Areas of Study

Faculty of Science degrees are administered by our seven teaching departments. We also have degrees that are offered jointly with the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. While these departments are part of Medicine and Dentistry, their undergraduate programs are offered through the Faculty of Science.

Students have 29 areas of study to choose from for their Bachelor of Science degree (BSc.).

Quick overview Admission requirements


 

department of biological sciences

As the most diverse department in the Faculty of Science, the Department of Biological Sciences offers a large breadth of over 130 undergraduate courses.

Recent exciting discoveries across all branches of biology touch nearly every aspect of today's society. Career opportunities for graduates with a solid understanding of biology are numerous, highly varied, and constantly expanding.

Visit the department website for field school opportunities, a list of areas of research and student groups.

Hassel Lake
BSc. Biological Sciences

Students have the flexibility to take a variety of courses from the life sciences, including: biochemistry, botany, biology, bioinformatics, cell biology, entomology, genetics, immunology, marine science, microbiology, neuroscience, paleontology, pharmacology, physiology and zoology.

What courses will I take?

This degree is extremely flexible so there are only a handful of required courses. The rest are up to you! View the U of A Calendar for a full list of specific degree requirements.

Do I need high school prerequisite courses?

Yes. Biology 30 and Chemistry 30 (or equivalent) are required in order to register in the appropriate university courses and to ensure success in the program.

How can I study Biological Sciences?

Major | Minor | Double Major | Honors

BSc. Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology

This program introduces students to the study of the interactions of organisms with their environment, diversity of organisms both extant (living) and extinct (dead), adaptations, and mechanisms behind evolutionary change.

Students gain a foundation in plant, animal and microbial ecology and evolution, studying at the level of individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems, and at a variety of spatial and temporal scales (program formerly named Ecology).

What courses will I take?

Courses cover a broad range of topics including:

  • Biological Diversity
  • Biological Processes
  • Ecology and Environmental Biology
  • Evolution and Systematics
  • Scientific Methodology

View the U of A Calendar for a full list of specific degree requirements.

Do I need high school prerequisite courses?

Yes. Biology 30 and Chemistry 30 (or equivalent) are required in order to register in the appropriate university courses and to ensure success in the program.

How can I study Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology?

Major | Double Major | Honors

BSc. Immunology and 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.

The program has three overlapping themes:

  1. Function of the innate and adaptive immune system in a diversity of organisms;
  2. The biology of prokaryotic, eukaryotic and viral pathogens;
  3. The biology of host-pathogen interactions

Techniques and skills used in studying immunology and infection are microscopy, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, genomics and proteomics.

What courses will I take?

Topics covered can include:

  • Introductory Biochemistry
  • Infection and Immunity
  • Basic Virology
  • Bacterial Pathogenesis
  • Principles of Parasitism

View the U of A Calendar for a full list of specific degree requirements.

Do I need high school prerequisite courses?

Yes. Biology 30 and Chemistry 30 (or equivalent) are required in order to register in the appropriate university courses and to ensure success in the program.

How can I study Immunology and Infection?

Major | Honors

BSc. Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology

Students in this program study molecular structures and processes of cellular life and their roles in the function, reproduction, and development of living organisms.

Techniques and skills used include mutagenesis, recombinant technologies, transgenes, culturing microbes, biochemistry, cytogenetics, bioinformatics, microscopy, chemical and enzyme analysis, and whole genome sequence analysis.

What courses will I take?

Courses cover a broad range of topics including:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Genomics
  • Bioinformatics
  • Cell Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Plant Genetics

View the U of A Calendar for a full list of specific degree requirements.

Do I need high school prerequisite courses?

Yes. Biology 30 and Chemistry 30 (or equivalent) are required in order to register in the appropriate university courses and to ensure success in the program.

How can I study Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology?

Major | Double Major | Honors

BSc. Integrative Physiology

This program covers the processes that occur within all living organisms including the regulation of functions at the subcellular, cell, tissue, organ and whole organism levels, as well as their interactions and integration. Students also learn how internal and external factors affect physiology across different taxonomic groups.

More interested in human physiology only? Scroll down to the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry section to view the BSc. Physiology program.

What courses will I take?

