Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

at University of Alberta - North Campus Canada

Why take the BSc General degree?

The Bachelor of Science General degree offers a wide variety of majors and minors, allowing you to create a diversified degree based on your interests. Majors must be in Science, but minors can also be from courses offered by Arts; Business; or Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences. You can also take a double major in Science.

Why study Earth and Atmospheric Sciences?

Earth and Atmospheric Sciences encompasses areas of study that examine the Earth: its structure, its evolution, and the atmosphere above it. This major (or minor) includes courses from Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Geophysics, and Paleontology to provide a multidisciplinary view of our planet.

Earth and Atmospheric Sciences can only be taken as part of a BSc General degree. This major can be taken with a Business minor.

Why take Modern Languages/Cultural Studies?

Today's students will be the leaders of tomorrow's increasingly multicultural societies. Study in Modern Languages and Cultural Studies helps students develop critical thinking in cross-cultural perspectives and hone their oral and written communication skills. Our award-winning teachers and small classes offer individual attention and an in-depth language-learning experience where students discover how language, literature, and cultures are interconnected.

We offer courses in American Sign Language (ASL), Arabic, French, German, Irish, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Ukrainian. We also offer courses in English, such as in Comparative Literature, Scandinavian Studies, Slavic Studies, and Cultural Studies (under the abbreviation MLCS).

Why study Arts at the University of Alberta?

The Faculty of Arts boasts one of the most diverse Arts programs in Canada, offering top quality educational opportunities that prepare students for successful careers in every sector of society. With over 900 distinct courses in the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts, you will find an academic pathway for you. Your studies will be enhanced by the rich insights that our nationally and internationally recognized faculty members bring to the classroom through unique insights drawn from their research and advancement of human knowledge. Academic excellence, innovative problem-solving, and experiential learning opportunities beyond the classroom, such as Community Service-Learning and Arts Work Experience programs, will give you the tools to thrive in a diverse and increasingly complex workplace.

By choosing this unique program, you will not only learn the essentials of economics and the related mathematical and statistical tools, you’ll also gain a better understanding of the mathematics and statistics behind these tools. This program offers a diverse education in mathematics, finance, economics and actuarial sciences, providing an excellent background if you are interested in a finance or business-related career.

The Bachelor of Kinesiology degree provides a multidisciplinary approach to the study of human movement that includes both the art (e.g., psychology, sociology, history) and science (e.g., physiology, motor learning and control, biomechanics) of human movement as it relates to exercise science, athletic performance and promotion of long term health outcomes. In this program students select one of the following majors, enabling them to focus their learning in senior courses according to a specialized area of interest:

• Adapted Physical Activity:
  • provides students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills to facilitate physically active lifestyles for people with impairments.
• Physical Activity and Health:
  • provides students with an understanding of and appreciation for the importance of physical activity as it relates to health, fitness, and well-being over the lifespan. Biopsychosocial factors influencing acquisition and maintenance of physical activity and health will be emphasized.
• Sport Performance:
  • provides students with an understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of the multifaceted aspects of sport performance.
• Sport Coaching:
  • provides students with a range of knowledge and experiences to become a competent practicing sport coach. Theories and areas of practice covered include the scientific, social scientific and pedagogical aspects of coaching. Clear links will be made to real-life coaching scenarios with a focus on understanding the integrated and complex nature of coaching and all that underlies the practice of quality sport coaching.
• Individualized Major(self-designed)
  • this major affords students the opportunity to design a combination or collection of courses that meets their individual interests and needs, provided that an opportunity to pursue their area of interest is not available through the other four majors. It may also enable students who choose to spend one term or year abroad an opportunity to design a major area of study around their international courses. This must be done in consultation with an Undergraduate Programs Advisor and requires approval of the Associate Dean (Undergraduate Programs).

