Geological Resources

Campus
New Westminster
Learning Format
Full-time
Part-time
Admission Type
Limited Enrolment
Offered
Fall
Winter
Summer

Overview

Get the skills needed to work in mining and mineral exploration as a geological technician with the two-year Geological Resources Diploma.

Geological technicians work outdoors in some of the most beautiful – and remote – places on Earth, collecting and identifying samples of rocks and minerals, prospecting and more for the mining and mineral-exploration industries.

Get practical experience while you study

The program is a combination of academic knowledge and applied learning. You’ll do two hands-on fieldwork components, which give you the chance to do the work of a geological technician, as well as go on field trips to mines and exploration operations to see how they work. Once you graduate, you’ll have the knowledge and training to find work immediately.

Get paid, full-time work experience during your studies

Put your skills to work by joining the optional Co-operative Education Program, which alternates semesters of study with paid, full-time work in your field. You’ll earn money while gaining experience, building your resume and getting an employer reference, all before you graduate. To participate in Co-op you need to plan two semesters in advance, so we strongly recommend contacting the Co-op Office at the start of your program.

Further studies

If you decide you want to complete a geology degree, or a degree in a related field, such as geography, geophysics, geochemistry or engineering, you can transfer your (60) credits to SFU or another research university in B.C.

Program Requirements

Curriculum Framework

Graduation Requirements:

  • Successful completion of 73.00 Credits
  • A minimum of 50% (36.50)  of the required credits must be taken at Douglas College.

 

Course Requirements:

Course Number Course Title Credits

Select one course from the following two options:

CMNS 1115

Practical Writing

3.00

UT ENGL Elective

One ENGL Course (1100 – 1999)

3.00

Select one course from the following two options:

MATH 1110

Precalculus

4.00

MATH 1120

Calculus I

3.00

Select one course from the following two options:

PHYS 1107

Introductory General Physics I

5.00

PHYS 1110

Mechanics

5.00

Select one course from the following two options:

EAES 1120

Introduction to Earth Sciences

3.00

GEOG 1120

 Introduction to Earth Sciences

4.00

Required courses:

CHEM 1110

The Structure of Matter

4.00

EAES 1121

History of the Earth

3.00

EAES 1500

Field Methods 1

4.00

EAES 1900

Resources from the Earth

3.00

EAES 2340

Sedimentology & Stratigraphy

4.00

EAES 2400

Introduction to Mineralogy

4.00

EAES 2410

Introduction to Petrology

4.00

EAES 2500

Field Methods 2

4.00

EAES 2550

Structural Geology

4.00

EAES 2800

Geological Mapping 1

4.00

EAES 2810

Geological Mapping 2

4.00

EAES 2851

Geological Information Systems

3.00

EAES 2900

Exploration and Mining 1

4.00

EAES 2910

Exploration and Mining 2

4.00

GEOG 2270

Geographic Information Systems

3.00

Select one elective course:

Any college level course

NOTE THAT ONLY ONE OF GEOG 1120, GEOL 1120 OR EAES 1120 WILL RECEIVE CREDIT FOR THIS PROGRAM

3

Total Credits

 

73.00

 

 

Progress Requirement for Continuation in the Program

In order to continue in the program, students must meet the following criteria:

  1. maintain a 2.00 GPA; and
  2. full-time students must successfully complete at least 21 program-eligible credits each year, including at least nine EAES credits; or
  3. part-time students must successfully complete at least nine program-eligible credits each year, including (in the first year) six EAES credits. 

Students enrolling in January are encouraged to start as part-time, so they may more easily meet the progress requirement. Students who do not meet these progress requirements may be dropped from full-time to part-time status, or further dropped from the program.  Students who fulfill the graduation requirements may graduate with the credential, even if not enrolled in the program.

Availability of Courses in the Geological Resources Diploma Program

Course offerings are limited, and some courses are offered only once per year or once per two years. Students should therefore plan their courses carefully before registration and in consultation with the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences.  Students should be aware that achieving a specified minimum grade is required for all courses that are pre-requisites.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the Geological Resources Diploma Program must meet the following to receive admission to the program and priority registration:

Successful applicants must meet individual course prerequisites upon registering.

Cost

You can get an average cost for your program - tuition and student fees, books, uniforms, lab fees etc - on the Program Cost page. 

Only programs approved for student loan funding are listed on the Program Cost page. For all other programs, refer to the Tuition Fee page.

Career Pathways

Career opportunities include:

  • Assistant Environmental Geologist 
  • Campground Maintenance, Trail Crew 
  • Data Analyst/Technician 
  • Data Entry Technician 
  • Entry Level Remote Sensing Scientist 
  • Environmental Planning Intern 
  • Field Research Assistant, Data Entry Technician 
  • General Labour - Geologist 
  • Geotechnician 
  • GIS Data Lab/Office and Research Assistant 
  • GIS Technician 
  • Junior CAD Technician, CAD Technologist 
  • Junior Field Geologist 
  • Junior Geochemist (Entry Level) 
  • Map Room Clerk 
  • Materials Property Specialist

Program Guidelines

Program Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this program and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the program, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)