Earth Science
Earth Science is the discipline that studies our planet and all of its natural environments. Our program offers training in both critical streams of Earth Science: Resources & Tectonics and Earth, Climate & Life. Through our program, students become well equipped to understand the causes and consequences of radical shifts already underway in Earth’s climate system. Addressing modern climate change requires an understanding of the underlying physics and chemistry of the earth-climate system, as well as knowledge of how climate and life have co-evolved in the past.
Honours Bachelor of Science
Program Plans
Plan your degree with these academic and co-curricular program overviews.
Tip Sheets
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- Mine Geologist
- Engineering Technician
- Biological Technician
- Geobiologist
- Exploration Geologist
Admission Requirements
Regional Requirements
Admissions RequirementsLife in Earth Science
Buzz Around Campus
On the afternoon of April 15, 2015, an earthquake rocked the Himalayas, causing widespread death and damage across Nepal, India and Tibet. The magnitude 7.8 quake—the strongest ever recorded in the region—rattled glaciers and ice falls along a ridge just to the west of Mount Everest.
A new study from U of T Mississauga earth science researchers reveals surprising new information about how powerful winds shape the landscape in a remote part of the Andes mountain range.
Something unexpected is happening at U of T Mississauga. The ground has started to rumble with increasing frequency, shaking buildings, rattling desks and leading to mounting concern and confusion.
Sample Courses
This course will examine the complex nature of minerals and crystals from a geological, physical and chemical perspective and will introduce the petrology of volcanic rocks, intrusive plutonic rocks, metamorphic rocks, and sedimentary rocks.
This hands-on course introduces students to field methods and integrative problem solving in environmental sciences. Topics will include sampling methods and protocols employed in terrestrial, aquatic and atmospheric assessment and monitoring, etc.
Course Explanation: A field course designed for Earth Science students that aims to study the Canadian Shield, Grenville Belt, and more.
Other Programs to Consider
Astronomical Sciences
Astronomical Sciences studies the vast universe beyond Earth, discovering objects and phenomena that do not exist on Earth or in the solar system, such as planets orbiting other stars, black holes and forms of mass and energy that cannot be seen even though they form 95% of the universe. To study these objects, astronomical sciences integrates the methods and knowledge of all the other sciences.
Geography (HBSc)
The Geography BSc offers a broad perspective on physical geography. In-depth studies include climatology, hydrology and ecosystems, with possible specialization in biogeochemistry, arctic regions, landscape ecology, natural resources and urban climate. The curriculum stresses the integrative nature of the discipline as well as the development of skills in geographical information analysis.
Biophysics
Biophysics combines fundamental courses in physics, mathematics, chemistry, and biology together with specialized courses in biological physics. This new program has been introduced in response to the growing demand for specialists with physics background in the areas of biology and medicine. Are you interested in understanding how the building blocks of biology, such as proteins, DNA and RNA, fit together and interact to form the living world around us?