About
The Certificate in Geology Fundamentals is a stand-alone program for students wishing to have an understanding of the basics of geology and will recognize your completion of fundamental courses in the geological sciences. Solving many of the great problems facing humanity today will require an understanding of geology.
As examples, our understanding of modern climate and sea-level changes are informed by changing climates of the geological past which can be inferred from the study of geology. The transition to a low carbon economy will require elements such as lithium, cobalt and rare earth's which have not previously been mined in industrial quantities. Finding these resources and extracting them in a sustainable way will require knowledge of geology. Most of Earth's water outside of the oceans and ice caps is groundwater. Knowledge of geology is necessary for finding and managing groundwater resources.
What you will learn
Upon completion of this certificate, students will have a basic understanding of the earth and its evolution through geological time, the processes causing this evolution and of the materials making up our planet.
This certificate is useful to anyone working in industries related to natural resources and environmental management. For example, it is the perfect choice for a business or engineering professional working in the natural resource industries wishing to have a better understanding of the materials making up our planet and the processes that created them.
This certificate program will also allow students pursuing degrees or certificates other than geology gain an understanding of geological processes and materials. In particular, students in Geological Engineering, Geophysics, Environmental Geosciences and Hydrology degrees who choose their electives carefully will be able to complete the certificate and will get recognition for their knowledge in geology.
Students in the Edwards School of Business intending to pursue careers in resource industries may wish to have an understanding of geology fundamentals as might students in other Colleges and Arts and Science programs.
GEOL 224.3: Mineralogy
Crystalline materials and their properties; crystal chemistry and chemical equilibria in natural systems; mineral properties and classification, and particularly rock-forming mineral groups; mineral genesis.
GEOL 258.3: Structural Geology
This course covers the fundamentals of structural geology, which deals with stresses in Earth materials and the response to stress in those Earth materials (deformation). Rocks can deform in many ways, which results in deformation structures, such as folds, faults, ductile shear zones, metamorphic cleavage, and joints (fractures). This course is designed to introduce you to the principles and importance of structural geology, whose impacts range from earthquakes at tectonic plate margins, the concentration of hydrocarbons and metals in structural traps for resource development, to the design and implementation of engineering projects. Laboratories introduce mapping techniques and the analysis of geological maps and structures.
GEOL 308.3: Field School Sedimentary Rocks
A field course in a location with good outcrops of sedimentary rocks. Emphasis will be given to mapping and interpreting sedimentary rocks and the use of stratigraphic principles.
The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.
Starting your accreditation
If you match this certificate with further studies, you will take courses that will teach you the basic materials helpful for professional accreditation as a geoscientist to have an advantange in fulfilling the requirements.
Complementing your studies
Take this certificate to have your knowledge in geology formally recognized for your future studies or in your desired or current profession.
Careers
Integrating this certificate with further studies, you can seek employment with a variety of private and public sector employers, including mining, oil and gas, environmental industries, and geological surveys. Your knowledge of Earth processes is very important in many aspects of the business and public policy world.
The following are a few opportunities:
- Environmental geology
- Exploration geology
- Geological survey
- Mine geology
- Petroleum geology
- Mineralogy
- Sedimentology
- Paleontology
- Geological modelling
Tuition estimates
| Canadian students | International students | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $815 per 3 credit unit class | $3,945 per 3 credit unit class |
| Student fees | $1,121 per year | $1,121 per year |
Tuition will vary depending on the type and number of classes you take in a year. This estimate reflects a typical amount you could expect to pay per class (2024-2025 Canadian dollar rates).
Student fees are used to fund specific student benefits, including health, vision and dental coverage, a bus pass, recreational programs and fitness centre access. This estimate reflects the price you would pay if you are a full-time student.
The cost of books and supplies varies widely depending on the courses you choose. It is recommended that you budget between $1,500-$2,500 for this program.
Program options
The Certificate in Geology Fundamentals is offered by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Arts and Science. You may earn the certificate on its own, concurrently with a degree, or after having already received a degree from here or another institution.
If you are already enrolled at USask, consult your academic advisor regarding enrolling in this program.
The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.
Admission requirements and deadlines
Deadlines
Ready to apply?
If you are a current USask student, consult your academic advisor about enrolling in this program.
To apply to this program as a new student, create an admissions account and apply for admission to any undergraduate program in the College of Arts and Science. When you are ready to submit your application, you will be assessed a non-refundable application fee of $90 CAD. (Effective December 2, the application fee is increasing to $120 CAD.) After you are admitted, declare your plans to the college.
If you are interested in more information about this certificate, please contact student-advice@artsandscience.usask.ca