Earth and Planetary Sciences (Ph.D.)

Offered by: Earth & Planetary Sciences (Faculty of Science)
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy

Program Description

The Ph.D. in Earth and Planetary Sciences provides the opportunity to conduct research in a broad range of geological, Earth systems, and planetary science topics. Departmental expertise encompasses natural physical and chemical processes across the age of the solar system, their interaction with life forms, and the impact of human activities on our environment. The thesis must focus on research in an area related to one of the Department's research groups, and must produce original contributions to scholarship.

Thesis

A thesis for the doctoral degree must constitute original scholarship and must be a distinct contribution to knowledge. It must show familiarity with previous work in the field and must demonstrate ability to plan and carry out research, organize results, and defend the approach and conclusions in a scholarly manner. The research presented must meet current standards of the discipline; as well, the thesis must clearly demonstrate how the research advances knowledge in the field. Finally, the thesis must be written in compliance with norms for academic and scholarly expression and for publication in the public domain.

Required Courses

Complementary Courses (6-21 credits)

Students entering with an M.Sc. (as PhD2) are required to take 6-9 credits of courses at level 500 or higher selected in consultation with the thesis supervisor.

Students entering with a B.Sc (as PhD1) are required to take 18-21 credits of courses at the 500 level or higher selected in consultation with the thesis supervisor. 

Students with adequate preparation (typically the equivalent of more than four courses at the 500 level or higher) may request special departmental approval to take the following course as a complementary course: