LEARNING HOW TO
BE A RESEARCHER
The Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) program is designed to teach a key element of
health research — how to be a researcher. Inquiry-based learning and an active research
experience inspires creative thinking and the development of investigative skills early
on and throughout the program.
Unique in its self-directed nature, the program places huge stock in mentorship, and the
opportunity to build relationships with internationally renowned researchers is one of
the primary reasons for its success. Plenty of interaction with professors, teaching
assistants and classmates also creates a great sense of community.
All BHSc students designate a program stream when they apply:
Bioinformatics integrates computer and biological sciences — from modelling biological
systems in computer simulations to showing how the human body works from an
information systems perspective.
Biomedical Sciences teaches a solid foundation in the basic sciences and scientific
methods — with the added benefit of exposure to the latest technologies in biomedical
and biotechnology research.
Health and Society deals with concepts of health and illness from a population view and
a social science angle — using social and medical science to ask and answer crucial questions
about health and well-being.
BIOINFORMATICS
AT WORK
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
iGEM: The International Genetically Engineered Machine competition is entirely
student initiated. The University of Calgary competes as a multi-faculty team in
this annual contest to use synthetic biology to solve real-world problems, like can
genetically modified bacteria really help clean up tailings ponds?
I was really interested in learning about the
use of computer technologies in biological
sciences and the bioinformatics stream gave
me the opportunity to see innovative
applications of this in health research.
Global Health: Research goes global for a dozen BHSc students each year as
they travel to Tanzania, Ethiopia or the Dominican Republic as part of an equitable
research partnership.
Armin Rouhi
Bioinformatics
The University of Calgary’s LINDSAY Virtual
Human uses touch interfaces to model the
human body, showcasing anatomy and
physiology in 3D. lindsayvirtualhuman.org
LEADER IN HEALTH SCIENCES SCHOLARSHIP
The Leader in Health Sciences Scholarship aims to support future physician scientists
— medical doctors committed to advancing research. Recipients will be awarded
$15,000 per year for the four-year BHSc program, a total value of $60,000, and
will be granted assured admission to the University of Calgary’s MD program upon
BHSc graduation and meeting MD program criteria.
THE PROGRAM
• Four-year undergraduate degree
• Honours thesis designation
APPLY!
CUMMING.UCALGARY.CA/BHSC
RESEARCH ON
THE FAST TRACK
This program is rooted in developing
an interdisciplinary mindset in students.
I have had an incredible journey pursuing
my interest in neuroscience through
epidemiology, clinical populations, nutrition
and, hopefully, will continue on to physician
advocacy in neuro-intensive care.
Jackie Williamson
Health and Society
With support from the Markin Undergraduate
Student Research Program Jackie researched
the risk factors among young cyclists and
is already a published author in science
publications. ucalgary.ca/usrp
SOMETIMES
IT FEELS LIKE
I HAVE A
SUPERPOWER
To be a leader in the diverse and
I always enjoyed engineering and robotics so I chose Dr. Kourosh Zareinia, robotics
engineer with Project neuroArm™, as a mentor. It was a way for me to reconnect
with engineering and step out of my biology comfort zone.
Health Sciences is a research-intensive
I was dumbfounded by all the devices in the neuroArm™ lab; it was like walking into a
sci-fi movie. Not only could I control robots, but the dexterity, precision and especially
the haptic feedback mechanism in the arm itself made me feel like I had suddenly
developed a superpower.
Jay Wang
Biomedical Sciences
Developed at the University of Calgary, neuroArm™ is the world’s first
MRI-compatible surgical robot. neuroarm.org
dynamic global health-care sector,
a well-rounded background in the health
sciences is invaluable. The Bachelor of
honours degree that encompasses
the full spectrum of health sciences
education — from cell to society — and
supports a rich and interactive learning
environment in line with the Cumming
MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
School of Medicine’s vision to create
The BHSc mentorship program pairs students with a faculty member or senior student
who provides resources, research opportunities and insight into the program and
even future careers.
the future of health.
Bachelor of Health Sciences
Cumming School of Medicine
University of Calgary
Health Sciences Centre
3330 Hospital Drive NW
Calgary, AB T2N 4N1
E:[email protected]
P:403.210.9730
cumming.ucalgary.ca/bhsc
BACHELOR
OF HEALTH SCIENCES