University of British Columbia Masters Degrees in Environmental Sciences

The University of British Columbia Geological Engineering programme is a postgraduate course awarding a research-based Master of Applied Science or a taught Master of Engineering.

Students complete training and research projects according to their qualification pathway.

Program Overview

The Geological Engineering Program is intended for students interested in the application of earth sciences principles to engineering problems. While most geological engineering degree programs are based in the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, students may also base their studies in allied Applied Science departments such as Civil or Mining Engineering. The program is highly interdisciplinary and draws upon courses, laboratories, and faculty members from the departments of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Civil Engineering, Mining Engineering, Forestry, Geography, and others. Graduate students are often co-supervised by faculty members from different departments.

Geological engineering faculty members in the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences have research interests in the following general areas:

- landslides, debris flows, engineering geology, slope stability

- groundwater hydrology, groundwater contamination and remediation, reactive transport modeling, environmental geochemistry

- rock engineering, rock slopes, and tunneling

Other research areas include geotechnical engineering, environmental geology, engineering geology, economic geology, and applied geophysics. The specific fields of study may involve geomorphology and terrain analysis, groundwater hydrology, natural hazards, slope stability, petroleum and coal geology, coalbed methane, mineral prospecting and valuation, and other similar subjects. Students are encouraged to consult individual faculty members for information about current research areas.

Admission to graduate studies in geological engineering is open only to students with an undergraduate degree in engineering or, at the discretion of the program director, to students with sufficient engineering work experience.

Quick Facts

- Degree: Master of Applied Science (research-based), Master of Engineering (course-based, 1 year)

- Specialization: Geological Engineering

- Subject: Engineering

- Mode of delivery: On campus

- Faculty: Faculty of Science

Funding

The following postgraduate funding may be available to study Geological Engineering at the University of British Columbia.

Canadian postgraduate funding

• Our guide to Masters funding in Canada explains options for Canadian and international students.

Funding from FindAMasters:

• FindAMasters Scholarships – Offering up to £5,000 to new UK, EU and international postgraduates. 

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General Information

Land (soil) and water are two essential resources required to sustain the human goals of food security and maintenance of environmental goods and services, including all forms of useable energy. Managed, as an integrated system, provides a framework to aid society to achieve food security and environmental services.

The goal of the innovative Master of Science in Land and Water Systems is to offer a professional degree that will serve both practicing resource managers, and recent graduates from cognate undergraduate academic programs, the necessary credentials to address the emerging concerns of land and water resources conservation and management.

Quick Facts

- Degree: Master of Land and Water Systems
- Specialization: Land and Water Systems
- Subject: Specialty
- Mode of delivery: On campus
- Program components: Coursework only
- Faculty: Faculty of Land and Food Systems

The MLWS program provides an opportunity for students to obtain science-based skills, training and knowledge to address emerging environmental issues of food security, effects of increasing urbanization, maintenance of ecological services, restoration of degraded lands, adapting to climate change, and resource conservation. The program draws from a broad range of academic and professional expertise in disciplines including geochemistry, biology, soil science, hydrology, terrestrial and aquatic ecology, forest sciences and more. The program is aimed at both recent graduates and practicing professionals who are seeking additional academic qualification.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:
1. Have the necessary background and analytical skills to address the issues related to land and water systems based on an understanding of the integration of the ecological, carbon (energy), hydrological and pedalogical cycles and the impacts of human activity.
2. Obtain proficiency in developing analytical frameworks for the identification, articulation and analysis of land and water resource issues and concerns.
3. Develop skills to develop, apply, evaluate, and adapt alternate practices through scenario frameworks.
4. Develop professional communication skills.

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Program Overview

Theoretically, experimentally, and observationally oriented Master of Science (M.Sc.), Master of Applied Science (M.A.Sc.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs are offered in a number of key areas of geophysics. Current interests include topics in observational and theoretical glaciology; climate variability; geodynamics of the crust, mantle, and core of Earth and other planets; geological fluid mechanics; volcanic processes; origin and structure of planetary magnetic fields; reflection seismology; time-series analysis and wavelet processing; inversion methodologies with application to reflection seismology, mineral exploration, and environmental studies; computational electrodynamics; seismology with observational programs in crustal and upper mantle studies; earthquake studies focused on understanding past and current tectonic processes in Western Canada; and theoretical model studies to investigate wave propagation in laterally heterogeneous media.

Program Requirements

Geophysics students who have not completed a course in physics of the Earth at either the senior undergraduate or graduate level will be required to register for EOSC 453. The M.A.Sc. program consists of a 12-credit thesis and 18 credits of coursework. A minimum of 24 credits must be at the 500-level and above.

