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Chemistry and Earth Sciences Joint Major
This Bachelor of Science (BSc) program is offered jointly by the Departments of Chemistry and Earth Sciences. Entry requires permission of both departments.
Minimum Grade Requirement
Students wishing to enroll in Chemistry and Earth Sciences courses must obtain a C- grade or better in prerequisite courses.
Program Requirements
Students complete a minimum of 122 units, as specified below.
Lower Division Requirements
Students will complete a minimum of 68 units including all of
Atomic and molecular structure; chemical bonding; thermochemistry; elements; periodic table; gases liquids, solids, and solutions. This course includes a laboratory component. Prerequisite: BC high school chemistry 12 or CHEM 111. Recommended: MATH 151 (or 154) and PHYS 120 (or 101) as a corequisite. Students may not count both CHEM 120 and 121 for credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.
Chemical equilibria; electrochemistry; chemical thermodynamics; kinetics. Students who intend to take further laboratory courses in chemistry should take CHEM 122 concurrently with CHEM 126. Prerequisite: CHEM 121 or 120. Recommended: MATH 152 (or 155) and PHYS 121 (or 102) as a corequisite. Quantitative.
Experiments in chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, qualitative analysis, electrochemistry and chemical kinetics. Prerequisite: CHEM 121. Corequisite: CHEM 122. Quantitative.
The principles of analytical chemistry and their practical application to solution samples. Titrimetric and electrochemical methods. Prerequisite: CHEM 122 and 126. Quantitative.
The chemistry of the elements and their inorganic compounds in terms of fundamental concepts of perodicity of properties, valence, ionization potential, electron affinity, electronegativity, stability of oxidation states, bonding, structure and stereochemistry. Co-ordination complexes and organometallic chemistry. Prerequisite: CHEM 122. Corequisite: students who expect to take further courses in inorganic chemistry should take the laboratory course CHEM 236 concurrently with 230. Quantitative.
An introduction to the synthetic and spectroscopic techniques used in the preparation and characterization of both main group and transition metal compounds. Prerequisite: CHEM 122 and 126. Corequisite: CHEM 230. Students with credit for CHEM 236 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Quantitative.
Structure, bonding, physical and chemical properties of simple organic compounds. Introduction to spectroscopy. Kinetics and mechanisms of organic reactions. This course includes a laboratory component. Prerequisite: CHEM 121. Corequisite: CHEM 122. Quantitative.
Origin and character of minerals, rocks, Earth structure, Earth surface processes and plate tectonic theory. Primarily designed to deliver prereq. information to EASC majors/honours and students pursuing degrees in other Departments and Faculties that require a strong foundational course in Earth Science. Breadth-Science.
An introduction to the nature, origin and interpretation of stratified earth materials. Principles of lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy and chronostratigraphy, sequence stratigraphy, the facies concept. Prerequisite: EASC 102 or 210.
Introduction to crystallography, crystal chemistry and chemical properties and chemical principles necessary for the study of minerals. Prerequisite: EASC 101 and CHEM 121.
Description, classification and interpretation of earth structures: folds, faults, joints, cleavage and lineations. Elementary rock mechanics. Prerequisite: REQ-EASC 210 PHYS 101 or 120 or 125 or 140.
Optical phenomena related to the use of the polarizing microscope in the identification of minerals in thin section. Petrogenesis and classification of igneous sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Hand specimen and thin section identification of rocks and minerals. Prerequisite: EASC 202, CHEM 122, PHYS 102 or 121 or PHYS 126 or 141, and PHYS 131 or 130 unless PHYS 141 was taken.
Methods of field navigation, geological mapping and the interpretation of geological field data including cross sections, the geological time scale, and stratigraphic sections and columns. Includes two weekend field trips. Field locations may vary from year to year. All lectures and field trips are mandatory. Prerequisite: EASC 101. Prerequisite/co-requisite: EASC 210.
An introduction to geophysics emphasizing seismic, magnetic and gravimetric observations of the Earth. Applied geophysics. Prerequisite: MATH 152, PHYS 102, or 121 or 126 or 141, and PHYS 130 or 131 (unless PHYS 141 taken). Quantitative.
Distribution and cycles of elements, minerals and rocks on and within Earth. Understanding and evolution of Earth systems through high and low temperature fluid-rock interaction, aqueous geochemistry, stable and radiogenic isotopes. Prerequisite: EASC 202, CHEM 121, 122 and 126. Quantitative.
