What is a Geoscientist?

A geoscientist is someone who studies the earth's physical makeup and history, gathering and interpreting data about the earth for the purpose of increasing our understanding and improving the quality of human life. Geology is the science that provides the key to finding new sources of useful earth materials and to understanding earth processes that affect our lives. Geoscientists are responsible for recording the creation, accretion, destruction and movements of the continents and oceans. They also have to find out where, when, and how mineral deposits have formed and they must locate our energy resources for the future.

Geoscientists have observed and recorded changes in the diversity of life through time. In the most recent stages of earth history they have noted the movement of continental scale glaciers across high and mid-latitudes. They have observed sea-level fall and rise by tens of metres and traced our own development into the Twenty-first Century.

Professional geoscientists and geological engineers contribute to the protection of the planet and its resources through studying the environment. They examine the cost and location of structures built by mankind. They help to decide sources of and management of water supplies and energy resources. They see that our waste products are stored so that they pose the smallest possible threat to ecosystems. Finally, geoscientists contribute to the understanding and prediction of natural hazards and disasters, including earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, floods, droughts and tidal waves.

Becoming a Geoscientist

Contemplating a career in the geosciences? You will require a strong high school background with special interest in the basic sciences and mathematics, the ability to grasp fundamental scientific principles quickly and easily and the ability to discuss ideas clearly. You also must be able to apply the basic principles of chemistry, physics, biology and mathematics and use deductive reasoning to solve complex scientific problems. Strong oral and written communication skills in English are also a necessity.

Studying Geoscience at UBC in the Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences

Assuming that you have completed grade 12 math, chemistry, physics, and English, here is a typical first year course schedule in geoscience at UBC:

2 of: ENGL 110, 111, 112 (recommended), 120, 121
MATH 100 + MATH 101
PHYS 101 + PHYS 102
CHEM 121 + CHEM 123
EOSC 110 (The Solid Earth - A Dynamic Planet)
CPSC 100-level

Your first year courses will vary somewhat depending on your high school background and your interests.
First year engineering has slightly different course requirements.

Career Trends

With the continuing development of the resource industries in Canada (such as offshore oil and gas, and mining) as well as strong growth in hydrogeology and geotechnical engineering, there will be direct and indirect opportunities for geoscience careers. Career opportunities for Canadian geoscientists also exist in the United States, under the terms of the North American Free Trade Agreement. Salaries depend on supply and demand in the market place and vary according to specialization within the job sector. Starting salaries for graduates with Bachelor's degrees are about $25,000 to $35,000.

Professional registration is now required in most Canadian provinces and territories. It is anticipated that registration will be mandatory throughout Canada by the year 2003. UBC geoscience degree programs meet the academic requirements for professional registration, with the appropriate choices of elective courses.

For more information specific to UBC visit the Department of Earth and Ocean Science's Web Site at: http://www.eos.ubc.ca/

Links to more general information on careers in geoscience

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This handout was written by Janet Miller, an undergraduate student in Geological Sciences at UBC, with help from Dr. Mary Lou Bevier and other students, on the occasion of the Department of Earth  and Ocean Sciences Open House, 25 February 2000.