Bachelor of Fine Arts in Multidisciplinary

at University of Lethbridge - Lethbridge Campus Canada

Biological sciences delve into the world of living organisms - from microbes, to human beings, to entire ecosystems. It is the science of life on, under and above earth. Exploring the nature of life leads biologists out into the world where they study how organisms interact with their environment, how they function and how they evolved over time.

The Department of Biological Sciences provides you with hands-on learning, moving you beyond textbooks and lectures to engaging research projects. Biology is a research-intensive science that can lead to a wide range of study areas, like environmental work, medicine, microbiology or agriculture.

Today’s biologists require a strong background in cellular and molecular biology, organismal biology, genetics, evolution and ecology. Additionally, you will be required to complete courses in chemistry, physics and mathematics, ensuring a strong foundation in the core sciences.

You will also have access to state-of-the-art science and research facilities, like the Alberta Ingenuity Centre for Water Research. This facility provides the infrastructure to support the research interests of our award-winning faculty, your instructors, as they investigate diverse areas within behavioural and evolutionary ecology, plant biology and systemic biology, cellular and molecular biology and genetics.

The demand for skilled individuals in the field of computer science has seen unprecedented growth in recent years. By studying computer science at uLethbridge, you will gain a broad technical knowledge, coupled with a sound liberal education. You'll graduate knowing how to tackle difficult problems using a variety of hardware, software, and programming languages, and to communicate your expertise to others.

Computer science spans theory and practice, and requires thinking in abstract and concrete terms. The practical side of computing can be seen everywhere — a myriad of us walk around with miniature computers/smartphones in our pockets, and many can even program them. Getting computers to do what you want them to do requires intensive hands-on experience. On a higher level, computer science can also be considered a science of problem solving.

About the Computer Science major
As a computer science major, you'll be involved in a science that has revolutionized the world. Astonishing advances are being made constantly and intense research is carried out by our faculty and students. Among the areas you'll study are programming, digital systems, database management systems, data structures, and computer architecture. Most graduates have careers programming in industry, where a constant shortage of computer scientists results in steady employment.

Geography deals with the diverse landscapes around us. It is about everything from the original formation of the earth’s surface, to the effects we have on our environment: past, present and future. The primary focus of the program is to give you the skills necessary to analyze the organization and interaction of all creatures and ecological processes on the planet - and sometimes beyond it - to address real-world issues.

The department is particularly strong in the areas of geographical information science (GIS) and remote sensing, water research and rural & urban studies; areas of spectacular growth in research, teaching and employment for our graduates.

You'll have access to the latest hardware and software available in geography, economics, environment, agriculture, ecology, planning etc, as well as state-of-the-art facilities like the Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building. This facility provides the infrastructure to support the research interests of our award-winning faculty, your instructors, as they investigate diverse areas such as: weather and climate, water, glaciers, sediments, plants and insects.

Situated in the Oldman River Valley, the University’s location offers an excellent centre for field research, surrounded by farm and rangelands, and in easy reach of the Rockies and the city of Calgary.

Urban & Regional Studies (URS) delves into the physical, social, economic and political factors that shape our cities. It looks at the role of planning to manage dynamic forces of change such as immigration, global warming, aging populations, energy conservation, congestion, urban forests, homelessness and smog, to name just a few.

As a URS student at the University of Lethbridge, you will learn to approach contemporary development challenges from various frames of reference. Issues include the evolving social, ethnic and architectural character of urban neighbourhoods, the decline of agricultural service centres in the west or the governance of urban sprawl.

This multidisciplinary major will provide you with a broad range of conceptual and practical tools to understand cities and regions. URS is housed in the Department of Geography, but as a multidisciplinary major, the program includes courses outside the department’s offerings, such as anthropology, economics, political science, sociology and statistics.

The knowledge and experience you gain in the URS program will provide an exceptional stepping stone, whether you choose to continue your studies to the master’s or doctoral level or to enter the working world. Either way, you will have the educational background to play an important role in providing an understanding of, and solutions for, some of our most pressing urban and regional concerns.

Be inspired by art and visual culture and make your mark on the world. Work with internationally active artists and scholars as you pursue your professional and creative goals in a collaborative environment.

Develop your voice as an independent artist or arts professional through an intensive studio experience exploring technical, aesthetic and theoretical studies necessary to pursue contemporary art.

You'll receive instruction in a range of materials and methods in drawing, painting, sculpture, installation, performance art, photography, printmaking, media, and electronic art. Senior students pursue self-directed studio work in a capstone course supported by faculty members of their choice.

