Disciplines
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What kinds of Engineering can I study after the Qualifying/Common/Foundational First Year?
You have a lot to choose from! It all starts with the Qualifying First Year, then you will rank all of the disciplines in order of preference. Discipline placement is based on your GPA and other requirements during the Qualifying/Common/Foundational First Year. You will also rank your preferred specialization (discipline) along with route - either the four-year Traditional Degree or a five-year Co-op Program. Co-op routes are competitive as well!
Explore our available Disciplines and Degrees, including links to more information on the UAlberta Registrar's Office Admissions website.
Looking for help in choosing your second-year program?
Visit the Engineering Student Service (Program Help section of our website!). Once you are in your program, visit Second Year Registration for instructions on how to register.
First-Year Engineering Discipline Information Nights
First-Year Engineering Discipline Information Nights (FYN) is to offer an opportunity for qualifying year engineering students to learn more about the various discipline programs offered by the Faculty of Engineering and to support their program selection process.
First Year Discipline Information Nights for the 2023-2024 academic year will be held throughout March 2024 prior to the discipline program selection deadline on April 30. 2024. Learn more about program selection here.
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
From tiny life-saving devices to the engines, machines, and plants that power our world, the influence that mechanical engineering has on our society is profound. The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alberta offers a broad-based program that prepares graduates for immediate employment in a wide variety of industries and emphasizes opportunities for you to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on application and design. You will gain a thorough understanding of mechanical engineering by taking courses in five major areas: solid mechanics, dynamics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and design.
Department of Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical Option
Biomedical or biomechanical engineering is the application of the principles of engineering to the solution of problems in medicine and clinical sciences. You’ll receive a human-centric education that builds on the traditional mechanical engineering degree, and helps prepare you for employment in the healthcare industry, or for graduate-level studies.
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Proposed Program: Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics AND ROBOTICS Engineering
Artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and robotics are revolutionizing many industries, from medicine to aerospace, and forestry to nanotechnology. To respond to the Government of Alberta's new strategy to diversify our economy, drive innovation and support these changes across industry, the University of Alberta is proposing a new program in Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering.
The Departments of Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical and Computer Engineering are proposing this new undergraduate engineering that will prepare students for exciting careers in automation, manufacturing, energy, precision healthcare, resource management, logistics, heavy industries, and more.
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
In the electrical engineering program at the University of Alberta you will gain hands-on experience working on electrical devices and systems that transmit, distribute, store, control and use electromagnetic energy or electrically coded information.
Electrical Nanoengineering Option
The electrical nanoengineering option provides an introduction to the principles of electronics, electromagnetics, and photonics as they apply at the nanoscale level. By selecting this option, students will learn about the processes involved in the fabrication of nanoscale structures and become familiar with the computer-aided design tools necessary for analyzing phenomena at high levels of miniaturization.
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
Computer Engineering
Computer engineers play a key role in designing, constructing, and integrating the technology that continues to change our lives every day. Our computer engineering program provides you with a broad background in the theory and application of hardware and software technologies.
Nanoscale Systems Design Option
The nanoscale systems design option gives you the opportunity to focus on the emerging field of nanotechnology, giving you an introduction to the processes involved in the fabrication of nanoscale integrated circuits and in designing the tools necessary for the mass production of nanoscale systems. The University of Alberta is a leader in nanotechnology and nano-scale engineering.
Software Option
The software option provides you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the rapidly evolving field of software engineering and development. You will build on your foundational knowledge in computing by studying areas such as discrete and continuous mathematics, physical science, logic, and engineering design principles through to application and development of software systems of all sizes.
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics
Engineering Physics
Engineering physicists are accomplishing breakthroughs and innovations in a variety of fields by applying cutting-edge physics research to new and existing technologies. The University of Alberta’s engineering physics program starts with a strong foundation in mathematics and physics and builds upon these principles through active research projects in areas such as fusion energy, microelectronics, robotics systems, and fibre-optic communications.
Engineering Physics Nanoengineering Option
The engineering physics nanoengineering option provides an introduction to the physics problems associated with engineering at the nanoscale level. You will have a wealth of resources at your disposal, including the Micromachining and Nanofabrication Facility, as well as the recently established undergraduate nanotechnology lab.
Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineering involves the design of processes that convert raw materials into value-
added products in a safe, efficient, and responsible way. This unique expertise, built upon a
thorough understanding of mathematics and the physical sciences, ensures that chemical
engineers have a very important role to play in a sustainable future. Chemical engineers are
always in demand in the job market, and our program is regarded as one of the best in North
America.