Quick Facts

- Degree: Master of Applied Science
- Specialization: Geophysics
- Subject: Science
- Mode of delivery: On campus
- Program components: Coursework + Thesis required
- Faculty: Faculty of Science

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Program Overview

Theoretically, experimentally, and observationally oriented Master of Science (M.Sc.), Master of Applied Science (M.A.Sc.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs are offered in a number of key areas of geophysics. Current interests include topics in observational and theoretical glaciology; climate variability; geodynamics of the crust, mantle, and core of Earth and other planets; geological fluid mechanics; volcanic processes; origin and structure of planetary magnetic fields; reflection seismology; time-series analysis and wavelet processing; inversion methodologies with application to reflection seismology, mineral exploration, and environmental studies; computational electrodynamics; seismology with observational programs in crustal and upper mantle studies; earthquake studies focused on understanding past and current tectonic processes in Western Canada; and theoretical model studies to investigate wave propagation in laterally heterogeneous media.

Program Requirements

Geophysics students who have not completed a course in physics of the Earth at either the senior undergraduate or graduate level will be required to register for EOSC 453. The M.Sc. program consists of a 12-credit thesis and 18 credits of coursework. A minimum of 24 credits must be at the 500-level and above.

Quick Facts

- Degree: Master of Science
- Specialization: Geophysics
- Subject: Science
- Mode of delivery: On campus
- Program components: Coursework + Thesis required
- Faculty: Faculty of Science

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Program Overview

Oceanographers investigate both fundamental and applied problems relating to the physics, mathematics, biology, chemistry, and geology of the sea, often working across traditional academic disciplines. Research carried out both independently and in collaboration with federal government laboratories occurs in many different oceanographic regimes, including coastal BC fjords, the inland sea of the Strait of Georgia, open ocean regions of the Subarctic Pacific, and many other locations, including the Arctic and Antarctic Oceans. The types of problems that can be studied include fundamental questions about the flow of stratified fluids at scales ranging from tens of meters to thousands of kilometers, applied research in estuaries, coastal, and deep-ocean processes, general ocean circulation and climate change issues, marine chemistry, geochemistry, and biogeochemistry, natural product chemistry, marine viruses, fisheries oceanography, plankton ecology and physiology, and primary production of the sea. The Department is well equipped to carry out research in the field (using either its own boat or larger vessels in the oceanographic fleet), at the laboratory bench, and in the numerical heart of a computer. Most problems involve aspects of all three.

Students in Oceanography may select courses, depending on their interest, from the following areas of specialization:
- biological oceanography
- marine chemistry and geochemistry
- physical oceanography and atmospheric sciences

Students are encouraged to broaden their knowledge by taking courses outside their area of specialization. Courses related to Oceanography are also offered in the Departments of Botany, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Geography, Physics and Astronomy, and Zoology.

Oceanography students normally begin their studies in September but may sometimes arrange to start their thesis/dissertation work in the summer before their first Winter Session. A student wishing to do graduate work in Oceanography should first discuss the proposed program with appropriate faculty in the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences.

Quick Facts

- Degree: Master of Science
- Specialization: Oceanography
- Subject: Science
- Mode of delivery: On campus
- Program components: Coursework + Options
- Faculty: Faculty of Science

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The Plant Science Program offers degrees in fundamental and applied topics related to plant production, plant protection, biotechnology, plant physiology and biochemistry, and plant-environment interactions.

Specific areas of specialization include:
- Plant-microbe interaction, bacterial and fungal diseases, plant virology, biological control of pests and diseases, insect physiology, natural insecticides, insect ecology and behaviour, and weed biology, ecology and control;
- Seed physiology, plant nutrition, plant growth analysis, plant-plant interaction, biotic and abiotic stressor resistance, and environmental plant physiology;
- Vegetable culture, ornamental horticulture, plant breeding, and post-harvest physiology;
- Plant biochemistry, tissue culture, genetic engineering, and plant, fungal, and viral molecular genetics;
- Rangeland ecology, and wildlife habitat studies.

Quick Facts

- Degree: Master of Science
- Specialization: Plant Science
- Subject: Agriculture and Forestry
- Mode of delivery: On campus
- Program components: Coursework + Thesis required
- Faculty: Faculty of Land and Food Systems

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A collaboration between the Faculty of Land and Food Systems and Faculty of Forestry, the inter-faculty Soil Science Graduate Program offers opportunities for advanced study and research leading to MSc and PhD degrees. Students are registered in the Faculty of Graduate Studies through either the Faculty of Land and Food Systems or Faculty of Forestry, depending upon their research interests.

Areas of study include biometeorology, forest nutrition and nutrient cycling, mycorrhizal ecology, soil biology, soil quality and fertility, soil-plant interactions, ecosystem services, land an water systems.

