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Welcome to the Faculty of Arts & Science
We are the founding academic faculty at the University of Lethbridge with over 40 disciplines.
Oki, and welcome to the University of Lethbridge. Our University’s Blackfoot name is Iniskim, meaning Sacred Buffalo Stone. The University is located in traditional Blackfoot Confederacy territory. We honour the Blackfoot people and their traditional ways of knowing in caring for this land, as well as all Indigenous Peoples who have helped shape and continue to strengthen our University community.
The Faculty of Arts & Science offers instruction in a broad range of subjects, from the humanities and social sciences to the natural and mathematical sciences. The Faculty of Arts & Science commits itself to the development of well-educated persons through the pillars of liberal education, including breadth and connections across disciplines, critical thinking skills, and engaged citizenship at all levels. We emphasize the skills developed by a liberal education, and a balance of breadth of general intellectual background with depth of knowledge in a particular area.
The Faculty of Arts & Science offers three very diverse degree programs: Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc), and Bachelor of Science (BSc). As an important part of your liberal education, you will select courses from the humanities, social sciences, and sciences as part of your program requirements. As such, you have the opportunity to study from within your areas of interest even if these areas are not part of your major. You can make your uLethbridge degree exactly that - YOUR degree - individualized to what you want to study.
The Faculty of Arts & Science stands with all those who seek a world free from the racism and related violence that plagues our world and our community. Read the full statement from Matthew G. Letts, Incoming Dean, Faculty of Arts & Science.
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Faculty of Arts & Science Events
Faculty of Arts & Science News
Reimagined PUBlic Professor Series celebrating its 10th season
The University of Lethbridge’s popular pub-style talk series, PUBlic Professor, will kick off its 10th season on Sept. 28, 2023. To celebrate a decade of casual, informative and engaging presentations from ULethbridge faculty members, the series has been reimagined to include speakers beyond the Faculty of Arts & Science — giving the public an opportunity to explore the breadth of expertise from across the entire institution.
The PUBlic Professor Series will feature six talks in total and touch on subjects in agriculture, therapeutic recreation, history, aboriginal health and new media, education, and neuroscience. Below is the talk schedule for the 2023/24 season.
September 28, 2023 | Recent Trends in the Food Industry
Dr. Digvir Jayas, University of Lethbridge President & Vice-Chancellor (Agricultural Studies)
October 26, 2023 | Person-centred Care from Rhetoric to Reality: Exploring the Role of Knowledge Translation and Mobilization in Health Care
Dr. Sienna Caspar (Therapeutic Recreation)
November 23, 2023 | Borders are Stupid
Dr. Sheila McManus (History)
January 25, 2024 | Weaving World Views: The Web as a Space for Cultural Vitality
Christine Clark (New Media) & Melissa Shouting (Aboriginal Health)
February 29, 2024 | Owning my Voice and Speaking my Truth in Academic Spaces
Dr. Sandra Dixon (Education)
March 28, 2024 | Why is the Brain Important?
Dr. Rob Sutherland (Neuroscience)
University of Lethbridge researchers secure support through Alberta’s Major Innovation Fund
From using robotic systems in health-care delivery and building on quantum technologies to adapting highly sensitive space instruments to space and defence applications, University of Lethbridge researchers are involved in a host of projects receiving grants through Alberta’s Major Innovation Fund.
The Honourable Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation, announced an investment of $27.3 million into innovative research in Alberta’s post-secondary institutions. The funding is designed to accelerate research and commercialization in medical devices, electronic and mobile health, clean energy and space and defence technologies. The funding goes to the University of Alberta (U of A) and the University of Calgary (U of C) to lead four province-wide strategic initiatives. ULethbridge and Athabasca University are partners in the projects.
“Supporting fundamental research and initiatives that commercialize new technologies is critical to strengthening and diversifying the Alberta economy,” says Dr. Dena McMartin, ULethbridge vice-president (research). “This investment will encourage new and traditional sectors to grow, improving the economic prospects and quality of life for all Albertans.”