Computer Process Control
The computer process control curriculum is built around the chemical engineering core
program. Additional specialized courses will help to develop your skills as a process control and systems engineer, and contribute to the development, design, optimization, operation and
control of the next generation of smart plants and sustainable chemical processes.
Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Materials Engineering
Materials Engineering
Materials engineers work to produce, process, and manufacture raw materials and finished products, impacting the world around us in immeasurable ways. The University of Alberta is the only university in Western Canada to offer a Materials Engineering program; our graduates are in demand across Canada and around the world in industries as diverse as energy, biology, medicine, consumer products, and communications.
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering
Civil Engineers play a key role in our cities and our society, planning, building, and maintaining infrastructure while addressing environmental concerns and the challenges of providing a sustainable future. The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Alberta is among the best in Canada, with a long-standing tradition of excellence and many distinguished alumni.
Environmental Engineering Option
Environmental engineers apply their knowledge of the natural sciences — chemistry, biology, and microbiology — with their expertise in civil engineering to design municipal services and solve environmental problems
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering
Mining Engineering
Most resources that cannot be grown or harvested need to be extracted from the Earth by mining engineers. Mining engineers are involved in every aspect of resource extraction, applying science and technology to plan, design, manage, and optimize mining and mineral projects around the world.The Mining Engineering program at the University of Alberta is the biggest of its kind in Canada, offering a broad-based program covering subjects ranging from surface and underground mining to physical and mathematical sciences.
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering
Petroleum Engineering
Petroleum Engineering is more than just oil and gas: in addition to energy, petroleum-based products such as plastics are key components of virtually every consumer product and medical device we use. Petroleum engineers apply scientific understanding and technology in the extraction and management of hydrocarbon resources while also exploring ways to preserve and protect the environment. For the past five decades, the University of Alberta has offered the only accredited BSc Petroleum Engineering degree program in Canada.
Biomedical or biomechanical engineering is the application of the principles of engineering to the solution of problems in medicine and clinical sciences. You’ll receive a human-centric education that builds on the traditional Mechanical Engineering degree, and helps prepare you for employment in the healthcare industry, or for graduate-level studies.
This Option is taken as part of a Mechanical Engineering degree and is the same as the “Mechanical Engineering” category below. Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Co-op with Biomedical OptionChemical engineers play an important role in society, finding new ways to convert raw materials into finished products and make improvements to daily life. Our Chemical Engineering program is regarded as one of the leading programs of its kind in North America and is distinguished for its oil sands and biomedical research.
The Computer Process Control curriculum is built around the Chemical Engineering program core. You will take all the required chemical engineering courses, as well as additional specialized courses that help to develop your skills as a computer process control engineer.
Civil Engineers play a key role in our cities and our society, planning, building, and maintaining infrastructure while addressing environmental concerns and the challenges of providing a sustainable future.
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Alberta is among the best in Canada, with a long-standing tradition of excellence and many distinguished alumni.
Environmental engineers apply their knowledge of the natural sciences — chemistry, biology, and microbiology — with their expertise in civil engineering to design municipal services and solve environmental problems.
This Option is taken as part of a Civil Engineering degree and is the same as the “Environmental Engineering” category below.Computer engineers play a key role in designing, constructing, and integrating the technology that continues to change our lives every day. Our Computer Engineering program provides you with a broad background in the theory and application of hardware and software technologies.
The Nanoscale Systems Design Option gives you the opportunity to focus on the emerging field of nanotechnology, giving you an introduction to the processes involved in the fabrication of nanoscale integrated circuits and in designing the tools necessary for the mass production of nanoscale systems. The University of Alberta is a leader in nanotechnology and nano-scale engineering.
This Option is taken as part of a Computer Engineering degree and is the same as the “Nanoscale System Design” category below.The Software Option provides you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the rapidly evolving field of software engineering and development. You will build on your foundational knowledge in computing by studying areas such as discrete and continuous mathematics, physical science, logic, and engineering design principles through to application and development of software systems of all sizes.
This Option is taken as part of a Computer Engineering degree and is the same as the “Software Engineering” category below. Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Co-op - Software OptionIn the Electrical Engineering program at the University of Alberta you will gain hands-on experience working on electrical devices and systems that transmit, distribute, store, control and use electromagnetic energy or electrically coded information.
The Electrical Nanoengineering Option provides an introduction to the principles of electronics, electromagnetics, and photonics as they apply at the nanoscale level. By selecting this option, students will learn about the processes involved in the fabrication of nanoscale structures and become familiar with the computer-aided design tools necessary for analyzing phenomena at high levels of miniaturization.
