Course Description

Program Description Environmental geoscientists apply their unique understanding of the Earth’s composition, structure and physical processes to protect the environment and predict geologic and hydrologic hazards. Using studies that balance fieldwork, laboratory analyses, and theoretical studies of interactions between air, water and earth materials, you seek to advance our fundamental understanding of Earth processes and systems, and apply this understanding to society’s needs and problems. The Niagara Peninsula and a large part of Ontario lie within the watershed of the Great Lakes, the Earth’s largest freshwater ecosystem. Studies have found more than 360 toxic chemicals in the Great Lakes ecosystem that are destructive to aquatic ecosystems and potentially dangerous to human health. New geoscientists, trained in the environmental disciplines, will be required to meet environmental and resource management challenges. Current trends suggest that in North America, employment in the environmental geoscience disciplines will grow faster than the average for all occupations. All four-year degree programs examine the interrelationships between earth materials, the atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere, and the impact of human activities from a physical science perspective. A key element of these programs is the emphasis on training in both laboratory and field techniques and interpretive methods; all are essential for graduates to compete effectively for both government and private sector positions in the environmental disciplines. The honours program also provides the preparation for graduate study in specializations such as hydrology, environmental geochemistry, and groundwater geology. Our Environmental Geosciences Co-op program will allow you to gain valuable work experience by combining academic and work terms over five years. With Co-op you’ll complete four academic terms prior to beginning your first work placement.

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