Puzzle of Sexual Orientation conference brings world-class researchers to the University of Lethbridge
While many attitudes about sexual orientation have changed dramatically in recent decades, sex researchers can still face immense backlash about their work.
It’s no wonder then that an invitation-only conference like the Puzzle of Sexual Orientation, recently held at the University of Lethbridge, drew leading sex researchers from around the world to discuss their work in the company of fellow scientists who are also seeking to build knowledge in the field.
“In the United States and certainly parts of Canada, during parts of the past decade especially, academia has become intellectually intolerant,” says Dr. Michael Bailey, a professor at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois who attended the conference. “In certain ways, people have valued so-called social justice and identity politics at the expense of knowledge seeking, particularly about controversial topics and our domain includes some very controversial topics.”
Organized by Dr. Paul Vasey, a professor in ULethbridge’s Department of Neuroscience, and Dr. Kelly Suschinsky (MSc ’07, PhD ’12), program evaluation coordinator at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, the conference drew 37 participants from as far away as South America, Europe, and Australasia.
Dr. Michael Gerken named a Fellow of the American Chemical Society
Dr. Michael Gerken, a professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, was recently named a Fellow of the American Chemical Society (ACS), an honour currently shared by only seven other Canadians.
“I was absolutely thrilled and honoured,” says Gerken. “It’s fantastic to be named an ACS Fellow.”
The honour recognizes both scientific contributions to the field of chemistry and service to the Society.
Gerken works in the field of fluorine chemistry. Fluorine is the most reactive element in the periodic table and is used in many different compounds.
“Fluorine chemistry is very specialized because it really focuses on the chemistry of the element fluorine,” says Gerken. “It also involves organic, inorganic and polymer chemists within the fluorine chemistry community. The Division of Fluorine Chemistry of the ACS is very international and we have currently around 430 members, so it’s a very close-knit community.”
Three University of Lethbridge researchers appointed Canada Research Chairs
Dr. Stacey Wetmore, a professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry with expertise in computational chemistry, has been appointed a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair while Dr. Julie Young, a professor in the Department of Geography and Environment, and Dr. Trushar Patel, a professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, have had their Tier 2 Canada Research Chairs renewed for another term.
Wetmore, Canada Research Chair in Computational Chemistry, will receive $1.4 million over seven years. Young, Canada Research Chair in Critical Border Studies, and Patel, Canada Research Chair in RNA and Protein Biophysics, will each receive $500,000 over five years. These chairs were part of a larger federal announcement on August 29 by the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, on behalf of the Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health. The announcement included investments of over $960 million to support over 4,700 researchers and research projects in Canada. The $133.7 million in funding for the Canada Research Chairs Program includes 82 new and 75 renewed Chairs.
“Canada Research Chair appointments are highly competitive and reflective of the excellence of our faculty members in their chosen fields,” says Dr. Dena McMartin, vice-president (research). “The research done by Drs. Wetmore, Young and Patel has the potential to improve the quality of life for people all over the world.”
Ruffed Grouse study to aid in management of prized game bird
The study, which received $30,400 in funding support from the Alberta Conservation Association (ACA), seeks to build on previous work that identified the southwestern Ruffed Grouse population in the Crowsnest Pass area differs genetically from other Alberta populations. The goal now is to determine how many populations can be identified with genomics methods applied to a broader sampling of Ruffed Grouse populations across the province.
News Feed
Funding from the Alzheimer’s Society to further research into the causes of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease
According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, many factors have been linked to the development of dementia...
New EDI Scholars represent broadening of important program
An unprecedented number of applications has created the broadest representation of disciplines for the Equity,...
Reimagined PUBlic Professor Series celebrating its 10th season
The University of Lethbridge’s popular pub-style talk series, PUBlic Professor, will kick off its 10th...
