Bachelor of Arts and Science - Religious Studies & Biological Sciences (Optional Co-op)

For the Bachelor of Arts and Science, students must complete two majors: an Arts major, and a Science major. Religious Studies

People 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 the 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 students may not discover the meaning of life by studying religion, they 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; the University does not try to promote belief in any of the religions that are studied. Rather, the program attempts to study religion in as objective a manner as possible. Of course, each person faces challenges when trying to do so with neutrality, because people may have predispositions for or against particular religions, or toward religion in general. In religious studies, the 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. The program examines history, social and cultural configurations, symbolism, and literature, as well as theologies and metaphysical philosophies within belief systems. Students will study shared themes and marked differences in myths and rituals, and how religion permeates even secular lives.

Biological Sciences

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 students with hands-on learning, moving them 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, students will be required to complete courses in chemistry, physics and mathematics, ensuring a strong foundation in the core sciences. Students 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 University of Lethbridge’s award-winning faculty, their instructors, as they investigate diverse areas within behavioural and evolutionary ecology, plant biology and systemic biology, cellular and molecular biology and genetics.