application Fee
$41.72
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant
Name: Erin Johnson Comments
Please consult the Vancouver Island University Calendar or contact Student Services/Advising at 604-485-2878 or email pr.studentaffairs@viu.ca for more information on program or admission requirements. |
|||||||||
If you are interested in starting in January 2021 please apply on EducationPlannerBC for the Fall 2021 intake and contact amelia.maher-ahmed@viu.ca to switch your application to the Spring 2021 intake.