Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering

Our Mission

To Deliver

Outstanding experiential learning in Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering.

To Sustain

Internationally-recognized research in Earth-science related fields.

To Advance

Evidence-based solutions to Earth-science related problems in service to society.

Explore Our Undergraduate Programs

Study the Earth and Beyond

The department offers degree programs within both the Faculty of Arts and Science as well as a fully accredited engineering degree program within Smith Engineering at Queen’s University.

Geological Sciences

Discover GeoSci

Geological Engineering

Discover GeoEng

Student Spotlights

Find out why our students chose ��˴�Ƭ Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering, and the unique paths and opportunities available within the department.

Undergraduate Student Spotlight

"Studying Geology at University was the best decision I’ve ever made, and the possibilities once you’ve completed the degree are endless."

View Undergrad Spotlight

Graduate Student Spotlight

"Studying Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering is a journey of discovery and impact, offering endless opportunities to explore and appreciate our planet."

View Grad Spotlight

Research Groups

��˴�Ƭ Geo-Environmental Engineering group

Research into the environmental impacts of human activity: we study the occurrence, transport and transformation of pollutants in natural and industrial contexts, using and interdisciplinary combination of concepts from environmental (bio)geochemistry, hydrology, analytical chemistry, civil and environmental engineering, et cetera.

Learn more

��˴�Ƭ Tectonics Research Laboratory

The Queen's Tectonics Research Laboratory (QTRL) conducts research aimed at understanding the dynamic processes operating in mountain belts, with a focus on the structural and thermal evolution of the continental crust and the influence of reactivated faults on regional seismicity.

Learn more

��˴�Ƭ Clastic Sedimentology Group

The Queen's Clastic Sedimentology Group aims to understand sediment transport processes and how rivers and sediment gravity flows shape coastal and marine environments. We explore sedimentary depositional systems through outcrop-based studies and physical modelling in the Coastal Engineering Laboratory.

��˴�Ƭ Geomechanics and Geohazards Group

Established in 2002, the Queen's Geomechanics and Geohazards Group is a collaborative research group directed by Dr. Mark Diederichs, Dr. Jean Hutchinson, and Dr. Jennifer Day. Our research focuses on Geomechanics, Geohazards, and Engineering Geology for a variety of applications in the natural and built world, on surface and underground. We work with theoretical mechanics and undertake applied research in the field, physical laboratories, and numerical computing laboratories.

��˴�Ƭ Facility for Isotope Research

The Queen’s Facility for Isotope Research (QFIR) is a full-service analytical laboratory established in 1997 by Dr. T.K. Kyser (FRSC). We pride ourselves as a hands-on teaching facility and a state-of-the-art research centre. Longstanding collaborations with academic, industry, and government partners have positioned QFIR as a global leader in ore deposit research, environmental biogeochemistry, and the application of geochemistry to sedimentologic systems.

Learn more

Stephen Cheesman Geoselenic Research Project

��˴�Ƭ Geoselenic Research Project

Established and funded by alumnus Stephen Cheeseman in 2020 to address fundamental questions about the interactions within the Earth-Moon system.

The project will focus on the integration of multi-disciplinary research as it pertains to improving our understanding of the relevance of the Moon for Earth processes including plate tectonics, core and mantle convection/geochemistry, magnetohydrodynamics, the geodynamo and the evolution and future of life on Earth.

Learn more

Carol Ellis Digital Earth Science & Engineering Lab

Our group leverage advanced computational methods and AI algorithms to analyze and interpret vast amounts of data collected from various sources, such as satellites, remote sensing platforms, and ground-based sensors. Our research endeavours span across applied mathematics, computation, and planetary mechanics, encompassing various subjects such as (an)elastic-gravitational wave propagation, coseismic deformation and post-earthquake relaxation, glacial isostatic adjustment, gravity/magnetic anomalies, microearthquakes, as well as hexahedral meshing and scientific visualization. In order to tackle the challenges in these areas, we have (co)developed numerous software packages that provide effective solutions.