Minor in Earth Science

  • Program Length
    4 Years
  • Credential
    Bachelor Degree
  • Options
    Minor
  • Fully Available at
    Nanaimo
  • Partially Available at
    Cowichan, tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River)

Program Overview

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 Science combines with Minors or Majors in Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics, and Computer Science. The Minor in Earth Science also complements studies in Anthropology, Business, Economics, Creative Writing, and Liberal Studies. Career directions for students with a Minor in Earth Science are varied and could include employment 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 in Earth Science requirements can contribute toward the academic requirements of the Engineers and Geoscientists BC (formerly APEGBC) for Professional Geoscientist accreditation however, a significant number of other courses may be required. For more details, check the  Engineers and Geoscientists BC syllabus requirements for Professional Geoscientist accreditation.

Requirements for a Minor

Students must fulfill all the Institutional B.A. degree requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below:

Year 1Credits
GEOL 111 - (Discovering Planet Earth)4
GEOL 112 - (Understanding Earth's History)4
GEOL 115 - (Laboratory and Field Studies in Earth Science)3
Year 2Credits

Complete three of:

GEOL 200 - (Mineralogy)
GEOL 201 - (Sedimentology and Stratigraphy)

GEOL 202 - (Earth Structures)

GEOL 206* - (Geological Field Methods and Mapping)

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* GEOL 206 is a ten consecutive day, off-campus field course that runs immediately following the Spring term exam period. 

Note: students should check upper-level course requirements to guide second-year course choices.

Years 3 and 4Credits

Minimum of twelve credits of GEOL courses numbered 300 and above (GEOL 491 may not be counted toward this requirement).

Up to three credits among the following courses may be counted toward this requirement: CHEM 301, CHEM 302, GEOG 326, GEOG 328, GEOG 372, GEOG 373, GEOG 374, GEOG 376, or GEOG 426

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*Note: Not all courses are offered every year. Please check the VIU Earth Science website or speak to the Earth Science Department Chair or Bachelor of Science Degree Advisor for guidance.

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 $169.73 per credit) 5,091.90
Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.37 per month) 162.96
Student Services fee (8 months x $22.49 per month) 179.92
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $38.87 per month) 310.96
Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) 285.00
Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year 1,500.00
Total 7,530.74
Notes

The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.  

All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.


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 (30 credits x $815.77 per credit) 24,473.10
Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.37 per month) 162.96
Student Services fee (8 months x $22.49 per month) 179.92
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $38.87 per month) 310.96
Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) 285.00
Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year 1,500.00
Total 26,911.94
Notes

The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.  

All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.

Domestic (Canadian)

Program Start Date Accepting Applications Campus

International

Program Start Date Accepting Applications Campus