About
The Certificate in Quantitative Geosciences will be helpful to students in their careers or graduate degree opportunities in fields where knowledge of data in geosciences is essential. The geosciences are increasingly data driven and there is a need in industry, government and academia for people who understand geoscience data and how to analyze and display it effectively.
What you will learn
This certificate will recognize your proficiency in quantitative aspects of geosciences. The quantity of data related to geosciences is increasing rapidly and modern geoscientists are needed who can analyze, organize and display this data efficiently and effectively.
Geoscience data, for instance topography measurements from drone-based lidar, geophysical measurements such as gravity data, geochemical analyses and field measurements of rock orientations, is increasing greatly in quantity and quality. Many pressing societal problems including understanding and adaptation to climate change, exploration for minerals needed to drive the new green economy and efforts to mitigate environmental impacts of resource extraction and use will require professionals who are able to make good use of this data. The Certificate in Quantitative Geosciences will prepare you to meet these challenges.
Who should enroll in this certificate?
This certificate could act as a stand-alone credential if you are a student interested in the quantitative aspects of geosciences. However, given the large number of required prerequisites, completing the certificate this way could be challenging and you may find this program a better choice to combine with a degree in a related area of study. In particular, if you are pursuing degrees in Geology, Geological Engineering, Environmental Geosciences and Geophysics could complete this certificate with careful choices of electives. Students in other programs may also choose to complete this certificate as part of their degrees.
GEOL 306.3: Handling and Visualising Deep Earthtime Geoscience Data
Large datasets are common in the geosciences. Effective processing of these data require them to be structured, preferably utilising database systems. Visualisation and representation of the characteristics of the data are typically best performed using robust, non-parametric procedures which emphasise unusual data. Data which vary with both time and space require special treatment and presentation when utilising GIS or plate reconstruction models. This course provides an introduction to structuring data, the development of project-specific databases, time-slider variations in GIS, plate reconstruction modelling and geochemical data visualisation. It draws on skills learned in igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic geology, together with introductory GIS courses to teach students how to more effectively work with large deep earth-time datasets. These insights and approaches will position the student better for later geology classes such as GEOL 406 and GEOL 465 and for most exploration work environments.
CMPT 141.3: Introduction to Computer Science
An introduction to computer science and problem solving using procedural programming. This course introduces the basic computer science and computer programming principles of algorithms, abstraction, encapsulation, variables, conditional branching, repetition, functions, recursion, and elementary data structures. These concepts are applied to problem solving applications such as data analysis and visualization, simulation, text processing, and image processing. The programming skills acquired in this course are applicable in all fields of study, the work-place, and personal projects.
GEOL 335.3: Seismology and Ground Penetrating Radar Methods
Introduction to seismological and ground penetrating radar methods; their integration with other geophysical techniques. Application of geophysical measurements to geological engineering, groundwater, and prospecting and earthquake monitoring problems.
The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.
Showing specific skills
The certificate is not intended to replace the existing programs in geology or environmental geosciences, but will allow you to highlight your specific knowledge in understanding geoscience data and how to analyze it and display it effectively.
Complementing your studies
Complete this certificate to have your knowledge in quantitative geosciences formally recognized for your future studies or in your current profession.
Making an impact
The Certificate in Quantitative Goesciences will help you show that you have the skills necessary to provide useful insight that could be used for new, less environmentally sensitive technologies for resource extraction.
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 Quantitative Geosciences 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