该计划提供地质学的传统教育
Earth Science is concerned with the origin, evolution and structure of Earth (and other planets), through the analysis of physical, chemical and biological processes.<br>In the last 40 years the field has been revolutionized by the discovery that the Earth's surface is a mosaic of plates that is continually moving, growing at mid-ocean ridges, and being consumed beneath mountain ranges. Modern global data sets provided by satellites continue to improve our understanding of these processes and of their environmental impact. Although exploration for natural resources continues to be the traditional vocation of geoscientists in the community, they are now playing a vital role responding to increased public and scientific awareness of environmental problems and issues.<br>Despite increasing sophistication in computer, satellite and analytical techniques, field observation remains a cornerstone of Earth Science. A career in Earth Science therefore can lead not only to laboratory or office-based opportunities, but also offers scope to work in many parts of the world, under a range of field conditions. Oil and mining companies engaged in exploration and development, and those involved with environmental hazards, such as waste disposal, are all major employers of Earth Scientists. Provincial and Federal Geological Surveys also employ Earth Scientists and offer summer field assistantships. Other employment opportunities are in consulting, universities, and museums.<br>U of T Mississauga offers Specialist, Major and Minor programs in Earth Sciences. We also offer a Specialist program in Environmental Geosciences (HBSc), which meets the academic requirements for certification as a Professional Geologist in Ontario. These programs have four main aims: (1) to teach the fundamental processes involved in the global Earth system, with emphasis on the interactions between the solid Earth and its oceans, atmosphere and biosphere, (2) to understand the principal aspects of a sustainable and sufficient supply of natural resources, (3) to study the cause and mitigation of hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and groundwater contamination, and (4) to learn how to minimize and adjust to global and environmental change. This approach, by focusing on a more global environmental perspective, should appeal to students who have a general interest in geological processes and their fundamental effects on the environment. Students may combine Earth Science courses with those from other fields. A specialist in Geology is also available for students interested in pursuing careers in the resource industries or graduate studies in Geology. Many of our courses will be useful to students specializing in other fields such as Commerce, Geography, History and Biology.