Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences

at Red Deer Polytechnic Canada

The program at RDC is one year of study toward Bachelor of Science Nutrition and Food Sciences.

Students studying Nutrition and Food Science at the University of Alberta can pursue 5 different majors upon transfer. Students starting at RDC will be best set up to transition into either the Nutrition and Food Science General program or the Dietetics Specialization program. If you are pursuing another major in Nutrition, you may experience some added time to finish your degree from the University of Alberta when you transfer. See the Bachelor of Science – Nutrition and Food Sciences Academic Planning Guide for more information

The two-year University Arts Diploma offers students the opportunity to learn about the issues and people shaping their world through a holistic approach to knowledge that is interdisciplinary in emphasis and chronologically broad in its topics. Students are able to determine their futures through a focus on general University Arts, which allows students to concentrate on a particular area of interest within the Humanities (English, History/Classics, Philosophy) and Social Sciences (Anthropology, Communications, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology) or through one of three thematic specializations—Global Perspectives; Science and Society; Culture, Societies, and Gender—that centre on timely themes and subjects. With a choice of pathways, resulting in a University Arts Diploma, students are able to concentrate on what matters to them while gaining transferable knowledge and skills that will give them a leg up in an ever-uncertain future. In an age where intricate problems do not respond to traditional solutions, the ability to think beyond disciplinary boundaries, offer critical analysis, craft well-considered assessments, supported by adaptive thinking in pursuit of solutions, will be the foundation for students’ further educational goals or employment aspirations.

Please note: all students apply to the University Arts Diploma. Following Admission, students may, if they choose, declare a specialization in Year 1 or Year 2 prior to graduation. Specializations are noted on transcripts. Students who choose not to specialize, or who do not meet the requirements of a specialization, will graduate with the same University Arts Diploma (without a specialization noted on their transcripts).

Program Outcomes

• Recognize the provisional nature, inherent complexity, and ambiguity of knowledge.
• Acknowledge a variety of critical and theoretical approaches to local and global issues and identify the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches.
• Engage in scholarly inquiry, both independently and collaboratively, to identify and investigate questions of a theoretical and applied nature using appropriate disciplinary methodologies and sources.
• Integrate knowledge and perspectives across disciplinary boundaries.
• Demonstrate intellectual integrity and academic accountability.
• Recognize reasonable objections to positions one endorses and to the arguments one uses to support their own position when presenting oral and written arguments.
• Acknowledge the diverse social, cultural, and historical forces that shape identities and values and examine personal and cultural diversity.
• Analyse and interpret historical and contemporary events, texts, and data within disciplines.
• Demonstrate collaborative, independent, and inclusive attitudes and practices.

The Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) diploma program is designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in the rapidly growing manufacturing, petroleum, and infrastructure design industries in Central Alberta. Students will use both hands-on and theoretical approaches to learn mechanical engineering fundamentals including mathematics, solid mechanics, thermal-fluid sciences, and kinematics, blended with industry-focused topics such as automation, control, lean and computer integrated manufacturing, and reliability. Based on National Technology Benchmarks for Mechanical Engineering Technology, this program, coupled with industry experience, will lead to the Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) and Professional Technologist (PTech) designations.

Graduates will develop knowledge and skills enabling the learner to:-

• Employ relevant industry health and safety standards, codes, policies and procedures in accordance with current legislation, regulations and organizational policy.
• Prepare, analyze, evaluate and modify mechanical engineering drawings and other related technical documents.
• Analyze and specify the requirements for product and manufacturing operations to optimize manufacturability.
• Apply and demonstrate knowledge of material and engineering principles to manufacturing operations and processes to produce components according to required specifications.
• Analyze and solve complex technical problems by applying principles of advanced mathematics and science.
• Design, analyze, specify, interface, program, and maintain computer integrated manufacturing systems.
• Apply the principles and practices of project management.
• Research, analyze, prepare, author, and communicate in written, verbal, nonverbal, and presentation formats, technical documentation appropriate for a variety of audiences.
• Identify, develop, and demonstrate strategies for maintaining continuing competency and practice standards associated with global industry trends and practices.
• Design, specify, and analyze mechanical components and equipment by applying the fundamentals of mechanical engineering.
• Design, specify, deploy, and maintain mechanical systems; and apply principles of facilities management.

Kinesiology is the study of the science of movement. The program is designed so that students can complete 2 years of studies in order to transfer to a university and then enter the work force or transfer to a university and complete a Bachelor's degree. The program is designed for students wishing to transfer to the University of Alberta. Transfer to other universities is possible with proper program consultation and careful course selection. For university transfer, the courses you select must meet the program requirements of the specific university chosen.

Admission to a university program may be limited by quota. Entry is based on your academic record. You should expect heavy course and program demands and the need for a competitive GPA if you wish to transfer to a university program.

