Faculty of
SC I E NC E
Welcome to The Faculty of Science at the University of Alberta Explore our programs and opportunities and discover why we are simply one of the best Science faculties you can choose from! • A strong reputation with world-renowned facilities, labs, and collections • Over 39 scientific areas and 70 degree programs to choose from
• Outstanding faculty capturing numerous teaching and research awards • National and international recognition for research developments with over $70 million in research funding • An active student body offering strong peer support, development and community involvement.
In line with the university’s vision of discovery and excellence in teaching, research and creative activity, we are here to offer quality education and training in the sciences, with high standards and values.
Expect nothing less from a world class university!
Why choose the Faculty of Science at the University of Alberta? Size Matters
More Options
Being part of a large university means we can offer students access to numerous resources, internationallyrecognized professors, millions of dollars in scholarships, over 300 student clubs and services and incredible research opportunities. With our size comes a dedication to quality that will not be compromised.
The Faculty of Science has seven teaching departments and a wide variety of courses and programs available to study.
As a science student you can expect:
• Interdisciplinary sciences that encourage collaborations between different fields of study
• Quality education that is both challenging and innovative. • Department advisors assigned to every Specialization and Honors student. • A dedicated team of advisors for students in the BSc General program. • Undergraduate and graduate research opportunities and outreach opportunities that bring science education into our community.
We offer • Over 70 undergraduate degrees to choose from with 39 different areas to study
• Course offerings that span the many disciplines of science • Work experience and research opportunities for Canadian and international students • Field classes that encourage hands on learning
• The opportunity to learn from and work with professors who are recognized internationally for their contributions to science. • The opportunity to take part in and lead research projects, and publish in top international journals. • Access to state-of-the-art facilities, seven libraries, specialized museums and collections, and student-focused resources and centres.
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Computing Science Building
study Science at theofUniversity Why choose the Faculty Science of Alberta at the University of Alberta? Reputation The University of Alberta is one of the top 5 universities in Canada and has a history that is rich in tradition and excellence. In 2008 our institution turned 100 years old and was celebrated for its significant contributions to the growth and development of Alberta and Canada. A few notable contributions include:
Results • U of A researchers were the first in the world to transform embryonic stem cells into insulin-producing cells. • The “Father of Alberta’s Oil industry”, Geology Professor Charles Stelck’s groundbreaking Fossil research led to the discovery of Alberta’s oil reserves. • Jonathan Schaeffer, Vice-Provost in the Department of Computing Science, and Canada Research Chair in Artificial Intelligence solved the game of checkers, and was named one of 2007’s top ideas by the New York Times.
A university degree gives you access to numerous career options. It provides an opportunity for movement within organizations and advancement into more strategic roles. Graduating from the Faculty of Science opens up a variety of options and opportunities: • Stable employment with private industry, government and global organizations • Entrance into graduate study • Pursuit of professional degrees (Medicine, Dentistry, Business, Pharmacy, Law etc.) • Research opportunities with various organizations, universities, the private sector and government agencies
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Mineralogy Collection, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Teaching Excellence The Faculty of Science employs over 300 professors who are passionate about teaching students and pursuing their research interests. Many of our instructors are nationally and internationally acclaimed and have won many distinguished awards. We are very proud to have: • 6 Steacie Award winners -awarded once a year to a Canadian scientist or engineer who is 40 years old or younger for outstanding scientific research carried out in Canada. • 16 winners of Rutherford Awards for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching -awarded for excellent teaching at the University of Alberta. • 21 Canada Research Chairs -appointed to outstanding researchers acknowledged by their peers as world leaders in their fields, as well as exceptional emerging researchers, acknowledged by their peers as having the potential to lead in their field. • 5 iCORE Chairs -appointed to researchers with outstanding research records that place them in the top five percent of their fields.
• 4 3M National Teaching Fellows awarded to individuals who show a commitment to the improvement of university teaching. • 2 Alberta Ingenuity Centres of Excellence -specialized research institutes that support the highest calibre of research. • 10 members of the Royal Society of Canada – the oldest association of scientists and scholars in Canada. • 3 members of the the Royal Society of London- the national academy of science of the UK and the Commonwealth.
So what does this mean for you? Learning from a professor who is top in their research field means you have access to the latest research developments as they happen and can take part in amazing scientific developments. Many of these instructors are writing University text books that are used nationally and internationally. Our professors are passionate about their research fields and are equally enthusiastic about sharing this knowledge with students. Teaching excellence is important and they are dedicated to their students.
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Which Degree Program is right for you? The BSc General program
The BSc Honors program
I like having the flexibility to take different courses and really develop my love of science. In a way I’m designing my own degree program.
I’ve always wanted to get into research and focus my studies in one area. The Honors program will give me great preparation for grad school.
The BSc General program is a very diverse degree and includes a major and minor subject, or area of concentration from various areas. All majors must be in Science, but your minor can be in Science; Arts; Business; or Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences. This program also provides an excellent foundation for studies in professional programs such as Medicine, Dentistry, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy or Veterinary Medicine.
Similar to the Specialization program, the Honors degree provides excellent training in one specific subject. Students receive comprehensive scientific training, participate in a research component and are expected to maintain a higher standard of academic achievement than those in the other programs.
The BSc/BEd Combined program The BSc Specialization program I really like having the chance to focus on one area while taking optional courses at the same time. I am learning to be a specialist in my field.
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This program offers a more focused education in one chosen subject. Students are expected to maintain a higher standard of academic achievement than those in the General program and may take a set number of options within their program. The Specialization program 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.
