Bachelor of Arts in Commerce

at Mount Allison University Canada

At Mount Allison, computer science courses are designed to address the needs of a wide variety of users, from the casual to the professional.

Whether you want to learn more about certain software or to develop advanced programming skills, Mount Allison has a computer science course for you. Introductory computer science courses offer an overview of programming skills, the use and application of popular software, and the essentials of computing. More advanced courses deal with topics ranging from artificial intelligence and the role of computers in society to the design and implementation of advanced hardware or software systems.

Specialized areas include:

• Theory of computation
• Cryptography
• Artificial intelligence
• Databases
• Computer graphics
• Networks
• Software and hardware design

All courses in the computing curriculum offer a blend of theory and practical application, with many of the offerings having a significant project component in which students are given the opportunity to apply the classroom material to real-world problems.

Mount Allison’s American studies program helps students gain new perspective on Canada’s closest neighbour and ally.

The program examines not only the history, economy, and government of the United States, but delves into its literature, music, and art — painting a complete picture of the country’s governance, society, and culture, as well as its place in history and its impact on the world.

This interdisciplinary program draws from courses in a number of different subject areas, giving students the opportunity to explore many fields of study with a unifying theme, and introducing them to accomplished professors in economics, English, Fine Arts, geography, history, international relations, Music, political science, religious studies, and sociology.

The study of English literature is important both for the understanding of particular literary texts and for the insight it provides into how we interpret the world and our place in it. English helps you develop skills in research, analysis, critical thinking, interpretation, and persuasive writing.

While the curriculum focuses on literary study, students are encouraged to develop an appreciation for the English language, which will prove invaluable not only in your studies, but in any future career or profession.

First-year English courses offer you an introduction to different approaches to reading and writing about literature, using texts from a range of genres and time periods.

In second year you may choose from courses focusing on:

• Introduction to literary periods
• Shakespeare
• Canadian literature
• American literature

Third-year courses expand on your second-year choices, including studies in:

• British literature in different periods
• Canadian and American literature
• Gender and literature
• Postcolonial literature
• Dramatic literature
• Creative writing
• Film, genre, and cultural studies

In fourth year you will be able to pursue “selected topics” courses, which allow you to pursue special interests, either through the particular courses offered that year or through individual study and research under the supervision of a faculty member.

If you choose to do an honours English degree, you will have the opportunity to write a thesis under the supervision of a faculty member.

You will also have opportunities to present and publish creative and critical work.

Modern languages, literatures, and cultures is an interdisciplinary degree that provides you with expertise in two languages and knowledge of a third — as well as to the literature and culture of the relevant communities.

Other degree options in the field of modern languages and literatures at Mount Allison include:

• French Studies (BA honours, major, or minor)
• German Studies (any degree minor)
• Hispanic Studies (BA major or minor)
• Japanese Studies (any degree minor)

A degree in modern languages, literatures, and cultures at Mount Allison exposes you to the practical study of language within small class sizes to provide an opportunity to acquire many skills that will serve you well in your future endeavours:

• Superior communicative competence
• Cultural awareness
• Aesthetic literacy

The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures is composed of five areas: French, German, Hispanic studies, Japanese, and linguistics.

Following introductory courses (or intermediate in the case of French)* in your chosen languages in your first year, you will take more advanced language classes and have options to study French, German, and Spanish literature, film, and culture. You will also learn the fundamentals of linguistics.

Fourth year offers the chance to pursue independent studies in French, German, and Spanish.

You are encouraged to take advantage of extracurricular opportunities to enhance your studies, and to participate in international study abroad and exchange programs to gain further exposure to both the language and culture you are studying.

Cognitive Science is the scientific study of the mind and its processes. It seeks to understand how the mind works through interdisciplinary studies in psychology, computer science, and philosophy.

Within the Department of Psychology, the Cognitive Science program incorporates perspectives from a variety of fields.

In first and second year you'll take introductory courses, plus courses such as:

• cognitive processes
• biopsychology
• systems programming
• philosophy of science

In third and fourth year you'll add courses in linguistics, while pursuing courses such as:

• sensation and perception
• behavioural neuroscience
• philosophy of mind
• artificial intelligence
• medical physics

You'll also be encouraged to pursue independent summer research projects, directed studies projects, or to contribute to faculty research projects as a research assistant.

The study of geography develops an understanding of the principles of ecological and physical systems; of the cultural, social, economic, and political forces acting on those systems; and of the management, planning or scientific tools necessary to meet environmental challenges and opportunities.