The objective of the program is to educate and prepare qualified leaders in the field of Kinesiology and Sport Studies who:

• are prepared for employment in related fields and agencies in the private and public sectors
• upon completion of a Bachelor's degree may choose to continue their education at the graduate level

Students who complete the Bachelor of Applied Arts in Animation and Visual Effects will be well prepared for entry level jobs in mid to large sized animation studios, and they will also possess the skills and attributes to collaborate with others in the creative arts to develop independent projects that serve the animation and visual effects needs of local industry.

The program is built on a foundation of communication, storytelling, and traditional art skills, such as sculpting in clay and life drawing. Students are introduced early in the program to concepts of storyboarding, layout, color and light that will be applied to character animation in 3D software, digital sculpting, digital texture painting, compositing, and visual effects. In the 4th year of the program, students will be guided and supported in the creation of their own demo reels. Business and entrepreneurial skills will also be taught in the program.

The unique nature of this program ensures that Animation and Visual Effects students will be well grounded in studio animation processes, and they will also have scheduled opportunities to work collaboratively on projects with other students in the School of Creative Arts.

Program Outcomes:

• Develop stories through the visual medium of animation
• Develop and demonstrate a foundation for executing the creative process
• Develop and demonstrate fundamental artistic skills
• Apply the principles of acting for animators within animation assignments
• Apply technical knowledge using a variety of animation industry relevant software
• Construct animations, following a current and typical animation production pipeline with a focus on techniques
• Demonstrate a high level of proficiency in a chosen area within the animation pipeline (character animator, modeler, lighter, texture artist)
• Create pre-visualizations in 3D software for a variety of industries
• Compose drawings, with a wide variety of media, to serve different stages of the animation industry
• Recognize and discuss work and gender cultural diversity (aboriginal/global/gender perspectives/awareness)
• Develop a personal portfolio/demo reel—at an industry accepted level—showcasing a combination of: completed animation scenes; and/or visual effects shots; and/or animated shorts; and/or textured 3D models; and/or scenes lit in 3D software; and/or pre-visualization
• Demonstrate teamwork, time management, self-direction, self-motivation and self-evaluation, to be able to respond appropriately to feedback
• Apply entrepreneurial skills in order to seek out and create meaningful career opportunities locally and globally in pre-existing, as well as new, personally created areas of animation

Communications Studies provides an awareness of the impact of media, understanding of research and practice involving media, and research and practice in discourse.

University Transfer Program
RDC offers the first two years of the Bachelor of Arts, Major in Communications Studies. For the most current university program and transfer information, see the Planning Guides.

The importance of the early years in a child's development is well established. There is a critical need for a variety of programs for children and families and for trained staff to ensure children's developmental needs are being met. The Early Learning and Child Care Program trains professionals to work with children from birth to eight years, with some related preparation for working with children from eight to twelve years of age. Throughout the program, there is an emphasis on developing caring relationships with children and families.

RDC offers a two-year diploma program in Early Learning and Child Care. Each course you take focuses on a different topic important to those who work with young children - everything from child development, to guiding behavior, to planning snacks and bulletin boards, to planning and participating in play experiences, to interacting with children who have special needs.

This program is designed for students who work full-time and study part-time. The Certificate permits part-time students to earn a college credential. Students can also be admitted to the Management Certificate on a full-time basis. You must complete eight business courses as outlined below to be awarded the certificate. To meet graduation requirements, students must complete all courses with a minimum grade of "D" and a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 (62%).

Program Content

• One Accounting Course (except ACCT 075) ACCT 102 Recommended
• One Computing Course (3 or 4 credits) BADM 207 or BADM 210 Recommended
• BUS 303 - Organizational Behaviour
• One Economics Course ECON 101 Recommended
• Four Business Options

Courses are to be selected from those listed under "Business Options" under "Program Content" for the Business Administration Diploma.

RDC Continuing Education course work may be used for up to two-course equivalents. Generally, forty-five hours of approved Continuing Education courses will be considered equivalent to one three credit Business Option course. For students planning to ladder into the Business Administration Diploma, Continuing Education courses will not be accepted for credit. Exceptions to the above are to be approved by the Department.

Economics studies how households, businesses and governments make choices about how to allocate scarce resources in order to best satisfy individual and social wants. The tools of economics can be used to analyze issues as diverse as unemployment, inflation, globalization, discrimination, environmental issues, taxation, health care and professional sports. Each year courses are offered in microeconomics and macroeconomics, and in selected fields such as money and banking, labour economics, international economics, sports economics, development economics, and industrial organization.

RDC offers courses that range from Shakespeare to Indigenous literature, expository to creative writing, national literatures to popular genres, allowing you to learn practical skills while acquiring cultural knowledge.