Program Overview

Soil Science offers opportunities for advanced study and research leading to Ph.D. and M.Sc. degrees in the areas of soil microbial ecology, organic matter, soil physics, irrigation and drainage, biometeorology, soil pollution, soil and water conservation, soil management, and land use, with application to forest, agricultural, urban, and range soils, as well as a professional Master of Land and Water Systems (M.L.W.S.) degree. The Ph.D. and M.Sc. degrees include a combination of courses in both basic and applied sciences, with research leading to the completion of a thesis/dissertation. The M.L.W.S. degree is intended for students seeking a post-baccalaureate degree for professional practice in the land and water resources management realm. The program is designed to be completed in one calendar year.

Soil Sciences programs are enriched through collaboration with: colleagues in other graduate programs, such as Forestry, Geography, Plant Science, Institute for Resources and Environment, Integrated Studies in Land and Food Systems, and Landscape Architecture; and agencies such as Environment Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, BC Ministry of Forests and Range, and other provincial, municipal, and regional government agencies.

Research facilities are housed both within the MacMillan and Forest Sciences Buildings and, on a shared basis, in other buildings on campus. Research facilities within the MacMillan Building include modern analytical laboratories and other equipment for conducting chemical and biometeorological research, while excellent facilities for soil biological research are located in the Forest Sciences Centre.

Quick Facts

- Degree: Master of Science
- Specialization: Soil Science
- Subject: Agriculture and Forestry
- Mode of delivery: On campus
- Program components: Coursework + Thesis required
- Faculty: Faculty of Land and Food Systems

Career Prospects

Graduates of the soil science degree program often obtain positions with government or the private sector. Some graduates decide to continue in the area of research and academia with various universities and colleges. Examples of where some graduates are employed:
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
- BC Ministry of Forests
- Canadian Forest Service
- Consultant
- Associate Professor, University of Guelph
- Associate Professor, Yale University
- Associate Professor, University of Northern BC
- Environment Canada
- Assistant Professor, University of Bengukulu, Indonesia
- Assistant Professor, University of Venda for Science and Technology, South Africa

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Organizations are seeking to create new products and consumers are demanding green alternatives. This has given rise to many opportunities to develop green, sustainable products and chemistries to replace oil-based products and fuels. These include pharmaceuticals, food packaging, clothing and building materials, as well as cutting-edge carbon nanofibers and biofuels. UBC is a world leader in creating innovative value from forest biomass, and graduates of this program will take their place as technical leaders and sector specialists in this growing industry.

The Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL) in Green Bio-Products is an intensive one-year degree program that will equip you with the technical and leadership skills required to contribute to the growing bio-economy. The project-based curriculum covers all stages of the industry value chain. Graduates will gain a comprehensive and integrated understanding of the chemistry and anatomy of the tree and its role as one of the most prolific forms of biomass. While 60 per cent of your classes will focus on your technical specialization, the remaining 40 per cent are leadership development courses that will enhance your business, communication and people skills. Delivery of the management and leadership courses are in partnership with UBC's Sauder School of Business.

What Makes The Program Unique?

The MEL in Green Bio-Products degree was developed in close collaboration with industry partners, who told us they need to hire leaders with cross-functional technical and business skills to develop innovative solutions, manage teams and direct projects.

Students will develop the sector-relevant cross-disciplinary technical skills in demand by top employers. Distinct from other programs in Canada and internationally, the combination of technical expertise and leadership development makes the MEL in Green Bio-Products program unique and highly relevant in today’s business environment.

To complement your academic studies, professional development workshops, delivered by industry leaders, are offered throughout the year-long program. These extra-curricular sessions cover a range of topics such as:

-Leadership fundamentals

-Giving and receiving feedback

-Learning how to deliver a successful pitch

-Effective presenting

The workshops also provide opportunities to network with professionals from a wide range of industries, UBC faculty and students in the MEL and MHLP programs.

Career Options

Our graduates will be in high demand locally, nationally and internationally, equipped to take on challenging roles in this rapidly evolving sector. They will be participating in developing advanced technical processes, product ideation and take on senior management roles. As a graduate of this program, you will have the skills to take your career to the next level – working as an industry leader who is a peer to your engineering team members and confidently managing projects.

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As we improve existing technologies and transition to more sustainable energy systems, clean energy technologies will become increasingly vital to the world's energy mix. Industry and government are critically dependent on hiring talented technical leaders who can develop innovative and practical solutions. There is a growing need across multiple industries for technical experts in clean energy engineering. Our planet needs viable energy solutions to minimize environmental impacts, promote geopolitical stability and enable economic diversification. The Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL) Clean Energy Engineering is an intensive one-year degree program for engineers and environmental science graduates who want to make their sustainable vision a reality and advance their careers in the in-demand field of clean energy.

The project-based curriculum covers all stages of the industry value chain and exposes you to alternative energy systems including hydro, wind, solar, tidal, geothermal and other emerging technologies. You will work in world-class facilities, including the Clean Energy Research Centre. This interdisciplinary research centre brings together engineers and industry partners who collaborate to develop practical solutions that can reduce the environmental impact of energy use and seek sustainable solutions.