Environmental geology is a branch of Earth Science that deals with the relationship of people to their geological habitat. Topics covered will include environmental impact of mineral extraction and logging; erosion and sedimentation in rural and urban environments; and mass movements in mountainous terrain. The course includes two 1-day field trips that usually occur on Saturdays. This course is primarily designed for EASC program students and those pursuing degrees in other Departments and Faculties that require a strong foundational course in Environmental Geoscience. Prerequisite: EASC 101. Students with credits for EASC 303W may not take this course for credit. Writing.
The study of the evolution of the Earth, the geological time scale, fossils and evolution, stratigraphic concepts, geological history of western Canada. Prerequisite: EASC 101. EASC 102. Breadth-Science.
Designed for students specializing in mathematics, physics, chemistry, computing science and engineering. Logarithmic and exponential functions, trigonometric functions, inverse functions. Limits, continuity, and derivatives. Techniques of differentiation, including logarithmic and implicit differentiation. The Mean Value Theorem. Applications of Differentiation including extrema, curve sketching, related rates, Newton's method. Antiderivatives and applications. Conic sections, polar coordinates, parametric curves. Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus 12 (or equivalent) with a grade of at least A, or MATH 100 with a grade of at least B, or achieving a satisfactory grade on the 間眅埶AV Calculus Readiness Test. Students with credit for either MATH 150, 154 or 157 may not take MATH 151 for further credit. Quantitative.
Designed for students specializing in mathematics, physics, chemistry, computing science and engineering. Topics as for Math 151 with a more extensive review of functions, their properties and their graphs. Recommended for students with no previous knowledge of Calculus. In addition to regularly scheduled lectures, students enrolled in this course are encouraged to come for assistance to the Calculus Workshop (Burnaby), or Math Open Lab (Surrey). Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus 12 (or equivalent) with a grade of at least B+, or MATH 100 with a grade of at least B-, or achieving a satisfactory grade on the 間眅埶AV Calculus Readiness Test. Students with credit for either MATH 151, 154 or 157 may not take MATH 150 for further credit. Quantitative.
Riemann sum, Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, definite, indefinite and improper integrals, approximate integration, integration techniques, applications of integration. First-order separable differential equations. Sequences and series, series tests, power series, convergence and applications of power series. Prerequisite: MATH 150 or 151; or MATH 154 or 157 with a grade of at least B. Students with credit for MATH 155 or 158 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
and one of
Research methodology and associated statistical analysis techniques for students with training in the life sciences. Intended to be particularly accessible to students who are not specializing in Statistics. Prerequisite: 30 units. Students with credit for STAT 101, 102, 203 (formerly 103), 270 (formerly MATH 272) or 301 may not take STAT 201 for further credit. Quantitative.
Basic laws of probability, sample distributions. Introduction to statistical inference and applications. Corequisite: MATH 152 or 155 or 158. Students wishing an intuitive appreciation of a broad range of statistical strategies may wish to take STAT 100 first. Quantitative. Prerequisite: COREQ-MATH 152 or 155 or 158. Students wishing an intuitive appreciation of a broad range of statistical strategies may wish to take STAT 100 first. Equivalent Courses: STAT102 STAT103 STAT201 STAT203 STAT301. Quantitative.
and all of
A general calculus-based introduction to mechanics. Topics include translational and rotational motion, momentum, energy, gravitation, and selected topics in modern physics. Prerequisite: BC Principles of Physics 12 or PHYS 100 or equivalent. This prerequisite may be waived, at the discretion of the department, as determined by the student's performance on a regularly scheduled PHYS 100 final exam. Please consult the physics advisor for further details. Corequisite: MATH 150 or 151 or 154 must precede or be taken concurrently. Students with credit for PHYS 101, 125 or 140 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.
A general calculus-based introduction to electricity, magnetism and optics. Topics include electricity, magnetism, simple circuits, optics and topics from applied physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 120 or 125 or 140 (or PHYS 101 with a grade of A or B). Corequisite: MATH 152 or 155 must precede or be taken concurrently. Students with credit for PHYS 102, 126 or 141 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.
