DEPARTMENT of PHYSICAL SCIENCES
Earth and Planetary Sciences Minor
You are captivated by rocks, compelled by climate change and curious about the stars and planets. From the world under your feet to the ones an inconceivable distance away, a minor in Earth and planetary science takes you where you want to go.
In this interdisciplinary minor, you use chemistry, physics and biology to gain a deeper understanding of the world at your feet. At times, you quite literally get your hands dirty, digging into courses on geology, mineralogy, soil science and water-rock interactions. You also use the latest tech and equipment to understand what’s happening billions of miles away.
Courses in this minor can help you find a job in mineral exploration, the oil and gas industry, environmental consulting, geospatial analysis, research, government and more.
What to expect
In the first year of the Earth and planetary physics minor, you take 100-level courses that provide a knowledge base for the more in-depth learning and applied studies that take place in senior-level courses. For example, the different minerals, rock types and basics of stratigraphy and structure that you learn in your first year are expanded on in later courses on mineralogy, sedimentology and stratigraphy, and structure and tectonics.
As you move through the program, you explore more advanced topics, such as soil analysis, paleontology, geomorphology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the geochemical and biogeochemical cycling of elements on our planet. As well, you examine the composition of the planets and other bodies in our solar system. By your final year, you have a sense of the interconnectedness of the Earth system and understand how different parts of that system can be studied.
Working with the latest technology and equipment in the field and in the lab, you explore your own research interests under the mentorship of professors who are passionate about teaching and research.
Program of Study
This minor is open to students in the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science. Courses for your minor are only one component of the degree requirements you need to graduate. To see all courses required for the minor, check the program of study in the academic calendar.
Requirements can change from year to year. You will follow the program of study outlined in MacEwan University's Academic Calendar for the year you declare your major/minor or the year you are accepted into an Honours program.
Academic advisors in the Faculty of Arts and Science have prepared resources to help you understand how your major/minor fits within overall degree coursework. Consult the academic planning information to choose and enrol in courses and complete the major/minor declaration process.