University of Lethbridge researchers secure support through Alberta’s Major Innovation Fund
From using robotic systems in health-care delivery and building on quantum technologies to adapting highly...
Puzzle of Sexual Orientation conference brings world-class researchers to the University of Lethbridge
While many attitudes about sexual orientation have changed dramatically in recent decades, sex researchers can...
Dr. Michael Gerken named a Fellow of the American Chemical Society
Dr. Michael Gerken, a professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, was recently named a Fellow of...
Three University of Lethbridge researchers appointed Canada Research Chairs
Dr. Stacey Wetmore, a professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry with expertise in computational...
University of Lethbridge researchers awarded more than $2.3 million in NSERC, CFI funding support
University of Lethbridge researchers across a breadth of disciplines have earned more than $2.3 million in...
University of Lethbridge biologist finds a new tool to help save endangered plant species
Dr. Jenny McCune, a University of Lethbridge biology professor, collaborated with an up-and-coming filmmaker to...
Dr. Michelle Helstein appointed Provost and Vice-President (Academic) at the University of Lethbridge
Accomplished researcher and senior administrator, Dr. Michelle Helstein, has been appointed Provost and Vice...
Students, Faculty & Staff Stories
Josh McNeil strikes a winning balance between athletics and academics
From the baseball diamond to the chemistry lab, Josh McNeil is learning to keep a lot of balls in the air. The pitcher/catcher with the Prairie Baseball Academy and second-year science student says …
Dr. Susan Dieleman, Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership, Associate Professor, Department of Philosophy
Dr. Susan Dieleman is the inaugural Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership. Her career has taken her from Nova Scotia to Saskatchewan to Missouri and Illinois and now, to Alberta.
Niihtaapookaa (Old Man River Child), Tatiana Weasel Moccasin's journey forward is inspired by the past
Those who came before Niihtaapookaa, Tatiana Weasel Moccasin inspired her to attend ULethbridge. Their story, in particular, moves Tatiana to continue intergenerational healing while learning about Indigenous culture and traditions to become …
Ty Dudas finds the formula for success in the lab
Ty Dudas, a third-year neuroscience student at the University of Lethbridge, has truly embraced the institution's liberal education philosophy. While majoring in neuroscience, Ty's curiosity led him to explore other fields, particularly organic …
Maleeka Thomas has a passion for student advocacy
Maleeka Thomas is grateful for the opportunities the University of Lethbridge community has provided her, and the fourth-year sociology student – the first international and Black student to serve as President of …
ULethbridge Indigenous students discover cultural connections through Mexican Mayan exchange
Eighteen Indigenous University of Lethbridge students embarked on an international exchange of a lifetime to Quintana Roo, Mexico, in May. Though they travelled far, discovering cultural connections and forging new friendships brought them …
Shining Student Sydney Whiting is an advocate for environmental policy and social justice
ULethbridge introduced political science student Sydney Whiting to a community of student advocates who taught her about justice, equity, privilege, and intersectionality in practice outside of the classroom.
Makenna Kleiner discovers a passion for wildlife and the environment at ULethbridge
Makenna Kleiner is a BSc Environmental Science student who chose ULethbridge due to its outstanding science programs and the incredible facilities in the Science Commons. Makenna discovered her passion for environmental science and …
ULethbridge biology professor collaborates with grad student on engaging recap of research work
Endangered plants in Canada don't enjoy the same public attention and concern that at-risk animals do. ULethbridge professor Jenny McCune collaborated with a New Media grad to try and change that.
Career Bridge: Centre for Work-Integrated Learning and Career Development
Put Your Knowledge to Work
Whether you’re looking for a more in-depth learning experience by assisting with research projects on campus or by testing your knowledge in a real-life work setting, we can help! The University of Lethbridge is proud to offer you an exceptional opportunity to explore professional development through academic programs and services designed to give you a competitive edge in a fast-changing world.
You have a bright future — experience it via Career Bridge at uLethbridge!