Bachelor of Planning in Northern and Rural Community Planning (Co-op)

at University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) - Prince George Campus Canada

Global and International Studies examines the drivers and impacts of our planet’s inter-connectedness in technology, culture, sustainability, governance and economics. You will be prepared for a rewarding career in global and international organizations including governments, inter-governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations and international businesses.

Program Details
This program is ideal for those whose eyes are on the future of our planet. You will study critical concepts that promote healthy, just, peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable societies for all. 

Our program includes four core themes:

• Global environment and sustainability
• Global cultures and diversity
• Global governance and social justice
• Global political economy and development

Tourism has become the largest industry and employer in the world.  One of the most important and fastest growing sectors in tourism is nature-based tourism, which comprises attractions, activities and experiences involving interaction with natural and cultural resources (e.g., ecotourism, adventure tourism, indigenous tourism).  This degree examines the various components of the nature-based tourism system, giving emphasis to the entrepreneurial perspectives and sustainability issues in the industry.  Reflecting the interdisciplinarity of the field, and related career directions, students select from the following Areas of Specialization: marketing and entrepreneurship, outdoor education and leadership, indigenous/cultural tourism, or environment and society.

In recent years the importance of an international perspective for Business students has increased as a result of the increasing globalization of the economy. The International Business major exposes students to the impact of the international environment on the functional areas of business management. In conjunction with courses in the International Studies program, the major in International Business allows students to focus on a country or region of the world, providing education in language, culture and business practice. All students, particularly those majoring in International Business, are encouraged to take courses in International Business, at institutions / universities abroad approved by the UNBC International Exchange & Student Programs Office in order to gain practical international exposure as part of their Bachelor of Commerce program. 
 

The MBA is recognized worldwide as the hallmark of the management professional.  Graduates of the UNBC MBA program develop a well-rounded understanding of the skills needed by leaders of private and public sector organizations, and the challenges facing enterprises in general, and northern ones in particular.

The program is designed to allow professionals to complete their degree within two years while continuing to work full-time.  During the first year of the program, students are introduced to the major disciplinary areas within the field of business, including strategy, economics, accounting, finance, organizational behaviour, marketing, and operations management.  This part of the program builds the broad base of knowledge and skills required by senior management. 

During the second year of the program, students gain a broad understanding of the global, legal and ethical environment in which organizations operate, and of the challenges facing organizations.  In the context of northern British Columbia, there are economic, social, and environmental challenges confronting small and rural communities participating in a resource-based economy.  Through the development of leadership and management capabilities, the MBA Program helps communities and organizations achieve sustainable success and prosperity in a changing and complex world.  

Course participants have the opportunity to focus on individual interests during the MBA Project.  Working under the supervision of a faculty member, students complete a major research project, applying relevant theory to the study of a substantial organizational problem or issue.

The MBA program course work normally includes work assessed on an individual and group basis.  Enterprise problems are seldom completely resolved through individual effort, and group work reinforces and enhances individual ability to work within multi-disciplinary teams.

Students come to the MBA program with diverse backgrounds, a range of social and cultural perspectives, and different industry and business experiences. The MBA program encourages this diversity as it fosters a rich learning environment.

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Biology B.Sc. Program combines the rigour of chemistry with the fascination of living systems, and is therefore the traditional major for students with biomedical interests.Majors begin their studies with a broad set of courses in the natural sciences. In the second year, biochemistry is introduced, leading to third year explorations of DNA, the blueprint of life, proteins, the machines that make our bodies work, and a wide range of other molecular topics. Finally, your degree culminates in the fourth year with courses that let you see why BCMB is the largest and most dynamic scientific discipline. Topics include oncology, the evolution of life, advanced genetics, and much more.With its strong emphasis on analytical skills, the BCMB major is an excellent launching point for a variety of science-based careers, as described below. The BCMB major also includes extensive training in practical laboratory skills, such as DNA fingerprinting, which are essential for careers in the natural sciences, criminal forensics, laboratory technician programs, and a variety of industries.

Chemistry
Chemistry is a fundamental science dealing with the nature of substances and the changes they undergo. Considered the “central science,” you will take courses in organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry along with math, physics and biology. 

Computer Science
The Computer Science program gives students a thorough exposure to basic areas like computer architecture, programming languages and methodology, algorithms and data structures, systems programming, operating systems and networking, knowledge-based and database systems, software engineering, and theory. The student will develop the advanced practical computing and problem-solving skills required for professional work in modern industry, based on a strong conceptual foundation and on insights into the nature of this rapidly changing field. Each student will use advanced development tools, and will be encouraged to approach problem-solving from a multidisciplinary point of view.

Computer Science
The Computer Science program gives students a thorough exposure to basic areas like computer architecture, programming languages and methodology, algorithms and data structures, systems programming, operating systems and networking, knowledge-based and database systems, software engineering, and theory. The student will develop the advanced practical computing and problem-solving skills required for professional work in modern industry, based on a strong conceptual foundation and on insights into the nature of this rapidly changing field. Each student will use advanced development tools, and will be encouraged to approach problem-solving from a multidisciplinary point of view.

Mathematics
An important feature of the mathematics degree program is the early emphasis on the development of abstract reasoning and the relation of the abstract to the concrete. The degree requirements have been chosen so as to provide students with a broad background in mathematics while still leaving them room to pursue their individual interests.

Geography studies the cultural, social, economic, and political connections between people and their environment.
Examine the factors that shape the complex relationship between human societies and the built and natural landscape. Prepare for career opportunities in community development, land and resource management, or continue your graduate studies.

Economics is concerned with how societies provide for the well-being of their citizens and residents, along with public policies to promote well-being. Faculty members in the Department of Economics are excellent teachers and committed to providing students with an active learning and inclusive environment, and to developing knowledge of contemporary issues and practical thinking skills. Economics courses address a range of current issues, such as: what are the impacts of carbon taxes? How can health care be efficiently and equitably provided? Should water be privatized? What is the best portfolio choice to maximize my investment?

Every organization needs to keep track of its financial operations and financial position. Accounting is concerned with the measurement, provision, interpretation and application of financial and economic information for the efficiency and evaluation of an organization's operations. The information provided by the accounting function is employed for effective planning, control and decision making by management, and to report on the organization's financial operations to shareholders, debtholders, government and other stakeholders of the firm. Graduates with an Accounting major are in demand by all sectors of the economy, including government, business, and public accounting firms. An Accounting major is recommended for students who wish to become Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).