University of Calgary
GEOSCIENCE
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Organized by topic - scroll through the list of questions below or use the links to jump to specific topics:
General
Admission
Registration
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
Program/Course Advice and Graduation Check
General
Q: I have just been accepted into a Geology or Geophyiscs program and am super excited to get started! What should I do to prepare myself and where can I find general course and program information?
A: The answer to this question is threefold:
1) Read and become familiar with the Faculty of Science and Department of Geoscience regulations in the University of Calgary Undergraduate Calendar, available in the bookstore or online at: http://www.ucalgary.ca/pubs/calendar/.
2) Check out the Undergraduate pages on the Department of Geoscience website: http://www.ucalgary.ca/geoscience/undergraduate; bookmark this link for check access.
3) Contact an Undergraduate Advisor (http://www.ucalgary.ca/geoscience/AcademicAdvice) at least once every year of your program to ensure that you are on track and to receive free, helpful advice!
Q: I need to take GLGY 463, but can't find it in the course listings?
A: GLGY 463 is moving to the Fall of the 4th year for Petroleum Geology Concentration students. The new course number is GLGY 575. Third year students: take an elective, non-science option or science option in its place (as needed for your program). Fourth year students that need it to graduate: please contact Dr. Michelle Spila if you are having trouble registering in GLGY 575.
Q: GOPH 517 is a new course introduced Fall 2010; it is a pre-requisite for GOPH 557 . . . if I'm following an older calendar year, do I have to take GOPH 517?
A: All GOPH students that entered the program in Fall 2010 or later MUST take both GOPH 517 and 557. All non-graduating GOPH students following the F09 or an earlier calendar year should take GOPH 517, in addition to GOPH 557 (but consult Dr. Krebes to make sure). Graduating GOPH students following the F09 or earlier calendar year should definitely register in GOPH 517, then contact Dr. Ed Krebes to see whether or not they should take GOPH 557.
Q: I need to take GLGY 589.01 but can't find it in the course listings?
A: Petroleum Concentration students please note:
GLGY 589.01 has been replaced this year only with 589.08. Please register accordingly.
Q: I've taken Paleobiology GLGY 391, can I also sign up for GLGY 491?
A: No, GLGY 391 was changed to GLGY 491 in the curriculum. You will only be given credit for one of them toward your degree.
Admission
Q: I am a high school graduate, what courses/grades do I need in order to get into a Geology or Geophysics program? How much is tuition?
A: Some basic information can be found at: http://www.ucalgary.ca/geoscience/admission_info. For additional information, see: http://www.ucalgary.ca/futurestudents/.
Q: I am a transfer student from another department or post-secondary institution, what are the requirements to get into a Geology or Geophysics program?
A: Contact the Student Success Centre (SSC), 4th Floor, MacEwan Student Centre for more information. You may also call them (403-220-5881) to make an appointment with an advisor.
Q: I am a degree-after or international student and want to take a Geology or Geophysics course as a part-time or unclassified or open studies student. How do I apply and what are the requirements?
A: Go to: http://www.ucalgary.ca/prospectivestudents/ and select the appropriate link at the bottom of the page for more information.
Registration
Q: I am having trouble registering in a course.
A: Visit, call, or e-mail the details of your situation to Tracy Quinton.
Q: I tried to register in a course, but it says it is restricted. What does this mean?
A: Certain courses are restricted or labeled as high demand. These restrictions exist to allow majors, who need these particular courses to fulfill their program requirements, first priority when it comes to registering in the course. Other courses are listed as high demand - these are courses that have strict enrollment limitations. All restricted courses are listed on the Enrollment Services website: http://www.ucalgary.ca/registrar/ . Course restrictions are lifted on approximately July 21st each Year.
Q: The course that I want or need to register in is full, how do I request to be put on the waiting list?
A: The Department of Geoscience manages an internal waitlist system that is NOT part of the Student Centre/Peoplesoft system. You can access the waitlist request form through the Department's website at http://geoscience.ucalgary.ca/Forms. This form is activated for Fall/Winter courses each year at noon on July 21st. No, you cannot submit waitlist requests any sooner. We will do our best to see if we can get you into the course and/or lab of your choice. Keep in mind that we cannot make any promises that you will get in, especially to those students in programs outside of the Dept. of Geoscience. If your request is approved, you will likely be automatically registered in the class.
Q: How do I swap lecture, lab or tutorial sections for a course, in which I am currently registered, but that is full or overloaded?
A: Complete the Department's online waitlist/overload request form available at: http://geoscience.ucalgary.ca/Forms. This form is activated for Fall/Winter courses each year at noon on July 21st. No, you cannot submit swap requests any sooner. We will do our best to see if we can get you into the lecture and/or lab/tutorial of your choice, but keep in mind that we cannot make any promises that you will get in. If your request is approved, the swap will be automatically done for you.
Q: The course I want to take requires the "Consent of the Department". How do I go about getting this consent?
A: For a Geology course, contact Dr. Spila; for a Geophysics course, contact Dr. Krebes. For a non-geoscience course contact the Department that offers the course. I.E. for ENPE courses, contact the Department of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering.
Q: I want to take two courses for which the lecture, lab and/or tutorial components are scheduled at the same time - how do I get approval for this?"