Topics covered can include:

  • Biology of Aging
  • Animal Physiology
  • Laboratory Exercises in Animal Physiology
  • Comparative Endocrinology
  • Plant Physiology
  • Reproductive Physiology

View the U of A Calendar for a full list of specific degree requirements.

Do I need high school prerequisite courses?

Yes. Biology 30 and Chemistry 30 (or equivalent) in order to register in the appropriate university courses and to ensure success in the program.

How can I study Integrative Physiology?

Major | Double Major | Honors


Department of chemistry

Considered the "central science", chemistry is connected to all scientific disciplines in one way or another and has a direct impact on virtually every part of our lives.

From the development of environmentally friendly cleaning products or examining the components in pesticides on our fruits and vegetables to finding cleaner water sources, chemistry is essential.

Visit the department website for summer research opportunities, industrial chemistry videos, and the Chemists Corner blog.

Chemistry lab
BSc. Chemistry

Our program offers specialized training in the theoretical and practical components of Chemistry. You will take a variety of courses in general, analytical, organic and physical chemistry, as well as mathematics and related courses in environmental studies.

The Major program has two streams: Accredited or Non-Accredited. The accredited version as well as the Honors program are accredited by the Canadian Society for Chemistry, meaning students graduate as a Professional Chemist!

What courses will I take?

Courses cover a broad range of topics including:

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Chemical Biology
  • General Chemistry
  • Nanotechnology
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Materials and Surface Chemistry
  • Theoretical and Computational Chemistry

View the U of A Calendar for a full list of specific degree requirements.

Do I need high school prerequisite courses?

Yes. Chemistry 30 and Physics 30 (or equivalent) are required in order to register in the appropriate university courses and to ensure success in the program. Mathematics 31 Calculus (or equivalent) is strongly recommended.

How can I study Chemistry?

Major | Minor | Double Major | Honors


Department of Computing Science

We are changing the way Computing Science is taught. By studying computing science at the University of Alberta, you will acquire technical knowledge and problem-solving skills to create innovative solutions for a wide range of challenges. Our programs highlight the interdisciplinary nature of computing and offer you the flexibility to combine your studies in computing science with your other interests.

Visit the department website for more information about embedded certificates, our High School Internship Program (HIP) and areas of research

BSc. Computing Science

Computing science is diverse and encompasses many disciplines. This program is very flexible which allows students to pursue a concentrated study of computing science, explore a variety of topics, or study how computing science can be applied to other fields.

What courses will I take?

Courses cover a broad range of topics including:

  • Computing theory
  • Programming
  • Algorithms
  • Data structures and databases
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Bioinformatics
  • Computer graphics, vision and multimedia
  • Mobile computing
  • Networking
  • Robotics
  • Software engineering 

View the U of A Calendar for a full list of specific degree requirements.

Do I need high school prerequisite courses?

No. We teach you all of the skills required to be successful in the program.

How can I study Computing Science?

Major | Minor | Double Major | Honors

BSc. Computing Science - Software Practice Option

This program is for students who are interested in all aspects of building software. The program has a broad range of courses to develop depth in programming, algorithms, hardware, software design, user interfaces, project management, and business issues. 

This program is 5 years in length and includes an internship placement where students work in industry as a junior Computing Scientist during their degree.

What courses will I take?

Topics covered can include:

  • Programming Methodology
  • Computer Organization and Architecture
  • File and Database Management
  • Software Engineering
  • Non-Procedural Programming Languages
  • Operating System Concepts
  • Software Process and Product Management
  • Software Quality

View the U of A Calendar for a full list of specific degree requirements.

Do I need high school prerequisite courses?

No. We teach you all of the skills required to be successful in the program.

How can I study Computing Science - Software Practice Option?

Major | Honors

BSc. Computing Science - Artificial Intelligence Option

Did you know that the University of Alberta is #3 in the world for Artificial Intelligence research?

For students curious about artificial intelligence, this program includes foundations in machine learning, reinforcement learning, search, and ethics, as well as applications such as robotics, games, visual recognition, and natural language processing.

What courses will I take?

Topics covered can include:

  • Ethics of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
  • Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
  • Basics of Machine Learning
  • Formal Systems and Logic in Computing Science
  • Introduction to Reinforcement Learning
  • Search and Planning in Artificial Intelligence

View the U of A Calendar for a full list of specific degree requirements.

