SCIENCE WESTERN UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE VIEWBOOK 2022
uwo.ca/sci
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Table of Contents AREAS OF STUDY Computer and Mathematical Sciences Computer Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Mathematics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Statistical and Actuarial Sciences. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Physical Sciences Chemistry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Physics and Astronomy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Life Sciences Biology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Basic Medical Sciences. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Sustainability Sciences Earth Sciences. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Environmental Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Interdisciplinary Programs Integrated Science. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Data Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
ADMISSION Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Academic Paths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Which Life Science Program is Best for You?. . . . . 30
YOUR FUTURE Experience Western Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Career Paths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
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Computer Science INFORMATION SYSTEMS
COMPUTER SCIENCE
Are you passionate about business but need an
Develop a deep understanding of the background and
edge in a highly competitive marketplace? Do you
foundations of various areas of computer science.
want to learn how technology can be applied to solve
Students learn about graphics, networks, security,
critical business problems and create exciting new
databases, the internet, computer law and more.
opportunities? If so, information systems is for you!
Studying computer science at Western gives you a
This program will allow you to explore computing
wealth of possibilities for your future.
in a practical setting, preparing you to be the leader who knows how to make technology work for you and your organization, or the technical expert who understands the world of business.
COMPUTER SCIENCE COURSES BIOINFORMATICS Bioinformatics merges biology, computer science
➜ Artificial Intelligence
and information technology to form a single new
➜ Game Design
discipline. The goal of bioinformatics is to enable
➜ Data Structures and Algorithms
the discovery of new biological insights and unifying principles that create a global perspective in biology. Students study methods for storing, retrieving, organizing and analyzing biological data. These methods entail the development of new software tools and techniques for generating and making sense of new, useful biological knowledge.
➜ Computer Architecture ➜ Multimedia and Communication ➜ Master the Mainframe ➜ Computational Biology ➜ Organization of Programming Languages
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99
%
EMPLOYED
Nearly all Computer Science students are employed within 24 months of graduation.
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Mathematics
SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICAL AND STATISTICAL SCIENCES APPLIED MATHEMATICS Mathematics is the language of science. The flow
MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICAL SCIENCES
of air over a wing, the way birds flock and the
There is no need to choose between the disciplines
mechanism by which organisms evolve all follow
of mathematics and statistics in the School of
mathematical laws. If you want to contribute to
Mathematical and Statistical Sciences at Western.
the next generation of scientific breakthroughs,
This combined program is designed for students
then modelling scientific phenomena with math
who enjoy exploring theoretical concepts but
and solving the resulting equations with our
who also want to implement knowledge in a
applied mathematics community may be your path
practical way. Courses offered give students a solid
to success.
background in mathematical concepts as well as experience with statistical tools and mathematical modelling. Study mathematics and statistical sciences at Western to prepare for a career in any
MATHEMATICS COURSES
logical models.
➜ Advanced Calculus
MATHEMATICS
➜ Methods of Matrix Algebra
Often known as ‘The Queen of the Sciences,’
➜ Mathematical Structures ➜ Algebraic Topology ➜ Partial Differential Equations ➜ Introduction to Neural Networks ➜ Field Theory ➜ Methods of Finite Mathematics
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discipline that depends on mathematical and
mathematics is the discipline of pure abstract thought. A degree in mathematics allows you to grapple with questions like how can space be curved or what is the best way to pack 26-dimensional spheres together? A profound background in mathematics is fundamental to the practical field of cryptography and provides deep training for any profession in which logical thinking is at a premium.
Join the Math Club at Western to make friends with like-minded people, and enjoy food, friendly competition and more. math.uwo.ca/macaw
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Western’s COMAP Mathematical Contest team consistently places high against over 2,000 teams worldwide.
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Statistical and Actuarial Sciences SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICAL AND STATISTICAL SCIENCES ACTUARIAL SCIENCE
FINANCIAL MODELLING
Actuaries are the brains of insurance companies.
Are you great at seeing patterns, solving problems
They create and manage financial products
and strategizing? Studying financial modelling may
designed to mitigate the impact of life challenges
be right for you. At Western, the Financial Modelling
such as premature death, major illness, disability
Program will teach you to forecast, quantify, hedge
and property damage. At Western, we train you
and manage financial risk like rising interest rates
to become a sophisticated business professional
when it’s time to renew a home mortgage, a stock
who assesses the probability and impact of these
market crash requiring a delayed retirement or a dip
events to design situations which mitigate personal
in share value impacting acquisition negotiations.
challenges.
