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: 
Program Cost Estimates

Contact Information

Contact Name: 
Dr. Nancy Brown
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.

Related Careers

Condensed Matter Physicists

  • industrial and applied physicists
  • atomic and molecular physicists
  • geophysicists
  • particle physicists
  • medical physicists
  • mathematical physicists
  • astronomers
  • meteorologists
  • optical physicists

Physicists are involved in the development of such products as the CANDU reactor and the computer-aided Magnetic Resonance Imaging (M.R.I.) technology. Some physicists provide weather-forecasting services, monitor the environment, and teach physics.

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: Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency in addition to the program admission requirements.

Graduation Requirements: 

You must pass 20 term university transfer courses or a minimum of 60 credit hours, and achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 to receive a Diploma in University Transfer Studies.

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

The first introductory-level chemistry course that focusses on the foundations of atomic properties and chemical reactions. Topics include: stoichiometry, reactions and titrations, ideal gases, atomic structure and bonding, chemical equilibrium, and acids and bases. Prerequisite: Chem 30 and Math 30-1.

CHEM 212

The second introductory-level chemistry course that further expands upon the foundations of various chemical reactions and systems by discussing their equilibrium and reaction rates. Topics include: buffers, titration curves, solubility and complex ion equilibria, thermodynamics and thermochemistry, chemical kinetics, and electrochemistry. Pre-requisite: 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

Introduction to Calculus with skill development lab. Review of analytic geometry. Differentiation of elementary, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Applications of the derivative. Integration. Fundamental Theorem of Calculus . Prerequisite: Math 30-1. Note: You should take Math 203 instead if you have at least 70% in Math 31. You cannot have credit in both Math 202 and 203.

MATH 203

Introduction to Calculus. Review of analytic geometry. Differentiation of elementary, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Applications of the derivative. Integration. Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Prerequisite: Math 31 or equivalent. Note: You should take MATH 202 instead if you have less than 70% in Math 31. You cannot have credit in both MATH 202 and 203.

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 algegra, determinants, vectors, lines and planes, subspaces of n-space, and applications. Introduction to linear transformations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Prerequisite: Math 30-1

PHYS 241

A calculus-based course in physics in which the kinematic and dynamic properties of particles and bodies in motion are described and quantified through the study of forces, work and energy, momentum, rotation and special relativity. Prerequisite: Physics 30 and Math 30-1. Corequisite: MATH 202 or 203 or 212. Note: Credit is granted 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.