Do I need high school prerequisite courses?

No. We teach you all of the skills required to be successful in the program.

How can I study Computing Science - Artificial Intelligence Option?

Major | Honors


Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

A small department with a BIG impact, the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS) offers programs that examine the Earth- its structure and evolution, and the atmosphere above us.

Visit the department website to learn more about Arctic research initiatives, view our many museum collections and field school opportunities.

BSc. Earth Sciences

As the #1 program of its kind in Canada, students have access to a wide breadth of courses and the flexibility to explore multiple Earth sciences topics, or dive deeper into an area of their choosing.

What courses will I take?

Courses cover many topics which can include:

  • The Dynamic Earth Through Time
  • Introduction to Human Geography and Planning
  • Invertebrate Paleontology
  • Geologic Structures
  • The Atmosphere
  • Geophysics

View the U of A Calendar for a full list of specific degree requirements.

Do I need high school prerequisite courses?

Yes. Biology 30, Chemistry 30 and Physics 20 (or equivalent) are required in order to register in the appropriate university courses and to ensure success in the program. Physics 30 (or equivalent) is strongly recommended.

How can I study Earth Sciences?

Major | Minor | Double Major | Honors

Climate Dynamics (Minor only)

This minor provides a quantitative introduction to atmosphere and ocean dynamics, and their role in the climate system.

What courses will I take?

Topics can include:

  • Planet Earth
  • The Atmosphere
  • The Oceans
  • Newtonian Mechanics and Relativity
  • Dynamics of the Atmosphere and Ocean
  • Introduction to Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing
  • Introduction to the Foundations of Computation

View the U of A Calendar for a full list of specific degree requirements.

Do I need high school prerequisite courses?

Yes. Physics 30 (or equivalent) are required in order to register in the appropriate university courses and to ensure success in the program.

How can I study Climate Dynamics?

Minor

BSc. Environmental Earth Sciences

This program examines how human behavior and activities affect our environment, both globally and locally. This is extremely important considering the impact of global warming and other environmental concerns we face today.

Students participate in field schools that can take them to either Costa Rica or the Rocky Mountains right here in Alberta.

What courses will I take?

Courses cover many topics which can include:

  • Principles of Ecology
  • Global Change
  • Sustainable Development and Environmental Management
  • Biogeography
  • Environmental Instrumentation
  • Cold Regions Geoscience
  • Contaminant Hydrogeology

View the U of A Calendar for a full list of specific degree requirements.

Do I need high school prerequisite courses?

Yes. Biology 30, Chemistry 30 and Physics 20 (or equivalent) are required in order to register in the appropriate university courses and to ensure success in the program. Physics 30 (or equivalent) is strongly recommended.

How can I study Environmental Earth Sciences?

Major | Honors

BSc. Geology

Students in this program examine the planet Earth- the materials of which it is made, the processes which affect these materials and the origin and evolution of life.

You will participate in a number of field placements as part of your education and our Geology degree is certified by APEGA, meaning graduates qualify to become a Professional Geoscientist.

What courses will I take?

Topics covered can include:

  • Mineralogy 
  • Geochemistry
  • Earth Surface Processes and Landforms
  • Introduction to Invertebrate Paleontology
  • Geophysical Exploration Techniques
  • Introduction to Hydrogeology
  • Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing
  • Stratigraphy and Sedimentation

View the U of A Calendar for a full list of specific degree requirements.

Do I need high school prerequisite courses?

Yes. Chemistry 30 and Physics 20 (or equivalent) are required in order to register in the appropriate university courses and to ensure success in the program. Physics 30 (or equivalent) is strongly recommended.

How can I study Geology?

Major | Honors

BSc. Paleontology

Paleontology explores the evolutionary history of life, beginning billions of years ago, when matter and energy first organized life out of chaos, to the present day's astonishing diversity of living things. As a science, paleontology examines and explains the patterns and processes of evolution as preserved in the fossil record.

As part of field experience, students wil have access to the Danek Bonebed which is Edmonton's very own backyard dino dig site!

What courses will I take?