STATISTICS Statisticians collect data and analyze it, looking for patterns that explain behaviour or describe the world as it is. Studying data, students will design and build models, which help to understand the world and to make predictions. At Western, you will
STATISTICAL AND ACTUARIAL SCIENCES COURSES ➜ Survival Analysis
have the ability to learn statistical programming,
➜ Mathematics for Finance
learn how data is collected and studied, and use
➜ Data Science
mathematical models to test hypotheses.
➜ Financial Modelling ➜ Generalized Linear Models ➜ Advanced Statistical Computing ➜ Corporate Finance ➜ Actuarial Practice
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➜ Statistical Programming
Western is accredited by the Statistical Society of Canada and students completing a degree in Statistics may receive accreditation as an Associate Statistician.
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OVER SCHOLARSHIPS
The Department of Statistical and Actuarial Sciences has a range of scholarships available to students.
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Chemistry CHEMISTRY
BIOCHEMISTRY AND CHEMISTRY
Everywhere we go, no matter if we are able to see
What is a double-helix? Why am I allergic to peanuts?
it directly or not, chemistry plays a critical role in
What is cholesterol and why is it only in animals?
everything around us. From vaccine development,
Why are some plants edible and others are not?
operating a motor vehicle or even using your phone,
Understanding the chemistry of living systems helps
all involve some form of chemistry. Known as the
us to understand life, what keeps us alive and what
central science, chemistry is defined by the study of
keeps us healthy. If you are interested in devising ways
materials and their behaviour at both the atomic and
to solve problems when the chemistry goes wrong,
molecular level. Since all matter consists of atoms
as in cancer and other related diseases and chronic
and molecules, knowledge and understanding of
health conditions, consider studying biochemistry
chemistry is key for understanding areas in other
at Western.
physical and biological sciences. Western students learn a solid foundation for a wide variety of careers, and talents that are crucial in today’s competitive job market.
CHEMISTRY COURSES ➜ Discovering Chemical Structure ➜ Organic Chemistry of Biological Molecules
➜ Thermodynamics ➜ Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy
➜ Medicinal Chemistry ➜ Radiation and Nuclear Systems Chemistry
➜ Modern Chemical Synthesis
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Chemistry students in a 4-year degree program will do a capstone research project in the laboratory of a faculty member.
600
HOURS
Chemistry undergraduates are immersed in a range of laboratory experiences. Over their 4 years, a Chemistry student will spend more time in the lab than a student in any other science discipline.
First-year labs are flooded with natural light, offer large workstations for learning collaborations and are fitted with computer-controlled modular equipment to simulate an authentic lab environment.
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Physics and Astronomy PHYSICS
ASTROPHYSICS
What do tracking forest fire smoke in the Earth’s
Are you interested in understanding the universe and
atmosphere, simulating the motion of water waves
our place in it? Consider studying astrophysics at
in an ice-covered river, and computer simulations
Western! Through the interaction of light and matter,
of nano-scale phenomena have in common?
you can access the universe through observatories
Physics. Physicists interpret the world around us
around the world and in space. Astrophysicists at
through mathematical descriptions of nature based
Western will help you explore black holes, exoplanets,
on a few unifying principles. In studying physics at
meteors, the atmospheres of Earth and other planets,
Western you’ll learn about quantum mechanics,
the dust and gas between the stars, and the evolution
relativity, electromagnetism and thermodynamics,
of galaxies over cosmic time.
and their applications to materials, magnetism, meteors and more, readying yourself for technical and academic careers.
MEDICAL PHYSICS Do you have a love of physics and an interest in
PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY COURSES
contributing to modern medicine? Medical physics students at Western have the opportunity to apply fundamental physics knowledge to developing tools for cancer treatments, the next generation of magnetic resonance imaging scanners and imaging
➜ Understanding Earth’s Atmosphere
➜ Oscillations and Waves
techniques, and miniature lab-on-a-chip devices for
➜ Quantum Mechanics
studying cells. They use advanced computational
➜ Electromagnetic Theory
techniques to analyze complex brain maps. Join the team of medical physicists at Western to investigate
➜ Radiological Physics
these topics and more.
