Faculty of Arts & ScienceBiological Sciences

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Were you the kid who had to turn over every rock to see what was living under it? Did you ever wonder how a seed knew how to grow up to be a tree, or how a hummingbird’s wings beat so fast? Are you continually fascinated by the natural world?

What do you love?

Biological Sciences at uLethbridgeBiological sciences delve into the world of living organisms — from microbes, to human beings, to entire ecosystems. It is the science of life on, under and above earth.

Exploring the nature of life leads biologists out into the world where they study how organisms interact with their environment, how they function and how they evolved over time.

The Department of Biological Sciences provides you with hands-on learning, moving you beyond textbooks and lectures to engaging research projects. Biology is a research-intensive science that can lead to a wide range of study areas, like environmental work, medicine, microbiology or agriculture.

Today’s biologists require a strong background in cellular and molecular biology, organismal biology, genetics, evolution and ecology. Additionally, you will be required to complete courses in chemistry, physics and mathematics, ensuring a strong foundation in the core sciences.

You will also have access to state-of-the-art science and research facilities, like the Alberta Ingenuity Centre for Water Research. This facility provides the infrastructure to support the research interests of our award-winning faculty — your instructors — as they investigate diverse areas within behavioural and evolutionary ecology, plant biology and systemic biology, cellular and molecular biology and genetics.

Biological Sciences Degrees. The Department of Biological Sciences offers a major in biological sciences for the 40-course Bachelor of Science (BSc) and Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) degree programs. Alternatively, you can select a general major in the sciences and choose biological sciences as one of the three streams. And finally, you can declare biological sciences as your BSc major for the Combined BSc/BEd or BSc/BMgt programs. If you are interested in biological sciences, but prefer a multidisciplinary program, you may instead pursue a degree in agricultural biotechnology, agricultural studies, biochemistry, environmental science or neuroscience.

Biological Sciences Courses. All biological sciences students must take a core set of courses. Other biological sciences courses will depend on your field of interest and offerings may vary. A few examples of senior courses available are provided below, along with the biological sciences core.

Minors. Adding a minor to your degree is a great way to explore academic interests beyond your major. A minor is a set of courses comprising a secondary focus of interest. It is generally not related to your major. A minor may be required or optional. Minors are not available in all programs. Learn more at ulethbridge.ca/artsci/minors.

Research Internship. This concentration is an exciting opportunity for qualifying students to be immersed in research right from the beginning of their degree program. Starting in first year, you will be combining skills development with participation in research projects under the guidance of faculty members. In subsequent years, courses will be combined with independent studies or an honours thesis with your goal being development and participation in novel self-directed research projects in conjunction with faculty.

Independent Studies. In addition to your regular courses, you have the opportunity to participate in independent studies. These are courses for which credit is earned through individual study under supervision of a faculty member or instructor and can include laboratory research projects.

Honours Thesis. Qualifying students in their fourth year may take a two term guided research project in the form of an undergraduate thesis course. Here, you participate in research, by first defining a research problem, then formulating and carrying out a research plan and finally by disseminating your results orally and in the form of an undergraduate thesis.

Learn more about biological sciences at uLethbridge, visit ulethbridge.ca/biologicalscience

Our Faculty & Their ResearchFaculty members are happy to involve undergraduate students in their research projects, using state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, often collaborating with other departments, community members and employers, giving you the opportunity to get hands-on experience. You will have the opportunity to par-ticipate in field studies or gain employment with local researchers at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, The Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Health Canada, various industries and other institutions.

Current Research & Areas of Interest:Core Courses• Cellular Basis of Life• Diversity of Life• Principles of Ecology• Principles of Genetics• Evolution

Examples of Senior Courses• Plant Biotechnology• Techniques in Molecular Biology• Toxicology• Aquatic Ecosystems• Conservation Genetics

• Microbes in Agricultural Systems• Behaviour & Ecology • Bird & Plant Evolutionary Origins • Parasite & Host-parasite

Interactions• Cancer Cell Response • Epigenetic Regulation in Cancer

Treatment• Theoretical Biology

• DNA Damage & Repair Processes • Gene Expression in Biotechnology • Boreal Forests & Grasslands • Effect of Pollutants • Isotopes in Aquatic Food Webs • Genetic & Molecular Plant

Development • RNAs & Protein-RNA Complexes • Anti-herbivore Defenses of Plants

Delve into the world of living organisms in Biological Sciences.