Why take the Biomedical Option in Mechanical Engineering? (Co-operative)

Biomedical or biomechanical engineering is the application of the principles of engineering to the solution of problems in medicine and clinical sciences. You’ll receive a human-centric education that builds on the traditional Mechanical Engineering degree, and helps prepare you for employment in the health care industry, or for graduate-level studies.

This Option can be taken as part of a Mechanical Engineering degree (Co-op only).

Co-op option
This degree can be taken as a Co-op (co-operative education) program. Through the Co-op program, you will have the opportunity to complete paid, supervised work terms throughout your degree. Co-op programs are great way to challenge yourself, gain relevant work experience, and make connections to industry before you graduate!

Most co-op programs include five work terms lasting four months each, in addition to the usual eight terms (four years) of full-time study. Therefore, co-op programs require five years to complete.

Why study Engineering at the University of Alberta?

The Faculty of Engineering is widely recognized as one of the top Engineering schools in Canada, with globally renowned professors, state-of-the-art labs and teaching spaces, and highly specialized facilities and areas of research.

Throughout your degree, you’ll have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, participate in research, and contribute to team projects both inside and out of the classroom.

Please note: If you are applying directly from high school, you must apply to the qualifying first year of Engineering. After you complete your first year you will have the opportunity to choose a specific degree program.

Our Astrophysics program explores a wide range of questions about the physics and properties of stars, galaxies and the universe. You will study the properties of and physics behind astrophysical objects, and, through computational lessons, develop the tools and techniques to solve physics and geophysical problems. The learning process is enhanced through access to department resources including the Astronomical Observatory, which is available for solar and evening observing.

The Honors Astrophysics program incorporates several courses in advanced mathematics and honors level calculus. Students interested in this program should have a strong mathematical background.

Astrophysics can also be taken as part of a BSc Specialization degree.

Why study Pharmacology? (Specialization program)

Pharmacology is the study of the way in which chemical substances affect living organisms. If you are interested in studying the effects of pharmaceutical drugs, street drugs, and/or harmful chemicals in people and in society, then the Pharmacology program will be of interest to you.

Why take the BSc Specialization degree?

The Bachelor of Science Specialization degree provides a focused education in one program. You will take most of your courses in your main subject area, and are expected to maintain a higher standard of academic achievement. A Specialization degree can provide the background to help you proceed to a higher degree, but its primary function is to provide a comprehensive education at the undergraduate level.

This program can also be taken as part of a BSc Honors degree.

Why study Science at the University of Alberta?

The Faculty of Science at the University of Alberta delivers high-quality programs that investigate, explain, and explore the real science behind issues that affect our daily lives. With nearly 60 degree programs in 39 subject areas, we are one of the most comprehensive science faculties in Canada, with state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities, opportunities for undergraduate research, and professors who are leading researchers in their fields.

This program focuses on molecular structures and the processes of cellular life and their roles in the function, reproduction, and development of living organisms.

In the first two years of the program, you’ll concentrate on topics in genetics, microbiology, and plant molecular genetics; after that you can pursue your own area of focus.

This program can be taken as part of a BSc Honors or BSc Specialization degree.

Paleontology is the study of the history of life as preserved in the fossil record, examining the patterns and processes of evolution and extinction.

Our Paleontology program is world-renowned, with leading researchers, extensive collections, and access to digs, bone beds, and work experience opportunities you won’t find anywhere else.

The Paleontology Specialization program concentrates on the study of fossils and ancient life forms. It is an interdisciplinary program designed to give you a strong background in paleontology, earth sciences, and biological sciences, and prepares you for graduate-level studies.

Can’t wait to study Paleontology? Check out our Dino101 Massive Open Online Course (MOOC).

Paleontology can also be taken as part of a BSc with Specialization degree.

Music is the art of human expression through sound. This program is an excellent degree for those wanting to explore music in a self-directed fashion. Students can specialize in music theory, music history, world music, or Composition and Sonic Arts, combining critical thinking and personal expression.

This major can also be taken as part of a BA Honors degree.

See also the Bachelor of Music program.