Program description
Geophysicists use the principles of physics and mathematics to study the Earth’s surface, internal structure and composition, atmosphere and magnetosphere. The many overlapping fields in Geophysics include: Earthquake Seismology, Exploration Seismology, Electromagnetic Geophysics, Gravity and Magnetic Geophysics, Geodesy, Geomagnetism as well as Geodynamics and High-Pressure Geophysics.
Program options
Degree options
B.Sc. (Major) Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences Geophysics (Major) – 4 years
B.Sc. (Hons.) Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences Geophysics (Honours) – 4 years
Interesting courses and unique opportunities
Interesting courses
- Introductory Geophysics
- Introductory Mineralogy with Essential of Mineral Optics
- Applied Geophysics Field Course
- Geophysics Field Course
Professional opportunities
Most graduates of Geophysics work in the resource industry with mining or petroleum companies or associated service industries. An increasing number of graduates are being hired by environmental industries and consulting firms. Geologists and geophysics are among a select group of professionals whose skills are in demand worldwide. At present, prospects for employment are excellent, both in terms of gaining relevant summer work while a student and finding permanent work upon graduation.
The professional practice of geoscience in Canada is governed by provincial/territorial law and is regulated by professional geoscience associations. In Manitoba, the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists (APEGM) regulates professional practice. The requirements for professional registration are acceptable academic preparation and a subsequent period of acceptable geoscience experience. Students considering professional registration should take the B.Sc. Geological Sciences Honours or Major degree and make appropriate course selections, particularly in the basic sciences. Students should consult with the Department of Geological Sciences. Graduates who do not meet the academic requirements may be required by the professional association to take additional courses or examinations. Current registration information for APEGM is available in the department or from the association's web site: www.apegm.mb.ca.
Admission requirements & prerequisites
Direct entry option
Direct entry is not an option for this program. Please review the advanced entry option section for more information.
Note: Direct Entry option available for students beginning in September 2013
Advanced entry option
24 credit hours in U1 (or an approved bachelors program)
This entry option is open to students who have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours of university level study. Specific program requirements will vary; details of these requirements are available on each program’s application page.
High school prerequisites
High school prerequisites: Pre-Calculus Math 40S (min. 60%), Physics 40S are required
Many programs will require or recommend specific high school courses over and above their admission requirements. These high school prerequisites are not always required to enter the program, but they must be completed to enrol in certain university courses within it. If a student does not have a particular prerequisite when they enter the program, they may complete an equivalent upgrading course at university that will satisfy the prerequisite requirement.
More details on admission requirements, application dates and how to apply is available on the Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources apply for admission page.
What is unique about this program at the U of M?
David Toni (Honours Geophysics) claimed the Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysics (CSEG) award for best geophysical presentation, as well as the award for best overall presentation at the conference. David’s talk was entitled “Investigating anisotropy in the upper mantle using shear wave splitting from the Manitoba teleseismic array”.
Important links
Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources
Department of Geological Sciences
Geophysics Honours and Major
Graduate Studies in Geological Sciences
