- 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.
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
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student 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 $156.80 per credit) |
4,704.00 |
|
Student Activity fee (4% of tuition) |
188.16 |
|
Student Services fee (30 credits x $6.93 per credit) |
207.90 |
|
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $20.90 per month) |
167.20 |
|
Health and Dental Plan fee ($275.00 per year) |
275.00 |
|
Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year |
1,500.00 |
|
Total |
7,042.26 |
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
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student 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 $8700.00 per semester) |
17,400.00 |
|
Ancillary Fee (2 semesters x $389.40 per semester) |
778.80 |
|
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $20.90 per month) |
167.20 |
|
Health and Dental Plan fee ($275.00 per year) |
275.00 |
|
Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year |
1,500.00 |
|
Total |
20,121.00 |
Tuition in the above table is based on a maximum of 15 credits at $725.00 per credit, up to a maximum of $8,700.00 per semester for 12-15 credits; $725.00 per credit beyond 15 credits. Ancillary Fees in the above table are based on a maximum of 15 credits at $32.45 per credit, up to a maximum of $389.40 per semester for 12-15 credits; $32.45 per credit beyond 15 credits.
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.
UpdatedDomestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 6, 2022 |
Aug 24, 2021 to Dec 10, 2021
|
Nanaimo
|
|||||||||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Jan 6, 2022
Application Fee
$42.55
Accepting Late Applications
No
Admissions Assistant
Name: Registration Comments
|
|||||||||||
| Jan 6, 2022 |
Aug 24, 2021 to Dec 10, 2021
|
Cowichan
|
|||||||||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Jan 6, 2022
Next Intake(s)
Application Fee
$42.55
Admissions Assistant
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Comments
Please contact Advising at 250-746-3509 or email Advising.Cowichan@viu.ca for more information on the program. If you are interested in starting in January 2022, please apply to the Fall (September) 2022 intake then contact Registration.Cowichan@viu.ca. We will be able to switch over your application to a January start. Applications for January 2022 are being accepted until December 10, 2021. |
|||||||||||
| Sep 6, 2022 |
Oct 1, 2021 to Mar 31, 2022
|
Nanaimo
|
|||||||||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Sep 6, 2022
Application Fee
$42.55
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant
Name: Petra Scott |
|||||||||||
| Sep 6, 2022 |
Oct 1, 2021 to Mar 31, 2022
|
Cowichan
|
|||||||||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Sep 6, 2022
Application Fee
$42.55
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Waitlist
No
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant
Name: Erica Ellenchuk |
|||||||||||
| Sep 6, 2022 |
Oct 1, 2021 to Mar 31, 2022
|
Powell River
|
|||||||||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Sep 6, 2022
Accepting International Applications
No
Application Fee
$42.55
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Waitlist
Yes
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant
Name: Erin Johnson Comments
Please consult Student Services/Advising at 604-485-2878 or email pr.studentaffairs@viu.ca for more information on program or admission requirements. |
|||||||||||
International
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 6, 2022 |
Apr 12, 2021 to Sep 30, 2021
|
Nanaimo
|
|||||||||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Jan 6, 2022
Next Intake(s)
Accepting International Applications
Yes
Application Fee
$150.00
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Waitlist
No
Testing Required
No
International Admissions Officer Contact
Name: Elham Akhoundi and Yuzo Ishida Comments
For prospective international applicants, please send your inquiries to World VIU at WorldVIU@viu.ca. |
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Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.
Previous versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.
If you are interested in starting in January 2022, please apply to the Fall (September) 2022 intake then contact Registration@viu.ca. We will be able to switch over your application to a January start.
Applications for January 2022 are being accepted until December 10, 2021.