Bachelor of Science, Major in Materials Science

at EduCo - Western University Canada

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.

Often known as ‘The Queen of the Sciences’, Mathematics is the discipline of pure abstract thought. A degree in Mathematics allows you to grapple with questions like how can space be curved or what is the best way to pack 26-dimensional spheres together? A profound background in mathematics is fundamental to the practical field of cryptography and provides deep training for any profession in which logical thinking is at a premium.

Genetics is the study of the process and implications of trait inheritance which is linked explicitly to the concept of the gene and the molecule DNA. The Department offers four modules in this foundational area of biology that are built upon its research and teaching strengths. In the area of molecular genetics students will be able to take a range of courses focused on gene structure, function and regulation that introduce modern 'omic' approaches (e.g. genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics) that are taught using a range of animal, plant and microbial systems. Related topics such as genetic engineering and developmental genetics form the basis of additional courses. Building on research expertise in other subdiscipline there are courses in behavioural genetics, and evolutionary genetics.

The study of philosophy helps students improve analytical and critical reading, writing and reasoning skills through an examination of the works of historical and contemporary philosophers. The ultimate goal of this study is a better understanding of issues fundamental to ourselves and to our world, including the structure of reality, the nature of knowledge, truth, rationality, value and moral obligation, and the existence of God. While the study of these problems is interesting in its own right, it also enhances the prospects of students wishing to pursue further studies in journalism, public policy, law, business, education or medicine, among other disciplines. Philosophy at Western is also home to the internationally renowned Rotman Institute of Philosophy and the Centre for Digital Philosophy.

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. 

The Major in Kinesiology provides flexibility in selecting Kinesiology courses allowing students to initially investigate courses throughout the broad scope of Kinesiology. With fewer Kinesiology course requirements than other modules students enroled in the major have the flexibility to incorporate more external electives within their degree. Students often combine a major in Kinesiology with a major from another discipline.

Western's School of Kinesiology offers undergraduate and graduate programs that allow students to explore the bioscientific and sociocultural aspects of human movement. Flexible program options at both the undergraduate and graduate levels allow students to tailor their program of study to achieve specific learning goals while learning from researchers and teachers who are experts in their fields.

The Honors Specialization in Health Sciences with Biology is designed for students who want to combine the socio-cultural perspectives on health offered in Health Sciences courses with the life sciences (Chemistry, Biochemistry and Biology). This module is ideal for students who want to pursue careers in medicine and dentistry. Approximately half of the module’s courses cover key Health Sciences topics such as health ethics, health promotion, childhood and adolescent health, health in aging populations, and anatomy. The other half of the module is made up of core life sciences courses, covering topics such as organic chemistry, biochemistry, and genetics.

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.

With today’s career possibilities in an increasingly diverse global society, the benefits of knowing Frenchare readily apparent. There are hundreds of millions of French speakers worldwide, including over 7 million Canadian Francophones, and a module in French Studies can give you a significant advantage when considering work opportunities. Whether it be in educational, business, diplomatic, legal or scientific professions, French provides you with an additional asset for today’s highly competitive job market. You may pursue an Honors Specialization or a Major in French Studies with the intention of working where French is required, or choose a Minor in French Studies or one of our Certificates in combination with another degree program in order to be more competitive in today’s globalized job market. Whatever you choose to do in life, a module in French Studies always enhances your career prospects.0

Biology can be studied at the level of molecules, cells, organisms and populations. Selecting a Biology module affords you the opportunity to study at all of these different scales or to focus in upper year courses on only one or two. Another reason the Biology modules are a popular choice is it allows you to study a wide range of organisms from microbes to humans. Students interested in the area of ecology will find that the Biology modules will allow them to take a wide range of engaging courses covering aspects of community, population, molecular and chemical ecology. Similarly, students interested in evolutionary biology can be engaged by courses on more quantitative aspects of evolution to evolutionary genetics. Both plant and animal physiology courses are also popular choices of students in these modules built on a strong cohort of research faculty in these areas.