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Bachelor of Science in Earth and Planetary Sciences Requirements

A degree in Earth and Planetary Sciences will prepare students to pursue careers in a broad range of geo- and planetary science disciplines with direct environmental and societal applications. By selecting different tracks (petroleum geosciences, planetary sciences, and atmospheric and environmental sciences) graduates can be enrolled in positions in governmental organizations, private consulting firms, non- governmental organizations and/or academic institutions. Specifically, the Earth and Planetary Sciences program addresses the need of the UAE society to improve both the employability of UAE nationals and the necessity for skilled graduates to manage the environment and natural resources and contribute to the economic and technical development of the country. Knowledge of planetary science is introduced through the study of planetary geology, remote sensing, astrobiology, astronomy, and astrophysics, providing the skill set necessary for graduates to participate in the development of the UAE space sector. On the other hand, a solid background in atmospheric and environmental sciences is gained through a large number of courses on Geochemistry and Environmental Chemistry, Climate Science, Astrobiology, Earth's Climate History, Oceanography, and Hydrology. A specialization in petroleum geosciences is acquired through a number of specific courses like, Reflection Seismology, Petrophysics and Logging, Seismic Reflection Interpretation, Reservoir Characterization, Reservoir Geophysics, Rock Mechanics and Reservoirs, and Petroleum Geology and Petroleum Systems.

Program Educational Objectives

The BSc in Earth and Planetary Sciences aims to produce graduates who will be able to:

  • Function ethically and with integrity such that society and industry benefit from their work as Earth and Planetary Scientists;
  • Continue personal and professional growth through self-education;
  • Meet, or exceed, expectations of employers in attaining technical and personal competencies; and
  • Contribute to the development and use of new knowledge and technologies to explore the Earth and our Solar System.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the BSc in Earth and Planetary Sciences, graduates will be able to:

  • Apply knowledge of mathematics, chemistry, physics, geology, and geophysics to the study of the Earth and planets in order to understand the processes that are active in the Earth’s interior, oceans, and atmosphere, as well as the interiors and atmospheres of other planets.
  • Demonstrate an ability to collect, analyze, and interpret geological, geophysical, and planetary science data using a variety of techniques, to test hypotheses and make scientifically sound interpretations from results.
  • Function effectively on multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Apply the principles of professional, ethical, and responsible conduct as earth scientists.
  • Demonstrate an ability to communicate in oral and written forms in English appropriate to the professional career in a wide range of fields in Earth and Planetary science.
  • Demonstrate the recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, continual lifelong education.

Program Facilities

The Earth Sciences Department laboratories are located in the Bu Hasa and Ruwais buildings on the Sas Al Nakhl (SAN) Campus. The laboratories include geology and geophysics laboratories, dedicated core- layout areas, laboratories for sample and equipment preparation, and dedicated geosciences computer laboratories equipped with a wide range of industry-standard geoscience software, a scanning electron microscopy laboratory, petrographic microscopy laboratory and geophysical equipment storage and testing laboratory. The laboratories support the teaching and research needs of the department.

Professional Chapters and Clubs

The American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) student chapter in the Petroleum Geosciences Program is the first AAPG Chapter established in the UAE. The AAPG student chapter provides a variety of programs and opportunities for students to have contact with the professional geosciences’ community, to have access to unique learning and leadership opportunities, to receive member benefits and to be eligible for grants.

The Petroleum Geosciences Student Society aims to help and support students as they prepare to start their careers within the Petroleum Geosciences. As well as supporting the next generation of geoscientists, the society also provides a range of social activities for geosciences students at the University. Recent activities included guest seminars and lectures, field trips, social evenings and sporting events.

The student chapter’s affiliation with the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) and the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE) provides a means of contact with the geosciences profession both inside and outside of academia. Active participation in the student chapters provides students with an opportunity to develop leadership and management skills. Actively running an organization and networking with professionals develop a sense of professionalism.

Degree Requirements

To be recommended for the degree of BSc in Earth and Planetary Sciences, students must satisfactorily complete the courses in the specified categories as set out below. The categories cover the Basic Sciences (13 credit hours including Introduction to Biology), the University General Education Requirements (48 credit hours), the Discipline Specific Courses (52 credit hours), and Technical Electives requirements (17 credit hours). The normal length of the undergraduate BSc in Earth and Planetary Sciences is 130 credit hours.

Chemistry/Mathematics/Science Requirements (13 credits)

The BSc in Earth and Planetary Sciences program require the following Chemistry, Mathematics, Science courses, in addition to the General Education Requirements:

Earth and Planetary Sciences Core Requirements (52 credits)

For the BSc in Earth and Planetary Sciences degree, students must complete the following common Core Requirement courses:

Petroleum Geosciences Free Electives (17 credits)

All students must complete at least 17 credits of free electives, which are intended to provide students with flexibility to support their career paths and individual interests. They will support the development of technical expertise within the student’s disciplines, as well as, undergraduate research and independent study opportunities. They can also be used for an additional Humanities and Social Sciences course or any other course offered by the Department chosen among the non-required courses of the curriculum.