Students will receive a broad base of biological and geological knowledge and can choose to focus on certain topics, such as:

  • Vertebrate and Invertebrate Paleobiology
  • Paleobotany
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Systematics
  • Functional Morphology
  • Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
  • Plate Tectonics

Other courses can include:

  • Molecular Genetics and Heredity
  • Comparative Anatomy of the Vertebrates
  • Marine Invertebrate Zoology
  • Insect Biology

View the U of A Calendar for a full list of specific degree requirements.

Do I need high school prerequisite courses?

Yes. Biology 30 and Chemistry 30 (or equivalent) are required in order to register in the appropriate university courses and to ensure success in the program.

How can I study Paleontology?

Major | Honors

BSc. Planning (Urban and Regional)

This program focuses on the natural science elements of planning, including environmental management and the use of geographic information sciences.

Planners do more than just build cities. Growing cities mean more pressure on infrastructure, community services and transportation. As a result Planners must consider urbanization issues like quality of life, sustainability and competitiveness within their work. Those interested in the aesthetic, economic, and social issues of planning should consider the Bachelor of Arts, Major in Planning.

Students graduating from either the BSc or BA program meet the qualifications to become a Registered Professional Planner (RPP).

What courses will I take?

Topics covered can include:

  • Earth Surface Processes and Landforms
  • Biogeography
  • Environmental Applications of Geographical Information Systems
  • Cities and Urbanism
  • Sustainable Development and Environmental Management
  • Planning History and Practice
  • Design Fundamentals for Planners
  • Land Use Planning and Policy
  • Planning Law and Theory
  • Professional Planning Practice and Ethics
View the U of A Calendar for a full list of specific degree requirements.

Do I need high school prerequisite courses?

Yes. Biology 30 (or equivalent) is required in order to register in the appropriate university courses and to ensure success in the program.

How can I study Planning?

Major | Honors*

*non-direct entry from high school. See admission requirements page.


Department of Mathematics and Statistics

Mathematics and statistics play a fundamental role in our modern world, providing us with the language and tools for analyzing and solving problems in a wide variety of fields, such as computer science, environmental studies, robotics, engineering, medicine, genetics, DNA sequencing, image processing, cryptography and coding, astronomy, meteorology, oceanography, economics, and more!

The Decima Robinson Support Centre offers free drop-in help sessions and weekly review seminars to provide as much support as possible to our undergraduate students taking MATH and STATS courses.

Visit the department website for information on high school primer courses, a list of research areas, and how to win major prize money through mathematics and risk management competitions.

Decima Robinson Support Centre
BSc. Mathematics

Our Mathematics degree examines the "pure beauty" of mathematics and its principles. The Honors program is ideal if you have a real appreciation for abstraction, logic and symmetry and an interest in becoming Mathematicians. 

What courses will I take?

Topics covered can include:

  • Linear Algebra
  • Introduction to Analysis
  • Algebraic Structures
  • Ordinary Differential Equations
  • Theory of Functions of a Complex Variable
  • Differential Geometry of Curves and Surfaces
  • Probability and Statistics

View the U of A Calendar for a full list of specific degree requirements.

Do I need high school prerequisite courses?

Yes. Mathematics 31 Calculus (or equivalent) is required in order to register in the appropriate university courses and to ensure success in the program.

How can I study Mathematics?

Major | Minor | Double Major | Honors

BSc. Applied Mathematics

This program will train you to apply mathematical ideas to solve real world problems in the physical, social, and life sciences, as well as in engineering and finance. With its combination of pure and applied courses, the program delivers the theory you need while putting the focus on application.

What courses will I take?

Topics covered can include:

  • Introduction to Analysis
  • Partial Differential Equations
  • Numerical Methods
  • Probability and Statistics
  • Mathematical Modelling
  • Theory of Functions of a Complex Variable
  • Real Analysis

View the U of A Calendar for a full list of specific degree requirements.

Do I need high school prerequisite courses?

Yes. Mathematics 31 Calculus (or equivalent) is required in order to register in the appropriate university courses and to ensure success in the program.

How can I study Applied Mathematics?

Major | Double Major | Honors

BSc. Mathematics and Economics

This program offers a diverse education in mathematics, finance, economics and actuarial sciences, and provides an excellent background if you are interested in a financial career.

