Year 1 Course Descriptions

Select the name of a course to see the course description from the University of Alberta Academic Calendar.



BIOL 107 - Introduction to Cell Biology
*3 (fi 6) (either term,3-1s-3)

An introduction to cell structure and function. Major topics include the molecules and structures that comprise prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, the mechanisms by which energy is harvested and used by cells, how cells reproduce, and how information is stored and used within a cell via the processes of DNA replication, transcription, and translation.

Prerequisites: Biology 30 and Chemistry 30.


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CHEM 101 - Introductory University Chemistry I
*3 (fi 6) (either term,3-1s-3)

Atoms and molecules, states of matter, chemistry of the elements.

Prerequisite: Chemistry 30, or equivalent.


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CHEM 261 - Organic Chemistry I
*3 (fi 6) (second term,3-0-3)

The correlation of structure and chemical bonding in carbon compounds with the physical properties and chemical reactivity of organic molecules. Discussion will be based on functional groups with emphasis on hydrocarbons and derivatives that contain halogens, oxygen, sulfur, and the hydroxy group. Introduction to stereochemistry, three dimensional structure, reaction mechanisms, especially addition to double bonds, nucleophilic substitution and elimination reactions.

Prerequisite CHEM 101 or 103. Note: Students who have obtained credit for CHEM 161 or 164 cannot take CHEM 261 for credit.


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MATH 113 - Elementary Calculus I
*3 (fi 6) (either term,3-0-1)

Review of analytic geometry. Differentiation and integration of simple functions. Applications. Prerequisite: Pure Mathematics 30 or Mathematics 30-1 or equivalent. Students who have taken Mathematics 31 are advised to take MATH 114. See Note (3) at the beginning of the Mathematic course listings. This course may not be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained in MATH 100, 114, 117 or SCI 100.


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MATH 134 - Calculus for the Life Sciences I
*3 (fi 6) (either term,3-0-0)

The derivative as a rate of change. Differentiation of elementary, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions. The definite integral as a summation. Integration. The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Applications in the context of the life sciences.

Prerequisite: Mathematics 30-1. Note: Credit can be obtained in at most one of MATH 100, 113, 114, 117, 134, 144, 154 or SCI 100.


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MATH 136 - Calculus for Life Sciences II
*3 (fi 6) (either term,3-0-0)

Techniques and applications of integration. Improper integrals. Differential equations and mathematical modelling. Partial differentiation. Applications in the context of the life sciences.

Prerequisite: One of MATH 100, 113, 114, 117, 134, 144 or 154. Note: Credit can be obtained in at most one of MATH 101, 115, 118, 136, 146, 156 or SCI 100.


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PHYS 124 - Particles and Waves
*3 (fi 6) (either term,3-0-3)

Algebra-based course primarily for students in life, environmental, and medical sciences. It guides the student through two distinct types of motion: motion of matter (particles) and wave motion. Vectors, forces, bodies in equilibrium, review of kinematics and basic dynamics; conservation of momentum and energy; circular motion; vibrations; elastic waves in matter; sound; wave optics; black body radiation, photons, de Broglie waves. Examples relevant in environmental, life, and medical sciences will be emphasized.

Prerequisites: Physics 20 or equivalent, Pure Mathematics 30 or Mathematics 30-1. Physics 30 is strongly recommended. Note: Credit may be obtained for only one of PHYS 124, 144, EN PH 131 or SCI 100.


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PHYS 126 - Fluids, Fields, and Radiation
*3 (fi 6) (either term,3-0-3)

A continuation of PHYS 124 primarily for students in life, environmental, and medical science. Fluid statics and dynamics, gases, kinetic interpretation; electrostatics; currents and circuits; magnetic field; electromagnetic induction; nuclear radiation, its interaction with matter and applications.

Prerequisite: PHYS 124 or PHYS 144. Note: Credit may be obtained for only one of PHYS 126, 130, 146 or SCI 100.


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PSYCO 104 - Basic Psychological Processes
*3 (fi 6) (either term,3-0-1/4)

Principles and development of perception, motivation, learning, and thinking and their relationship to the psychological functioning of the individual. Fulfillment of the 1/4 laboratory credit typically entails serving as a research participant, but can be fulfilled through the completion of alternative assignments.


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STAT 141 - Introduction to Statistics
*3 (fi 6) (either term,3-0-0)

Random variables and frequency distributions. Averages and variance. The binomial and normal distribution. Sampling distributions and elementary inference. X2-test for contingency tables. Regression and correlation. Analysis of variance.

Prerequisite: Pure Mathematics 30 or Mathematics 30-1 or consent of Department. This course may not be taken for credit if credit has been obtained in any STAT course, or in PSYCO 211 or SOC 210.


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STAT 151 - Introduction to Applied Statistics I
*3 (fi 6) (either term,3-0-1.5)

Data collection and presentation, descriptive statistics. Probability distributions, sampling distributions and the central limit theorem. Point estimation and hypothesis testing. Correlation and regression analysis. Goodness of fit and contingency table.

Prerequisite: Pure MATH 30 or MATH 30-1. This course may not be taken for credit if credit has been obtained in any STAT course, or in PSYCO 211 or SOC 210.


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