Other degree options in the field of geography and environment at Mount Allison:

• BA environmental studies (honours, major, minor)
• BSc environmental science (honours, major, minor)
• Any degree, geographic information systems (minor)

The Mount Allison geography program explores courses in both human and physical geography, and is designed for students interested in the study of social sciences at various spatial and temporal scales.

Geography will often take you outside the classroom to learn through lab work, field study, and library and archival searching. Field trips to locations across the Maritime region and throughout North America have become an increasingly important part of this program.

You are also encouraged to become actively involved in research, either through independent summer research projects or as a research assistant to a faculty member.

Aviation is an interdisciplinary degree program combining professional flight training with studies in subjects relevant to the field of aviation in either science or business. The Aviation program at Mount Allison is one of only a few in Canada that allows you to earn an undergraduate degree that incorporates flight and ground school training. It is offered through a partnership with MFC Training, one of the leading flight training establishments in North America.

In first year you'll take introductory courses in your chosen degree, either Science or Commerce.

Then to begin your flight training you must:

• have second-year standing (have earned a minimum of 24 credits)
• obtain a Transport Canada Category 1 medical certificate
• pass a formal English language proficiency test mandated by Transport Canada, and administered by MFC Training

You'll continue to take three courses per term on campus and ground school training, while one-on-one instructor training and flying takes place at the MFC Training campus.

As an Aviation student, you'll:

• complete more than 200 hours of flying
• receive hundreds of hours of ground training
• learn about navigation, airplane instruments, aviation regulations, and weather

Computer Science
At Mount Allison, computer science courses are designed to address the needs of a wide variety of users, from the casual to the professional. Whether you want to learn more about certain software or to develop advanced programming skills, Mount Allison has a computer science course for you.

Introductory computer science courses offer an overview of programming skills, the use and application of popular software, and the essentials of computing. More advanced courses deal with topics ranging from artificial intelligence and the role of computers in society to the design and implementation of advanced hardware or software systems.

Specialized areas include:

• theory of computation
• cryptography
• artificial intelligence
• databases
• computer graphics
• networks
• software and hardware design

All courses in the computing curriculum offer a blend of theory and practical application, with many of the offerings having a significant project component in which students are given the opportunity to apply the classroom material to real-world problems.

Physics
At Mount Allison, a key feature of Physics is the experiential learning approach used in many courses — students learn through collaborative, hands-on activities. In the Physics program, the development of fundamental concepts and mathematical formulation proceeds simultaneously in a selected series of courses in physics and mathematics.

Physics also prepares you for more advanced study in applied areas such as photonics, materials science, or biomedical engineering; or for a career in such fields as astronomy, space research, or oceanography. Introductory physics involves a combination of mini-lectures, lab work, and collaborative learning experiences.

While in upper years you may choose to pursue studies in subjects like:

• astrophysics
• quantum mechanics
• electricity and magnetism
• statistical mechanics
• advanced physical chemistry
• electronics
• medical physics
• thermodynamics
• nuclei and fundamental particles
• solid state physics
• energy production and the environment
• modern optics

Interdisciplinary Health Studies will allow students the opportunity to engage with health from biological, behavioural, social, environmental, ethical, historical, cultural and population perspectives.

At Mount Allison, the Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) in Interdisciplinary Health Studies draws on concepts from across the life sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
Students develop the critical thinking, analytic, and communication skills needed to engage in complex and nuanced issues such as:

• Health care for an aging population
• Confronting global pandemics
• Building healthy communities
• Working for justice in health-care delivery and outcomes

Students in Interdisciplinary Health Studies take courses in:

• Health and life sciences (biology, biochemistry, psychology)
• Ethics and philosophy
• Social issues and culture

History helps us understand the individuals, groups, ideas, and institutions that have shaped our world. It encourages critical analysis and helps develop your communication and writing skills.

The Department of History at Mount Allison offers courses in a wide variety of subjects. It has a particular strength in European history, with courses also available in Canadian, American, Asian, Acadian, and women’s history.

Courses examine subjects such as:

• Class and gender
• Wealth and poverty
• Faith and science
• Self and social identity
• Government and politics
• War and peace

Unlike many programs, which begin with introductory courses, history offers courses on a diverse range of topics beginning in first year.

The number and variety of courses available increases each year, with the greatest selection in third year.

In fourth year there are also opportunities for independent studies, which permit you to pursue an interest in an area not covered by other courses.