What courses will I take?

Topics covered can include:

  • Microeconomics and Macroeconomics
  • Statistics for Business and Economics
  • Calculus for Business and Economics
  • Introduction to Analysis
  • Ordinary Differential Equations
  • Intermediate Microeconomic and Macroeconomic Theory
  • Econometrics

View the U of A Calendar for a full list of specific degree requirements.

Do I need high school prerequisite courses?

Yes. Mathematics 31 Calculus (or equivalent) is required in order to register in the appropriate university courses and to ensure success in the program.

How can I study Mathematics and Economics?

Major | Honors

BSc. Mathematics and Finance

Similar to Mathematics and Economics, the Mathematics and Finance program offers a diverse education in mathematics, finance, economics and actuarial sciences. It also includes a management science component and is a great choice if you are interested in becoming a Financial Analyst.

What courses will I take?

Topics covered can include:

  • Accounting for Financial Performance
  • Intermediate Microeconomic Theory
  • Introduction to Finance
  • Introduction to Analysis
  • Theory of Interest
  • Introduction to Optimization
  • Operations Management
  • Probability and Stochastic Processes

View the U of A Calendar for a full list of specific degree requirements.

Do I need high school prerequisite courses?

Yes. Mathematics 31 Calculus (or equivalent) is required in order to register in the appropriate university courses and to ensure success in the program.

How can I study Mathematics and Finance?

Major* | Honors*

*non-direct entry from high school. See admission requirements page.

BSc Statistics

This program will train you in the rich discipline of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. You can choose from an extensive selection of courses on subjects ranging from the experimental (such as sampling techniques and statistical inference) to the theoretical (such as probability theory and stochastic processes). Statistical models and methods are essential in many types of research. For example:

  • biomedical researchers use clinical trials to investigate the effectiveness of new treatments;
  • agricultural scientists use field experiments to evaluate irrigation methods;
  • ecologists gather water samples to measure the quality of water

Graduates from our programs are well positioned to become accredited as an Associate Statistician or as a Professional Actuary. 

What courses will I take?

Topics covered can include:

  • Foundations of Computation
  • Applied Statistics
  • Introduction to Analysis
  • Probability and Statistics
  • Probability and Stochastic Processes
  • Mathematical Statistics
  • Applied Regression Analysis

View the U of A Calendar for a full list of specific degree requirements.

Are there high school prerequisite courses?

Yes. In addition to meeting the admission requirements for the Faculty of Science, applicants must have successfully completed Mathematics 31 Calculus (or equivalent) in order to register in the appropriate university courses and to ensure success in the program.

How can I study Statistics?

Major | Minor | Double Major | Honors


Department of physics

Physics is known as a "fundamental science" as it involves a true understanding of how the world really works. Physicists study universal laws governing matter, space, energy and time, and the interaction between these elements.

Visit the department website for a look at the Astronomical Observatory, The Shack: Science Hardware Makerspace, and groundbreaking research in physics.

BSc. Physics

In this program you will build a strong background in modern physics, mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, relativity, quantum mechanics, statistical physics and laboratory work.

What courses will I take?

In later years of the program, topics can include:

  • Laser Spectroscopy
  • Optics
  • Electronics
  • Nuclear Physics
  • Particle Physics
  • Stellar Atmospheres
  • Stellar Interiors
  • Field theory
  • Condensed Matter
  • Fluid Dynamics

View the U of A Calendar for a full list of specific degree requirements.

Do I need high school prerequisite courses?

Yes. Physics 30 (or equivalent) is required in order to register in the appropriate university courses and to ensure success in the program. Mathematics 31 Calculus (or equivalent) is strongly recommended.

How can I study Physics?

Major | Minor | Double Major | Honors

BSc. Astrophysics

Students looks at the physics behind cosmological objects and their interactions.

What courses will I take?

Topics covered can include:

  • Black Holes
  • Stellar Astrophysics
  • Astronomy of Stars and Galaxies
  • Astronomy of the Solar System
  • Galactic and Extragalactic Astrophysics
  • Upper Atmosphere and Space Physics
  • Special and General Relativity
  • Quantum Mechanics
  • Electromagnetic Theory

View the U of A Calendar for a full list of specific degree requirements.