Elementary experiments in optics, electricity, and mechanics that are designed to augment the general survey courses. Corequisite: PHYS 121 or 126 should be taken concurrently or may precede; or by permission of the department. Students with credit for PHYS 130 or 141 may not take PHYS 131 for further credit. Quantitative.
or all of
Newtonian mechanics and special relativity for students with good preparation in physics and mathematics. Topics include Newtonian particle mechanics, angular momentum, torque, conservation laws, gravitation, and special relativity. Prerequisite: Greater than 85% in both BC Pre-Calculus 12 & BC Physics 12, or a grade of A in PHYS 100, or equivalent. Co-requisite: MATH 150 or 151 or 154 must precede or be taken concurrently. Students with credit for PHYS 101, 120 or PHYS 140 may not take PHYS 125 for further credit. Quantitative.
Electricity, magnetism, and the electromagnetic character of light for students with good preparation in physics and mathematics. Topics include waves, simple electrical circuits, electricity, magnetism, the unifications of electromagnetism in relativity, light as an electromagnetic wave, and photons. Prerequisite: PHYS 125 or a grade of A or better in PHYS 120 or 140. Corequisite: MATH 152 or 155 must precede or be taken concurrently. Students with credit in PHYS 102, 121 or 141 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
Elementary experiments in optics, electricity, and mechanics that are designed to augment the general survey courses. Corequisite: PHYS 121 or 126 should be taken concurrently or may precede; or by permission of the department. Students with credit for PHYS 130 or 141 may not take PHYS 131 for further credit. Quantitative.
or both of
A general calculus-based introduction to mechanics taught in an integrated lecture-laboratory environment. Topics include translational and rotational motion, momentum, energy, gravitation, and selected topics in modern physics. Prerequisite: BC Principles of Physics 12, or equivalent. Corequisite: MATH 150 or 151 or 154 must precede or be taken concurrently. Students with credit for PHYS 125 or 120 or 101 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.
A general calculus-based introduction to electricity, magnetism and optics taught in an integrated lecture-laboratory environment. Topics include electricity, magnetism, simple circuits, optics and topics from applied physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 140. Corequisite: MATH 152 or 155 must precede or be taken concurrently. Students with credit for PHYS 126 or 121 or 102 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.
Upper Division Requirements
Students will complete a minimum of 42 units including all of
Principles and applications of basic analytical instrumentation based upon spectroscopy, chromatography and electrochemistry. Prerequisite: CHEM 215 and CHEM 260, or permission of the department. Students with credit for CHEM 416 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
Principles and applications of the methodologies of analytical chemistry employed in the determination of substances in air, water, and soil, with particular emphasis upon sampling and sample preparation. Prerequisite: CHEM 316 and 371. Corequisite: CHEM 372 should be taken concurrently. Quantitative.
The synthesis and characterization of classical and organometallic complexes of the transition metals, and their physical and chemical properties. Prerequisite: CHEM 230, 236 and 260, or permission of the department. Quantitative.
Elements of physical chemistry from the macroscopic point of view. Thermodynamics, and its applications to chemical equilibrium. Chemical kinetics and reaction rate theories. Prerequisite: CHEM 122, MATH 152 (or 155), PHYS 121 (or 102). Recommended: MATH 251. Credit will not be granted for both CHEM 360 and MBB 323. Quantitative.
An introduction to chemical processes in the aqueous environment. Quantitative treatment of the variables determining the composition of natural systems. Chemistry of aqueous toxic agents, wastewater treatment, and related matters. Prerequisite: CHEM 281 and CHEM 360. Quantitative.
Quantitative treatment of chemical and physical processes in the atmospheric environment. Chemistry of the troposphere including air pollution and climate change. Chemistry of the stratosphere including ozone depletion. Environmental radioactivity. Current topics. Prerequisite: CHEM 281 and CHEM 360. Quantitative.
and 3 units of 400-level CHEM not including CHEM 481-5 or CHEM 483-5
A 10-14 day field camp held after final exams in the spring term. Students will learn how to observe, record and interpret geological features, and will carry out geological mapping and analysis. Approximately five 1-hour lectures on field methods, equipment and safety will precede the field camp. Field locations may vary from year to year. Prerequisite: EASC 201, 204, 205, and 206.
A 10-14 day field school held at the end of the summer term. Students will observe and interpret sedimentary and glacial geomorphic features, investigate natural hazard mechanisms and become acquainted with environmental geoscience topics. Students will carry out geological, geotechnical and geophysical surveying and analysis. Field locations may vary from year to year. Prerequisite: EASC 201, 206 and 209W. Recommended: EASC 207. Students with credit for EASC 406 may not take this course for credit.
