Earth Sciences

Earth Sciences: Introduction

Faculty Affiliation

Arts and Science

Degree Programs

Earth Sciences

MASc, MSc, and PhD

Collaborative Specializations

The following collaborative specialization is available to students in participating degree programs as listed below:

Overview

The Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Toronto has a venerable 165-year tradition of research and education in the geosciences. Rankings place U of T at the very top in the geosciences in Canada and among the very best institutions globally. The Department of Earth Sciences is internationally regarded for research in fundamental geoscience, having given rise to major advances in ore deposits geology, geophysics, Precambrian geology, marine geology, Quaternary geology, and sedimentary basin analysis and more recently, carbon cycling, environmental geochemistry, and paleoecology.

Current education in Earth Sciences at the University of Toronto continues the tradition of excellence. Students have access to a wide range of state-of-the-art laboratories and expert knowledge fostering cutting-edge research in almost all areas of Earth Sciences.

Contact and Address

Web: www.es.utoronto.ca
Email: grad@es.utoronto.ca
Telephone: (416) 978-1240
Fax: (416) 978-3938

Department of Earth Sciences
University of Toronto
Earth Sciences Centre
Room 1066, 22 Ursula Franklin Street
Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B1
Canada

Earth Sciences: Graduate Faculty

Full Members

Anderson, Melissa - BSc, MSc, PhD
Bailey, Richard - BSc, PhD
Bergquist, Bridget - BS, PhD
Bollmann, Jorg - DrRerNat
Chu, Xu - BSc, MPH, PhD
Cowling, Sharon - BSc, MSc, PhD
Desloges, Joseph - BES, MSc, PhD
Diamond, Miriam - MSc, MSc, PhD
Dittrich, Maria - BES, MSc, PhD
Eyles, Nicholas - BSc, MSc, DSc, PhD
Ferris, Grant - BSc, PhD
Finkelstein, Sarah - AB, MPH, PhD (Chair and Graduate Chair)
Gorton, Michael - BSc, BSc, PhD
Gregory, Daniel - BSc, PhD
Halfar, Jochen - PhD
Hamilton, Michael - BSc, PhD
Head, Martin - BSc
Henderson, Grant - PhD
Heron, Philip Joseph - BSc, MSc, PhD
Howard, Ken - BSc, MSc, PhD
Laflamme, Marc - BS, PhD
Liu, Qinya - BSc, PhD
Lui, Semechah - BS, MS, PhD
Miall, Andrew - BSc, PhD
Pysklywec, Russell - BSc, MSc, PhD
Schoenbohm, Lindsay - PhD
Schulze, Daniel - PhD
Sherwood Lollar, Barbara - PhD
Simpson, Myrna - BS, DPhil
Sio, Corliss Kin I. - BS, PhD
Spooner, Edward - BA, PhD
Swidinsky, Andrei - BSc, MSc, PhD (Associate Chair, Graduate)
Tait, Kimberly - BSc, MSc, PhD
Wells, Mathew - BS, DPhil
Wortmann, Ulrich - BSc, MSc, PhD

Members Emeriti

Milkereit, Bernd - DrRerNat
Westgate, John - PhD

Associate Members

Bank, Carl-Georg - MSc, PhD
Jantunen, Liisa - PhD
Kamo, Sandra - BSc, PhD
Williams, Branwen - PhD
Xu, Xiaoyong - BSc, MSc, PhD

Earth Sciences: Earth Sciences MASc

Students perform a two-year, focused research project in a broad range of topics in the earth sciences. Students may also undertake studies in interdisciplinary areas by arrangement with other departments such as Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, and the School of the Environment.

Master of Applied Science

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Earth Sciences' additional admission requirements stated below.

  • A four-year BSc or BASc degree, or its equivalent, from a recognized university.

  • High academic standing, equivalent to a B or higher (equivalent to a 3.0 on a 4-point scale) at the University of Toronto, normally demonstrated by the average grade in the final two years.

  • The department has no formal foreign language requirements. Students proceeding by thesis to any degree are expected to become familiar with the literature of their subjects, in whatever language it is written.