Do I need high school prerequisite courses?

Yes. Physics 30 (or equivalent) is required in order to register in the appropriate university courses and to ensure success in the program. Mathematics 31 Calculus (or equivalent) is strongly recommended.

How can I study Astrophysics?

Major | Minor | Double Major | Honors

BSc. Geophysics

The Geophysics program uses principles from physics to understand the structure and dynamics of the Earth below its surface. Geophysical surveys can be used to locate energy sources, mineral and petroleum deposits, artifacts and more. By understanding the Earth's core, Geo-Physicists can also assess natural hazards like earthquakes and volcanoes.

The Honors program is professionally accredited by APEGA, allowing graduates to readily obtain their Professional Geoscientist designation.

What courses will I take?

Topics covered can include:

  • Geophysical Imaging of Earth’s Interior
  • Seismic Imaging of Earth’s Interior
  • Electromagnetic Methods in Geophysics
  • Signal Analysis in Geophysics
  • Geophysics Field School
  • Seismic Data Processing
  • Introduction to Mining Engineering
  • Borehole & Laboratory Methods in Geophysics and Petrophysics
  • Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing

View the U of A Calendar for a full list of specific degree requirements.

Do I need high school prerequisite courses?

Yes. Physics 30 and Chemistry 30 (or equivalent) is required in order to register in the appropriate university courses and to ensure success in the program. Mathematics 31 Calculus (or equivalent) is strongly recommended.

How can I study Geophysics?

Major | Minor | Honors

BSc. Mathematical Physics

Mathematics is the fundamental language of physics. Learn the core principles of physics with a strong focus on developing a deep, mathematical understanding of the field in a program that is co-taught with mathematicians. This program looks at mathematical models and theories to create methods that are used to solve physical issues.

What courses will I take?

Topics covered can include:

  • Differential Equations for Physics
  • Classical Mechanics
  • Mathematical Methods for Physics
  • Group Theory in Physics
  • Introductory Computational Physics
  • Classical Mechanics
  • Experimental Physics
  • Thermodynamics and Kinetic Theory
  • Optics and Lasers
  • Quantum Mechanics
  • Electromagnetic Theory
  • Special and General Relativity
  • Quantum Mechanics

View the U of A Calendar for a full list of specific degree requirements.

Do I need high school prerequisite courses?

Yes. Physics 30 (or equivalent) is required in order to register in the appropriate university courses and to ensure success in the program. Mathematics 31 Calculus (or equivalent) is strongly recommended.

How can I study Mathematical Physics?

Major | Honors


Department of Psychology

Shared by both the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Arts, the Department of Psychology is diverse enough to offer students two different aspects of the field to study. Scientific research is important in this field, as it is how knowledge is built and then later applied to practical day-to-day situations. Students learn first-hand about current research in this field, how studies are conducted, and what it is like to be a participant.

Visit the department website for more information on research participation, a list of areas of research, and the difference between Science Psychology and Arts Psychology.

distracted driving simulation
BSc. Psychology

A Science degree in Psychology will focus on how we perceive, learn and forget things and how the brain functions. Students gain an understanding of areas like perception and motivation, behavior and cognitive development with emphasis on the physical, biological, and mathematical sciences. 

What courses will I take?

You can incorporate both Science and Arts Psychology courses in your degree.

Science Psychology courses are generally associated with the natural sciences, such as physics and biology. Topics include:

  • Information Processing
  • Perception
  • Learning
  • The Study of the Brain

Arts Psychology courses are generally related to the social sciences, such as sociology and anthropology. Topics include:

  • Social Psychology
  • Child Development
  • Personality
  • Abnormal Psychology

View the U of A Calendar for a full list of specific degree requirements.

Do I need high school prerequisite courses?

Yes. Biology 30 (or equivalent) are required in order to register in the appropriate university courses and to ensure success in the program.

How can I study Psychology?

Major | Minor | Double Major | Honors*

*non-direct entry from high school. See admission requirements page.


Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry

While these departments are part of Medicine and Dentistry, their undergraduate programs are offered through the Faculty of Science.

Visit the faculty website for more information on professional programs, a comprehensive list of research areas and Indigenous health initiatives.

