Bachelor of Arts General Major in Social Sciences

at University of Lethbridge - Lethbridge Campus Canada

Finance is the study of financial markets & instruments and investment decision-making and involves evaluating and implementing different ways of gaining, managing and using capital. It incorporates economics, accounting and statistics to determine the viability of financing businesses and investments.

From planning national policy to structuring the financing of major projects to managing personal investments, financial analysts interpret quantitative and qualitative information to manage money effectively.

A general major in the sciences, unlike a single discipline major, allows you to customize your course selection to your interests and abilities. Where you compromise depth of focus in one area, you gain breadth of knowledge in a few key areas, thus increasing your flexibility. This multidisciplinary approach provides access to the "big picture" or the wider context of any subject area. Conversely, the courses you choose can enhance your focus and provide a cross-discipline perspective on one particular theme.

Students choosing a general major in the sciences select three disciplinary streams from the following:

• Archaeology
• Biological sciences
• Chemistry
• Computer science
• Geography
• Kinesiology
• Mathematics
• Neuroscience
• Physics
• Psychology

As a student participating in a general major degree program, you’re not limited to studying only within your three streams. As part of your liberal education, you will be required to take classes outside your major(s). This allows you to develop skills and experience in all three streams.

Experience learning
Our students have a number of experiential learning opportunities available to them including co-operative education, international exchanges, independent and applied studies as well as volunteer opportunities. uLethbridge is the only university in Alberta to offer co-operative education to all majors in the arts & sciences, at both the undergrad and grad level. Transfer students can actually head out on their first work term before ever stepping foot on campus! For example, many transfer students have completed a summer work term before starting classes in September.

The Department of Geography and the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science offer instruction leading to the multidisciplinary major in computer science and geographical information science. The program is structured to provide a firm theoretical, technical and applied background in the geographical information sciences (GIS) that draws extensively on computer science foundations.

This major provides a strong basis for further study at the graduate level in an established field of research, while also providing training in an area of employment opportunity that neither the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science nor the Department of Geography alone can provide.

Geographical information science (GIS) | GIS involves the use and analysis of digital maps, databases, models and mobile applications, as well as navigation and spatial integration tools. Major GIS application areas include remote sensing, geographical information systems, computer graphics, image processing and mapping and spatial modelling. These rely on advanced computer science algorithms and software development, platform integration, hardware design and operating system principles. The major provides applied training coupled with a solid theoretical and developmental foundation.

Physics is the study of matter and energy at all scales, from the sub-nuclear to the dimensions of the universe. It is the fundamental science — all other sciences and technologies rely on the principles of physics.

Physics involves observing and understanding natural phenomena. It is evident in the world around us in everything from the seasons, the motion of objects, the flight of birds, the night sky and the weather, to lasers, electronics and the technology we rely on today.

Physics is very much a “hands-on” science, so the most effective way for you to learn the subject is to actually do physics. Astronomy teaches you how to study objects at a distance and interpret the information gathered. This helps us begin to understand the universe we live in. The skills you will learn in astronomy are also applicable to remote sensing and its application to environmental problems.

The department offers a comprehensive physics major. The foundation of this program is built in the first two years, as you study mechanics, waves, electricity and magnetism, optics, thermal physics and modern physics.

In your third and fourth years, you will gain a deeper understanding of the fundamentals and delve into more advanced and specialized areas. Specialized topics may include the research interests of department faculty members, as all faculty members are involved in rigorous research programs.

Faculty members also ensure you are provided with a wide view of physics, exposing you to all areas of the subject and describing a wide variety of applications. This enables you to make informed decisions when choosing the areas you may wish to pursue in the future.

Agricultural studies delves into the relationships between the social, economic, political and environmental factors that affect the agricultural sector — from farm level production to international policy.

This unique program focuses on both the art and the science of agricultural practices from theoretical and applied perspectives, including extensive lab experience and a special emphasis on current issues and cutting-edge research.

You will develop an expansive breadth and depth of knowledge in all things agriculture. Firmly grounded in the humanities and natural and social sciences, this liberal education approach ensures comprehensive, multi-faceted exposure to the study of agriculture and agri-food.

