Bachelor of Science in Geography

at University of Lethbridge - Lethbridge Campus Canada

A general major in the sciences, unlike a single discipline major, allows you to customize your course selection to your interests and abilities. Where you compromise depth of focus in one area, you gain breadth of knowledge in a few key areas, thus increasing your flexibility. This multidisciplinary approach provides access to the "big picture" or the wider context of any subject area. Conversely, the courses you choose can enhance your focus and provide a cross-discipline perspective on one particular theme.

Students choosing a general major in the sciences select three disciplinary streams from the following:

• Archaeology
• Biological sciences
• Chemistry
• Computer science
• Geography
• Kinesiology
• Mathematics
• Neuroscience
• Physics
• Psychology

As a student participating in a general major degree program, you’re not limited to studying only within your three streams. As part of your liberal education, you will be required to take classes outside your major(s). This allows you to develop skills and experience in all three streams.

Experience learning
Our students have a number of experiential learning opportunities available to them including 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 arts & sciences, at both the undergrad and grad level. Transfer students can actually head out on their first work term before ever stepping foot on campus! For example, many transfer students have completed a summer work term before starting classes in September.

Whether as activists, scholars or labourers, women have generated significant changes in society. Women & Gender Studies offer you the opportunity to learn how these changes were initiated and gives you the tools to actively participate in the creation of an inclusive society.

Using feminist theory and research methodologies, Women & Gender Studies examine the historical and contemporary conditions of women and men in society. Our department draws on a vibrant community of scholars and activists both inside and outside the university to explore a wide range of issues.

As a student in this program, you will increase your knowledge of women’s lives, bodies, experiences, labour and scholarship. You’ll also explore feminism as an influential political and social global movement that has generated significant change in all aspects of daily life for men and women.

The department encourages all students to enroll in women and gender studies classes to discover enlightening perspectives applicable to your chosen field of study. By participating in these classes, you will develop an in-depth understanding of how current and historical events, ideas and institutions have been structured by gender, ethnicity, race, age, ability, class and sexuality.

Mathematics is the study of structure and patterns in numbers and shapes. It is an active research area, providing a language, theories and models to solve complex problems across a wide variety of scientific, industrial and economic sectors.

Over the past century, discoveries in pure mathematics have found unexpected applications in science, industry and finance, such as: secure internet transactions, Google, DNA sequencing and the stock market. 

As a math student, you will study both pure and applied mathematics, giving you the opportunity to see real-world applications of your studies.

The program offers courses in four main areas: algebra, analysis, number theory and geometry, and statistics. Many students opt to combine math with courses in physics, computer science, chemistry, economics, management or other areas of interest.

A mathematics education provides a solid training that is sought after by employers and allows flexibility in your career choices. You will learn to tackle difficult problems employing a variety of theories and statistical models. You’ll also learn to communicate your expertise by combining your technical skills with a sound liberal education.

You will have access to state-of-the-art science and research facilities. Our computer labs feature the latest equipment and our small class sizes ensure access to your instructors whenever you need it.

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.

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.

Indigenous Governance and Business Management (IGBM) offers an interdisciplinary education in a stimulating, respectful and academic environment. The program presents a unique blend of studies in Indigenous governance and core business concepts, providing graduates with skills to take leadership roles in their communities and in management, entrepreneurial enterprises, band administration, Indigenous liaison work, and self-government. About the Indigenous Governance and Business Management Major

Students majoring in Indigenous Governance and Business Management study Indigenous Peoples & Law, Historical & Legal Aspects of Indigenous Governments, Indigenous Peoples & Natural Resources, Administrative Aspects in Canadian Indigenous Governments, Financial Management in Canadian Indigenous Communities, Indigenous Business & Entrepreneurship in Canada, Canadian Indigenous Negotiations, and Canadian Indigenous Project Management. Students draw from fields such as history, English, political science, economics and sociology.

Students have access to support services including Elders, award-winning faculty members, mentoring, small class sizes, interactive learning and the opportunity to participate in an active and supportive Indigenous Students’ Union.

Students gain significant insight into Indigenous historical, political, legal and economic issues while acquiring strong business skills and managerial competency. For the degree, students choose one of two streams:

• Indigenous Governance
• Indigenous Business Management
• We also offer the flexibility of dual campuses on which to study: Lethbridge and Calgary. Our Calgary Campus will meet the needs of working professionals with evening and weekend classes, while the Lethbridge campus is more traditional with an emphasis on daytime classes and a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities to explore. Both locations welcome international and mature students.

Computer science is the study of algorithms and data structures and their applications in designing new and efficient solutions to industrial, technological, environmental or social problems.

Learn to tackle difficult problems using a variety of high-tech tools and approaches, and effectively communicate your expertise to others by coupling your technical learning with a solid grounding in liberal education. The program is designed to enable you gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, including access to state-of-the-art hardware and software in our three computer labs whenever you need to use them.

Forensics. Pharmacology. Food Science. What do these three areas have in common? They are just some of the career paths you can take with a degree in biochemistry.

Biochemistry is the study of all living systems at the molecular level. It looks at the chemical and physical basis of life and how these living systems interact with their environments. It is a demanding field that combines expertise in the biological sciences, chemistry, physics and mathematics. Versatility and intense curiosity are the hallmarks of successful biochemists, as they draw on knowledge from a variety of fields to investigate the molecules that facilitate life.

From the structure, function and dynamics of molecular machines, to the complex regulation of metabolic pathways and biological processes, biochemists study the extraordinary molecules that are produced and utilized by living systems. As a consequence, many of the most spectacular advances in the sciences are driven by discoveries in biochemistry.

Biochemistry will help you develop a strong background in the basic sciences and extensive laboratory skills, while emphasizing the chemical and physical basis of life. As a biochemistry student, you will gain hands-on experience with the latest tools and technology used in chemistry, physics and biological sciences, such as molecular biology, protein crystallography and advanced biophysics. You will also develop skills in molecular techniques like DNA sequencing, gene cloning and enzymology.

Additionally, you will have access to state-of-the-art science and research facilities. These facilities support the research interests of our award-winning faculty, your instructors, as they investigate diverse areas such as cancer research, toxicology, crystallography, bioinformatics and molecular modelling, as well as applied research in medicine, disease research and food development.

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.

History as an academic discipline examines the past to explain how we got to where we are today. We live in a world that is politically, economically, and socially complex; to engage it effectively and better understand ourselves, we must first understand the many historical factors that shape our lives. Historians work to sharpen the collective memory of society.

As a history student, you’ll learn about great leaders of the past and what ordinary people believed and valued - how they lived, worshipped, worked, fought and died. You’ll have the opportunity to take thematic and regional courses in ancient, medieval and modern history from the geographic areas that shaped our world today.

We are confident that our courses, as well as our diverse areas of expertise, will offer something of interest to everyone studying history at uLethbridge.