Completion Requirements

  • Coursework. Normally, students must successfully complete a total of 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • ESS1101H Graduate Core Course;

    • 1.5 elective FCEs. Up to 1.0 FCE may be taken outside of the Department of Earth Sciences with approval of the Associate Chair, Graduate Affairs.

  • A research thesis.

Mode of Delivery: In person
Program Length: 6 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: FWS-FWS)
Time Limit: 3 years full-time

 

Earth Sciences: Earth Sciences MSc

Students conduct research in a broad range of topics in the earth sciences. Students may also undertake studies in interdisciplinary areas by arrangement with other departments such as Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, and the School of the Environment.

There are two streams: a) the Doctoral-Stream (also known as Research-Based) Master’s, which involves a one-year research project that culminates in a research report (shorter than a formal thesis) and a presentation; and b) the All-Course Master’s Program.

The program can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis.

MSc Program (Doctoral-Stream Option)

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Earth Sciences' additional admission requirements stated below.

  • A four-year BSc or BASc degree, or its equivalent, from a recognized university.

  • High academic standing, equivalent to a B or higher (equivalent to a 3.0 on a 4-point scale) at the University of Toronto, normally demonstrated by the average grade in the final two years.

  • The department has no formal foreign language requirements. Students proceeding by thesis to any degree are expected to become familiar with the literature of their subjects, in whatever language it is written.

Completion Requirements

  • Students are normally required to complete 3.5 FCEs as follows:

    • ESS1101H Graduate Core Course;

    • ESS3603Y Research Project;

    • ESS3601Y Research Presentation;

    • 1.0 elective FCEs. Up to 0.5 FCE may be taken outside of the Department of Earth Sciences with approval from the Associate Chair, Graduate Affairs.

  • To encourage breadth, the department will permit students to substitute electives with equivalent non-earth science courses.

Mode of Delivery: In person
Program Length: 3 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: FWS); 6 sessions part-time
Time Limit: 3 years full-time; 6 years part-time

 

MSc Program (All-Course Option)

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Earth Sciences' additional admission requirements stated below.

  • A four-year BSc or BASc degree, or its equivalent, from a recognized university.

  • High academic standing, equivalent to a B or higher (equivalent to a 3.0 on a 4-point scale) at the University of Toronto, normally demonstrated by the average grade in the final two years.

  • The department has no formal foreign language requirements. Students proceeding by thesis to any degree are expected to become familiar with the literature of their subjects, in whatever language it is written.

Completion Requirements

  • Students are normally required to complete 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • ESS1101H Graduate Core Course;

    • ESS3608H All-Course Research Project;

    • 4.0 elective FCEs. Up to 3.5 FCEs may be taken outside of the Department of Earth Sciences with approval from the Associate Chair, Graduate Affairs.

  • To encourage breadth, the department will permit students to substitute electives with equivalent non-earth science courses.
Mode of Delivery: In person
Program Length: 3 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: FWS); 6 sessions part-time
Time Limit: 3 years full-time; 6 years part-time

 

Earth Sciences: Earth Sciences PhD

PhD students carry out a program of original research and perform a thesis defence. Students may also undertake studies in interdisciplinary areas by arrangement with other departments such as Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, and the School of the Environment.

Applicants may enter the PhD program via one of three routes: 1) following completion of an MSc degree; 2) transfer from the University of Toronto MSc program; or 3) direct entry following completion of a bachelor's degree.

PhD Program

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Earth Sciences' additional admission requirements stated below.

  • An appropriate, research-oriented MSc degree or its equivalent from a recognized university.

  • High academic standing equivalent to a University of Toronto B+ or higher (equivalent to a 3.3 on a 4-point scale) in previous degrees.

  • The department has no formal foreign language requirements. Students proceeding by thesis to any degree are expected to become familiar with the literature of their subjects, in whatever language it is written.

Completion Requirements

  • Preparation of a research thesis constituting a significant contribution to the research area.

  • Coursework. Students are required to complete 1.5 full-course equivalent (FCEs) as follows:

    • ESS1101H Graduate Core Course;

    • 1.0 elective FCE. Up to 0.5 FCE may be taken outside of the Department of Earth Sciences with approval from the Associate Chair, Graduate Affairs.