Teaching has been my lifelong dream. With the combined program I can not only become a Science teacher but I can earn 2 degrees in just 5 years. This highly-structured program is designed for students to complete two degrees - a Science Specialization degree and an Education degree - in five years. The BSc/BEd combined program trains students to teach at the secondary level in a combination of two of following three areas: Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences and Mathematical Sciences.
Business Minor I’m planning to take my science skills and go into Business for myself. The Business Minor program will help me get there. Students can pursue a Business minor as part of the BSc General, BSc Specialization in Math & Finance and BSc Specialization in Computing Science program. The additional courses in Accounting, Finance and other Business subjects complement our science degrees and add a strong background in business education. Students may apply to the Business Minor programs after completing a list of prerequisite courses, normally in their first year of university.
Admission Requirements Applicants must present the minimum application average along with the required courses to be considered for admission. Course requirements vary by program and applicants must also meet the competitive average for the year in which they are applying. The BSc General program Students must present a minimum 70% average using the following five subjects: • English language Arts 30-1 • Pure Mathematics 30 • Two subjects from Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Physics 30, Computer Science (CSE) Advanced Level or Mathematics 31 • One subject at the 30-level in either Humanities, Science or Fine Arts
BSc/BEd program Students must present a minimum 75% average on the following five subjects: • English Language Arts 30-1 (minimum grade of 60%) • Biology 30 • Chemistry 30 • Pure Mathematics 30
BSc Specialization Program Students must present a minimum 75% overall average to be considered. Most programs require English Language Arts 30-1, Pure Mathematics 30, and three 30-level Sciences
• One subject at the 30-level in either Humanities, Science or Fine Arts (Physics 30 recommended)
BSc Honors Program
Remember!
Students must present at least an 80% overall average. Most programs require English Language Arts 30-1, Pure Mathematics 30, and three 30-level Sciences
The Faculty of Science has a May 1st application deadline.
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Programs at a Glance Biological Sciences
BSc General
BSc Specialization
Computing Science
BSc General
Animal Biology
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Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics
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Computing Science
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Computing Science Minor
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Biological Sciences
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Ecology
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Evolutionary Biology
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Microbiology
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Molecular Genetics
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Physiology and Developmental Biology
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Plant Biology
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Mathematical and Statistical Sciences
BSc General
BSc Specialization
BSc Honours
Computational Science (Mathematics)
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Mathematical Sciences
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Mathematics
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Mathematics and Economics
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Mathematics and Finance
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Physical Sciences
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BSc General
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BSc Specialization •
Astrophysics Chemistry
Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
BSc Honours
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BSc General
BSc Specialization
BSc Honours
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Environmental Earth Sciences
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Geology
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Paleontology
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Atmospheric Sciences Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Psychology
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Statistics
Computing Science (Software Quality Option)
BSc Specialization
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Applied Mathematics
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BSc Honours
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Geophysics
Psychology
Science/Medicine •
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BSc General •
BSc General
BSc Specialization
BSc Honours
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BSc Specialization
BSc Honours
Biochemistry
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Cell Biology
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Immunology and Infection
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Neuroscience Pharmacology
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Physiology
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Mathematical Physics Physical Sciences
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Physics
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BSc (Specialization in Science and Education)/ BEd (Secondary) Combined Degrees Program
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Department of Biological Sciences The Department of Biological Sciences is the most diverse in the Faculty of Science and offers degree programs in nine different focus areas, as well as a wide variety of courses and research opportunities. We also have world-class facilities accessible to both undergraduate and graduate students, meaning everyone has access to research and development opportunities. Our rich course selection serves several disciplines across campus and can also be applied to a Biological Sciences major in the General Degree.
Honors and Specialization Degrees • Animal Biology • Bioinformatics
What you will learn: Biological Science degree programs cover a range of topics, yet they all relate in some way to the life sciences. Our programs cover the environmentclimate change and its effects on life, biodiversity- plants, animals, microorganisms and ecosystems, genetics, health studies, cellular structures, past life forms, and evolution.
Biological Sciences students all build an excellent foundation during the first year of their chosen discipline. The remaining three years of an individual’s program offer many opportunities to indulge their own scientific curiosity by taking part in undergraduate and graduate research classes that make meaningful contributions to scientific development.
• Ecology • Evolutionary Biology • Microbiology • Molecular Genetics • Physiology & Developmental Biology • Plant Biology
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I am...
Department of Biological Sciences
Running with the polar bears
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Canada is home to almost two thirds of the world’s polar bear population. However, this iconic species is at risk due to changes in the global ecosystem. University of Alberta Professor Dr. Andrew Derocher is a world-renowned researcher who studies the effects of climate change and toxic chemicals on large arctic mammals, and more specifically, polar bears. Pollution, energy development, over harvesting (hunting) and tourism all pose significant threats to the polar bear population. But it is climate change that leads to the melting of arctic ice and large-scale changes in sea ice distribution cause the most problems for bears.
Dr. Andrew Derocher
Arctic sea ice is the polar bear’s natural habitat. It is essential to their survival and they use it for mating as well as travel between dens and hunting grounds. Changes in the amount and kind of sea ice can result in significant weight loss, higher mortality rates and ultimately extinction of polar bears. Dr. Derocher’s research looks at the ecology, conservation and management of these powerful predators. He wants to better understand how these animals live, as well as the effect human activities have on the population. His research findings are then shared with local and national management agencies to help develop and adopt better management policies.
