Bachelor of Arts in General - Humanities

at University of Lethbridge - Lethbridge Campus Canada

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.

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.

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.

International management is the practice of managing business, not-for-profit, governmental etc. operations across countries. Professionals in this area are familiar with the language, culture, economic and political environment and business practices of countries in which multinational firms operate. They have the skills needed to build effective management strategies in today’s globally competitive environment.

About the International Management Major

• As a major in international management, you'll learn about cross-cultural management practices and how work behaviour differs throughout the world. You will also study global aspects of business, trade, marketing, finance and economic systems, develop fluency in a second language, and gain cross-cultural experience. You'll hone the skills needed to meet the challenges of doing business internationally and build a network of personal contacts across the globe.
• Some of the topics included in this major are: international management, introduction to international management, global financial management, cross-cultural management practices, industrial location & globalization of enterprise, management in world history, cross-cultural marketing, the politics of Canadian trade policy, issues in international management, regional aspects of international management, law & institutions of international trade, sustainable tourism, environmental management, and cultural work study. Students draw from fields such as history, English, political science, economics and sociology.

Kinesiology is the study of human movement through physical activity and the critical role it plays from both an individual and cultural perspective. It also helps us understand the mechanics of human motion.

Our programs are designed to provide you with the opportunity to study the theoretical and practical applications of activity as a cultural form, as well as individual performance at all levels of involvement and all ages.

You will also gain an understanding of movement through the integration of specialized knowledge found in topics like anatomy, biomechanics, culture, exercise physiology, leadership, media, motor control, race and ethnicity.

You will have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, as well as the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness, with its indoor track, pool and climbing wall

Biological sciences delve into the world of living organisms - from microbes, to human beings, to entire ecosystems. It is the science of life on, under and above earth. Exploring the nature of life leads biologists out into the world where they study how organisms interact with their environment, how they function and how they evolved over time.

The Department of Biological Sciences provides you with hands-on learning, moving you beyond textbooks and lectures to engaging research projects. Biology is a research-intensive science that can lead to a wide range of study areas, like environmental work, medicine, microbiology or agriculture.

Today’s biologists require a strong background in cellular and molecular biology, organismal biology, genetics, evolution and ecology. Additionally, you will be required to complete courses in chemistry, physics and mathematics, ensuring a strong foundation in the core sciences.

You will also have access to state-of-the-art science and research facilities, like the Alberta Ingenuity Centre for Water Research. This facility provides the infrastructure to support the research interests of our award-winning faculty, your instructors, as they investigate diverse areas within behavioural and evolutionary ecology, plant biology and systemic biology, cellular and molecular biology and genetics.

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.

Mathematics is the study of structure and patterns in numbers and shapes. It is an active research area, providing a language, theories and models to solve complex problems across a wide variety of scientific, industrial and economic sectors.

Over the past century, discoveries in pure mathematics have found unexpected applications in science, industry and finance, such as: secure internet transactions, Google, DNA sequencing and the stock market. 

As a math student, you will study both pure and applied mathematics, giving you the opportunity to see real-world applications of your studies.

The program offers courses in four main areas: algebra, analysis, number theory and geometry, and statistics. Many students opt to combine math with courses in physics, computer science, chemistry, economics, management or other areas of interest.

A mathematics education provides a solid training that is sought after by employers and allows flexibility in your career choices. You will learn to tackle difficult problems employing a variety of theories and statistical models. You’ll also learn to communicate your expertise by combining your technical skills with a sound liberal education.

You will have access to state-of-the-art science and research facilities. Our computer labs feature the latest equipment and our small class sizes ensure access to your instructors whenever you need it.

English is not just about the rhetorical and creative aspects of literature. It’s about examining history, culture, psychology, sociology, philosophy, and the human condition to determine what a text means in the context of when and where it was written, and how it relates to us today.

Language is the primary means by which we communicate our values, our ideals and our vision. The study of English asks fundamental questions about literature and how we, as humans, express ourselves and interact with others. It is the science of communication and critical inquiry.

Learn how we use language in the world at large, and consider the functions, structures and significance of literature over time. Develop an excellent foundation for a career in virtually any professional capacity due to the cross-disciplinary nature of this program.

We encounter religion in many manifestations frequently on TV and the Internet: breathtaking mosques, colossal Buddhas, the Pope addressing huge crowds, brutal religious wars or unusual rituals.

Studying religion enhances our understanding of what it is to be human. It enables us to learn more about the diverse cultures of the world, their ancient histories and their highest values. While you may not discover the meaning of life by studying religion, you will learn how others have answered that perennial human question, and how those answers have shaped people’s lives and the lives of those around them.

The University of Lethbridge is a secular (non-religious) institution of learning; we do not try to promote belief in any of the religions that we study. Rather, we attempt to study religion in as objective a manner as possible. Of course, each person faces challenges when trying to do so with neutrality, because we may have predispositions for or against particular religions, or toward religion in general.

In religious studies, our explorations are wide-ranging, embracing the human religious response, from the great world religions to marginal and quasi-religious phenomena, such as shamanism and magic. We examine history, social and cultural configurations, symbolism, and literature, as well as theologies and metaphysical philosophies within belief systems. You will study shared themes and marked differences in myths and rituals, and how religion permeates even our secular lives.