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

Introduction to the discipline and essential concepts of chemistry focusing on 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

Continued introduction to the discipline and essential concepts of chemistry focusing on 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 focusing on the molecular structure, nomenclature, reactions, reaction mechanisms and stereochemistry of hydrocarbons, and some functional groups including haloalkanes, alcohols, thiols, ethers and epoxides, Introuction to the use of important organic compounds related to industry, agriculture and everyday purposes. Prerequisite: CHEM 211 or CHEM 102 Anti-requisite: Chem 251

MATH 202

Compute limits, derivatives and integrals of a variety of single-variable functions. Interpret the theoretical meaning of these tools and their use in applications. Intended for students without prior calculus experience. Prerequisite: MATH 30-1. Anti-requisite: MATH 203

MATH 203

Compute limits, derivatives and integrals of a variety of single-variable functions. Interpret the theoretical meaning of these tools and their use in applications. Intended for students with prior calculus experience. Prerequisite: MATH 31 Anit-requisite: MATH 202

MATH 204

Demonstrate use of advanced methods of differentiation and integration, and implement these methods to solve basic types of ordinary differential equations. Prerequisite: MATH 202 or 203 Anit-requisite: MATH 213

MATH 221

Explore higher dimensional geometric spaces using vectors, matrices and transformations. Prerequisite: Math 30-1

PHYS 241

Apply calculus to the study of the kinematic and dynamic properties of particles and bodies in motion while examining the concepts of forces, work and energy, momentum, rotation and special relativity. Prerequisite: Physics 30 and Math 30-1. Corequisite: MATH 202 or 203 or 212. Anti-requisite: PHYS 205

PHYS 247

Apply calculus to the study of waves, fluids, optics and thermodynamics while discovering the fundamental properties of light and matter. Prerequisite: PHYS 241 or ENPH 231 Corequisite: MATH 204 or 213 Anti-requisite: PHYS 226 and PHYS 269