➜ Astrophysics of Interstellar Space ➜ Search for Life in the Universe ➜ Observing the Stars
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FEWER THAN UNDERGRADS A small department means SMALL CLASS SIZES and MORE PROFESSOR ATTENTION
Physics laboratories are designed to ENCOURAGE TEAMWORK and COLLABORATION, important skills for all future careers.
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Biology BIOLOGY
GENETICS
Biology can be studied at the level of molecules, cells, organisms and populations. Students in the Biology Program can learn about a wide range of organisms, from microbes to humans, and a wide range of topics, including ecology, evolutionary biology, and plant and animal physiology. With a broad range module, you can take a few courses in many subjects, or narrow in to one or two.
The most important alphabet on Earth is its smallest — the four letter code of DNA. How hereditary information is conveyed using such a small code began to be understood by studying organisms in which something was wrong (mutants). Today this traditional approach is complemented by molecular genetics, which takes advantage of a wealth of DNA sequence information as well as technologies that allows one to easily disrupt and replace specific genes. As a student, you can take a range of courses focused on gene structure, function and regulation that are taught using a range of animal, plant and microbial systems.
ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR Behaviour involves a wide range of traits from animal communication, foraging, sexual behaviour, social organization and cognition. Research into behaviour ranges from analyses involving hormone levels and gene expression through to addressing broad questions such as the functions that behaviour serves, how behaviour develops and how specific behaviours have evolved. This area of study draws on expertise from both the Department of Biology and the Department of Psychology.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION The total number of species on Earth is close to 9 million. However, scientists estimate that over 80% have yet to be discovered! There is a strong need for better scientific understanding of global biological diversity, the threats to its existence, and development and implementation of methods for its conservation. Addressing these issues requires individuals with a solid grounding in systematics, genetics, ecology and field biology, which provide a foundation for advanced courses and hands-on experiences in conservation and restoration.
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BIOLOGY COURSES ➜ Cell Biology ➜ Organismal Physiology ➜ Animal Diversity: Ancestral Vertebrates to Jellyfish
➜ Evolution of Plants ➜ Aquatic Ecology ➜ Conservation Biology ➜ DNA: Genome Organization, Mutagenesis and Repair
➜ Physiology of Animal Migration
EXPLORE THE WORLD! Biology students can go on a Field Study to do research in an exotic location and get credit for it! Field courses are offered in locations such as Costa Rica, Belize, the Adirondacks, Virgina and Ecuador.
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COURSES Biology offers both lab and lecture-based courses that span from the gene to the ecosystem.
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Basic Medical Sciences The Bachelor of Medical Sciences Program that leads to the four-year BMSc degree is offered jointly by the Faculty of Science and the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. It is designed for students interested in advanced study of one or more of the basic medical sciences. This joint program focuses on the application of science to the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of human disease.
BIOCHEMISTRY Personalized medicine informed by genome
INTERDISCIPLINARY MEDICAL SCIENCES
analysis. Designer organisms that produce valuable
Interdisciplinary research is an emerging field in the
medications or clean up environmental toxins.
medical sciences! Come join the Interdisciplinary
Rational drug discovery to correct specific cellular
Medical Sciences Program, where we identify and
malfunctions. Crucial to advances in biotechnology
study a disease that is relevant to the health and
is understanding how life works at the molecular
well-being of Canadians. We emphasize the value
level. Biochemistry at Western explores the intricate
of studying a disease from multiple disciplines to
interplay among the molecules that sustain life.
advance medical science research.
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND BIOSTATISTICS Are you interested in understanding why some people get sick and others do not? Epidemiologists
BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES COURSES
investigate why rates of disease vary by person, place and time. As such, epidemiology is the science which
➜ Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
underlies public health practice. You will learn how to
➜ Human Pharmacology and
identify causes of disease, and how to evaluate new strategies for preventing people from becoming ill and for treating people in whom disease develops.
MEDICAL CELL BIOLOGY Medical cell biology is the study of the cell, the basic building block of life. You will learn how cells work together to form tissues, organs and the human
Therapeutic Principles
➜ Cadaveric Anatomy ➜ Organic Chemistry of Biological Molecules
➜ Genetics ➜ Systemic Anatomy of the Human Body
body. You will also learn what happens when cells
➜ Medical Imaging
malfunction leading to diseases such as cancer.