Gain full access to co-operative education, international exchanges, independent and applied studies as well as volunteer opportunities. uLethbridge is the only university in Alberta to offer co-operative education to all majors in the university, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

The Department of Geography and the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science offer instruction leading to the multidisciplinary major in computer science and geographical information science. The program is structured to provide a firm theoretical, technical and applied background in the geographical information sciences (GIS) that draws extensively on computer science foundations.

This major provides a strong basis for further study at the graduate level in an established field of research, while also providing training in an area of employment opportunity that neither the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science nor the Department of Geography alone can provide.

Geographical information science (GIS) | GIS involves the use and analysis of digital maps, databases, models and mobile applications, as well as navigation and spatial integration tools. Major GIS application areas include remote sensing, geographical information systems, computer graphics, image processing and mapping and spatial modelling. These rely on advanced computer science algorithms and software development, platform integration, hardware design and operating system principles. The major provides applied training coupled with a solid theoretical and developmental foundation.

Have the flexibility and independence to develop your own degree program from all the areas of the fine arts.

All areas of the fine arts are available for students in the multidisciplinary major to choose their concentrations. You can now choose a first concentration from one area of fine arts (art, drama, music or new media), while choosing a second and third concentration from the other three. This can also include areas within the departments (Indigenous art, digital audio arts, technical design etc.). This new opportunity allows students the freedom to customize their education around technical, practical and academic focuses.

Complement your studies further by adding combinations of courses from inside and outside the Faculty of Fine Arts with your liberal education requirements.

Opportunities

Gain professional art gallery experience, participate in a dynamic season of theatre activities, (including Mainstage productions supervised by professors), be a part of music ensembles or music studio courses, have access to our state-of-the-art Sound Recording Studio or expand your experiences and gain new perspectives beyond the classroom with internships.

You have full access to co-operative education, international exchanges, independent and applied studies as well as volunteer opportunities.

Finance is the study of financial decision making in investment, portfolio management and corporate finance as well as managing risk, financial innovations in a dynamic business environment.

As a student in finance, you'll study areas such as corporate and personal finance, investments, global finance, financial technology (FinTech), Financial Institutions and Markets, and Derivatives. You will develop your skills using excel, statistical, trading and portfolio management software and draw from fields such as economics, accounting, and social responsibility as you prepare for career opportunities in the areas of banking, investments, international finance, trading, risk management and more.

The finance diploma will also include opportunities for students to get practical, experiential training through in-class simulations and live portfolio management like through the Student Management Investment Fund, and the option to add paid work terms through co-operative education. 

Accountants are central to the operations and strategies of all types of organizations. They require integrity and the ability to think critically, communicate and interact with others effectively. Accounting is the foundation of organizational short and long-term success. It involves measuring, analyzing and reporting on factors that affect organizational performance, resources and risk.

About the Accounting major
You will train to be an accountant, not a bookkeeper. You'll gain technical skills and learn how to address a broad range of business problems. Classes are small, allowing for one-on-one interaction with professors, who have professional accounting designations, PhDs in accounting or both. You will acquire and practice the skills needed for success, including writing, presenting, using professional tools and case analysis.

Physics is the study of matter and energy at all scales, from the sub-nuclear to the dimensions of the universe. It is the fundamental science — all other sciences and technologies rely on the principles of physics.

Physics involves observing and understanding natural phenomena. It is evident in the world around us in everything from the seasons, the motion of objects, the flight of birds, the night sky and the weather, to lasers, electronics and the technology we rely on today.

Physics is very much a “hands-on” science, so the most effective way for you to learn the subject is to actually do physics. Astronomy teaches you how to study objects at a distance and interpret the information gathered. This helps us begin to understand the universe we live in. The skills you will learn in astronomy are also applicable to remote sensing and its application to environmental problems.

The department offers a comprehensive physics major. The foundation of this program is built in the first two years, as you study mechanics, waves, electricity and magnetism, optics, thermal physics and modern physics.

In your third and fourth years, you will gain a deeper understanding of the fundamentals and delve into more advanced and specialized areas. Specialized topics may include the research interests of department faculty members, as all faculty members are involved in rigorous research programs.

Faculty members also ensure you are provided with a wide view of physics, exposing you to all areas of the subject and describing a wide variety of applications. This enables you to make informed decisions when choosing the areas you may wish to pursue in the future.