Your Future ProspectsSkills Acquired. In addition to developing exceptional problem-solving and communication skills, you will develop research and information management skills and improve your attention to detail. You will leave the program with a strong ability to assess current affairs dealing with biological and environmental issues. You’ll be able to summarize research findings, collect and analyze field data and perform lab techniques such as microscopy, DNA isolation and gel electrophoresis.

Careers. Here are just a few types of jobs open to you once you’ve earned your undergraduate degree:

Who Hires Biologists?

Graduate Studies. The University of Lethbridge’s School of Graduate Studies offers graduate programs, at the Master and Doctoral levels, spanning over 60 disciplines — so why not consider pursuing grad school right here in Lethbridge! Whether you choose to do your advanced studies at uLethbridge or another institution, know that your undergraduate degree has set you on the path to post-graduate success.

Professional Disciplines. Your undergraduate degree in biological sciences provides an excellent foundation for environmental law, medicine, dentistry, optometry, veterinary medicine and education.

• Toxicologist• Drug Testing Technician• Molecular Lab Technician• Forensics Technician• Food Industry Quality Control

Specialist• Agricultural Products Inspector

• Water Quality Inspector• Ecologist / Conservationist• Naturalist / Park Interpreter• Wildlife & Fisheries Biologist • Environmental Protection

Specialist• Environmental Consulting

• Biotech Research Companies• Dairy & Vegetable Producers• Brewers & Distillers• Pharmaceutical Companies• Petroleum Producers• Mining & Forestry Companies

• National & Provincial Parks• Environmental Consulting Firms• Federal & Provincial Regulators• Municipal Utility Companies• Agricultural Companies• Government Agencies

Discover uLethbridge and apply today, visit

ulethbridge.ca/future-student

“After my first year I switched my major to biology and haven’t looked back! The classes were harder yes, but I found myself actually interested in the subject matter. Biology is 100% the better fit for me and I’m glad I switched my major.”- Sarah, BSc (Co-op) Biological Sciences

University of Lethbridge4401 University DriveLethbridge, AB T1K 3M4 403 329 2245biology@uleth.caulethbridge.ca/biologicalscience

Academic AdvisingSU060Students’ Union Building403 329 5106artsci.advising@uleth.caulethbridge.ca/artsci/advising

Applied StudiesApplied Studies is a special opportunity offered to all uLethbridge students as a way to earn course credit for career-related paid, volunteer or community service work experience. This program is specially designed to allow you to integrate principles learned in the classroom in a practical work setting.

For more information on Applied Studies, visit:ulethbridge.ca/appliedstudies

Co-op Education & InternshipsThe Faculty of Arts & Science is proud to offer you the chance to participate in our co-op program — the only one of its kind in Alberta to offer co-op to all majors in arts and science. Co-op allows you to gain work experience directly related to your studies and make invaluable contacts in the workforce, all while earning a competitive salary. Completion of the program allows you to receive a co-op designation on your degree and, most importantly, a kick-start to your career the minute you graduate.

For more information on Co-operative Education & Internships, visit: ulethbridge.ca/coop/artsci

Research OpportunitiesOpportunities to participate in research abound. If your GPA is high enough you may qualify to apply to our research internship concentration where you and a small cohort will start participating in research right in your first year.

You could participate in independent studies allowing you to earn credit by participating in laboratory research.

Motivated students with the required GPA can enroll in an undergraduate thesis course where development and implementation of a research project is the focus, leading to an “Honours Thesis” designation.

For information on the research internship concentration, current research or independent studies opportunities, contact the department directly.

Put Your Knowledge to WorkWhether you’re looking for a more in-depth learning experience by assisting with research projects or by testing your knowledge in a real-life setting, we can help. Combined with your required coursework, the programs outlined below will provide you with a solid foundation for further studies and an excellent framework for a challenging and rewarding career — whatever direction you decide to go.

Academic AdvisingYour decision to explore a university education is the first step toward a great future — now let us help you navigate your degree options at uLethbridge and set you on the road to success. Do you have questions about what field of study best suits you? Would you like help with program and registration planning and just can’t find the answers? If so, you should speak to an academic advisor today — advisors have the answers to these questions and many more.

To learn more about the support services available to you through our academic advisors, visit: ulethbridge.ca/artsci/advising

*This brochure should be used in conjunction with the University of Lethbridge calendar, which is the final authority regarding program requirements and academic regulations.

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