Research in the Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science has an active group of researchers investigating a broad range of subjects. One of our great strengths as a Faculty is that we engage undergraduates in our research very early in their education.

The rich natural resources of our region are the source of numerous research projects by our faculty. The scope of the research ranges from the importance of water resources in the arid ecosystems of the region to the grassland and forested communities that develop here and the native and domestic animals that use them.

Another research theme in the Faculty involves the chemistry and activity of natural products. Our researchers identify organisms that use novel antimicrobial compounds and then use of state-of-the-art analytical equipment to isolate and characterize them, or to synthesize novel variants of similar compounds that also have antimicrobial activity.

A newly formed Centre for Optimization and Decision Science brings together researchers in mathematics, statistics and computing that apply quantitative approaches to solve complex problems. These researchers address questions like how can you identify optimal network-designs, or how does one balance conflicting interests of sustaining economic growth and environmental protection.

These are just three of the areas of research being carried out by faculty members. Some other areas of research involve energy efficient home design, bioinformatics, the evolution of stars, and the science of sleep

You can find more information about individual researchers by going to faculty web pages or about the MSc Graduate program by visiting http://www.tru.ca/science/msces.html