Geophysics, Bachelor of Science

Program Information
Credential: 
Bachelor's Degree
Duration: 

1 year at RDC - 3 years at U of A

Delivery: 
Main Campus
Program Cost Estimates: 

Contact Information

Contact Name: 
Dr. Jane MacNeil
Contact Title: 
Associate Dean
Contact Phone: 
403.342.3400 OR 1.888.732.4630
Contact Email: 
inquire@rdc.ab.ca
University Transfer Program

One Year University Transfer Program:

For the most current university program and transfer information, see the Planning Guides in Academic Advising.

The Program

RDC offers the first year of studies toward honours or specialization BSc Geophysics.

Transfer Features

The courses offered in this program can be transferred to most universities. However, some of these courses do not satisfy the physics program requirements at U of C.

Requirements
Admission Requirements: 

Related Link: Admission requirements for specific programs will often refer to Alberta Grade 12 course groups. Visit the Admissions page for detailed group descriptions.

1. Minimum average of 60% with no mark below 50% in:

  • Chemistry 30
  • ELA 30-1
  • Mathematics 30-1
  • Physics 30
  • Subject from Group A, B, or C (Mathematics 31 recommended)

OR

2. Mature Student

You must be 19 years of age or older, out of high school for at least one full year before the program starts, and have a minimum average of 60% with no mark below 50% in:

  1. Chemistry 30
  2. ELA 30-1
  3. Mathematics 30-1
  4. Physics 30

Note: In addition to the program admission requirements applicants, whose first language is not English, must demonstrate English language proficiency.

Application Process

Apply for Bachelor of Science Physics and Geophysics

Program Content
University of Alberta

(Please note these credits are U of A credits.)

  • CHEM 211/CHEM 212 or CHEM 351 (6 credits)
  • PHYS 241/PHYS 247 (6 credits)
  • MATH 202 (or MATH 203)/MATH 204/MATH 221 (9 credits)
  • 3 Arts Options (9 credits)
Year 1 Course Descriptions

CHEM 211

Stoichiometry; ideal gases; atomic structure and bonding; thermochemistry; chemical equilibrium; acids and bases; buffers; titrations. Prerequisite: Chem 30 and Math 30

CHEM 212

Titration curves; solubility and complex ion equilibria; entropy and Gibbs energy; chemical kinetics; electrochemistry; bonding and structure. Prerequisite: CHEM 211

CHEM 351

An introduction to the chemistry of carbon compounds. The molecular structure; nomenclature; reactions; reaction mechanisms; structure determination and stereochemistry of alkanes; alkenes; alkynes and alkyl halides is discussed. Important organic compounds related to industry; agriculture and everyday use (polymers; fats; soaps; pesticides; medicinals; etc) are introduced. Prerequisite: CHEM 211 Note: You can only get credit for one of CHEM 241; CHEM 251 and CHEM 351.

MATH 202

Review of analytical geometry; differentiation and integration of simple functions; and applications. Prerequisite: Math 30-1 Note: You should take MATH 203 if you have at least 70% in Math 31.

MATH 203

Review of analytical geometry; differentiation and intergration of simple functions; and applications. Prerequisite: Math 30 and 31 or the equivalent. Note: Not recommended if you have less than 70% in Math 31.

MATH 204

Differentiation and integration of trigonometric; exponential; and logarithmic functions. Indeterminate forms and improper integrals. Techniques of integration. Applications. Prerequisite: MATH 202 or 203 or equivalent. Note: You cannot have credit in both MATH 204 and MATH 213.

MATH 221

Solving linear systems of equations. Matrix algebra. Determinants; vectors; lines and planes; vector spaces; and applications. Prerequisite: Math 30 or equivalent.

PHYS 241

Kinematics. Particle dynamics. Work and energy. Linear momentum. Rotational kinematics. Rotational dynamics. Equilibrum of rigid bodies. Prerequisite: Physics 30 and Math 30. Corequisite: MATH 202 (203) or 212. Note: You can have credit in only one of PHYS 203; 205; 231; or 241.

PHYS 247

Oscillations; simple harmonic motion; waves. Gravitation. Sound. Light; geometric optics; optical instruments; interference and diffraction. Fluids. Kinetic theory. Heat and thermodynamics. Prerequisite: PHYS 241 or ENPH 231 Corequisite: MATH 204 or 213 Note: You can have credit in only one of PHYS 206; 207; 237; 243; 247; or 269.