Earth Sciences
Graduate Co-ordinator: Tsilavo Raharimahefa, PhD
Department Description
The Department of Earth Sciences offers graduate (MSc and PhD) programs in the Earth Sciences. Our faculty specialize in a range of research areas with expertise including Precambrian geology, tectonics, structural geology, geothermometry, fluid-inclusion studies, GIS and remote sensing, mineral deposits, petroleum geology, mineralogy, Quaternary studies, geochemistry, biogeochemistry, geomicrobiology, and volcanology. We also have a number of adjunct faculty who collaborate with our faculty members and often co-supervise graduate students, including experts from the Saskatchewan Geological Survey.
Graduate Programs
Students enrolling in MSc or PhD programs in the Department of Earth Sciences must complete a thesis project under the supervision of a faculty member. Our faculty research areas cover various fields in the Earth Sciences as outlined in the Department Description above. Graduate students often have opportunities to conduct field-based projects in various parts of Saskatchewan, Canada and elsewhere in the world as well as laboratory-based research. Several faculty in the Department of Earth Sciences closely co-operate on projects with industry partners and the Saskatchewan Geological Survey, which provide significant funding opportunities for graduate studies. Many of our faculty hold grants from NSERC and other funding bodies that also provide funding opportunities for stipends that support students in their graduate studies.
Courses
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Earth Sciences (after Master's)
Typically the PhD program is entered following the completion of a Master's program. The PhD program consists of a minimum of 14 credit hours of course work and 46 credit hours of ESC 901. The minimum course work will typically consist of:
| Course | Credit Hours |
| ESC 801 | 6 credit hours |
| Elective 8xx | 3 credit hours |
| Elective 8xx | 3 credit hours |
| ESC 900 | 1 credit hour |
| ESC 900 | 1 credit hour |
| ESC 901 | 46 credit hours |
| Total | 60 credit hours |
Note: Students must complete a minimum of two credit hours of ESC 900.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Earth Sciences (after Bachelor's)
In exceptional circumstances, a candidate may transfer into the PhD program without completion of a Master's degree. In these cases, the PhD program consists of a minimum of 20 credit hours of course work and 70 hours of ESC 901. The minimum course work will typically consist of:
| Course | Credit Hours |
| ESC 801 | 6 credit hours |
| Elective 8xx | 3 credit hours |
| Elective 8xx | 3 credit hours |
| Elective 8xx | 3 credit hours |
| Elective 8xx | 3 credit hours |
| ESC 900 | 1 credit hour |
| ESC 900 | 1 credit hour |
| ESC 901 | 70 credit hours |
| Total | 90 credit hours |
Note: Students must complete a minimum of two credit hours of ESC 900.
Master of Science (MSc) in Earth Sciences (thesis)
| Course | Credit Hours |
| ESC 8xx* | 3 credit hours |
| ESC 8xx* | 3 credit hours |
| ESC 900 | 1 credit hour |
| ESC 900 | 1 credit hour |
| ESC 901 | 22 credit hours |
| Total | 30 credit hours |
*One must be from the ESC 800AA-ZZ series.
Note: Students must complete a minimum of two credit hours of ESC 900.
Students may be required to take a departmental diagnostic examination immediately following first registration.