Diploma in Arts And Science (General)

at Langara College Canada

Biology is the study of life in all its variety and richness. It includes many aspects of your everyday experiences: your relationships with the environment, the foods you consume, the way your body works. In fact, functioning in the present world without biological knowledge is a distinct handicap, since biological advances are at the forefront of social change.

When you study biology at Langara, you will examine all aspects of living things: from the molecules that make up your cells to entire ecosystems. You will get an excellent grounding in a broad range of biology topics. You will also be able to choose courses in numerous specialties, such as ecology, microbiology, genetics, as you focus more closely on your personal interests and career goals.

Information about the living world and opportunities for Biology graduates have grown rapidly over the last few decades. Your career options will depend on your specific interests and educational focus, but could include research, education, journalism, law, public health, conservation, forensics and much more.  Some biology sectors such as biotechnology and environmental sciences are among the faster growing areas of the Canadian economy.

The Langara Biology Department has a firm commitment to providing the practical aspects of a science education. All our university-transfer Biology courses include 2 or 3 hours of lab or field work per week. We have five well-equipped lab rooms, including a dedicated Microbiology laboratory.  Our excellent team of lab demonstrators has a broad range of biology expertise and is available to assist students in the labs and during office hours. Also, a study space for second year students is available in the Biology lab area for biology students to work independently on assignments and projects throughout the term.

The Diploma in Arts and Science requirements allow for considerable flexibility in the choice of courses that a student may complete.  Students can design their curriculum to meet their own needs or interests or to meet the requirements for further study.  In addition to the general Arts and Science Diploma, Langara College offers Arts and Science Diplomas with the following concentrations:

•     Aboriginal Studies
•     Asian Studies
•     Biology
•     Canadian Studies
•     Classical Studies
•     Commerce
•     Environmental Studies
•     Family Studies
•     Health Sciences (Arts)
•     Health Sciences (Science)
•     Latin American Studies
•     Peace and Conflict Studies
•     Women's Studies

This two-year program is designed for students who wish to study university engineering, but do not yet meet all the pre-requisites, or who need time to transition into the heavy workload that the study of engineering requires. Students will gain a thorough grounding in mathematics and natural sciences, including laboratory practice, and technical communications. They will also be introduced to Canadian engineering practice, history and social context, and engineering principles of case study and design.

Langara College's two-year Diploma in Criminology provides students with a broad, liberal education in social science, criminal justice, and law. Students will learn scientific research methods, legal, philosophical, and theoretical approaches to aid in understanding crime and related social problems, and social responses to crime. The university-transferable required courses and electives afford students an opportunity to develop critical thinking; and understanding of the issues, arguments, and debates that shape the discipline of Criminology.

This program is primarily designed for those seeking to complete a Bachelor's Degree in Criminology (university transfer) and who plan to work in the field of criminal justice and/or continue their education beyond a Bachelor’s degree for graduate or law school studies. It is designed to be taken either full- or part-time. There is a Fall (September) and Spring (January) intake. Most courses are offered in the Fall and Spring terms, with limited offerings in the Summer term.

This two-year post-baccalaureate diploma program will focus on web and mobile app design and development, from concept to deployment. The program will encompass visual aesthetics (including typography, colour theory, and graphics), client and server programming, user experience design, and project management. Students will choose to enter the designer or developer stream of the program when they apply, although they can change their focus up until the third term.

Students will collaborate on several major projects, as well as creating real-world applications, developing digital portfolios, and building industry connections. At the end of the program students will possess the specialized design and development skills the industry is looking for. Students will complete four academic terms, then have the opportunity to participate in an optional experiential work term.

Biology is the study of life in all its variety and richness. It includes many aspects of your everyday experiences: your relationships with the environment, the foods you consume, the way your body works. In fact, functioning in the present world without biological knowledge is a distinct handicap, since biological advances are at the forefront of social change.

When you study biology at Langara, you will examine all aspects of living things: from the molecules that make up your cells to entire ecosystems. You will get an excellent grounding in a broad range of biology topics. You will also be able to choose courses in numerous specialties, such as ecology, microbiology, genetics, as you focus more closely on your personal interests and career goals.

Information about the living world and opportunities for Biology graduates have grown rapidly over the last few decades. Your career options will depend on your specific interests and educational focus, but could include research, education, journalism, law, public health, conservation, forensics and much more.  Some biology sectors such as biotechnology and environmental sciences are among the faster growing areas of the Canadian economy.

The Langara Biology Department has a firm commitment to providing the practical aspects of a science education. All our university-transfer Biology courses include 2 or 3 hours of lab or field work per week. We have five well-equipped lab rooms, including a dedicated Microbiology laboratory.  Our excellent team of lab demonstrators has a broad range of biology expertise and is available to assist students in the labs and during office hours. Also, a study space for second year students is available in the Biology lab area for biology students to work independently on assignments and projects throughout the term.

To be admitted and participate in a Co-operative Education option, students must:

• Be enrolled in three program courses (minimum 9 credits) or more, not including EXPE 2300 (formerly BUSM 2300/COOP 2300).
• Achieve and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.6 in each term.
• Successfully complete an employability assessment interview with a Co-op Officer, and
• Complete EXPE 2300 (formerly BUSM 2300/COOP 2300) with a minimum "C" grade.

In a time of increasing globalization, where human activity is now seen to have far reaching, often adverse, implications for the worlds ecosystems it is essential to have the awareness, knowledge, skill and experience to address these issues.  Environmental understanding, protection and remediation are significant, growing concerns in today’s society.  Environmental Studies at Langara College is an interdisciplinary program within the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies. It draws from four critical study areas - biology, chemistry, english, geography – as well as including a number of specific environmental courses.  Elective courses are chosen from a wide range of subjects to suit a particular student’s interests.  A one-week field school is conducted at the end of the second year. 

The Kinesiology Program (formerly Human Kinetics) at Langara College is a two-year university-transfer program that allows students to continue toward the completion of a university degree in disciplines such as kinesiology, physical education, human kinetics, or other interdisciplinary studies.

The Kinesiology Program requirements may be met through part-time or full-time study. A wide selection of first and second-year courses are offered in the fall and spring semesters and select courses are also offered during the summer semester. Students may begin their studies in any of the three semesters.

First and second-year topics include:

• Exercise physiology
• Functional anatomy
• Motor learning and control
• Sport psychology
• Sports medicine
• Biomechanics
• Fitness and training
• Growth and development
• Health and lifestyles
• Leisure and sport studies

The four Langara College programs in Health Sciences offer an interdisciplinary approach to the study of health, illness, and disease in human communities. Health is one of the largest employment sectors in the country, and is anticipated to grow at a faster than average rate. Employment options are diverse, and extend far beyond serving as doctors or nurses.  Upon successful completion, students of Health Sciences programs will have gained a strong basic background in this rapidly changing field.

Students may pursue programs in either an Arts or Science stream, and earn a Diploma or an Associate Degree. After completing an Associate degree program, students may continue their studies at Simon Fraser University’s Faculty of Health Sciences or the University of Victoria’s Health & Community Services program, transferring seamlessly into third year studies.

 Students may also transfer the Diploma or Associate Degree to university in order to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science or in a related discipline.

Latin American Studies at Langara College provides an interdisciplinary approach to learning about the geography, culture, history, and political economy of this diverse region. Our curriculum features core courses taught by a team of instructors whose diverse backgrounds enable them to bring unique perspectives to the classroom. Elective courses from a range of departments across the College feed into and enhance our program.
All our courses are university-transferable. Our courses can be taken for general interest, or applied toward the Associate of Arts Degree or the Arts and Science Diploma in Latin American Studies.