I am making a d
Repairing Human Nerve damage Associate Professor Dr. Declan Ali is studying the tiny zebrafish to find solutions for regenerating damaged nerve cells in people. Zebrafish, a common freshwater tropical fish, share the same flight-or-fight reaction that humans do. Zebrafish are a good match for humans because nerve cells deliver their instant messaging the same way for fish and people. According to Dr. Ali, “All sensory information has to be transferred from one part of the brain to another by synapses”. In a damaged brain or spinal cord, communication along the nerves is cut off. The solution: re-connect the synaptic contact points. While this concept is complicated (and requires more research), Dr. Ali believes something can be learned from the tiny tropical fish. “We believe that the development of communication pathways for nerves in a zebrafish embryo is similar to the regeneration of synaptic contacts in damaged nerves.” His goal is to better understand the sequence of synapses used during the escape response of embryonic zebrafish. He hopes that one day this knowledge will lead to medical techniques that repair nerves damaged by spine and brain injuries.
Aliah Adams Knoph, Graduate Student
Increasing landscape permeability and solving human-wildlife conflict Expanding human populations around the world are often responsible for displacing resident wildlife. Some species struggle to survive in human-altered landscapes while others exploit them and thrive. Two important questions arise: How can we make it easier for wildlife species in decline to traverse these fragmented landscapes, how can we minimize the conflict that sometime happens when species are not good at coexisting? Associate Professor Dr. Colleen St Clair and her students study habitat features that affect animal movements to help find ways of making it easier for wildlife to move
ifference
through landscapes. Their work has revealed that wolves avoid high-use roads and trails in Jasper National Park and birds use habitat corridors along waterways. To solve these issues of humanwildlife conflict, they combine learning theory with wildlife management and come up with alternatives to undertaking lethal control of problem wildlife. Herding elk on horseback to prevent overgrazing of threatened grassland and using sling shots to teach bears to be more wary of humans in a resort town are just two examples of what the researchers have come up with.
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Department of Chemistry Chemistry has a direct impact on almost every part of our lives and is considered the “Central Science” because it is connected to all scientific disciplines in one way or another. From the development of environmentally friendly cleaning products to finding cleaner water sources, chemistry is essential. Our Department of Chemistry is one of the top three Chemistry departments in Canada and we offer courses and research opportunities in Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Chemical Physics, Materials Chemistry, Nanotechnology, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Theoretical and Computational Chemistry.
What you will learn:
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At the undergraduate level, students can enroll in a BSc Honors or Specialization degree in chemistry, or a BSc General degree with a concentration in chemistry. Both the Honors and Specialization degrees offer specialized training in the theoretical and practical components of chemistry. Students take a selection of courses in analytical, organic, inorganic and physical chemistry, as well as mathematics and related courses in environmental studies.
Both degrees are accredited by the Canadian Society for Chemistry. Students in either degree receive the necessary training for a career as a professional chemist although the Honors program is better suited for students who want to pursue graduate studies and research in the field. A chemistry major in the General degree offers a less structured program and gives students the flexibility to enroll in chemistry courses, as well as other science and arts options.
“Dr. Jeff Stryker…” (Advanced Organic Chemistry Professor) “…is a very engaging lecturer and presented a very difficult subject in a fun and interesting way. He also had a no-nonsense attitude when it came to work while retaining a laid back attitude that encouraged one to learn.” -David Grewer, 4th year Chemistry Specialization student, on which professor inspires him.
I am finding a cure
Treating diseases Dr. David Bundle, Chemistry Professor and Director of the Alberta Ingenuity Centre for Carbohydrate Science, is a world leader in carbohydrate chemistry and glycobiology. His research includes the development of targeted cancer vaccines and the design and synthesis of drugs to treat Alzheimer’s disease. When he first joined the University of Alberta Dr. Bundle was a member of the late Raymond Lemieux’s research team that developed the first synthetic blood group antigens. This discovery is recognized as the beginning of the modern era of carbohydrate chemistry and created the possibility of a
patient’s blood type being eliminated as a barrier to organ transplants. Dr. Bundle’s work has led to several scientific breakthroughs and a spin-off company; TheraCarb. His research team has developed an inhibitor that blocks the cholera toxin, a harmful effect of cholera infections, as well as a vaccine against Candida albicans. In collaboration with colleagues Pavel Kitov and Glen Armstrong, he is also working on the development of a drug; Polybait, that prevents the E.coli bacteria from making contact with kidney cells. The drug will convert the E.coli bacteria to a naturally-occurring
protein molecule, which can then be transported to the liver and eventually eliminated from the body. Testing is in the early stages but so far the drug looks promising Dr. Bundle’s work is not only important to advancing carbohydrate chemistry and global health, but is appreciated by his students as well. He teaches introductory organic chemistry and shares his expertise and love of the subject with his undergraduate students.
Nanotechnology for your health Dr. Jillian Buriak is a professor & senior research officer at the National Institute for Nanotechnology (NINT). She is an award-winning expert in semiconductor surface chemistry and leads an important research group at NINT. In 2007 she teamed up with Dr. Fabrizio Giuliani from the Division of Neurology to investigate the causes and treatments of neurodegenerative disorders, specifically multiple sclerosis. Part of the research involves “..growing human cortical neurons and providing a nanostructured environment in which the neurons think they are at home in the brain.” By doing this, researchers get a better understanding of how neurodegenerative diseases develop and the effects of different treatments.