  • A reduction in the number of required courses may be granted for students who have previously undertaken graduate studies in the appropriate areas. Recommendations must be made by a student's advisory committee for consideration and approval by the department's Graduate Affairs Committee.

  • In all cases, the student's supervisory committee reserves the right to assign additional courses if they feel that the student is deficient in a subject area essential to the research.

Mode of Delivery: In person
Program Length: 4 years full-time (typical registration sequence: Continuous)
Time Limit: 6 years full-time

 

PhD Program (Transfer)

Transfer Requirements

  • A four-year BSc or BASc degree, or its equivalent, from a recognized university. High academic standing during undergraduate study equivalent to an A– or higher (equivalent to a 3.7 on a 4-point scale) at the University of Toronto, normally demonstrated by the average grade in the final two years.

  • Students are normally expected to complete the MSc degree before proceeding to the PhD, but exceptions may be made when the student has the appropriate research experience. Normal departmental rules for the completion of the PhD apply (see the departmental website). Students who transfer from the MSc to the PhD will not receive the MSc degree.

Completion Requirements

  • Preparation of a research thesis constituting a significant contribution to the research area.

  • Coursework. Students are required to complete a total of 1.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • ESS1101H Graduate Core Course;

    • 1.5 elective FCEs. Up to 1.0 FCE may be taken outside of the Department of Earth Sciences with approval from the Associate Chair, Graduate Affairs.

  • A reduction in the number of required courses may be granted for students who have previously undertaken graduate studies in the appropriate areas. Recommendations must be made by a student's advisory committee for consideration and approval by the department's Graduate Affairs Committee.

Mode of Delivery: In person
Program Length: 5 years full-time (typical registration sequence: Continuous)
Time Limit: 7 years full-time

 

PhD Program (Direct-Entry)

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Earth Sciences' additional admission requirements stated below.

  • A four-year BSc or BASc degree, or its equivalent, from a recognized university.

  • High academic standing equivalent to an A– or higher (equivalent to a 3.7 on a 4-point scale) at the University of Toronto, normally demonstrated by the average grade in the final two years.

  • The department has no formal foreign language requirements. Students proceeding by thesis to any degree are expected to become familiar with the literature of their subjects, in whatever language it is written.

Completion Requirements

  • Preparation of a research thesis constituting a significant contribution to the research area.

  • Coursework. Students are required to complete a total of 1.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • ESS1101H Graduate Core Course;

    • 1.5 elective FCEs. Up to 1.0 FCE may be taken outside of the Department of Earth Sciences with approval from the Associate Chair, Graduate Affairs.

  • A reduction in the number of required courses may be granted for students who have previously undertaken graduate studies in the appropriate areas. Recommendations must be made by a student's advisory committee for consideration and approval by the department's Graduate Affairs Committee.

  • In all cases, the student's supervisory committee reserves the right to assign additional courses if they feel that the student is deficient in a subject area essential to the research.

Mode of Delivery: In person
Program Length: 5 years full-time (typical registration sequence: Continuous)
Time Limit: 7 years full-time

 

Earth Sciences: Earth Sciences PhD

PhD students carry out a program of original research and perform a thesis defence. Students may also undertake studies in interdisciplinary areas by arrangement with other departments such as Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, and the School of the Environment.

Applicants may enter the PhD program via one of three routes: 1) following completion of an MSc degree; 2) transfer from the University of Toronto MSc program; or 3) direct entry following completion of a bachelor's degree.

PhD Program

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Earth Sciences' additional admission requirements stated below.

  • An appropriate, research-oriented MSc degree or its equivalent from a recognized university.

  • High academic standing equivalent to a University of Toronto B+ or higher (equivalent to a 3.3 on a 4-point scale) in previous degrees.

  • The department has no formal foreign language requirements. Students proceeding by thesis to any degree are expected to become familiar with the literature of their subjects, in whatever language it is written.

Completion Requirements

  • Preparation of a research thesis constituting a significant contribution to the research area.

  • Coursework. Students are required to complete 1.5 full-course equivalent (FCEs) as follows:

    • ESS1101H Graduate Core Course;

    • 1.0 elective FCE. Up to 0.5 FCE may be taken outside of the Department of Earth Sciences with approval from the Associate Chair, Graduate Affairs.