While 60 per cent of your classes will focus on your technical specialization, the remaining 40 per cent are leadership development courses that will enhance your business, communication and people skills. Delivery of the management and leadership courses are in partnership with UBC's Sauder School of Business.

What Makes The Program Unique?

The MEL in Clean Energy Engineering degree was developed in close collaboration with industry partners, who told us they need to hire leaders with cross-functional technical and business skills to develop innovative solutions, manage teams and direct projects. The combination of technical expertise and leadership development makes the MEL in Clean Energy Engineering program unique and highly relevant in today's business environment. The MEL in Clean Energy Engineering degree is a unique graduate program that empowers you to develop the sector-relevant cross-disciplinary technical skills required by top employers. As a graduate of this program, you will have the skills to take your career in clean energy to the next level; tackling complex engineering challenges in this in-demand field while confidently leading collaborative teams.

To complement your academic studies, professional development workshops, delivered by industry leaders, are offered throughout the year-long program. These extra-curricular sessions cover a range of topics such as:

-Leadership fundamentals

-Giving and receiving feedback

-Learning how to deliver a successful pitch

-Effective presenting

The workshops also provide opportunities to network with professionals from a wide range of industries, UBC faculty and students in the MEL and MHLP programs.

Career Options

Our graduates will be in high demand locally, nationally and internationally, with government and industry employers constantly seeking experts in the field who can develop new processes and systems. Typical job roles of CEEN students are Renewable Energy Consultant, Renewable Energy Engineer, Energy Analyst, Energy & Building Consultant, Energy Efficiency Engineer, Energy Management Engineer, Energy Manager, Project Engineer and Project Manager.

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The Master of Geomatics for Environmental Management (MGEM) is a new 9-month, course-based master’s program that provides the geospatial skills and landscape ecology context required to tackle pressing environmental issues. It is a 9-month program which begins in August with a 3-week intensive and concludes the following April.

The MGEM program is designed for those with a passion for environmental management and an interest in emerging landscape ecology theories and geospatial technologies. That includes:
-Conservation practitioners and managers, foresters and ecologists seeking technical skills.
-Computer scientists and engineers looking for new fields to apply their skills.
-Recent graduates in forestry, geography, computer science, engineering, commerce, arts and other undergraduate degree programs, so long as they have some quantitative training.

What Makes The Program Unique?

This uniquely interdisciplinary program blends landscape ecology training and quantitative spatial skills development in a professional degree unlike any other in the world.

Career Options

As an MGEM graduate, you will be equipped to:
-Model landscapes and ecosystems for planning and assessment.
-Integrate landscape ecology concepts with geomatics-focused tools tools for environmental management.
-Collaborate with communities and people who are interested in using geospatial data to address environmental concerns.
-MGEM graduates may go on to work in academia, consulting, industry, government, NGOs and the private sector.

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The Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability (IRES) at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is a problem-focused and curiosity-driven interdisciplinary research institute and graduate program, with interest and expertise in a wide range of topics under the realm of environment and sustainability. Our mission is to foster sustainable futures through integrated research and learning about the linkages among human and natural systems, and to support decision making from local to global scales. More often than not, we achieve this through collaborations across students and faculty in a manner that recognizes our collective skills, intellectual histories and methodological approaches, and yet encourages our interdependencies as we consider real world problems.

The Resources, Environment and Sustainability (RES) graduate program provides a home for interdisciplinary students focusing on the integration of the biophysical (ecological), socio-economic, and political realities of resource management within the context of a sustainable, healthy environment.

What Makes The Program Unique?

Over fifty percent of our core faculty are Canada Research Chairs and faculty mentoring has led to a high success rate of our students winning major fellowships and scholarships. There are multi-year funding packages offered for top applicants to the RES program. RES has over 400 alumni since the graduate program started in 1994.

Funding Sources

There is no guarantee of funding for Master’s students in RES. That being said, many of our master’s students receive funding during their program and/or receive scholarships or awards.

RES typically distributes one-time entrance awards to the majority of incoming students. The amount of these awards varies year to year, however over the last three years the awards have been in the range of $3000-$5000. This amount is in addition to any funding you may receive from a faculty grant, external scholarship or award.

Funding for Master’s students can come in the form of a Research Assistant (RA) position with a faculty member, a Teaching Assistant (TA) position as well as from various scholarships and awards.

However, as there is no guarantee of funding for your program, it is important to have a discussion with a potential supervisor about what funding might be available to you prior to accepting any offer of admission to the program.

Lastly, Canadians and Permanent Residents are eligible for government student loans and UBC bursaries.

Career Options

Our current students, alumni and faculty lead and serve on numerous international, national, non-governmental organizations (NGO) and regional bodies dedicated to protecting the environment and improving well-being.

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