➜ Microbiology and Immunology ➜ Neurobiology of Mental Illness
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In Years 1 and 2, students are registered in the Faculty of Science and learn the fundamentals of biology, chemistry, physics and math. In Year 3, students transition to courses offered by the Basic Medical Sciences departments in the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry.
650
STUDENTS
ADMITTED IN 2021
The competitive Basic Medical Sciences program has LIMITED ENROLLMENT into Year 3.
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MEDICAL BIOINFORMATICS
ONE HEALTH
Medical bioinformatics is the use of computational
Did you know that more than 60% of all known
methods to solve problems in biomedical sciences.
human diseases are passed from other species?
High-throughput technologies that rapidly generate
Degradation of our environment also creates
enormous amounts of data (e.g., next-generation
favorable settings for the emergence of new
sequencing platforms), which were once
diseases and the expansion of existing ones. One
considered “cutting edge,” are now essential tools
Health is an exciting new interdisciplinary field that
in modern biomedical and clinical laboratories.
aims to understand how humans, the environment
This module provides students with the necessary
and animals are interconnected and interdependent
foundation in computing, statistics and medical
for health. One Health links many different types of
sciences, followed by a series of unique courses
scientists and scientific approaches – all the way
in medical bioinformatics with an emphasis on
from basic and environmental science to biomedical
practical skill development.
science to population health to policy and governance – with the goal of improving our health.
MICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY How do humans survive when we are constantly exposed to microbes outside and inside our body? The Microbiology and Immunology Program teaches you how our immune system responds to microbial infections and cancer; how some microbes cause global infectious diseases and epidemics while others benefit our health, industry and the environment; why we get vaccines, autoimmune diseases, allergies; and so much more.
PATHOLOGY Pathology is the study of disease. Understanding how and why a disease develops is the foundation of pathology. Cancer, asthma and heart attacks are just some of many disease processes studied in pathology. This multidisciplinary field draws from basic sciences of anatomy, cell biology, genetics, immunology and physiology to study the cause, origin and nature of diseases. Deciphering the mechanisms of diseases has led to major advances in medical approaches, such as vaccines against
NEUROSCIENCE The human brain is the part of the body that makes each of us unique. It holds our thoughts, experiences and emotions, and allows us to adapt to our changing world. In the Neuroscience Program, you will learn the mysteries of the brain and how brain injury can lead to disorders such as Alzheimer’s, autism and depression.
infectious diseases, organ transplantation, safe blood transfusion, genetics and forensics.
PHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY Want to learn about how the human body works and how to treat diseases with drugs? Physiology and pharmacology explores how your body works and how to treat it when things go wrong by learning about the body’s main organs…brain, heart, kidney, liver and more.
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schulich.uwo.ca/bmsc
schulich.uwo.ca/neuroscience
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Earth Sciences GEOLOGY
GEOPHYSICS
Geology studies the processes that shape the Earth’s
The Earth’s interior is responsible for the planet’s
surface features, interior structure and composition.
magnetic field that protects life from the Sun’s
At Western, multidisciplinary skills are developed
harmful radiation and plate tectonics which create
in the field and the laboratory, as well as through
ocean basins, earthquakes, volcanoes and valuable
theory and computation. This broad approach will
mineral resources. Yet, the interior cannot be
give you the skills to meet emerging challenges in
directly observed. Geophysics at Western offers a
the responsible development of mineral, energy
great opportunity to study the innovative tools and
and water resources, addressing climate change,
theories that geophysicists use to unlock the secrets
mitigating natural hazards like earthquakes,
of the interior of the Earth and other planets, and
volcanoes and meteorite impacts, and understanding
prepare you for an exciting future in exploration and
deep time, the evolution of life and mass extinctions.
risk mitigation.
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOSCIENCE Rocks, minerals and water are essential for life on Earth, provide necessities for modern society and control global climate. Study environmental geoscience at Western to learn about the Earth’s surface processes and materials that are related to sustainability. In addition to classroom learning of theory, students will have the ability to participate in field and laboratory work to take these learnings and use them in a practical sense, preparing for a career to address challenges related to natural resources and climate change.
EARTH SCIENCES COURSES ➜ Earth Rocks! ➜ Catastrophic Events in Earth
History ➜ Origin and Geology of the Solar
System ➜ Paleobiology and Paleoecology ➜ Igneous Petrology ➜ Plate Tectonic Theory,
Environments and Products ➜ Life on Planet Earth ➜ Astrobiology
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Earth Sciences students can choose to pursue modules in Geology, Geophysics and Environmental Geoscience designed to help them meet the professional registration qualifications to become a LICENSED GEOSCIENTIST after graduation.