Environmental Stream
Students who choose this stream will complete all of
An introduction to the basic concepts and principles governing the flow of groundwater in the subsurface environment. These are used to develop an understanding of aquifers and their physical properties, groundwater sustainability and management, and interaction of groundwater with surface water. In addition, as a foundation course in fluids in geologic media, this course has relevance to the oil and gas and mining industries, as well as to engineering applications such as dewatering. Prerequisite: EASC 101 and PHYS 102 or 121 or 126 or 141; and 12 additional units in earth sciences, physical geography or environmental science. Quantitative.
Stratigraphy and history of the Quaternary Period with emphasis on glaciation, glacial sediments, and landforms. The course includes several 1-day trips and at least one 3-day trip. Prerequisite: EASC 201, EASC 209W or GEOG 213, and EASC 308.
Geology Stream
Students who choose this stream will complete all of
Integrated theoretical and practical investigation of igneous rocks. Topics include melt generation, ascent and modification of magma, and solidification of magma in plutonic and volcanic environments. Emphasis will be placed on mineralogy, geochemistry and petrography. Relations between magmatic and tectonic processes will be explored. Prerequisite: EASC 205 and 208.
Description and classification, field and microscopic identification of sedimentary rocks; petrogenesis and paleoenvironmental reconstruction. Prerequisite: STAT 201 or 270, EASC 201 and 205.
and one of
Principles of classification, morphology and development of the major groups of animals and plants in the geological record; the paleoecologic significance of fossils. Prerequisite: EASC 102 or 210. Recommended: BISC 102. Students with credit for EASC 203 or EASC 310 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
Emphasis is on the fundamentals of water-rock interactions and the chemistry of natural waters, developing an understanding of the physical and chemical principles that govern the geochemistry of water within Earth's crust. Topics will include water sample collection and analysis, chemical thermodynamics, gas-water-rock interactions and geochemical modeling. The applications range from weathering and recharge to acid rock drainage and diagenesis. Prerequisite: CHEM 122 and 126. Corequisite or prerequisite: EASC 304. Students with credit for EASC 412 and/or EASC 315 may not complete this course for further credit. Writing.
and 3 additional units of 400-level
and one of
Brief description of the nucleus and its decays and reactions; interaction of radiation with matter; nuclear instrumentation; radioisotopes in chemistry; activation analysis and related analytical techniques; other applications of nuclear techniques; nuclear reactors and nuclear fusion. Prerequisite: Completion of 60 units in a science program, including first year calculus, chemistry and physics. Quantitative.
Formation and distribution of the chemical elements in the early universe, in present stellar environments and in the solar system; elemental abundances and isotopic ratios; and radiometric chronology techniques. Prerequisite: Completion of 60 units in a science program, including first year calculus, chemistry and physics. Quantitative.
The physical principles and limitations of renewable energy source utilization and energy conversion. A quantitative introduction to energy conversion and storage systems, including solar power and heating; wind, tidal, geothermal, hydroelectric and nuclear power, hydrogen technology, electrical and mechanical energy storage. Prerequisite: CHEM 120 or 121; PHYS 102 or 121 or 126 or 141; and MATH 155 or 152. Quantitative.
Upper Division Electives
Upper division units must total a minimum of 44 upper division units (excluding EDUC 401-406)
Faculty of Science Major Requirements
In addition to the above requirements, students must also satisfy Faculty of Science major program requirements to complete a total of 120 units including
- additional upper division units to total a minimum of 44 upper division units (excluding EDUC 401 to 406)
- students who were enrolled at 間眅埶AV between fall 1991 and summer 2006 are required to complete a minimum of 12 units in subjects outside the Faculty of Science (excluding EDUC 401 to 406) including six units minimum to be completed in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements
Students admitted to 間眅埶AV beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See for university-wide information.
WQB Graduation Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit
Requirement |
Units |
Notes | |
W - Writing |
6 |
Must include at least one upper division course, taken at 間眅埶AV within the student’s major subject | |
Q - Quantitative |
6 |
Q courses may be lower or upper division | |
B - Breadth |
18 |
Designated Breadth | Must be outside the student’s major subject, and may be lower or upper division 6 units Social Sciences: B-Soc 6 units Humanities: B-Hum 6 units Sciences: B-Sci |
6 |
Additional Breadth | 6 units outside the student’s major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements) |
Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit
The University’s residency requirement stipulates that, in most cases, total transfer and course challenge credit may not exceed 60 units, and may not include more than 15 as upper division work.
Elective Courses
In addition to the courses listed above, students should consult an academic advisor to plan the remaining required elective courses.
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