Faculty of Science

About Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science is an academic division within the University of Calgary, located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Established in 1966 alongside the main university campus, the faculty provides undergraduate and graduate degree programs across a broad range of scientific disciplines. The institution operates primarily from the University of Calgary's main campus in the northwest quadrant of the city. As part of a public research university, the Faculty of Science operates under the provincial educational frameworks of Alberta and aligns its academic quality with Canadian higher education standards.

The faculty is structured into six primary departments: Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geoscience, Mathematics and Statistics, and Physics and Astronomy. Through these departments, the Faculty of Science offers Bachelor of Science (BSc), Master of Science (MSc), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. Students can pursue specialized majors, minor programs, and combined degree options that integrate science education with business, arts, or engineering. Interdisciplinary programs, such as Environmental Science, Neuroscience, and Natural Sciences, draw coursework from multiple academic departments to provide comprehensive scientific training.

Academic strengths of the Faculty of Science focus on energy research, astrophysics, quantum science, computational media, data analytics, and ecological studies. The Department of Geoscience maintains strong research connections to the regional energy and natural resources sector, emphasizing geophysics, petroleum geology, and hydrogeology. The Department of Physics and Astronomy contributes to international research projects through access to observational facilities and quantum information laboratories. The Department of Computer Science emphasizes areas such as human-computer interaction, cybersecurity, software engineering, and artificial intelligence, offering practical and theoretical coursework.

Campus facilities supporting the Faculty of Science include specialized research laboratories, computer labs, lecture halls, and collaborative learning spaces. Notable infrastructure includes the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory, located south of Calgary, which serves as a facility for astronomical research and public outreach. On the main campus, the faculty utilizes advanced analytical equipment, cleanrooms, specimen collections, and high-performance computing resources. Students also have access to the broader University of Calgary infrastructure, including the Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning and the University of Calgary Libraries and Cultural Resources system.

Undergraduate instruction in the faculty includes lecture-based courses, laboratory practicals, field schools, and research opportunities. Field schools conducted by the Departments of Geoscience and Biological Sciences provide students with hands-on training in geological mapping, ecological sampling, and environmental monitoring across Alberta and other international regions. The faculty supports undergraduate research experiences through summer research scholarships and honors thesis projects, enabling students to work directly alongside faculty researchers in active laboratories.

Graduate education within the Faculty of Science emphasizes independent research, original thesis preparation, and advanced coursework. Master's and doctoral candidates engage in fundamental and applied research funded by provincial and national granting agencies, such as the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). Graduate students work as teaching and research assistants, contributing to undergraduate instruction and ongoing departmental research projects across various scientific disciplines.

The Faculty of Science integrates work-integrated learning through its internship programs. Science students can participate in paid internship placements ranging from 8 to 16 months in duration, gaining professional experience with industry partners, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. These placements allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in professional settings prior to graduation, establishing career connections in sectors such as technology, energy, environmental consulting, and biotechnology.

As a core academic unit of the University of Calgary, the Faculty of Science maintains academic partnerships with domestic and international research institutions, municipal bodies, and industrial organizations. These collaborations support joint research initiatives, student exchange programs, and community-based science projects. The faculty continues to contribute to the university’s overall academic output through peer-reviewed research publications, scientific innovation, and the training of scientific professionals.