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FIELD STUDY COURSES
Travel, explore and get credit in FIELD STUDY COURSES WITH LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL LOCATIONS.
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Environmental Science Environmental issues ranging from biodiversity loss, access to safe and clean water, energy, and renewable resources, to ecosystem health, natural disasters, and sustainable business practices are explored in the Environmental Science Program at Western. Students learn to communicate environmental science across disciplines and to apply knowledge from these different fields to develop
solutions to real-world issues. Building on a solid core of science – including content in biology, chemistry, mathematics, earth sciences, geographic information science and physical geography – Environmental Science students have the added benefit of access to training in other disciplines ranging from anthropology, business, and economics, to First Nations studies, philosophy, political science, human geography and sociology.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE COURSES ➜ Environmental Science and Sustainability
➜ Natural Science of Environmental Problems
➜ Geomicrobiology ➜ Geographic Information Science ➜ Ecosystem Health ➜ Restoration Ecology ➜ Hydrogeology ➜ Isotope Geochemistry in Earth
and Environmental Science Environmental Science students conduct their research projects in state-of-the-art facilities like the Biotron Experimental Climate Change Research Centre.
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DUAL DEGREE OPTIONS Combine a degree in environmental science with Engineering or Honours Business Administration (Ivey HBA)
Students with a two-year Environmental Technician or three-year Environmental Technology Advanced Diploma from most Ontario colleges can RECEIVE ADVANCED STANDING CREDITS toward an Environmental Science degree.
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Integrated Science AN INTERDISCIPLINARY PROGRAM The Western Integrated Science (WISc) Program is a four-year honours program that combines the focused coursework of a traditional honours degree
INTEGRATED SCIENCE CONCENTRATIONS
Science courses that explore the interdisciplinary
Students can specialize their degree by choosing one of nine disciplines to concentrate their studies on:
nature of science. Whether it’s climate change,
• Astrophysics
• Environmental Science
renewable energy or antibiotic resistance, today’s
• Biology
• Genetics
most pressing problems are fundamentally
• Chemistry
interdisciplinary. The ability to address these
• Computer Science
• Mathematical & Statistical Sciences
challenges requires that you have both discipline-
• Earth Sciences
• Physics
with an innovative and diverse set of Integrated
specific expertise and a broader perspective, allowing you to work and communicate well with scientists from other disciplines. With small classes and a collaborative structure, WISc will refine your critical-thinking, problem-solving, teamwork and leadership skills, while you learn the fundamentals of a broad range of science disciplines. If you love hands-on experimentation and enjoy being an active member of a small community, then
INTEGRATED SCIENCE COURSES
Integrated Science is the right program for you. ➜ Sustainability and the Environment
ADMISSION Admission is competitive; limited to only 60 students each year. There is a two-step application process. In addition to the admission requirements for Science,
➜ Exploring the Landscape of Science ➜ Evolution of Scientific Processes ➜ Big Data and Mathematical
Modelling
Integrated Science also requires Grade 12 Chemistry
➜ Materials and Biomaterials
(SCH4U or equivalent).
➜ Science and the Community
uwo.ca/sci/wisc/future_students
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➜ Philosophy for Integrated Science
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STUDENTS A YEAR Admission to Integrated Science is limited to keep classes small.
In second semester of first year, instead of taking four separate science courses, WISc students take a single unifying course that EXPLORES THE INTERCONNECTIONS BETWEEN THE MAJOR SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINES through small classroom interactions and working on unique experiments in the state-of-the-art WISc laboratory.
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Data Science AN INTERDISCIPLINARY PROGRAM Data is everywhere. Today, algorithms fueled by
data science courses and programs that will give
data influence what we read, what we buy and what
you the opportunity to learn data science and apply
we like. The amount of data collected increases
it effectively in practice.
every day, be it in science, business or at home. Data science is the discipline that helps us extract
The Data Science Program at Western has been
useful knowledge from these large and potentially
designed from the ground up with contributions
noisy datasets. Because data is becoming so
from Computer Science, Statistical and Actuarial
essential to every modern activity, data science
Sciences, Mathematics, Engineering, and other
is becoming a part of all disciplines. Western has
departments and faculties. The offerings are aimed
designed a set of integrated and multi-disciplinary
at training multidisciplinary professionals who can tackle complex, data-driven problems, generate actionable insights from the data and communicate these results effectively. Whatever your background, data science at Western will provide you with the skill set to help you succeed in your future career.
