The masters programme with thesis includes a minimum 9 credits of courses and 36 credits upon presentation of a thesis. The masters programme, without thesis, in cludes a minimum 21 credits of courses and 24 credit practicum or directed studies. The doctoral programme includes a minimum 6 credits of courses and 84 credits upon presentation of a thesis. The departmental areas of expertise cover the fields of geochemistry, petrology, sedimentology, stratigraphy-paleontology, tectonics and tectonophysics. It specializes in ultra-trace determinations of mafic rocks by solution nebulization, and trace determinations of minerals by laser ablation.
Petrology cover the areas of metamorphism and volcanism.
Metamorphic petrology is actively studied in the field and thermodynamicly modeled. Recent and ancient volcanism is the object of extensive study. The programme on contemporary volcanoes is the most advanced in Canada. Sedimentology covers the study of Upper Precambrian paleontology and stata, paleozoic carbonates, as well as those from the Quaternary-Pleistocene period. The stratigraphy and palaeontology of Precambrian and Paleozoic strata occupies many professors.