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Department of Earth Sciences | Faculty of Science Simon Fraser University Calendar | Spring 2025

Earth Sciences

Master of Science

Earth sciences comprise a variety of disciplines in which pure and applied research is carried out to investigate the processes responsible for the formation and evolution of our planet. The master of science (MSc) program combines coursework and research, training students for a broad range of careers in geoscience.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the University admission requirements as stated in Graduate General Regulation 1.3 in the SFU Calendar. Applicants should normally have a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree, or equivalent, with at least a good second class standing (3.0 GPA) in the Earth sciences or a related discipline.

Program Requirements

This program consists of courses, a MSc Thesis Proposal and a thesis for a minimum of 30 units. The courses selected will reflect the student's research interests and guidance from the supervisor. No more than six units of 700 division EASC courses maybe used towards the program requirements.

Students must complete

EASC 600 - Introduction to Graduate Studies (0)

A required course designed to acquaint new graduate students with the research strengths of the program, research facilities in the University, and its vicinity. Procedures and policies relating to preparation, conduct and presentation of thesis research will be discussed. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

A minimum of nine units of EASC graduate courses (or related graduate courses from other departments with the graduate program chair's approval)

EASC 810 - MSc Thesis Proposal (3)

Candidates must make an oral presentation of the written research proposal to an open audience including the supervisory committee, followed by a closed discussion between the student and committee. This allows the committee to assess the suitability of the project and the ability of the student to undertake the proposed research. The proposal presentation usually takes place prior to the end of the second term of enrollment. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: Enrollment in MSc program.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
G100 TBD
EASC 898 - MSc Thesis (18)

Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: Enrollment in MSc program.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
G100 TBD
G200 TBD

Students undertake original research, the results of which are reported in a thesis and defended before an examining committee (see Graduate General Regulation 1.9.1).

Program Length

Students are expected to complete the program requirements in six terms.

Academic Requirements within the Graduate General Regulations

All graduate students must satisfy the academic requirements that are specified in the Graduate General Regulations, as well as the specific requirements for the program in which they are enrolled.