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To view the current Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar.html.
Chemistry and Earth Sciences Joint Honours
This bachelor of science (BSc) honours 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 131 units, as specified below including a minimum 3.00 cumulative grade point average to be awarded an honours degree.
Lower Division Requirements
Students will complete a minimum of 69 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: Chemistry 12 with a minimum grade of C, or CHEM 109 or 111 with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for CHEM 120 or 125 may not take this course for further 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 120 or 121 with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for CHEM 124 or CHEM 180 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Hogan Yu |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D101 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D105 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D106 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D107 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D108 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D109 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D110 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Experiments in chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, qualitative analysis, electrochemistry and chemical kinetics. Prerequisite: CHEM 121 with a minimum grade of C-. Corequisite: CHEM 122. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Garry Mund |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Tue, 8:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Garry Mund |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Tue, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Garry Mund |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 8:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Garry Mund |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Garry Mund |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 8:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Garry Mund |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
The chemistry of the elements and their inorganic compounds in terms of fundamental concepts of periodicity 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 with a minimum grade of C-. Students who expect to take further courses in inorganic chemistry should take CHEM 230 concurrently with CHEM 236W. 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 126 with a minimum grade of C-. Corequisite: CHEM 230. Students with credit for CHEM 236 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Quantitative.
Elements of physical chemistry from the molecular point of view. Introduction to quantum chemistry, atomic and molecular structure, and spectroscopy. Prerequisite: CHEM 122, MATH 152, and PHYS 121, 126 or 141 (or PHYS 102 with a minimum grade of B), all with a minimum grade of C-. Recommended: MATH 232. PHYS 285 will be accepted in lieu of CHEM 260. 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 with a minimum grade of C-. Corequisite: CHEM 122. Students with credit for CHEM 280 or CHEM 285 may not take this course for further credit. 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.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Kevin Cameron |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Mon, Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D101 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
|
|
D102 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
|
|
D103 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
|
|
D104 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
|
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 210 with a grade of C- or better.
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, and one of: (PHYS 102 and PHYS 130), (PHYS 121 and PHYS 133), (PHYS 126 and PHYS 133) or (PHYS 141). All with a grade of C- or better.
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 and prerequisite/co-requisite: EASC 210. All with a grade of C- or better.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Derek Thorkelson |
TBD |
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. All with a grade of C- or better. 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 with a grade of C- or better. 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 with a grade of C- or better. 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, Newton's method. Introduction to modeling with differential equations. 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 ¶¡ÏãÔ°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 ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Calculus Readiness Test. Students with credit for either MATH 151, 154 or 157 may not take MATH 150 for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Seyyed Aliasghar Hosseini |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Mon, Wed, Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
OP01 | TBD |
Riemann sum, Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, definite, indefinite and improper integrals, approximate integration, integration techniques, applications of integration. First-order separable differential equations and growth models. Sequences and series, series tests, power series, convergence and applications of power series. Prerequisite: MATH 150 or 151, with a minimum grade of C-; 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.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Vijaykumar Singh |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
OP01 | TBD |
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: Recommended: 30 units. Students cannot obtain credit for STAT 201 if they already have credit for - or are taking concurrently - STAT 101, 203, 205, 285, or any upper division STAT course. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Tim Swartz |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
OP01 | TBD |
Basic laws of probability, sample distributions. Introduction to statistical inference and applications. Prerequisite: or Corequisite: MATH 152 or 155 or 158, with a minimum grade of C-. Students wishing an intuitive appreciation of a broad range of statistical strategies may wish to take STAT 100 first. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Scott Pai |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
OP01 | TBD |
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, with a minimum grade of C-. 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. Recommended Corequisite: PHYS 132. 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, with a minimum grade of C-, or PHYS 101 with a minimum grade of B. Corequisite: MATH 152 or 155. Recommended Corequisite: PHYS 133. Students with credit for PHYS 102, 126 or 141 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Sarah Johnson |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D101 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D105 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D106 |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Introduction to experimental physics with an emphasis on measurement and experimental design. Includes elementary experiments in mechanics designed to support and enrich conceptual learning. Corequisite: PHYS 101 or 120 or 125. Students with credit for PHYS 140 may not take PHYS 132 for further credit. Quantitative.
Introduction to experimental physics with an emphasis on measurement and experimental design. Includes elementary experiments in electromagnetism and optics designed to support and enrich conceptual learning. Prerequisite: PHYS 132 or 140 or ENSC 120 (no substitutions), with a minimum grade of C-. Corequisite: PHYS 102 or 121 or 126. Students with credit for PHYS 141 may not take PHYS 133 for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Simin Bagheri Najmi |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 2:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
or all of
An enriched course in mechanics for students with good preparation in physics and mathematics. Special relativity and classical topics such as translational and rotational dynamics and conservation laws will be given a much more sophisticated treatment than in our other first-year courses. Prerequisite: Permission of the department. Corequisite: MATH 151. Recommended Corequisite: PHYS 132. Students with credit for PHYS 101, 120 or PHYS 140 may not take PHYS 125 for further credit. Quantitative.
An enriched course in electromagnetism for students with good preparation in physics and mathematics. Classical topics such as waves, electricity and magnetism, as well as wave particle duality and the birth of Quantum Mechanics, will be given a much more sophisticated treatment than in our other first year courses. Prerequisite: PHYS 125 or permission of the department. Corequisite: MATH 152. Recommended Corequisite: PHYS 133. Students with credit in PHYS 102, 121 or 141 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
Introduction to experimental physics with an emphasis on measurement and experimental design. Includes elementary experiments in mechanics designed to support and enrich conceptual learning. Corequisite: PHYS 101 or 120 or 125. Students with credit for PHYS 140 may not take PHYS 132 for further credit. Quantitative.
Introduction to experimental physics with an emphasis on measurement and experimental design. Includes elementary experiments in electromagnetism and optics designed to support and enrich conceptual learning. Prerequisite: PHYS 132 or 140 or ENSC 120 (no substitutions), with a minimum grade of C-. Corequisite: PHYS 102 or 121 or 126. Students with credit for PHYS 141 may not take PHYS 133 for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Simin Bagheri Najmi |
May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 2:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
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 PHYS 100 or equivalent, with a minimum grade of C-. Corequisite: MATH 150 or 151 or 154. 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 120 or PHYS 125 or PHYS 140, with a minimum grade of C-, or PHYS 101 with a minimum grade of B. Corequisite: MATH 152 or MATH 155. Students with credit for PHYS 126 or 121 or 102 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.
Upper Division Requirements
Upper division units must total a minimum of 50 units in CHEM and EASC, including at least 26 units in upper division CHEM, and all of
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, both with a minimum grade of C-. Corequisite: CHEM 372. 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 260 with a minimum grade of C-. Recommended: MATH 251. MBB 323 will be accepted in lieu of CHEM 360. 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, both with a minimum grade of C-. 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, both with a minimum grade of C-. Quantitative.
and 6 units of 400-level CHEM (which can include CHEM 481-5)
and all of
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. Lectures on field methods, equipment and safety may precede the field camp. Field locations may vary from year to year. Prerequisite: Prerequisite/Corequisite: EASC 201, 204, 205, and 206. All with a grade of C- or better.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Derek Thorkelson |
TBD |
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. All with a grade of C- or better. Students with credit for EASC 406 may not take this course for further credit.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Shahin Dashtgard |
TBD |
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 210. Recommended: BISC 102. All with a grade of C- or better. 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. All with a grade of C- or better. Students with credit for EASC 412 and/or EASC 315 may not complete this course for further credit. Writing.
and one of
Experimental and/or theoretical research; preparation of a written report and oral presentation in research seminar format. ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV requires selection of a faculty supervisor and submission of a research proposal. Prospective students must contact the chemistry advisor to register their interest in this course before the last day of classes of the previous term. The research proposal is due by the end of the examination period preceding the research term. Prerequisite: Permission of the Department; knowledge of chemistry at an advanced level. Normally taken after completion of 300-level course requirements.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
TBD | |||
TBD | |||
TBD | |||
TBD | |||
TBD | |||
TBD | |||
TBD | |||
TBD | |||
TBD | |||
TBD |
Will include experimental and/or theoretical research in Earth Sciences or a related discipline, and the preparation of a thesis (research report). Selection of a research topic and preparation of the thesis will be done in consultation with a faculty member in Earth Sciences. A research seminar will be delivered at the end of the semester. Prerequisite: 105 units, admittance to the honours program and consent of a thesis supervisor.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
TBD |
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.
Environmental Geoscience 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. All with a grade of C- or better. Quantitative.
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. All with a grade of C- or better.
Upper Division Electives
Upper division units must total a minimum of 60 units overall.
University Honours Degree Requirements
Students must also satisfy University degree requirements for degree completion.
Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements
Students admitted to ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements 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 ¶¡ÏãÔ°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) Students choosing to complete a joint major, joint honours, double major, two extended minors, an extended minor and a minor, or two minors may satisfy the breadth requirements (designated or not designated) with courses completed in either one or both program areas. |
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Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit
- At least half of the program's total units must be earned through ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV study.
- At least two thirds of the program's total upper division units must be earned through ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV study.
Elective Courses
In addition to the courses listed above, students should consult an academic advisor to plan the remaining required elective courses.