Earth and Ocean Sciences University of British Columbia

Overview

The Earth and Ocean Sciences programme at the University of British Columbia provides a comprehensive scientific foundation for understanding the history and physical dynamics of our planet. Students investigate the complex interactions between the atmosphere, the solid earth, and the liquid oceans to predict future global trends. This interdisciplinary degree allows for the integration of biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics to address critical environmental and resource management issues.

Why Earth and Ocean Sciences at the University of British Columbia?

The University of British Columbia is consistently recognised as one of the world’s premier institutions for environmental sciences. Students benefit from high-tech facilities at the Vancouver campus, including the Pacific Museum of the Earth and the Mineral Deposit Research Unit. The department also hosts the Pacific Centre for Isotopic and Geochemical Research and the EOS Learning Centre, which offers a dedicated collaborative space for undergraduate study.

The curriculum is highly flexible, allowing students to tailor their education with specialised courses in geophysics, geology, and atmospheric sciences. This versatility prepares graduates for diverse paths, including professional registration as a geoscientist or further study in fields such as medicine, law, and journalism. The Earth Sciences building itself serves as a modern research hub, featuring advanced labs for oceanographic research and numerical climate simulations.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 51041 per year
• National fee: CAD 6079 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Mesozoic Earth: Time of the Dinosaurs
• Structure and Bonding in Chemistry
• The Fluid Earth: Atmosphere and Ocean
• Energy and Waves
• The Solid Earth: A Dynamic Planet
• Topics in the Earth and Planetary Sciences
• Computational Methods in Geological Engineering
• Mineralogy
• Global Climate Change

Careers with Earth and Ocean Sciences

Graduates are well-equipped for roles across the earth sciences sector, with many qualifying for registration as a Professional Geoscientist. Alumni have secured positions as environmental hydrogeologists, exploration geologists, and research assistants within major mining and environmental organisations. Common employers include firms such as Alamos Gold Inc., Hemmera, and various mineral exploration units. The programme also provides a strong foundation for those pursuing doctoral research in mining engineering or related scientific disciplines.