Biological Sciences
Delve into the world of living organisms
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?
Biological Sciences at ULethbridge
Biological 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 the 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.
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 resea rch facilities, like the Alberta Ingenuity Centre for Water Research. This facility prov ides 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 pref er 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.
Core Courses
• Cellular Basis of Life
• Cell Biology
• Biostatistics
• Diversity of Life
• Principles of Ecology
• Principles of Genetics
• Evolution
Examples of Senior Courses
• Biotechnology
• Toxicology
• Conservation Biology
• Molecular Ecology
• Medical Genomics
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 the supervision of a faculty member or instructor and can include laboratory research projects.
Concentrations. A concentration is a defined set of courses related to a major. The Department of Biological Sciences offers three optional (completed in addition to the minimum requirements for a major) concentrations:
• Biomedical Sciences. If you are interested in a career in human and or animal health including medicine, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, toxicology, genomics or genetics, the biomedical science concentration is for you.
Learn more: ulethbridge.ca/artsci/biomed
• Conservation & Biodiversity. Consider a concentration in conservation and biodiversity f you are interested in a career in conservation, including work with government agencies, agriculture, fisheries, Parks or environmental monitoring. Learn more: ulethbridge.ca/artsci/cbc
• Research Internship. The research internship concentration allows you to make discovery through biological research an integral part of your university program. Learn more: ulethbridge.ca/artsci/ric
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.
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. 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.
Our Faculty & Their Research
Faculty 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 a chance to participate 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:
• Microbes in Agricultural Systems
• Behaviour & Ecology
• Evolution in Birds
• 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
• Genetic & Molecular Plant Development
• RNAs & Protein-RNA Complexes
• Anti-herbivore Defenses of Plants
Your Future Prospects
Skills 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:
• Toxicologist
• Drug Testing Technician
• Molecular Lab Technician
• Forensics Technician
• Food Industry Quality Control Specialist
• Agricultural Products Inspector
Who Hires Biologists?
• Biotech Research Companies
• Dairy & Vegetable Producers
• Brewers & Distillers
• Pharmaceutical Companies
• Petroleum Producers
• Mining & Forestry Companies
• Water Quality Inspector
• Ecologist / Conservationist
• Naturalist / Park Interpreter
• Wildlife & Fisheries Biologist
• Environmental Protection Specialist
• Environmental Consulting
• National & Provincial Parks
• Environmental Consulting Firms
• Federal & Provincial Regulators
• Municipal Utility Companies
• Agricultural Companies
• Government Agencies
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.
Delve into the world of living organisms in Biological Sciences.
Learn
“Take full advantage of every opportunity offered to you. The University of Lethbridge is incredible in that you are provided with so many chances to engage with your instructors and professors. Get involved, whether that be with research, tutoring, clubs, volunteer work or athletics. Find what makes you shine and pursue it!”
- Chloe, Biological Sciences
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University of Lethbridge
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biology@uleth.ca
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Whether 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 opportunities 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.
Applied Studies
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, visit: ulethbridge.ca/appliedstudies
Co-operative Education (Co-op)
ULethbridge is proud to offer you the chance to participate in co-op. 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 kickstart to your career the minute you graduate.
For more information, visit: ulethbridge.ca/coop
Academic Advising
Participate in Research
In addition to your regular courses, you can contribute to departmental research activities. For example, you can complete an independent study course or gain employment as a research assistant. If your GPA is high enough, you can also enrol in undergraduate thesis-based courses where research is a component of your studies.
Contact your department to learn more!
Your 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