In his powerful book, Democracy and Education, John Dewey argues that education is not simply the amassing of facts or skills–it is “the achieving of a life of rich significance.” Dewey’s vital statement does not preclude the learning of practical vocational skills, but instead places them into proper perspective. Here at the University of Winnipeg, we recognize that the rapid rate of change in scientific advancement and society at-large makes it critical that we develop students to be critical thinkers and critical learners.
How do we do this? First and foremost, we put great value into what makes our university distinctive: our history of teaching excellence and social consciousness, our very diverse student body, and our fundamental belief that a liberal education can have a transformative effect on individual lives and society. At the University of Winnipeg, the Faculty of Science is dedicated to focusing on our students and blending the best of both traditional and modern pedagogical methods: group lectures, small group discussions, problem-based learning, cutting-edge research projects, computerized instruction, as well as numerous multidisciplinary programmatic offerings.
Through the years, the University of Winnipeg Science Faculty has engaged in a wide variety of outstanding, well-funded research programs that have engaged hundreds of students as collaborators. We also have many strong interdisciplinary programs, including the Applied Science Program with the Red River College, Biochemistry, Environmental Studies, Biopsychology, Bioanthropology, and a dual degree program in Engineering with the University of Minnesota. We also have courses and programs that provide excellent preparation for students entering a wide variety of science professions, including the health sciences.
Our goal in the Faculty of Science is to provide for all students an educational experience that is demanding, rigorous, of the highest quality---yet, one that is enjoyable. As the new Dean of Science, I have many ideas designed to promote this over-arching goal and enhance the overall educational experience offered in our various science departments. I look forward to meeting you throughout the upcoming year. Good luck with your studies.
Kind regards,
Rodney S. Hanley, Ph.D.
Dean of Science
University of Winnipeg