“You can study the effects of different drugs or factors on different parts of the neuron to understand, from a fundamental perspective, what is leading to neurodegeneration and whether you can prevent it.” For Dr. Buriak, nanotechnology opens the doors to other possibilities, too. “Because these neurons will be growing on silicon chips, we could have the ability to measure the electrical activities of these cells.” Dr. Buriak, along with a team of other scientists from the UofA and NINT, are also improving the performance of plastic solar cells (hybrid organic solar cells). This is of great interest to many because of the high cost and shortage of the ultra-high purity silicon and
other materials. After two years of research they have seen improvements of about 30 per cent in the efficiency of their working model. Dr. Buriak believes it will be five to seven years before plastic solar panels can be mass produced so that solar energy is readily available to everyone.
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Department of Computing Science The Department of Computing Science at the University of Alberta was one of the first programs of its kind established in Canada and has a well-earned reputation for being innovative, creative and responsive. Our hands-on courses and state-of-the-art facilities attract global attention and our talented professors are always eager to incorporate the latest developments in technology and techniques into their undergraduate teaching. What you will learn
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Our Computing Science degrees allow students to combine a computing science background with another topic of their choice to create a flexible and applied program. Students build a strong theoretical and mathematical foundation through the program that includes hardware and software design and processes. Training in artificial intelligence, user interface design, telecommunications and more is on offer in later years. Students can also opt to apply for a Business minor which allows them to use their degree in any business environment. Other programming includes the Specialization in Software Practice- which focuses on professional software design and Bioinformatics- a combination of mathematical and computing knowledge that can be used to answer medical and biological questions.
Online Multimedia Education or From classroom to cell phone Multimedia Research Center, CROME (Castle Rock Online Multimedia Education) Researchers in the Department of Computing Science’s Multimedia Research Centre are using digital media to make education more interactive and intuitive, as well as more accessible to children all over the world. The team, led by Dr. Anup Basu, the iCORE/Gautam Rao/NSERC Industry Research Chair in Multimedia, and Dr. Irene Cheng, the Director of the Multimedia Research Centre is developing special “item types” (templates) that can
be used for several projects. “Our lab is multimedia, so we make use of video, audio, image, animation, and 3D objects,” says Dr. Cheng. “Any media that can help the students to improve their performance, we try to incorporate.” An introductory chemistry lesson could be taught using an online version of the periodic table. Using a computer mouse, students would select individual atoms from the table and construct each molecule manually. The molecule could even be rotated in 3D to see all angles. Learning in this manner is more intuitive and interactivethus making education more attractive to students. The team is also looking at wireless technology and ways to adapt this new technology to fit on cell phone screens. Distance learning through cell phones will make education available to children who do not have access to schools. “We want our applications to be triple A: for anyone, anytime, anywhere,” says Dr. Cheng. “In many parts of the world, people can’t afford a computer, but they can afford a cell phone.”

I am creating
Did you know? The Department of Computing Science has a High School Internship program that provides paid work experience to grade 11 and 12 students interested in computing science. Students are selected based on grades and interest, and are placed in labs on campus!
Collaborative Virtual Environments Mention the words “virtual reality” and the first things that come to mind are probably science fiction films and specialized computer games. It is true- virtual reality is well known for its’ entertainment value- but also has countless other practical uses. University of Alberta professors Dr. Pierre Boulanger, Professor and Director of the Advanced ManMachine Interface laboratory, and Dr. Walter Bischof are exploring the
various uses for virtual reality through their research. Dr. Boulanger researches virtual prototypes which is a way to test commercial products in the virtual world. This technology can save companies thousands of dollars, allowing them to refine a product in the virtual world before sending it into full production. Another member of Dr. Boulanger’s team works on technology used to create
a new reality
virtual conference rooms. (In which participants appear to actually be in the room). To make this environment as real as possible every detail must be considered and participants should appear to be talking to each other. Dr. Bischof’s team studies numerous applications that include computerassisted surgical training. Force sensors attached to the surgeon’s tools will allow experts to analyze and evaluate the surgeon’s performance.
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Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences A small department with a BIG impact, the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences offers programs that examine the Earth, its structure and evolution, and the atmosphere above us. It is unique in Canada in that it offers its students an integrated approach to the study of environmental earth science, geology, atmospheric science and geography.
Examining the atmosphere, surface and interior of the Earth
What you will learn
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Through the Environmental Earth Science program students examine how human behavior and activities affect our environment globally and locally. The Atmospheric Sciences degree examines the Earth’s atmosphere, weather and climate. Geology students learn about materials that make up the earth, the processes which affect these materials and the origin and evolution of life. They also participate in a number of field placements as part of their education.
Students completing both the Environmental Earth Sciences and Geology programs with appropriately selected Science option courses, qualify to register for ‘in training’ status with APEGGA (Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists, and Geophysicists of Alberta). The Honors Paleontology degree integrates backgrounds in paleontology, earth sciences and biological sciences by concentrating on the study of fossils and ancient life forms.
I am uncovering
The History of Pollution Earth and Atmospheric Sciences PhD student Colin Cooke is researching human impacts on the environment. His National Geographic Society-funded work is interdisciplinary and combines paleolimnology (the study of ancient lake sediments) with the fields of archaeology, and geochemistry. His study of ancient lake sediment from high altitude lakes in the Andes has revealed for the first time that mercury pollution occurred long before the start of the Industrial Revolution. Colin’s results from two seasons of field work provided the first unambiguous records of pre-industrial mercury pollution from anywhere in the world. His team recovered sediment cores from high elevation lakes located near the New World’s largest mercury deposit. By measuring the amount of mercury preserved in the cores back through time, they reconstructed the history of mercury mining and pollution in the region.
