The Certificate in Geology Fundamentals is a stand-alone program for students wishing to have an understanding of the basics of geology and will recognize your completion of fundamental courses in the geological sciences. Solving many of the great problems facing humanity today will require an understanding of geology.

As examples, our understanding of modern climate and sea-level changes are informed by changing climates of the geological past which can be inferred from the study of geology. The transition to a low carbon economy will require elements such as lithium, cobalt and rare earth's which have not previously been mined in industrial quantities. Finding these resources and extracting them in a sustainable way will require knowledge of geology. Most of Earth's water outside of the oceans and ice caps is groundwater. Knowledge of geology is necessary for finding and managing groundwater resources.

What you will learn

Upon completion of this certificate, students will have a basic understanding of the earth and its evolution through geological time, the processes causing this evolution and of the materials making up our planet.

This certificate is useful to anyone working in industries related to natural resources and environmental management. For example, it is the perfect choice for a business or engineering professional working in the natural resource industries wishing to have a better understanding of the materials making up our planet and the processes that created them.

This certificate program will also allow students pursuing degrees or certificates other than geology gain an understanding of geological processes and materials. In particular, students in Geological Engineering, Geophysics, Environmental Geosciences and Hydrology degrees who choose their electives carefully will be able to complete the certificate and will get recognition for their knowledge in geology.

Students in the Edwards School of Business intending to pursue careers in resource industries may wish to have an understanding of geology fundamentals as might students in other Colleges and Arts and Science programs.

Required high school classes

• Senior Mathematics

Students can be admitted into this college with a mathematics deficiency but are encouraged to consult the college upon admission to plan how to clear the deficiency.

The high school classes required for admission are not always the same as the classes you will need to complete the degree program you choose.

For example, high school chemistry is required to take first-year chemistry classes.

View recommended and required subjects by program

Required grade average

Applications are considered up until the deadline. Admission is offered on an ongoing basis until all seats are filled.

Learn how we calculate your admission average.

If you do not think you will meet the minimum admission average, you may be considered for the University of Saskatchewan Transition Entrance Program (USTEP) or for special (mature) admission.

If your first language is not English, you may have to prove proficiency in English before admission.

Here are the minimum scores for some of the common English language tests:

See detailed requirements and scores.

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