A: Complete a "Time Conflict Form" available online from http://www.ucalgary.ca/registrar/forms_students/ and return it to Enrollment Services (MacKimmie Library Block, MLB, room 117).
Q: I want to audit a course - how do I go about registering in it?
A: Complete a "Permission to Audit Form" available online from http://www.ucalgary.ca/registrar/forms_students/ and return it to Enrollment Services (MacKimmie Library Block, MLB, room 117).
Q: If one of my courses is a field school that runs either before or after classes start, can I take an additional course for a total of 6 half courses (or 2.5 FCE) in a semester?
A: Yes, you can. The system should allow you to register in a 6th class. But, if you have any trouble doing so, contact an advisor in the Student Success Centre for assistance, 4th Floor, MacEwan Student Centre or call 403-220-5881.
Q: If I am not taking a field school, can I still register in a total of 6 half courses (or 2.5 FCE) in a particular semester?
A: It depends. Make an appointment with Dr. Spila (for all Geology programs) or Dr. Krebes (for the Geophysics program) to present your case.
Q: How do I register for GOPH 509 or GLGY 510?
A: First, you must have a prospective supervisor and project already lined up. To register, obtain and complete the "GLGY 510" or "GOPH 509" form available on our website at http://geoscience.ucalgary.ca/Forms or from the main office. Return your completed form, along with a short project proposal, to the main office before Sept. 15th in the Fall semester that you wish to begin your project.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
Q: I am missing a pre-requisite or would like to take the pre-requisite as a co-requisite - how do I go about getting permission to take the course that I'm missing a pre-requisite for?
A: You must complete a pre-requisite waiver request form, which can be downloaded from the Department of Geoscience webpage: http://geoscience.ucalgary.ca/Forms. Be sure to read the accompanying policy on pre-requisite waivers. Fill in the top portion of the form, providing as much information as possible. Ensure all information is complete and correct. Take the form to the instructor of the course for which you are seeking a waiver. The instructor will provide feedback, then pass along the form to the Academic Advisor for final approval. In some cases, pre-requisite waivers may be processed upon receipt. However, in most cases they will NOT be processed until after course restrictions are lifted (mid-late July). You will either be notified by e-mail or if approved, automatically enrolled in the class.
Q: I took Course X and received permission from the Department to use it in lieu of Course Y for pre-requisite and graduation purposes. When I try to register in a course that requires Course Y as a pre-requisite, it says I do not meet the pre-requisite requirements. How come?
A: Even though the Department has given approval for Course X over Course Y, the student administration software does not recognize this. Each time you want to take a course that has Course Y as a pre-requisite, you must contact Tracy Quinton for assistance with enrolling in this course.
Q: I received a D- / D / D+ in a course that is a pre-requisite for a required GLGY/GOPH course in my program. Do I have to take the course over?
A: Yes. Undergraduate policy stipulates that students must achieve a C- or better in all courses that are required for their program.
Q: If I received a D- / D / D+ in Course X, which is a pre-requisite for Course Y, can I re-take Course X at the same time as Course Y?
A: You must complete a pre-requisite waiver request form, which can be downloaded from the Department of Geoscience webpage: http://geoscience.ucalgary.ca/Forms. Be sure to read the accompanying policy on pre-requisite waivers. Fill in the top portion of the form, providing as much information as possible. Ensure all information is complete and correct. Take the form to the instructor of the course for which you are seeking a waiver. The instructor will provide feedback, then pass along the form to the Academic Advisor for final approval. In some cases, pre-requisite waivers may be processed upon receipt. However, in most cases they will NOT be processed until after course restrictions are lifted (mid-late July). You will either be notified by e-mail or if approved, automatically enrolled in the class.
Q: If I fail a course, or withdraw from a course, how long do I have to wait until I can attempt to take it again?
A: The U of C has terminated the "High Demand" course category, therefore, you are allowed to attempt the course again as soon as the next semester that it is offered. Note, however, that you can only attempt a course twice. You need special permission from the Associate Dean of Student Advising for the Faculty of Science to attempt it a third time.
Program/Course Advice and Graduation Check
Q: I need advice on which courses/options to take over the next year or two to ensure that I'm on track with my program. I am also interested in checking whether or not I have the right GLGY/GOPH and Science options as required by APEGGA. Whom should I contact?
A: Students in any Geology program should make an appointment with Dr. Spila. Students in the Geophysics program should make an appointment with Dr. Krebes. Information on APEGGA requirements can be found at: http://www.apegga.org/Applicants/Examinations/syllabi_geo.html
Q: Do I have all the right courses to be able to graduate at the end of this year? How many more 200-level courses can I take? Which non-science courses do I still need to take?
A: Graduation checks and general program questions pertaining to 200 level courses, option and non-science option courses should be directed at the Student Success Centre (SSC), 4th Floor, MacEwan Student Centre. You may also call them (403-220-5881) to make an appointment with an advisor.
Q: I took a course at another institution - whom do I contact to evaluate whether it will be accepted for credit or not?
A: For all courses, students should first contact the Student Success Centre (SSC), 4th Floor, MacEwan Student Centre or call 403-220-5881 to make an appointment with an advisor. For geoscience courses, be prepared to send a detailed course description to either Dr. Spila (Geology courses) or Dr. Krebes (Geophysics courses).