Honors and Specialization Degrees • Atmospheric Sciences • Environmental Earth Sciences • Geology • Paleontology
Did you know? Climate change and the Arctic University of Alberta Geophysicist and Professor, Dr. Christian Haas is researching the role of Arctic and Antarctic sea ice in the climate system. According to Dr. Hass, “The effects of global warming on the sea ice of the Arctic are not clear at all”. Factors such as air temperature, water heat flow and motion of the ice play a role in
both the thickness of ice and the shrinking coverage over the ocean. Using aerial surveying hardware, Dr. Hass is able to survey the ice on the Arctic Ocean in both winter and summer conditions. His data shows that the sea ice in the region of the North pole has thinned up to 53 percent between 2001 and 2007.
According to Colin, “The idea that mercury pollution was happening before the industrial revolution has long been hypothesised on the basis of historical records, but never proven.” “We found that mercury mining, smelting and emissions go back as far as 1400 BC. More surprisingly, mining appears to have began before the rise of any complex or highly stratified society. This represents a departure from current thinking, which suggests mining only arose after these societies emerged.”
our past 
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Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences If you enjoy solving puzzles and clever number games, or even calculating the scoring average of your favorite sports player, then you have a true appreciation for Mathematics. Mathematics and Statistics play a fundamental role in our modern world and provide us with the tools for analyzing and solving problems in a variety of fields.
What you will learn
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Our Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences offers a wide range of programs and courses to choose from. With the Mathematics and Applied Mathematics degrees students can choose either the “pure beauty” of mathematics and its principles, or the various ways to use mathematical principles to solve real world problems. Our Honors Mathematics program is for students with an appreciation for abstraction, logic and symmetry, while the Specialization program combines an interest in mathematics with the study of a related discipline such as physics or statistics.
We offer degrees in advanced statistics as well as Computational Science which combine interests in mathematics and/ or statistics with studies in computing science.
Mathematical Modelling of the Immune System Mathematics Professor, Dr. Michael. Y. Li uses mathematical models to study human immune responses to infections, most notably that of HIV. “My research interest in this area is the modeling of the in vivo infection process of certain viruses and how the immune system responds to the infection, as well the interaction of the infection, immune system and various treatment measures.” Dr. Li also studies the mathematical theory of epidemiology. “In my point of view, mathematical models can be very useful in identifying the underlying mechanisms for an epidemic or endemic process.”
Interested in the financial industry? Our Mathematics and Finance and Mathematics and Economics degrees offer a diverse education in mathematics, finance, economics and actuarial sciences.
I am searching for
Did you know? Asymptote: A computer language that draws graphics and charts without using a computer mouse! Under the direction of University of Alberta Mathematics Professor John Bowman, undergraduate students Andy Hammerlindl and Tom Prince developed a vector graphics language known as Asymptote.
Fighting forest fires Dr. Thomas Hillen, University of Alberta Professor and Director of the Applied Mathematics Institute, is the project leader for MITACS project on “forest fire spread in heterogeneous landscapes”. This team of Canadian researchers, in collaboration with the GEOIDE project on Forest Fires and Stochastic Modelling, hopes to develop a multiscale approach to the mathematical modelling of forest fire spread and control. Canadian researchers have long looked at influencers like moisture and wind, fuel, and landscape topography when studying forest fires. They have created fire hazard
tables and developed computer guided prediction tools. This team will use mathematical models and equations to determine rate of spread, energy release rates, temperature distribution and more. There is hope that the MITACS project will help strengthen the tools to both fight and manage forest fires in Canada.
Honors and Specialization Degrees • Applied Mathematics • Computational Science • Mathematics • Mathematics and Economics • Mathematics and Finance • Statistics
a solution
Asymptote began in 2002 as a summer undergraduate research project for Andy who was an undergraduate student at the time in Honors Mathematics. Tom Prince joined the team and contributed a method for embedding Asymptote graphics into LaTeX which is the standard typesetting program used in the Science community. Asymptote is a completely textbased graphics program. To draw a picture using Asymptote, the user does not need to reach for his/her mouse at all. An entire document, with mathematically perfect resizable illustrations, can be exclusively constructed in LaTeX by typing code. The language can create 2D and 3D graphics, and can be used for multiple functions including drawing, clipping, and color fills. Both Andy Hammerlindl and Tom Prince have now graduated from the Faculty of Science and are pursuing individual graduate work.
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Department of Physics Physics is known as a “fundamental Science” as it involves a true understanding of how the world really works. How did the universe begin? And how is it changing? Physicists study universal laws governing matter, space, energy and time, and the interaction between these elements. Our Department of Physics is one of the largest of its kind in Canada with a faculty that is internationally recognized for its teaching and research. What you will learn
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As a Physics student you will build a strong background in modern physics, mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, relativity, quantum mechanics, statistical physics and laboratory work. Topics in areas like laser spectroscopy, optics, electronics, nuclear physics, particle physics, stellar atmospheres, stellar interiors, field theory, condensed matter and fluid dynamics are introduced in later years of the program. Our Astrophysics program considers the physics behind cosmological objects and their interactions, while the Mathematical Physics degree draws from mathematical models and theories to create methods that are used to
solve physical issues. In Geophysics, students use principles from Physics to understand the structure and dynamics of the Earth below its surface.