DATA SCIENCE COURSES ➜ Data Structures and Algorithms ➜ Mathematical Foundations in Data Science
➜ Introduction to Machine Learning ➜ Software Tools and Systems Programming
➜ Probability and Statistics ➜ Discrete Structures for Computing ➜ Artificial Intelligence ➜ Software Project Management Students are empowered to learn and use data science by engaging in hands-on learning experiences through labs
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and assignments.
1 JOB
#
Data Scientist was ranked the top job of 2021 by Career Cast
Data science is becoming an essential component of virtually every discipline, including finance, engineering, psychology and business. Western offers FOUR FLEXIBLE UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS at different levels of specialization so you can choose the right level of skill to help you succeed in your future career.
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Admission FOR SCIENCE (OUAC code: ES) Mandatory
Plus Two Courses From:
English (ENG4U)
Advanced Functions (MHF4U)
Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U)
Biology (SBI4U) Chemistry (SCH4U)* Computer and Information Science (ICS4U) Earth and Space Sciences (SES4U) Math and Data Management (MDM4U) Physics (SPH4U)
NOTE: First-year Biology and Chemistry courses require Grade 12 Biology (SBI4U) and Grade 12 Chemistry (SCH4U), respectively. First-year Biology and Chemistry courses are required for all modules offered by the Department of Biology and some modules offered by the Department of Chemistry and other Science departments. *Integrated Science students must complete Grade 12 Chemistry (SCH4U).
FOR BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES (OUAC code: ESM) Mandatory English (ENG4U) Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U) Biology (SBI4U) Chemistry (SCH4U) NOTE: Although it is not required, it is strongly recommended that students complete Grade 12 Physics (SPH4U).
JOIN THE APPROXIMATELY
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Students studying SCIENCE and BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES
Academic Paths
WESTERN’S MODULAR DEGREE STRUCTURE — GIVING YOU THE POWER OF CHOICE WHAT IS A MODULE?
Modules can be combined in the three different degree-types:
A module is a collection of courses that
Honours Bachelor Degree
Bachelor Degree
define an area of concentration. The number
(4 Years/20 courses) • Honours Specialization • Honours Specialization-Major • Honours Specialization-Minor • Major-Major
(4 Years/20 courses) • Specialization • Specialization-Major • Specialization-Minor • Major-Major • Major • Major-Minor • Major-Minor-Minor
of courses included in the module is defined by the amount of specialization in the topic.
YOU HAVE THOUSANDS OF OPTIONS Western’s modular system allows you to combine a Science module with a module in
Bachelor Degree (3 Years/15 courses) • Major • Major-Minor • Minor-Minor
another Science or non-Science discipline to tailor your degree to fit your interests and aspirations. At Western, there are literally thousands of possible combinations of modules.
Possible modules of study (after First-Year:) • Honours Specialization (9.0 or more specified courses)
DUAL DEGREE PROGRAMS Reaching a career goal may require more than one degree or certificate. Western offers several combined and concurrent programs so you can earn two degrees in less time, extend the scope of your marketable skills and cross traditional borders in your future careers.
• Specialization (9.0 or more specified courses)
Combined Degree Options
• Major (6.0 - 7.0 specified courses)
Science/Medical Sciences and Business (IVEY)
• Minor (4.0 - 5.0 specified courses)
Concurrent Degree Options Science/Medical Sciences and Engineering Science and Nursing Science and Music
VIEW ALL SCIENCE MODULES: uwo.ca/sci/undergraduate/future_students/academic_programs/modules_at_a_glance.html
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Which Life Science Program is
Best for You?
Western offers three life science programs: Health Sciences, Medical Sciences and Biology. Each has its own focus and yet can prepare you for graduate school or professional programs such as Medicine, Dentistry, Education, Occupational and Physical Therapy, Law and Business. While there is no defined undergraduate path to these programs, there may be specific courses that need to be completed.