Agricultural studies takes full advantage resources and course offerings in the Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Geography and Economics.

This broad range of perspectives will expand your understanding of issues such as policy development, the farm as a production unit and the environmental implications of land use. You’ll also be exposed to the latest developments in genetic engineering, precision farming and animal nutrition, to name just a few.

Psychology delves into what makes people tick. Psychologists study the relationship between mind and behaviour by investigating the nature of thought processes and behaviours in humans and other animals.

Psychologists also study the evolutionary, social and cultural factors affecting the development of our thoughts and behaviours, focusing on topics that have a direct bearing on our day-to-day experience.

A major in Psychology will help you develop skills in analyzing and interpreting complex material, particularly as it relates to behaviour. You will learn theories of how people interpret the world and act in it, as well as theories of human behaviour.

As a psychology student, you will learn from those at the forefront of psychological research. Our faculty members are regularly published in the top journals and make an ongoing contribution to an ever-advancing field.

You will inevitably become a savvy and critical consumer of evidence-based information related to people’s behaviour such as self-help, psychological and medical advice.

Psychology delves into what makes people tick. Psychologists study the relationship between mind and behaviour by investigating the nature of thought processes and behaviours in humans and other animals.

Psychologists also study the evolutionary, social and cultural factors affecting the development of our thoughts and behaviours, focusing on topics that have a direct bearing on our day-to-day experience.

A major in Psychology will help you develop skills in analyzing and interpreting complex material, particularly as it relates to behaviour. You will learn theories of how people interpret the world and act in it, as well as theories of human behaviour.

As a psychology student, you will learn from those at the forefront of psychological research. Our faculty members are regularly published in the top journals and make an ongoing contribution to an ever-advancing field.

You will inevitably become a savvy and critical consumer of evidence-based information related to people’s behaviour such as self-help, psychological and medical advice.

Statistics is the study of the collection, organization, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. In a world that is increasingly data-driven, knowing how to extract and interpret information is key. Statistics help evaluate ideas, test hypotheses and give clarity to complex issues.

If your passion is the environment, statisticians help manage our natural resources and understand the impact of climate change. If your passion is public policy, statisticians work with governments and non-governmental organizations to measure the health of the economy and assess the effectiveness of programs. If your passion is sports, statisticians help improve teams through player drafting, signing and development. No matter where your passion lies, you are likely to find statisticians active in that area.

The major in applied statistics is structured to provide a firm theoretical background in statistics and to allow you to apply specific statistical techniques within your discipline of interest. The program has three possible concentrations:

• Economics
• Geography
• Psychology

Each of these disciplines makes extensive use of statistics in the analysis of real-world data. Students in this major and any chosen concentration will learn about statistical resources and benefit from training across multiple departments.

Archeology and geography explore past human cultures and societies through the analysis of material remains. It is the interpretation of these artifacts that help us understand our past, allowing us to learn more about ourselves today.

Learn various aspects of archaeological interpretation and have the opportunity to put them into practice in the field and in the laboratory. Combine the theoretical and methodological approaches of the discipline to give you a balanced and in-depth look at the subject.

You will expand your understanding of areas such as: anthropology, languages, human geography, physical geography, geology, GIS and remote sensing. These courses and others will prepare you for the multidisciplinary nature of archaeology & geography.

The location of the University of Lethbridge offers an excellent centre for field-based research and teaching as it is situated in the coulees of the Oldman River, in close proximity to the Rocky Mountains, surrounded by rangelands and areas of intense agricultural activity within a few hours of large urban centers.

Indigenous studies explores art, law, philosophy, health, politics, history, gender studies, ecology, business, customs and language — all from a unique Indigenous perspective — making this one of the most sought-after programs of its kind in Canada.

In this program, you’ll have the opportunity to investigate First Nations’, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) history, heritage and culture, as well as the contemporary issues that face FNMI communities.

As a student of Indigenous Studies, you’ll have access to Indigenous instructors, who are often nationally or internationally renowned, seasoned professionals with real-world experience.