Photo: Infocus Imagery Inc. Aurora Borealis
Physics in the Community The Institute for Space Science, Exploration and Technology (ISSET) Space Academy The ISSET Space Academy brings grade 7 to 9 students to the University of Alberta campus over the summer to explore the world of Physics. The two weeklong camp, immerses junior high school students in a variety of “physics related” activities. Student build and fly rockets, handle real meteorites and experiencing the 3-D virtual-reality version of a magnetic storm in outer space.
The knowledge of Nature
I am bringing scienc
Did you know? The reality of Antimatter
Honors and Specialization Degrees • Astrophysics • Geophysics • Mathematical Physics • Physics
Chasing stormsfrom outer space? University of Alberta Physicist and Canada Research Chair in Space Physics, Dr. Ian Mann has been studying the physics of magnetic storms and substorms and hopes to one day predict when space storms will actually occur. Fortunately for Dr. Mann and his team of researchers, this goal may be realized sooner than they initially thought. The team has uncovered a scientific breakthrough in the field of space physics… and it started with something beautiful and seemingly innocent- the Northern Lights. Aurora Borealis- commonly known as the Northern Lights is actually the result of solar particles colliding with the earth’s atmosphere during a space storm. This beautiful display, visible only in the Northern hemisphere, can actually become a deadly source of energy that can cause considerable damage to satellites and spacecrafts. According to Dr. Mann, “The energy entering Earth’s atmosphere from such
storms can be equivalent to the energy produced from 10 major power stations on Earth”. The team has partnered with NASA and uses five satellites from NASA’s THEMIS mission, along with ground-monitoring stations in Northern Canada, to detect magnetic disturbances in space. This data is then used to locate storms and actually pinpoint the eye of the storm. Once this is done they can calculate how fast it is travelling and ultimately predict when it will arrive. By knowing when a storm is about to enter our atmosphere, more can be done to protect astronauts, satellites and equipment. Fortunately the Northern lights can still be admired from a far, and Dr. Mann is the lead investigator for the Aurora Watch- a website that monitors geomagnetic activity in Edmonton. Those on the mailing list will be alerted when there is a high chance of seeing an aurora that night.
Fans of Dan Brown’s book “Angels and Demons” are undoubtedly curious and fearful of the legendary antimatter- the volatile substance that evil doers in the book planned to steal and use in their plans for mass destruction. Many wonder, does antimatter actually exist? Is it truly as dangerous as it is perceived and can it get into the wrong hands? According to University of Alberta Physicist and CERN researcher Dr. Roger Moore- there is simply no need to fear. Dr. Roger Moore is working on the ATLAS project at CERN (European Centre for Nuclear Research) and is currently researching dark matter. The fact is that both antimatter and matter have existed since the Big Bang, and it is true; half a gram of antimatter mixed with the same amount of matter would create an explosion equal to kilotons of TNT. But antimatter is very difficult to create. According to Dr. Moore, “It would take roughly 10 million years to make 0.5 grams of antimatter”, and you then have to worry about storage. “You just can’t keep antimatter in a bottle. A bottle is made of matter- matter and antimatter, together they go boom”.
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ce to the community
Department of Psychology The Department of Psychology is shared between the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Arts and is one of the largest and best-known departments of its kind in North America. Its diversity means it can offer students comprehensive opportunities to study two different aspects of the field. A Science degree in psychology focuses on how the brain functions as well as how we perceive, learn and forget things. Students learn about perception and motivation, behavior and cognitive development with emphasis on the physical, biological and mathematical sciences.
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What you will learn: Our Specialization and Honors programs emphasize research and are structured to give specific training in Psychology. Our Faculty specializes in behavioral systems and cognitive neuroscience, development science, cognition and comparative cognition and behavior. Honors program students prepare for graduate school by doing a research project and taking part in research apprenticeship program. Combined with the Industrial Internship Program, either degree will be excellent preparation for graduate studies and professional practice, or basic and applied research A Psychology major in the General Program provides a more diverse mix of courses and a comprehensive range of experiences and skills important for understanding the mind and behavior.
The Science of sleep A team of researchers in the U of A Department of Psychology is one step closer to answering an intriguing and popular question about anomalies in our sleep patterns. That question is why, even though someone is completely unresponsive and lacking awareness during REM sleep, is their brain activity similar to when they are awake? U of A Associate Professor of Psychology Clayton Dickson is a member of this team which is looking at ways of treating sleep disorders and improving existing sleep medications. The team has recently discovered sleep patterns in a type of anesthesia that are the closest ever to a natural, non-groggy snooze. In their study the researchers used an anesthetic known as ethyl carbamate or urethane, and their findings show that this type of anesthesia can induce the full spectrum of the stages you would see during natural sleep. By comparing the brainwaves of rats under the anesthetic to those occurring with natural sleep, researchers discovered cyclic changes of brain states that were almost identical to those seen during the natural sleep cycle. Changes in muscle tone, respiration rates and heartbeat were also similar. Due to the high chemical dosage required, ethyl carbamate is not suitable for use in human consumption. The findings however can be used by neuroscientists, physiologists and others in the field to unravel the mysteries of sleep.
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Understanding aggressive behavior Dr. Pete Hurd and his students are trying to answer the question of why some individuals are more aggressive than others. Dr. Hurd, a Professor in the Department of Psychology’s Biocognition Unit and the University’s Centre for Neuroscience is researching the evolution of social behavior between individuals in conflict situations. His research uses mathematical modeling (including game theory and genetic algorithms), to understand both communication and decision making in aggressive situations. His team seeks to answer the questions: • How does evolutionary and game theory predict how individuals ought to behave in social conflicts?