HEALTH SCIENCES
LIFE SCIENCES (BIOLOGY)
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Science
The Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc)
The Bachelor of Science (BSc) program in Biology
program focuses on the interdisciplinary study
offers modules that allow for the study of life at
of health and wellness in an ever-changing
different levels of biological organisation - from
society, in addition to domestic and international
how organisms interact with each other and the
health systems.
environment at the level of the ecosystem through to
Students in Health Sciences can study health
the study of individual genes.
promotion, health and aging, rehabilitation science and more.
Learn more on page 14
Learn more at www.uwo.ca/fhs
MEDICAL SCIENCES Faculty of Science and Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry The Bachelor of Medical Sciences (BMSc) Program offers modules that explore the molecular, cellular and systemic organisation of the human body
Explore the LIFE SCIENCE programs that Western has to offer, see admissions requirements and chat live with current
and the biological mechanisms it uses to adapt to environmental changes and disease.
Learn more on page 16
students from each of the programs.
Visit welcome.uwo.ca
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Experience Western Science
The university experience is far more than the sum of your lectures and textbooks. At Western Science, you’ll experience research, hone practical skills with labs and field courses, and build communication skills through written reports and presentations. We call it high-impact learning. You’ll call it highly rewarding.
CAPSTONE PROJECTS Both the BSc and BMSc programs offer a mentored research project in a world-class professor’s lab. This could be your hands-on introduction to our cuttingedge facilities, science research and may even result in your first technical publication.
SCIENCE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM Gain significant work experience, ’try-on’ a career, and make valuable contacts – all while earning a full salary. These eight to 16-month paid positions in industry and government are open to Year-3 students.
INTERNATIONAL LEARNING Interested in experiencing a new culture, language or exotic venue while developing your knowledge, skills and network? Western encourages global exploration
SCIENCE CLUBS
through exchanges and study abroad programs with other universities, field schools, summer research, internships and volunteer opportunities.
SUMMER RESEARCH Working in a lab over the summer is a great way to explore your research interests, develop technical skills, expand your network and be mentored by world-class researchers and their graduate students. The NSERC Undergraduate Summer Research Award, Western programs, and individual
➜ Science Students’ Council ➜ BUGS - Biology Undergraduate
Society ➜ ChemClub ➜ Actuarial & Statistical
Undergraduate Association ➜ Math Club at Western (MaCAW) ➜ Outcrop Club (Geology) ➜ Pharmacology Club
researcher’s grants combine to offer a wide variety of
➜ Pre-Medical Society
opportunities. You may even end up authoring your
➜ Pre-Dental Society
first professional research paper!
➜ Pre-Veterinary Society ➜ Space Society of London
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Career Paths
Medicine
Computer Science Physics and Astronomy School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences
Systems Analyst Graduate Mobile Studies
Software Engineer
Developer Game Developer
Network Analyst Network Administrator
Database Administrator Web Developer
Security Analyst
Data Scientist Systems Engineer
Researcher
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Programmer Analyst Data Modeller
Professional School Multimedia Programmer
User Interface Designer
COMPUTER SCIENCE
Technology Manager
E-commerce Analyst
Financial Advisor
Big Data Analyst Industrial Process Innovation
Financial Management
Insurance
SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICAL & STATISTICAL SCIENCES
Professional School
Marketing
Pension Employee Benefits Officer Scientific Research Government Scientists Including Weather Forecasting and Climate Prediction
Science Educator
Radiation Oncologist
PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY
Medical Imaging Physicist Professional Professional Programs School Including
University/ College Professor
Financial Analyst
Medicine, Engineering
Data Scientist
Academic and Industrial Scientist
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Career Paths Basic Medical Sciences Chemistry Environmental Science Earth Sciences
Graduate Studies
Health Care, Health Services or Public Health
One-third of
Graduate BMSc and Neuroscience Studies
students move on to Graduate Studies
BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES Including: Audiology, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy
Professional Programs
Professional Programs Careers in Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Industries
Resource Evaluation
Including: Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Optometry
EARTH SCIENCES For Private and Public Sector Organisations
Petroleum Exploration and Development
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Government
Technical Writer
(Science Policy)
Production Chemist
Professional School
CHEMISTRY Policy Development
Pharmacologist Quality Control Technician
Conservation
Natural Hazards Research
Education
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE Management of Water Resources
Professional School Metal And Industrial Mining and Exploration
Research
Resource Sustainability
Professional Remediation of Contaminated School Sites
Satellite and Land-based Imaging for Exploration
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