General Science

Unlike a single discipline major, a general major in the sciences allows you to customize your course selections to your interests by choosing three disciplinary streams from the following: applied statistics, archeology, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, geography, kinesiology, mathematics, neuroscience, physics, and psychology.

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. Where you compromise depth of focus in one area, you gain breadth of knowledge in a few key areas, thus increasing your flexibility.

As a student participating in a general major degree program, you’re not limited to studying only within your three disciplinary streams. As part of your liberal education, you will also be required to take classes outside your major. This allows you to develop skills and experience in the humanities, sciences and the social sciences, further enriching your academic studies.

Students interested in a General Major in the Science can complete:

Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Education
Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Management

Program Planning Guides

Skills

Active Learner
Attention to Detail
Awareness & Observation
Communication
Critical & Analytical Thinking
Cross-Cultural Awareness & Understanding
Curiosity

Detail-Oriented
Fieldwork & Risk Assessment Techniques
Formulating & Modeling
Interpersonal Communication
Knowledge of Scientific Issues
Leadership
Patience

Precision & Accuracy in Data Collection/Observation
Problem Solving
Research & Information Management
Teamwork
Working Independently
Written & Oral Communication

Work Environment

The three streams you choose to focus on will help determine the occupations for which you are best qualified. For example, emphasis on kinesiology, psychology, biology, or neuroscience might lead to opportunities in sports medicine, occupational therapy, or drug research while focus in mathematics, physics, or computer science may lead to engineering or government research. Additionally, the general sciences major opens up opportunities to pursue graduate studies and professional programs.

Due to the availability of several streams, the career options for this program are extremely open-ended and varied depending upon areas of study

Key Areas of Specialization:

Applied Statistics
Archeology
Biological Sciences
Chemistry
Computer Science
Geography
Kinesiology
Mathematics
Neuroscience
Physics
Psychology

Career Possibilities

Entry Level

These jobs are normally intended for new graduates and require 0 to 2 years of experience. It is important to note that many entry level positions require some related experience or demonstrated ability to perform job-related tasks. Even those positions that do not require experience will still prefer an experienced candidate, if one is available.

Related Job Titles

These jobs generally require extensive, relevant work experience and/or further education

Thinking Outside the Box: Other Possible Job Titles

On average, people change their careers three to five times in their lifetime. So, no matter what major you choose, you may still be interested in opportunities totally unrelated to your program of study. We encourage you to be open to all possibilities! Your undergraduate degree can be a springboard for other educational pursuits, and your transferable skills and experience can prepare you to work in a multitude of settings.

Useful Resources

Alberta Society of Professional Biologists http://www.aspb.ab.ca/
Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta http://www.apega.ca/
Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance Canadian Advanced Technology (CATA) - The One Organization That Represents Canadian Homegrown Technology Business - Innovations Of The World
Canadian Association of Geographers http://www.cag-acg.ca
Canadian Association for Neuroscience http://can-acn.org
Canadian Association of Physicists http://www.cap.ca/
Canadian Council of Professional Psychology Programs https://ccppp.wildapricot.org/
Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience –University of Lethbridge https://www.uleth.ca/artsci/neuroscience
Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation http://www.cnsfederation.org
Canadian Psychological Association Home - Canadian Psychological Association (cpa.ca)
Canadian Professional Counsellors Association http://www.cpca-rpc.ca
Canadian Science http://www.science.ca/
Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science http://csmls.org/
Chemical Institute of Canada http://www.chemistry.ca/
Chemistry Industry Association of Canada http://www.canadianchemistry.ca/
Information Technology Association of Canada http://www.itac.ca
Computer Science Canada http://compsci.ca/
Royal Canadian Geographical Society http://www.rcgs.org/
College of Alberta Psychologists Home - College of Alberta Psychologists (cap.ab.ca)
The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada http://www.rasc.ca/

Add Value to Your Degree

The more you do to differentiate yourself, the more likely you are to succeed in building a fulfilling career path for yourself. It takes more than just attending classes to stand out amongst other students and new graduates. Become an explorer! Try new things, challenge yourself, build unique skills, and connect with diverse people.

