Geological Science in Canada

Geology is the study of the Earth, from the highest mountains to the core. Geology examines phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanoes, glaciers, mountains, shorelines, minerals, mantle convection, Earth's magnetic field, plate tectonics, the evolution of life through time, and global climate change and its impact on the past and future development of the Earth.

Interested in customizing geographic technology? Combine geography and computer science in the field of geomatics. Study GPS, satellite imagery, remotely sensed data, GIS and visualization tools. Learn how to collect, process, analyze and display data and use maps to improve our world.

The Department of Earth Sciences in the Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources is recognized worldwide as one of Canada's leading geoscience departments. Our faculty members have garnered numerous university, national, and international awards in recognition of their research contributions, excellence in teaching, outreach activities, and commitment to the geoscientific community.

Theoretically, experimentally, and observationally oriented Master of Science (M.Sc.), Master of Applied Science (M.A.Sc.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs are offered in a number of key areas of geophysics. Current interests include topics in observational and theoretical glaciology; climate variability; geodynamics of the crust, mantle, and core of Earth and other planets; geological fluid mechanics; volcanic processes; surface processes on Earth and other planets; origin and structure of planetary magnetic fields; inversion methodologies with application to reflection seismology, mineral exploration, and environmental studies; computational electrodynamics; seismology with observational programs in crustal and upper mantle studies; earthquake studies focused on understanding past and current tectonic processes in Western Canada, and data science including applications of machine learning to Earth scientific problems.

Examine planet Earth: the materials from which it is made, the processes that affect these materials, and the origin and evolution of life. Our Geology degree is certified by the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta (APEGGA) and includes a number of field placements, which give important hands-on training to supplement the knowledge taught in classrooms.