• What factors influence decisions during such interactions? • What makes some individuals more aggressive than others? Dr. Hurd is a widely-published biologist working in the Department of Psychology and brings with him a different dynamic to his team that allows him to examine research data from various angles. The media spotlight shone on his recent research work that revealed a man’s index finger length relative to ring finger length can predict how inclined he is to be physically aggressive. (Women do not show a similar effect.)
Dr. Hurd’s research showed a direct correlation between finger lengths and the amount of testosterone that a fetus is exposed to in the womb. His team has also used these findings to show how likely the individual will be physically aggressive throughout his life. According to Dr. Hurd, “Finger lengths explain about five per cent of the variation in these personality measures, so research like this won’t allow you to draw conclusions about specific people. For example, you wouldn’t want to screen people for certain jobs based on their finger lengths,” Hurd said. “But finger length can tell you a little bit about where personality comes from, and that’s what we are continuing to explore.”
Did you know? Developmental Psychologist and Professor, Dr. Jeff Bisanz played a significant role in the formation of CUP (the University of Alberta Community-University Partnership for the Study of Children, Youth, and Families); an organization that helps university researchers help the general public directly. CUP was created as a way to help researchers connect with community leaders directly and have an impact. According to Dr. Bisanz, “There was a feeling in the community that all sorts of innovative programs were being developed, but community leaders felt there was a piece missing. They wanted to have contact with researchers who could help them keep up-todate.” From this sentiment, which was echoed by researchers who wanted to be doing research that was relevant to the community, CUP began. Dr. Pete Hurd
CUP has many ongoing projects that focus on families, childhood development, health and mentoring.
tanding behavior
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Science and Medicine Degree programs The Faculty of Science, in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, offers a number of outstanding undergraduate programs. Both faculties are internationally recognized for their teaching and research excellence, and it is this expertise, combined with first class teaching facilities, that places the U of A among the leaders in medical science education.
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We offer BSc programs in six areas of medical science: Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Immunology and Infection, Neuroscience, Pharmacology and Physiology. Honors programs are available in all 6 areas and Specialization programs are available in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Immunology and Infection, and Pharmacology.
Biochemistry Biochemistry is both a life and a chemical science. As a Biochemistry student you will explore the chemistry of living organisms and the molecular basis for change occurring in living cells. Because biochemistry tries to unravel the complex chemical reactions that occur in a variety of life forms, it provides the basis for practical advances in all areas of medicine, agriculture, veterinary medicine and forensics.
Cell Biology This life science takes a coordinated approach to the study of cells- the basic units of life. It integrates all the other life sciences in studying cells from the point of view of how they function. Courses in protein function, gene expression and developmental biology will provide students with a comprehensive cell biology background, and in turn preparation for entry into the workforce, graduate school or a professional program such as medicine.
Immunology & Infection Immunology is the study of the physiological system that prevents or limits attack by infectious organisms. This is a broadly based program that considers the full range of host responses to pathogens that occur in living organisms. The diversity of infectious agents and their adaptations in response to host immune systems will be central to the program.
Neuroscience
Physiology
Our BSc Honors in Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary program covering all aspects of brain function. Areas of studies include brain development, nerve cells and synapses, sensation and perception, learning and memory, control of movement, animal behavior, cognitive psychology, neurochemistry, computational neuroscience and disorders of the nervous system.
Physiology is the study of life. This program studies the way cells function and how tissues and organs work, not only in people, but also in animals and plants. Physiology helps us understand how our bodies function, how diseases and stress affect our bodies, and what can be done to manage these effects. By asking questions about the major systems of the human body, physiology can range from focusing on the study of one molecule in one cell to investigating how diet can prevent cardiovascular disease.
Pharmacology Pharmacology is the study of the way in which chemical substances affect living organisms. Our degree program covers four main areas: Pharmacodynamics: the study of the effects of drugs on the events and processes that occur in living things, Pharmacokinetics: the study of the processes which limit the duration or action of drugs, Toxicology: the study of the mechanisms by which chemicals cause harm to organizations, and finally, the use and abuse of drugs in society
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Science Plus
Industrial Internship Program / CAPS
Industrial Internship Program (IIP) As a University of Alberta science student you have an opportunity to take your studies beyond the classroom and gain valuable work experience- all as part of your BSc degree!
The IIP opportunity The program is available to Honors and Specialization students between the third and fourth years of their programs. Students are eligible to participate in 8, 12 or 16 month work terms and are paid industry-standard wages. Each department has an IIP coordinator who facilitates the program, monitors the success of the student and ensures the proper match between student and employer. For more detailed information visit the individual department websites.
The Faculty of Science offers Industrial Internship Programs offering students the opportunity to earn money and valuable work experience in the field. The program rounds out your education with realistic and practical experience to complement your theoretical knowledge. http://www.science.ualberta. ca/UndergraduateStudents/ It’s an opportunity to meet contacts IndustrialInternshipProgram.aspx in the industry, practice your interview skills and prepare for employment once you graduate.
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Our program is supported by industry leaders who see the value in bridging the gap between classroom knowledge and the work environment. Students are placed province-wide with successful companies from various scientific fields.