Use the ideas listed below to help you brainstorm experiences to add value to your degree. For more ideas on experiential opportunities at the University of Lethbridge, view the Student Experience Transcript.

Connect with Others

Making connections with others is one of the best ways to learn about the world of work and gain access to career-building opportunities. Making meaningful connections with people is often called building a network. Building these connections can give you access to jobs before they are posted, or to jobs that are not publicly posted. Employers like to hire people they have already built relationships with, and are more likely to hire people who have been recommended by trusted colleagues and friends.

Start building your network by attending Career Fairs and other on-campus recruitment events found on the Career Services Events page within the Career Bridge portal. Get introduced to career professionals in a welcoming and approachable way through uLethbridge Connect at Ten Thousand Coffees. Consider joining a professional association to help you find opportunities to meet experienced professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.

d professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.

Co-operative Education

Co-operative Education allows you to earn income through real-world work experience that is related to your academic studies. Completing a co-op work term provides you with an opportunity to build your skills in a practical work setting, network with employers, and increase your marketability after graduation.

Co-operative education is available to undergraduate and graduate-level students within a variety of programs in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Dhillon School of Business, Faculty of Fine Arts, and Faculty of Health Sciences. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how co-op works here.

Applied Studies

The Applied Studies program offers you the opportunity to earn academic credit for learning gained through employment or volunteer experiences. Placements provide skill development and experiential learning related to your studies by integrating principles learned in the classroom with practical situations encountered on the job.

Student Clubs and Leadership

Participating in clubs and running for student government are great ways to build employability skills, learn how to work with others, and demonstrate your leadership abilities.

The University of Lethbridge Students’ Union is committed to building a rewarding and enriching experience for undergraduate students. They have positions for Executive Council members and General Assembly members, as well as an extensive list of ratified clubs, offering opportunities to get involved in areas of interest and in leadership positions.

The Graduate Students’ Association’s mandate is to identify and advocate for graduate student needs. They have GSA Executive positions, GSA Council positions, and a mentorship program for incoming students.

Research Opportunities

The University of Lethbridge provides many different opportunities to gain research experience in addition to the required courses in your degree program.

An independent study is a chance for you to design your own research project for course credit under the supervision of a professor of your choice. Course work usually requires independent library research and/or field work and/or a major term paper. For more information, meet with an Academic Advisor and the Department or Faculty member under whom you wish to pursue an Independent Study.

You can also opt to complete an Undergraduate Thesis Course. This will allow you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree and is a great springboard into graduate studies and professional programs. Fourth-year standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.30 is required to complete an Honours Thesis; it is also helpful to have previous research experience like Independent Studies. For more information, contact the Department or Faculty member under whom you with to pursue your Honours Thesis.

The Office of Research and Innovation Services has a wealth of information on additional research opportunities for students, including Student Funding, Student Research Positions, AGILITY, and events. The School of Graduate Studies has information on Research Opportunities/Graduate Student Positions and GA/Co-op/Internship Opportunities. If you are interested in building your research portfolio, do not miss out on these opportunities!

International Experience

International experience builds valuable employability skills like adaptability, multi-cultural awareness, and the initiative to take on new challenges. Gain an international perspective by participating in Education Abroad opportunities like semester exchanges, study tours, field studies, work-study tours, internships, and more. Learn about international careers and resources through MyWorldAbroad (available within the Career Bridge portal).

Community Involvement

Volunteerism is an excellent way to demonstrate your current skills, build new skills, and grow your network. If you are not sure where to get started, connect with UVolunteer, the University of Lethbridge’s partnership with Volunteer Lethbridge. If you already volunteer, UVolunteer can provide you with a framework to organize and document your volunteer work. If you are not sure how or where to get involved, UVolunteer can help you find volunteer opportunities that meet your needs and the needs of your community. Also consider volunteering with a local Board, Commission, or Committee.

What can I do with a major in General Science