  • A reduction in the number of required courses may be granted for students who have previously undertaken graduate studies in the appropriate areas. Recommendations must be made by a student's advisory committee for consideration and approval by the department's Graduate Affairs Committee.

  • In all cases, the student's supervisory committee reserves the right to assign additional courses if they feel that the student is deficient in a subject area essential to the research.

Mode of Delivery: In person
Program Length: 4 years full-time (typical registration sequence: Continuous)
Time Limit: 6 years full-time

 

PhD Program (Transfer)

Transfer Requirements

  • A four-year BSc or BASc degree, or its equivalent, from a recognized university. High academic standing during undergraduate study equivalent to an A– or higher (equivalent to a 3.7 on a 4-point scale) at the University of Toronto, normally demonstrated by the average grade in the final two years.

  • Students are normally expected to complete the MSc degree before proceeding to the PhD, but exceptions may be made when the student has the appropriate research experience. Normal departmental rules for the completion of the PhD apply (see the departmental website). Students who transfer from the MSc to the PhD will not receive the MSc degree.

Completion Requirements

  • Preparation of a research thesis constituting a significant contribution to the research area.

  • Coursework. Students are required to complete a total of 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • ESS1101H Graduate Core Course;

    • 1.5 elective FCEs. Up to 1.0 FCE may be taken outside of the Department of Earth Sciences with approval from the Associate Chair, Graduate Affairs.

  • A reduction in the number of required courses may be granted for students who have previously undertaken graduate studies in the appropriate areas. Recommendations must be made by a student's advisory committee for consideration and approval by the department's Graduate Affairs Committee.

Mode of Delivery: In person
Program Length: 5 years full-time (typical registration sequence: Continuous)
Time Limit: 7 years full-time

 

PhD Program (Direct-Entry)

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Earth Sciences' additional admission requirements stated below.

  • A four-year BSc or BASc degree, or its equivalent, from a recognized university.

  • High academic standing equivalent to an A– or higher (equivalent to a 3.7 on a 4-point scale) at the University of Toronto, normally demonstrated by the average grade in the final two years.

  • The department has no formal foreign language requirements. Students proceeding by thesis to any degree are expected to become familiar with the literature of their subjects, in whatever language it is written.

Completion Requirements

  • Preparation of a research thesis constituting a significant contribution to the research area.

  • Coursework. Students are required to complete a total of 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • ESS1101H Graduate Core Course;

    • 1.5 elective FCEs. Up to 1.0 FCE may be taken outside of the Department of Earth Sciences with approval from the Associate Chair, Graduate Affairs.

  • A reduction in the number of required courses may be granted for students who have previously undertaken graduate studies in the appropriate areas. Recommendations must be made by a student's advisory committee for consideration and approval by the department's Graduate Affairs Committee.

  • In all cases, the student's supervisory committee reserves the right to assign additional courses if they feel that the student is deficient in a subject area essential to the research.

Mode of Delivery: In person
Program Length: 5 years full-time (typical registration sequence: Continuous)
Time Limit: 7 years full-time

 

Earth Sciences: Earth Sciences MASc, MSc, PhD Courses

Check with the department for the current year's offerings.

Course CodeCourse Title
Graduate Core Course
Mineral Deposits
ESS1425HAdvanced Methods in Geosciences
Paleoecological Assessment of Environmental Change
Advanced Structure
Global Tectonics
Paleoenvironmental Studies
Tectonics and Planetary Dynamics
Mineral Resources
Earth Systems Evolution
Geochemistry
Advanced Glacial Sedimentology
Isotope Geochemistry
ESS3000HDirected Studies in Earth Sciences
ESS3000YDirected Studies in Earth Sciences
Research Presentation
Research Project
Selected Topics in Geology
Selected Topics in Geochemistry
ESS3606HSelected Topics Earth System Evolution
Selected Topics in Geodynamics
All-Course Research Project
Geophysical Imaging: Non-seismic Methods
Seismology
Advanced Seismology

Additional courses related to geophysics can be found in the SGS Calendar entry for the Department of Physics.