Certificate Programs

Notes: Fundamental program descriptions are presented below. Further course information can be obtained through a course search. Please consult the Department calendar for complete details.

For general information regarding undergraduate enrollment at York University, please see Information for Future Students, and Information for Current Students.

For further information, please contact us.

Certificate in Meteorology

Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing

Certificate Program in Meteorology

Rationale
A background in mathematics, physics and chemistry is required to understand the complex and varied processes that occur in the Earth's atmosphere. These phenomena extend down to the molecular scale, where one considers the interaction of photons with a variety of molecules in processes that lead to heating of the atmosphere, and extend upwards in scale to the global propagation of weather systems that produce the precipitation necessary to sustain life on the planet.

The idea behind the Certificate in Meteorology Program is to provide specialist education in atmospheric phenomena to those students who have the basic background in physical science, thereby preparing them for careers in atmospheric science. It is now widely recognized in government and industry that the appropriate place for this type of education is the university environment. Such students can find a variety of careers in government, environmental consulting firms and industry.

Entrance Requirements
Students entering the certificate program from other universities will normally have completed 54 credits in the areas of physical science and mathematics acceptable in content and level to the Department of Earth and Space Science and Engineering. Required undergraduate courses include: first year differential and integral calculus, first year linear algebra, first year physics, second year vector calculus and differential equations. Students without this background may be asked to complete these courses in a qualifying program before being admitted to the Certificate of Meteorology. Second year physics (Electricity and Magnetism) and a course in Statistics are also recommended as appropriate preparatory courses.

Students enrolled in Earth and Atmospheric Science (EATS) at York University may receive the certificate while concurrently completing their BSc provided they complete the program requirements outlined below.

Minimum Standards
In order to receive a certificate the student must achieve a cumulative grade point average of a high C (Grade Point Average of 4) or better in the certificate program.

Program Requirements
The program of study will consist of 30 credits as follows:

Other limited options may be available to meet special student or departmental needs.

NOTE: A programming course (SC/CSE 1540 3.0 - Computer Use for the Natural Sciences) will be required in addition to the above for students with no background in FORTRAN.




Certificate Program In Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing

The Certificate Program in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing is offered jointly by the Department of Earth and Space Science and Engineering (Faculty of Science and Engineering); Department of Geography (Faculty of Arts); and the Faculty of Environmental Studies. It is open to both degree and special students.

Rationale
To provide undergraduate students with applied skills in the areas of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing and image processing.

Eligibility
To be eligible for the Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing, students must achieve a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 6.0 in the 24 credits required for the certificate and achieve and maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 5.0 in all courses.

Certificate Requirements
Earth and Atmospheric Science students must successfully complete the following 24 credits.

Notes
Students who have been exempted from the 1000-level requirement may substitute 6 additional credits which must be approved by the Department of Earth and Space Science and Engineering and which must be chosen from the list noted above.