This Option is taken as part of an Electrical Engineering degree and is the same as in the “Nanoengineering” category below.Engineering physicists are accomplishing breakthroughs and innovations in a variety of fields by applying cutting-edge physics research to new and existing technologies. The University of Alberta’s Engineering Physics program starts with a strong foundation in mathematics and physics and builds upon these principles through active research projects in areas such as fusion energy, microelectronics, robotics systems, and fibre-optic communications.
The Engineering Physics Nanoengineering Option provides an introduction to the physics problems associated with engineering at the nanoscale level. You will have a wealth of resources at your disposal, including the Micromachining and Nanofabrication Facility, as well as the recently established undergraduate nanotechnology lab.
This Option is taken as part of an Electrical Engineering degree and is the same as in the “Nanoengineering” category below.Environmental engineers apply their knowledge of the natural sciences — chemistry, biology, and microbiology — with their expertise in civil engineering to design municipal services and solve environmental problems. As an environmental engineer, you might be involved in performing an environmental impact assessment, or in designing or managing systems for water distribution and collection, water treatment plants, solid waste handling and processing facilities, landfills, and air treatment plants.
This Option is taken as part of a Civil Engineering degree and is the same as the “Civil Engineering” category above.Materials engineers work to produce, process, and manufacture raw materials and finished products, impacting the world around us in immeasurable ways.
The University of Alberta is the only university in Western Canada to offer a Materials Engineering program; our graduates are in demand across Canada and around the world in industries as diverse as energy, biology, medicine, consumer products, and communications.
From tiny life-saving devices to the engines, machines, and plants that power our world, the influence that mechanical engineering has on our society is profound.
The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alberta offers a broad-based program that prepares graduates for immediate employment in a wide variety of industries and emphasizes opportunities for you to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on application and design. You will gain a thorough understanding of mechanical engineering by taking courses in five major areas: solid mechanics, dynamics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and design.
Biomedical or biomechanical engineering is the application of the principles of engineering to the solution of problems in medicine and clinical sciences. You’ll receive a human-centric education that builds on the traditional Mechanical Engineering degree, and helps prepare you for employment in the healthcare industry, or for graduate-level studies.
This Option is taken as part of a Mechanical Engineering degree and is the same as the “Biomedical Engineering” category above. Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Co-op with Biomedical OptionMost resources that cannot be grown or harvested need to be extracted from the Earth by mining engineers. Mining engineers are involved in every aspect of resource extraction, applying science and technology to plan, design, manage, and optimize mining and mineral projects around the world.
The Mining Engineering program at the University of Alberta is the biggest of its kind in Canada, offering a broad-based program covering subjects ranging from surface and underground mining to physical and mathematical sciences.
Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering Co-opThe Electrical Nanoengineering Option provides an introduction to the principles of electronics, electromagnetics, and photonics as they apply at the nanoscale level. By selecting this option, students will learn about the processes involved in the fabrication of nanoscale structures and become familiar with the computer-aided design tools necessary for analyzing phenomena at high levels of miniaturization.
This Option is taken as part of an Electrical Engineering degree and is the same as in the “Electrical Engineering” category above.The Engineering Physics Nanoengineering Option provides an introduction to the physics problems associated with engineering at the nanoscale level. You will have a wealth of resources at your disposal, including the Micromachining and Nanofabrication Facility, as well as the recently established undergraduate nanotechnology lab.
This Option is taken as part of an Engineering Physics degree and is the same as in the “Engineering Physics” category below.The Nanoscale Systems Design Option gives you the opportunity to focus on the emerging field of nanotechnology, giving you an introduction to the processes involved in the fabrication of nanoscale integrated circuits and in designing the tools necessary for the mass production of nanoscale systems. The University of Alberta is a leader in nanotechnology and nano-scale engineering.
This Option is taken as part of a Computer Engineering degree and is the same as in the “Computer Engineering” category above.Petroleum Engineering is more than just oil and gas: in addition to energy, petroleum-based products such as plastics are key components of virtually every consumer product and medical device we use.
Petroleum engineers apply scientific understanding and technology in the extraction and management of hydrocarbon resources while also exploring ways to preserve and protect the environment. For the past five decades, the University of Alberta has offered the only accredited BSc Petroleum Engineering degree program in Canada.
The Software Option provides you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the rapidly evolving field of software engineering and development. You will build on your foundational knowledge in computing by studying areas such as discrete and continuous mathematics, physical science, logic, and engineering design principles through to application and development of software systems of all sizes.
This Option is taken as part of a Computer Engineering degree and is the same as in the “Computer Engineering” category above. Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Co-op - Software Option