Bachelor of Health Sciences Program Brochure

SOMETIMES IT FEELS LIKE I HAVE A SUPERPOWER

To be a leader in the diverse and

I always enjoyed engineering and robotics so I chose Dr. Kourosh Zareinia, robotics engineer with Project neuroArm™, as a mentor. It was a way for me to reconnect with engineering and step out of my biology comfort zone.

Health Sciences is a research-intensive

I was dumbfounded by all the devices in the neuroArm™ lab; it was like walking into a sci-fi movie. Not only could I control robots, but the dexterity, precision and especially the haptic feedback mechanism in the arm itself made me feel like I had suddenly developed a superpower. Jay Wang Biomedical Sciences Developed at the University of Calgary, neuroArm™ is the world’s first MRI-compatible surgical robot. neuroarm.org

dynamic global health-care sector, a well-rounded background in the health sciences is invaluable. The Bachelor of honours degree that encompasses the full spectrum of health sciences education — from cell to society — and supports a rich and interactive learning environment in line with the Cumming

MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

School of Medicine’s vision to create

The BHSc mentorship program pairs students with a faculty member or senior student who provides resources, research opportunities and insight into the program and even future careers.

the future of health.

Bachelor of Health Sciences Cumming School of Medicine University of Calgary Health Sciences Centre 3330 Hospital Drive NW Calgary, AB T2N 4N1 E: bhsc@ucalgary.ca P: 403.210.9730 cumming.ucalgary.ca/bhsc

BACHELOR OF HEALTH SCIENCES

LEARNING HOW TO BE A RESEARCHER The Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) program is designed to teach a key element of health research — how to be a researcher. Inquiry-based learning and an active research experience inspires creative thinking and the development of investigative skills early on and throughout the program. Unique in its self-directed nature, the program places huge stock in mentorship, and the opportunity to build relationships with internationally renowned researchers is one of the primary reasons for its success. Plenty of interaction with professors, teaching assistants and classmates also creates a great sense of community. All BHSc students designate a program stream when they apply: Bioinformatics integrates computer and biological sciences — from modelling biological systems in computer simulations to showing how the human body works from an information systems perspective. Biomedical Sciences teaches a solid foundation in the basic sciences and scientific methods — with the added benefit of exposure to the latest technologies in biomedical and biotechnology research. Health and Society deals with concepts of health and illness from a population view and a social science angle — using social and medical science to ask and answer crucial questions about health and well-being.

BIOINFORMATICS AT WORK

STUDENT EXPERIENCE iGEM: The International Genetically Engineered Machine competition is entirely student initiated. The University of Calgary competes as a multi-faculty team in this annual contest to use synthetic biology to solve real-world problems, like can genetically modified bacteria really help clean up tailings ponds?

I was really interested in learning about the use of computer technologies in biological sciences and the bioinformatics stream gave me the opportunity to see innovative applications of this in health research.

Global Health: Research goes global for a dozen BHSc students each year as they travel to Tanzania, Ethiopia or the Dominican Republic as part of an equitable research partnership.

Armin Rouhi Bioinformatics The University of Calgary’s LINDSAY Virtual Human uses touch interfaces to model the human body, showcasing anatomy and physiology in 3D. lindsayvirtualhuman.org

LEADER IN HEALTH SCIENCES SCHOLARSHIP The Leader in Health Sciences Scholarship aims to support future physician scientists — medical doctors committed to advancing research. Recipients will be awarded $15,000 per year for the four-year BHSc program, a total value of $60,000, and will be granted assured admission to the University of Calgary’s MD program upon BHSc graduation and meeting MD program criteria.

THE PROGRAM • Four-year undergraduate degree • Honours thesis designation

APPLY!

CUMMING.UCALGARY.CA/BHSC

RESEARCH ON THE FAST TRACK This program is rooted in developing an interdisciplinary mindset in students. I have had an incredible journey pursuing my interest in neuroscience through epidemiology, clinical populations, nutrition and, hopefully, will continue on to physician advocacy in neuro-intensive care. Jackie Williamson Health and Society With support from the Markin Undergraduate Student Research Program Jackie researched the risk factors among young cyclists and is already a published author in science publications. ucalgary.ca/usrp