Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences

at Red Deer Polytechnic Canada

Psychology is the scientific study of thought, emotion, and behaviour; with a focus on the dynamic interplay of biology and environment. Red Deer College offers both Bachelor of Arts in Psychology or Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with the option of pursuing an Honours degree in either program. Students will acquire knowledge of various areas of specialization within Psychology (e.g., social, cognitive, developmental, clinical, neuro/biological, health); embedded within the program are themes of wellness and creative problem-solving. Experiential learning such as community service and applied research provide valuable hands-on exposure to the application of psychology to solve problems and create positive social impact. Research in and application of psychology are valued within a wide variety of contexts such as universities, schools, hospitals, clinics, legal professions, corporations, and non-profit organisations. Skills developed by psychology students (e.g., critical thinking, academic writing, research and analysis, the scientific method, interpersonal communication, and emotional intelligence) prepare them for future employment in a wide variety of contexts, as well as for graduate level education in psychology or a related field, or for entry into professional programs (e.g., law and medicine).

At the end of a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Red Deer College, students will be able to:

• Recognize the provisional nature, inherent complexity, and ambiguity of knowledge.
• Engage in scholarly inquiry to identify and investigate theoretical and applied questions using disciplinary methods and dissemination mechanisms.
• Demonstrate detailed knowledge in one or more specializations and integrate knowledge and perspectives across disciplinary boundaries.
• Demonstrate intellectual integrity and academic accountability.
• Reflect on diverse socio-cultural forces, and the importance of inclusive attitudes and practices.
• Analyse and interpret historical and contemporary events, texts, and data within and across disciplines.
• Demonstrate collaborative, independent, and inclusive attitudes and practices.
• Approach global and local issues from a critical and theoretically informed viewpoint.
• Recognize wellness as part of the human condition.

A combined BEd/BSc program allows you to satisfy the minimum requirements of both degrees in five years. The program provides a broader science background while maintaining the teacher education component. Graduates of the combined degree are eligible to apply for Teacher Certification in the Province of Alberta and all other provinces. Red Deer College offers up to two years of these programs.

Program Content

Teaching science in secondary school requires studying a variety of subjects. For the University of Alberta, you will normally major in one of the following areas and minor in another:

1. Biological Sciences includes Biology, Botany, Entomology, Genetics, Immunology and Infection, Marine Science, Microbiology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiology, Zoology.
2. Mathematical Sciences includes Applied Probability, Computing Science, Mathematics, Statistics.
3. Physical Sciences includes Astronomy, Chemistry, Mathematical Physics, Physics.

Transfer to the University of Alberta after one year is required for all of these programs in order to meet the U of A Faculty of Science residency requirement.

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.

Human Ecology is about people and their environments, including their home, clothing, family, and community. From fashion design, to textile science, to credit counseling and skills education to community development and services, Human Ecologists have the skills to enhance both their own and other's lives. Students in BSc in Human Ecology will choose one major: Family Ecology or Textiles and Clothing.

Transfer Features
The courses in this program can be transferred in full to BSc Human Ecology program at the University of Alberta. Refer to University of Alberta calendar for the complete listing of courses under the Faculty of Agricultural, Life, and Environmental Sciences.

Covering many elements, including: coding, databases, system administration, security, data communications and web development, gain the training you need to become a leader in this thriving industry!

Prepare for employment in entry-level developer or tester roles in a range of organizational contexts, or use this opportunity as a foundation for further study. Designed for students seeking to focus on one or more application domains, such as Web, VR/AR and Mobile Applications Development, graduates are perfectly positioned to begin their career as a Computer Programmer, Web Developer, Software Tester, Mobile Application Developer and many more!

Anthropology is the study of humankind and the human experience from its beginnings to the present day. RDC special interests include Archaeology, Cultural and Biological Anthropology, Human Evolution, Latin American Ethnography, Anthropology of Technology, Ancient Civilizations, Ancient Mesoamerica and Central America.

Are you interested in a career in a health or wellness related field, but not sure which program you would like to study? Or perhaps you are interested in one of the Certificate or Diploma programs in Health Sciences, but do  not meet the admission requirements. The Pre-Health Sciences Certificate program is a pathway designed to give students who are interested in a health career the opportunity to explore basic concepts related to health and health care. Students may do this while taking courses in Mathematics and Biology for Health Professions that can be used for admission. The relatively low credit load of the program (22 credits) allows students the opportunity to upgrade other high school courses required for admission while they are in the Certificate program.

Students who complete this one year Certificate program will have the opportunity to explore a variety of health related careers that require either a Certificate or Diploma. They will also develop strong study skills, and, upon completion of the program and fulfilment of additional admission requirements, will be eligible to apply to the following RDC School of Health Sciences programs:

• Kinesiology Diploma
• Medical Lab Assistant Certificate
• Occupational and Physical Therapist Assistant Diploma
• Pharmacy Technician Diploma
• Practical Nurse Diploma

The RDC program is a modified first year of study that provides credit for the first year of Bachelor of Science Agriculture. It is strongly recommended that students complete all junior requirements before taking senior courses.

University Transfer Program
Students in BSc Agriculture will choose a major from Agricultural and Resource Economics, Animal Science, Crop Science, or Sustainable Agricultural Systems.

Transfer Features
The courses in this program can be transferred in full to BSc Agriculture at the University of Alberta. Refer to the University of Alberta calendar for the complete listing of courses under the Faculty of Agricultural, Life, and Environmental Sciences. Please note that these credits are U of A credits.

Instrumentation engineering and associated technologies are rapidly changing and expanding in virtually every industrial and commercial sector. Current and future demand for Instrumentation Engineering Technologists (IETs) in this multi-disciplinary field is exceptionally high. Instrumentation systems form the monitoring and control nervous system of a broad spectrum of industries and applications. Thanks to such systems, commodities like oil, gas, electric power, wood products, clean drinking water, food products, and a wide variety of consumer goods find their way to market.

Program Outcomes
Possessing a unique blend of focused theoretical and practical training, graduates of this program will be able to:

• Employ relevant industry, health and safety standards, codes, policies and procedures in accordance with current legislation, regulations and organizational policy;
• Analyze and troubleshoot instrumentation control systems, including electrical, electronic, electromechanical (pneumatic and hydraulic), analog, and digital systems;
• Design, analyze and maintain (specific configuration and modification of) computer-based systems and hardware including electronic and computer-based controllers, to optimize the performance of process control systems;
• Analyze and solve complex technical problems by applying principles of advanced mathematics and science;
• Evaluate wireless and wired control systems applying mathematical, scientific, electrical, electronic and digital principles;
• Demonstrate and apply the elements of leadership in a multidisciplinary engineering environment;
• Appraise the installation and deployment of a control system as a supervisory member of a multidisciplinary team;
• Assess the need for maintenance, reliability and life cycle management of equipment;
• 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 in instrumentation.

The program persistently challenges students to critically think through planning and troubleshooting situations, apply methodologies to solve problems, and to communicate effectively (both oral and written) to any audience.