The domain of Earth and Planetary Sciences includes the solid Earth
and its hydrosphere and extends to the neighbouring terrestrial planets. It is
a multidisciplinary field in which the principles of chemistry, physics, and
mathematics are applied to the rich problems of the real world in order to
understand how planets like the Earth work; in the past, the present, and the
future.
Career opportunities are many and varied for graduates in the Earth
and Planetary Sciences. There is presently a demand for graduates with
expertise in many disciplines of the Earth Sciences. Our students are recruited
for employment in the petroleum and mining industries, and in the environmental
sector.
During the summer months, undergraduate students are generally able
to obtain employment from industry or government agencies, providing them with
both financial benefits and first-hand geoscientific experience. Career
opportunities in planetary science are present in universities and research
organizations.
The Department has a full-time staff of 17 professors and one faculty
lecturer. There are approximately 55 graduate and 50 undergraduate students.
Classes are therefore small at all levels, resulting in an informal and
friendly atmosphere throughout the Department in which most of the faculty and
students interact on a first-name basis. Emphasis is placed equally on quality
teaching and research providing undergraduate students with a rich and exciting
environment in which to explore and learn.
The undergraduate curriculum is designed to provide both a rigorous
foundation in the physical sciences and the flexibility to create an
individualized program in preparation for careers in industry, teaching, or
research. In addition to the Major and Honours undergraduate programs, the
Department is part of the Earth System Science Interdepartmental program, and
also offers a Joint Major in Physics and Geophysics which provides a rigorous
mathematics and physics preparation and a geological background in the
geosciences.
The Minor in Geology offers students from other
departments the opportunity to obtain exposure to the Earth Sciences, while the
Minor in Geochemistry is oriented towards Chemistry Major students who want to
see the application of chemistry to problems in Earth and Planetary Sciences.
A Science Major concentration in Earth, Atmosphere and Ocean Sciences
is available to students pursuing the B.A. & Sc. degree. This Major
concentration is described in Programs, Courses and University Regulations > Faculties & Schools > Bachelor of Arts and Science > Undergraduate > Earth, Atmosphere and Ocean Sciences.
Students interested in any of the programs should inquire at Room 238,
Frank Dawson Adams Building, 514-398-6767, or should consult the Undergraduate
Director:
- Professor Jeanne Paquette
- Frank Dawson Adams Building, Room 214
- Email:
jeanne [dot] paquette [at] mcgill [dot] ca
- Telephone: 514-398-4402