Bachelor of Arts, Major in Genetics

at EduCo - Western University Canada

Language is the chief means which members of the human species use to communicate with each other. Its scientific and humanistic study is called linguistics. The history of linguistics goes back to ancient times, and during the 19th and 20th centuries it flourished and came to be associated most strongly with the scientific study of individual languages of the world as well as with the search to identify those traits which are common to all languages.

The study of linguistics is indispensable for anyone interested in a particular language or in a discipline with a focus on language in general. Students in many different fields of study find that linguistics makes an interesting and engaging elective or optional course (when combined with the discipline of language study, it is excellent preparation for law school, for example). In terms of careers, this means that anyone interested in language teaching of any sort (such as a Bachelors of Education, or TESL certification), in communicative disorders (including both Audiology and Speech Pathology), in translation or in interpreting should be sure to include some linguistics courses in their undergraduate preparation. The addition of linguistics, the scientific study of language, further enhances your academic program with critical and analytical skills, while contributing to your better understanding of human language (English, French and others), not simply from a grammatical or spoken perspective but also from a scientific approach.

Western offers music students a unique combination of musical and academic options, within a comprehensive university setting, on one of Canada’s most beautiful campuses. One of the largest music faculties in Canada, it is also one of the friendliest. Our reputation of excellence continues to draw music students from across Canada and beyond. Our history as a leader in Music Education is well known, where students are guaranteed entry into Western’s Faculty of Education. Richness in performing opportunities, combined with world class instruction and breadth of ensembles creates an ideal environment to reach the highest levels of performance. Academic excellence and breadth of course and program selection allows music students at Western to be among the best anywhere and prepare for a future in any discipline.

Anthropology is the study of humans in all our social, cultural, linguistic, and biological diversity and complexity.  The four subfields of Anthropology (Archaeology, Biological Anthropology, Linguistic Anthropology, and Sociocultural Anthropology) are united by shared perspectives on how we study the full breadth of humanity. 

Jewish Studies is excited to welcome all students at Western and our Affiliated Colleges! This program offers our diverse student body an opportunity to pursue a Major or a Minor in Jewish Studies, providing a rigorous academic setting to learn more about the diverse history and culture of the Jewish People, past and present. Our wide-ranging program explores the many disciplines related to Jewish studies on Main Campus, at King’s, and at Huron, including Art, Biblical Studies, Hebrew Language, History, Literature, Media Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Rabbinics, and Religious Studies. The inter-disciplinary nature of Jewish Studies allows students to sample multiple forms of knowledge and to understand Jewish politics, culture, and society from a variety of perspectives. By combining breadth and depth, the Jewish Studies Program contributes to a well-rounded Liberal Arts education to any and all interested undergraduates.

The culture and history of the Jewish people extends across more than three millennia, from Biblical times to the present, and spans across most of the world, from the Middle East to Latin America and from Eastern Europe to North America. The study of the Jewish experience highlights the complexities of cultural exchange and interactions in changing temporal and geographic circumstances. Students learn not only about the unique trajectory of Jewish life, but also gain a more nuanced picture of non-Jewish societies. As the study of a diaspora people, the Jewish story is one that can be contrasted and compared to that of other minority groups, offering unique insights into and perspectives on religion, sociology, politics and culture.

Students of Jewish Studies gain vital skills, including proficiency in writing and verbal expression; critical thinking; aptitude in a foreign language (Hebrew); sensitivities to cultural difference; textual analysis and many more!

Medical Biophysics is best described as a discipline that improves people’s lives. And it draws on many research areas, techniques and technologies to improve human health. In studying medical biophysics you will apply the principles of biology, mathematics, physics and engineering to solve problems. When you study Medical Biophysics, you learn how to apply your knowledge of mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics to areas such as medical imaging, cancer therapy, biomechanics and cardiovascular disease.

Medical Biophysics students take basic principles from mathematics, the physical and biological sciences, and computer science, and apply them to improving medical diagnosis, treatment and patient health. The experience of students in Medical Biophysics goes beyond “textbook knowledge” and places them in settings where they solve real-world problems such as: how blood flows in arteries and veins, designing a better joint replacement, improving lung ventilation in asthma, how MRI forms images of the brain, and targeting radiation therapy in cancer to protect the healthy surrounding tissue.

The first year for all Bachelor of Music students includes courses in Music Theory, Music History, Music Skills (Sight-singing, Ear-training, and Keyboard Harmony), a half-course in music composition, teaching & learning, or popular music & culture, a half-course music or non-music elective and a half-course elective from outside the Don Wright Faculty of Music. Bachelor of Music students also receive weekly hour-long lessons plus regular masterclasses and ensemble experience.

In the Bachelor of Music (Honours) programs, a specific area of study is normally selected towards the end of the first year, when the student has had the opportunity to assess particular strengths and interests. It is also possible to continue in a general Bachelor of Music program without selecting a specific concentration.

Do you wonder how our technology works? Physics connects the microscopic rules of quantum mechanics to the macroscopic properties of modern materials. Participate in developing new types of solar cells, studying the interface between cells and matrix material, or building lasers based on quantum dots. Our experimental physicists are looking for students to contribute to these and other projects.

Are you interested in understanding the universe and our place in it? Consider studying astrophysics at Western! Through the interaction of light and matter, you can access the universe through observatories around the world and in space. Astrophysicists at Western will help you explore black holes, exoplanets, meteors, the atmospheres of Earth and other planets, the dust and gas between the stars, and the evolution of galaxies over cosmic time. With the skills acquired in this module, our graduates stand out with their involvement in cutting-edge research, including the recent discovery of gravitational waves and new planets beyond our solar system.

The most important alphabet on Earth is its smallest — the four letter code of DNA.  How hereditary information is conveyed using such a small code began to be understood by studying organisms in which something was wrong (mutants).  Today this traditional approach is complemented by molecular genetics, which takes advantage of a wealth of DNA sequence information as well as technologies that allows one to easily disrupt and replace specific genes. As a student, you can take a range of courses focused on gene structure, function and regulation that are taught using a range of animal, plant and microbial systems. Courses in genetic engineering, developmental genetics, behavioral genetics, and evolutionary genetics convey the importance of the smallest alphabet has an all aspects of life.

Anthropology is the study of humans in all our social, cultural, linguistic, and biological diversity and complexity.  The four subfields of Anthropology (Archaeology, Biological Anthropology, Linguistic Anthropology, and Sociocultural Anthropology) are united by shared perspectives on how we study the full breadth of humanity.