CAPS: Your U of A Career Centre Making your way from classroom to career: CAPS WORKS. CAPS offers a variety of career services and resources to University of Alberta undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, alumni and the University community. We can help you: • Explore your career options • Connect with employers • Write a resume • Find work • Ace a job interview • Stay in the loop about career-related issues www.caps.ualberta.ca
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Science Plus
Scholarships
Not only are we are proud to attract and retain the brightest minds, but our students are well recognized for their achievements! In fact, last year Faculty of Science students received approximately $3 million in scholarships. The University of Alberta has a very generous scholarship program for entrance, continuing, transfer and international students. Entrance Scholarships and Awards
Continuing Scholarships and Awards
High school students alone receive over $14 million in entrance awards and scholarships. We recognize academic excellence from grade 10 through 12, as well as community and leadership involvement. In addition to money awarded by the U of A, the Faculty of Science offers additional funding to entrance students with outstanding academic achievements.
Our current science students are recognized for their excellence in academics and research through numerous continuing scholarships, bursaries and awards.
First year Science students win nearly 50% of the scholarships and awards available to students entering the University of Alberta!
For more details, check out www.registrar.ualberta.ca/awards.
Transfer Scholarships and Awards Transfer students within Alberta, as well as those from other provinces and countries, also have access to specific scholarships and awards. Students can be awarded for excelling in academics, athletics and leadership.
pportunities
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Science Plus
Student MentorCohort program / Science Cohort Program / Science 100 Program
Faculty of Science Student Student Mentor Programeors Want to find out about Science from a student’s point of view? The Faculty of Science offers a mentoring program where prospective students can correspond with current students through email and find out about the university experience. Our Student Mentors are current Science students in their 2nd, 3rd or 4th year of study. These students come from various science degrees and have survived the first year experience. They know about campus resources, time management and course work load issues, are actively involved on campus and are among the tops students in their class. They take pride in their education‌ so who better to ask about the Science experience? To get in touch with a Faculty of Science Student Mentor, send an email to science.recruiting@ualberta.ca.
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The Faculty of Science Cohort Program A great way to make friends straight out of high school, the Faculty of Science Cohort program makes the transition from high school to university a little easier. The Cohort program consists of small student groups (cohorts) each assigned to a specific course timetable. We have developed several individual timetables, each with the 3 core courses for students to choose from. Once a student signs up for the program and selects a timetable, he or she belongs to that specific cohort. It is completely optional and is available to new students only. Students in each cohort attend Orientation as well as three of their fall term classes together, thus providing a familiar faces in classes. They are invited to attend special events throughout the semester and have the opportunity to form strong support networks within the first weeks of school. For more information on the Cohort program visit our website at http://www.science.ualberta.ca/ProspectiveStudents/ CohortProgram.aspx
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Science 100
Science 100 An interdisciplinary approach to Science Science 100 is a unique, full year course designed to push students to think beyond disciplinary boundaries. It is completely interdisciplinary as course material from each science discipline: Biology, Chemistry, Computing Science, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Mathematics, Physics and Psychology are all combined into one unified, full year course. Science 100 is ... • A unique lab- & project-based course that extensively uses active-and discovery-based learning & education. • Designed for dedicated students with a strong interest in all sciences and a collaborative approach to learning. • Limited to 40 students – Creating a high student/instructor ratio. • Taught by Instructors who are leaders in their fields of research as well as highly regarded, often award-winning teachers. http://www.science.ualberta.ca/ProspectiveStudents/ SCIENCE100.aspx
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Science
About the University of Alberta About the University of Alberta • The University of Alberta has 5 campuses! The Faculty of Science is located on the North Campus, in the province’s capital of Edmonton. The campus covers about 50 city blocks with more than 90 buildings on the edge of the North Saskatchewan River Valley. • We have a student population of approximately 37,000, including over 2700 students from 130 countries around the world. • We lead the country with 31 professors who have received national 3M Teaching Fellowships—Canada’s highest award for undergraduate university teaching excellence. • We are the only university in Canada to win national collegiate championships in all 11 team sports, including Golden Bears (men’s) hockey and volleyball in 2007-08. • We are growing! Opening in 2011, the state-of-the-art Edmonton Clinic will transform patient care and health-care education. The facility will join health sciences students with educators, clinicians, and researchers in a team-oriented, one-stop health-care centre.
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• The Alberta Diabetes Institute is a new research facility dedicated to discovering new ways to prevent, treat, and cure diabetes through multidisciplinary research and teamwork.
Come and visit us! You are welcome to tour our campus, meet with an advisor or even be a student for a day! Visit www.ualberta.ca/visitus for more details.
A new dinosaur species In 2008, a new dinosaur species, Pachyrhinosaur lakustai, was unearthed in Northern Alberta. The fossil discovery told the story of how a herd of dinosaurs perished in a catastrophic event 72.5 million years ago. Dr. Phillip Currie, internationally-renowned paleontologist and Canada Research Chair of Dinosaur Paleobiology, said the animal had a bony frill on the back of the skull ornamented with smaller horns. They also had large bony structures above their nose and eyes which lends them their name: Pachyrhinosaurus (thick-nosed lizard). Luckily the site was well preserved and this allowed the bones to be easily collected. It contained fossils from young and old individuals and according to Dr. Currie, this new species provides researchers with data that gives paleontologists a better understanding of the ancient life and ecosystems in Northwestern Alberta millions of years ago.

Opening in 2011... our new building, The Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Science (CCIS) will bring together researchers, professors and students from various disciplines to create a unique approach to scientific discovery. The integration of interdisciplinary teaching and research by world-class instructors will give our students the opportunity to learn in an environment that will equip them for work in an increasingly global and interdisciplinary economy.
Faculty of Science
Tel: (780) 492-4758
University of Alberta
Fax: (780) 492-7033
CW 223 Biological Sciences Building
E-mail: science.recruiting@ualberta.ca
Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9
Web site: www.science.ualberta.ca