Dean's Welcome
Welcome to the Faculty of Science at UOIT, a university for the 21st century. At UOIT, we pride ourselves on providing an advanced technological learning environment accompanied by a student-centric philosophy. All UOIT undergraduate programs utilize laptop computers, web-enhanced learning and wireless campus facilities. You can connect with your professors anytime, anywhere. The provision of a suite of advanced scientific software on your laptop that is reflective of the type used in industry and its integration into your curriculum are unique features that provide you with a competitive advantage in comparison with students elsewhere.
At UOIT, our undergraduate science programs offer a strong scientific foundation and specializations that are relevant to the real world, such as Applied and Industrial Mathematics, Life Sciences (a program tailored for those wishing to enter medical school; over 10% of all our graduates have gone on to medical school), Digital Media, Energy and the Environment, Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Forensic Science. All our programs are supported by state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment. We have three interdisciplinary MSc graduate programs: Applied Bioscience, Modelling and Computational Science, and Materials Science (the last is offered jointly with Trent University.) A PhD program in Applied Bioscience is planned for September 2009, and PhD programs in the other cases are in the planning stages. The Faculty of Science is also a partner in a new MSc and PhD program in computer science, which is in the final approval stages.
We've brought the best and brightest minds from around the world to our Faculty of Science. Our professors challenge and inspire you to push your boundaries of thinking and learning. They have one of the highest proportions of PhDs among Canadian universities, and their research success is outstanding. Two of our professors (Dr. Forbes and Dr. Holdway) hold distinguished Canada Research Chair positions.
All our professors are approachable and supportive inside and outside of the classroom. With our limited-size lecture classrooms and small-size tutorial classes, you get personal attention from professors and staff. We are proud of the recognition of the teaching excellence of our faculty members. Mathematics Senior Laboratory Instructor Ilona Kletskin was the recipient of the UOIT Complementary Faculty Teaching Award for 2005-2006 and physics instructor Cristina Banica received the UOIT Teaching Assistant Award for 2006-2007. Rupinder Brar, a physics Lecturer, was named a top-10 finalist of the 2007 TV Ontario Best Lecturer competition. Christopher DiCarlo, a biology lecturer, won the overall TV Ontario Best Lecturer competition award for 2008.
UOIT is one of the only universities in the world that, from its very inception, has had a goal of being both a leading research-intensive and a highly student-centric institution. Since enhanced learning opportunities can occur outside the classroom and in the research laboratories of its professors, the Faculty of Science melds these dual goals by giving you the opportunity to participate in one of the most intensive undergraduate research programs in the country. Summer research assistantships are available for students to work on paid positions with their professors, right after first year (or even before!).
As you read through these pages, you'll find more information about our programs and opportunities. Please return to our website for the most up-to-date information concerning our programs and activities. If you're considering joining us, I encourage you to visit our campus and meet with myself, our professors and students, who can share with you all that UOIT has to offer. If you have any questions, please contact Science Academic Advisor Sarah Innes or myself and we would be happy to answer them. Please also consider contacting us to arrange a personal visit.
William R. Smith, PhD
Dean of Science