BSc. Biochemistry

This program teaches students to 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.

What courses will I take?

Topics covered can include:

  • Organic Chemistry
  • Bioenergetics and Metabolism
  • Structure and Catalysis
  • Nucleic Acids and Molecular Biology
  • Eukaryotic Cellular Biology
  • Metabolic Modifications in Health and Disease

View the U of A Calendar for a full list of specific degree requirements.

Do I need high school prerequisite courses?

Yes. Biology 30, Chemistry 30 and Physics 20 (or equivalent) is required in order to register in the appropriate university courses and to ensure success in the program. Physics 30 (or equivalent) is strongly recommended.

How can I study Biochemistry?

Major | Minor | Double Major | Honors

BSc. 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 you with a comprehensive cell biology background, and in turn prepare you for entry into the workforce, graduate school or a professional program such as medicine.

What courses will I take?

Topics covered can include:

  • Introductory Biochemistry
  • Molecular Genetics and Heredity
  • Advanced Cell Biology
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Foundations of Molecular Genetics
  • Infection and Immunity
  • Cell Biology of Disease
  • The Birth and Death of a Cell

View the U of A Calendar for a full list of specific degree requirements.

Do I need high school prerequisite courses?

Yes. Biology 30, Chemistry 30 and Physics 20 (or equivalent) is required in order to register in the appropriate university courses and to ensure success in the program. Physics 30 (or equivalent) is strongly recommended.

How can I study Cell Biology?

Major | Minor | Double Major | Honors

BSc. Neuroscience

This is an interdisciplinary program covering all aspects of brain function. It offers the opportunity to learn about the most recent and exciting advances in the study of the brain and learn research skills in a neuroscience laboratory.

What courses will I take?

Topics covered can include:

  • Brain Development
  • Nerve Cells and Synapses
  • Sensation and Perception
  • Learning and Memory
  • Control of Movement
  • Animal Behavior
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Neurochemistry
  • Computational Neuroscience
  • Disorders of the Nervous System

View the U of A Calendar for a full list of specific degree requirements.

Do I need high school prerequisite courses?

Yes. Biology 30, Chemistry 30 and Physics 30 (or equivalent) is required in order to register in the appropriate university courses and to ensure success in the program.

How can I study Neuroscience?

Major | Honors

BSc. Pharmacology

Pharmacology is the study of the way in which chemical substances affect living organisms. Our degree program covers four main areas:

  1. Pharmacodynamics:
    • the study of the effects of drugs on the events and processes that occur in living things
  2. Pharmacokinetics:
    • the study of the processes which limit the duration or action of drugs
  3. Toxicology:
    • the study of the mechanisms by which chemicals cause harm to organizations
  4. The use and abuse of drugs in society

What courses will I take?

Topics covered can include:

  • Introductory Biochemistry
  • Human Physiology
  • Drug Disposition and Metabolism
  • Experimental Procedures in Pharmacology
  • Problem Solving in Pharmacology and Therapeutics
  • Drugs and the Nervous System
  • Cardiovascular Pharmacology

View the U of A Calendar for a full list of specific degree requirements.

Do I need high school prerequisite courses?

Yes. Biology 30, Chemistry 30 and Physics 20 (or equivalent) is required in order to register in the appropriate university courses and to ensure success in the program. Physics 30 (or equivalent) is strongly recommended.

How can I study Pharmacology?

Major | Minor | Double Major | Honors

BSc. Physiology

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.

More interested in the physiology of non-human organisms? Scroll up to the Department of Biological Sciences section to view the BSc. Integrative Physiology program.

What courses will I take?

Courses cover many topics which can include:

  • Introductory Biochemistry
  • Neurobiology
  • Introduction Pharmacology
  • Human Morphology
  • Genetic Analysis of Populations
  • Introduction to Oncology
  • Introduction to Human Disease
  • Endocrine Pharmacology
  • Exercise Physiology

View the U of A Calendar for a full list of specific degree requirements.

Do I need high school prerequisite courses?

Yes. Biology 30, Chemistry 30 and Physics 20 (or equivalent) is required in order to register in the appropriate university courses and to ensure success in the program. Physics 30 (or equivalent) is strongly recommended.

How can I study Physiology?

Major | Honors