Skills you’ll develop
While studying Geophysics, you’re learning about where natural resources come from and their usage, how we extract them from our environment, and potential environmental implications. You’ll develop interdisciplinary skills, through strong technical training, to broaden your understanding of the world and the impact humans have on it.
These skills may include:
- Application of knowledge regarding environmental issues and impact to solve practical problems affecting the society and the world
- Observations, development of models, generation of questions and precise conclusions about the history, structure, and processes of the earth and its environment
- Application of physics, mathematics, and chemistry to theoretical approaches of how various factors shape and impact data
- Ability to examine environmental problems and factors in a unique way when straightforward answers are not obvious
- Critical analysis and synthesis of scientific research and literature in order to make safety recommendations
- Mapping, surveying, and field sampling of physical properties of the earth
- Quantitative skills and computing methods to analyze Earth’s density, seismic velocity, gravity, magnetism, resistivity, and radioactivity
- Usage of MATLAB and Python
Explore career possibilities
Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including geophysical data, climate modelling, engineering geology, hydrology, mining, environmental consulting, natural resources exploration, agriculture, and others.
There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas. Some career options may require further education or training.
Visit the National Occupational Classification website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field.
- Archaeologist
- Consultant
- Data scientist
- Environmental inspector
- Environmental planner
- Gas field operations manager
- Geodesist
- Geological survey technician
- Geological technologist
- Geologist
- Geophysical technologist
- Geophysicist
- Glaciologist
- Groundwater technologist
- Hydrogeologist
- Hydrographic surveyor
- Hydrologist
- Laboratory technician
- Materials scientist
- Metallurgical technologist
- Meteorologist
- Mineralogist
- Mining technologist
- Oceanographer
- Oil well drilling manager
- Petroleum technician
- Physicist
- Quality assurance inspector
- Scientific research manager
- Scientific writer
- Seismologist
- Teacher/Professor
- Volcanologist
Make the most of your specialization
Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities and help clarify your values and interests.
- UBC Geology G.M. Dawson Club
Meet other UBC students with similar interests through events and programs. - UBC Sustainability programs and clubs
Browse paid and volunteer opportunities on campus related to sustainability. - UBC Science Co-op
Gain work experience in geophysics between study terms. - Departmental research opportunities
Reach out directly to faculty members to ask about potential research positions. - Register as a Professional Geoscientist
Understand the courses you’ll need to become certified. - Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions internships
Apply your classroom knowledge to real-world settings through climate change mitigation or adaptation projects. - PDAC Convention
In term 2, attend or volunteer at this mineral exploration and mining convention in Toronto. - Volunteer at the GeoConvention
Network with top industry professionals and hear guest speakers at technical talks in the summer. - AME Roundup Conference
Attend a mineral exploration industry convention in term 2 and network with professionals.
Build your network
Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.
The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.
- Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia
- Canadian Exploration Geophysical Society
- Canadian Federation of Earth Sciences
- Canadian Geophysical Union
- Canadian Geotechnical Society
- Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum
- Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists
- Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists
- Canadian Tectonics Group
- Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia
- Geological Association of Canada
- Geoscientists Canada
- Mineralogical Association of Canada
- Mining Association of Canada
- Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada
Connect with alumni on LinkedIn
Find UBC Geophysics graduates on LinkedIn to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths.
More information
From your Science degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Science degree.