Biology

Explore the complex world of living organisms

a mbroSe biology

Bachelor of Science in Biology An Overview

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY (4 YEARS) How does biodiversity affect human flourishing?

How can we reduce our ecological footprint?

Why do humans and mice have the same set of genes?

How do molecules, cells, tissues, organs and organ systems function in human health and disease?

How are molecular pathways altered in cancers?

These are just a few of the zillion questions that intrigue those who study biology and make it their career. From the chemical processes of cells to the environment to the human body, biology explores life at the micro level, the macro level and every level in between. It’s a versatile degree which can take you into a wide variety of occupations.

So why study biology at Ambrose?

Interdisciplinary: Ambrose offers a liberal arts program, which requires that a portion of your courses are in other disciplines. This is critically important because to be your most effective as a scientist, you will need to think holistically, pulling information and perspectives from other areas of expertise.

Faculty/student Interaction: The class size at Ambrose is usually under 20, so the faculty get to know their students and the students get to know their faculty. This learning environment leads to robust integration across disciplines, as well as opportunities to do integrative research under the direct guidance of faculty.

Science/faith Integration: The expert faculty at Ambrose integrate research, ecological stewardship, and Christian faith in their teaching, as they prepare students to do the same.

Biology graduates from Ambrose emerge with a distinctive capacity to connect their learning to societal issues and to take into account multiple perspectives.

“

Ambrose provides academic excellence in science education with a liberal arts component that prepares students to examine ideas from multiple perspectives, solve problems, adapt and collaborate. I teach interdisciplinary courses that critically examine, synthesize and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines.”

Dr. Liza Abraham, Associate Professor, Chemistry

Green Chemistry Ambrose is the first university in Alberta (and one of only three in Canada) to sign Beyond Benign’s Green Chemistry Commitment. Beyond Benign provides educators with the tools, training and support to make green chemistry an integral part of chemistry education. This initiative reflects Ambrose’s Christian commitment to steward God’s resources wisely, as well as our intent to provide safer alternatives for students and the environment.

It also builds on the extensive work in green chemistry education by Dr. Liza Abraham.

An Ambrose

distinctive

BIOLOGY SPECIALIZATIONS Your Bachelor of Science in Biology degree is the foundation for graduate work and research, further professional studies, research in a private company, or entry-level work in one of many fields. Three program streams are available: Cellular & Molecular Biology is the study of biological organization and processes at the cellular and molecular level. Some of the career paths open to students with this specialty are biotechnology, clinical research, forensic science, genetics, molecular biology, and pharmaceutical research. This specialty also prepares students for professional study in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science.

Ecology focuses on the relationship between living organisms and their environments, a critical area of study in light of the acceleration of climate change and urban development. Some of the career options open to students with this specialty are conservation, research, park service, forestry management, and environmental consultancy.

Health Sciences studies methods of addressing complex health challenges in order to improve human health and well-being. Some of the health-related fields open to graduates with this specialty are medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, veterinary medicine, public health and epidemiology.

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Note: Minors in Kinesiology and Chemistry are also available.

“

My diversified academic experience at Ambrose was instrumental in preparing me for grad school. Through a wide range of science courses, the biology program introduced me to micro and macro levels of physiology, shaping my outlook on the world, what I care about, and who I am. This has been invaluable in my current life as a first-year physiotherapy student at McMaster University.”

Chantelle Poelstra, Alumna

A SAMPLING OF WHERE AMBROSE BIOLOGY ALUMNI HAVE GONE FOR FURTHER STUDY Medical School: University of Alberta, University of Calgary, University of Limerick Nursing: University of Alberta Physiotherapy: University of Alberta, McMaster University Occupational Therapy: University of Alberta Veterinary Medicine: University of Calgary Education: University of Calgary, University of Lethbridge, Ambrose University Astrobiology: McMaster University Chiropractic Medicine: University of Western States Neuroscience: University of Victoria Optometry: University of Waterloo

SAMPLE COURSES Introduction to Plant and Organismal Biology

Biomechanics

Principles of Ecology

Human Anatomy

Terrestrial Ecosystems

Biology of Vertebrates

Animal Behaviour

Exercise Physiology

Conservation Biology

Principles of Genetics

Introduction to the Cellular Basis of Life

General Microbiology

FACULTY Matthew Morris, PhD Co-Chair, Biology; Associate Professor, Biology

Interests/specialties: local adaptation; population genetics; phenotypic plasticity; genomic signatures of selection and DNA barcoding—with an emphasis on fish Chris Wang, PhD Co-Chair, Biology; Assistant Professor, Biology

Interests/specialties: molecular mechanisms that regulate the cell-division cycle and the balance between stem-cell proliferation and differentiation decisions

Liza Abraham, PhD Associate Professor, Chemistry

Interests/specialties: Toxicology; pharmacology; green and sustainable chemistry—designing chemical products that produce as few hazardous substances as possible; community and global sustainability projects Michele Nawata, PhD Assistant Professor, Biology

Interests/specialties: renal physiology; molecular physiology; membrane transport physiology

The biology faculty at Ambrose are well-published researchers, appearing in periodicals as varied as: Physiological Genomics, American Journal of Physiology, Journal of Comparative Physiology B, Molecular Ecology, Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith, Journal of American Chemical Society, Macromolecules, Journal of Organic Chemistry, Journal of Chemical Education, PLOS Genetics, Nucleic Acids Research, Journal of Cell Science, Scientific Reports.

STUDENT - FACULTY INTERACTIONS Fourth-year students at Ambrose report significantly higher interaction with faculty than their counterparts in universities across Alberta and Canada.

(From the 2020 National Survey of Student Engagement)

%

Discussed course topics, ideas or concepts with a faculty member outside of class “often” or “very often”

0

5

10

Canada University Seniors

15

20

25

30

Alberta University Seniors

35

40

45

Ambrose University Seniors

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO APPLY? Five Grade 12-level courses with a minimum overall average of 60%: English (30-1 for Alberta) Math (30-1 for Alberta) Biology Chemistry One additional course

Visit ambrose.edu for full admission and program requirements

Physics and calculus are recommended but not required.

“

Ambrose students have the privilege of gaining the same quality of education as students in larger schools, but with the advantage of smaller class sizes.”

Shelby Doell, Alumna

Faith Inspired Learning Ambrose University 150 Ambrose Circle SW Calgary, Alberta Canada T3H 0L5 1 (403) 410-2900 www.ambrose.edu