Innovative New Science Degree Prepares Students for Careers as Geoscientists, Geochemists & More
New Environmental Geoscience B.Sc. launching in 2017 expands environmental program offerings at Trent University
Known as one of Canada’s top postsecondary environmental institutions, Trent University announced plans to expand program offerings, with the launch of a new innovative B.Sc. degree in Environmental Geoscience within the Trent School of the Environment that will prepare graduates to become licensed professional geoscientists (P.Geo.).
The new program, slated to welcome its first class of students in September 2017, will allow students to work toward the professional geoscientist licensing requirements while exploring the interaction between human activity and earth systems. The program's curriculum has been specifically designed to meet the requirements set out by the Association of Professional Geoscientists, allowing students to apply to become geoscientists-in-training upon graduation.
"Students are becoming more and more aware of the job market while they're at university, and this program provides them the opportunity to look ahead from the very beginning," says Dr. Shaun Watmough, director of the School of the Environment at Trent. “It’s the School’s thirteenth degree offering and it comes with a number of advantages, including preparation for the workforce. There are career linkages and lots of opportunities after graduation.”
The new program integrates the disciplines of Geology, Biology, Chemistry and Geography. Graduates, and those with the P. Geo. designation, will be prepared for success in a variety of careers in the public and private sectors as environmental geoscientists, geochemists, geologists and geomorphologists, just to name a few.
Other highlights of the new Environmental Geoscience B.Sc. program at Trent include:
- Leading Research Opportunities: Students will study alongside some of the world’s leading environmental researchers and scientists.
- Experiential Learning: Fourth-year students will be involved in either a placement or outreach initiative as part of an experiential learning capstone course.
- Upcoming Diploma to Degree Pathways: Pathway development is ongoing between Fleming College’s Earth Resources Technician program and the Environmental Geoscience program, which will provide students from both post-secondary institutions with advanced standing in the other’s program.
- Ideal Location for Environmental Studies: The geographic location of Trent University makes it an ideal place to study Environmental Geoscience. The Canadian Shield, rich glacial deposits, and its proximity to the Oak Ridges Moraine will present boundless opportunities for field study.
The Environmental Geoscience B.Sc. degree provides the knowledge requirements mandated by the Geoscientists of Canada Standards Board and is pending Ministry approval and approval from the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Canada.
About Trent University
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.
For more information, or arrange to an interview, please contact: Kate Weersink, media relations & strategic communications officer, Trent University, 705-748-1011 x6180 or kateweersink@trentu.ca