Dalhousie University

About Dalhousie University

Dalhousie University (commonly known as Dal) is a public research university in Nova Scotia, Canada, with three campuses inHalifax, and a fourth in Bible Hill. Dalhousie offers more than 4,000 courses and 180 degree programs in twelve undergraduate, graduate, and professional faculties. The university is a member of the U15, a group of research-intensive universities in Canada.

Dalhousie was established as a nonsectarian college in 1818 by the eponymous Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, George Ramsay, 9th Earl of Dalhousie. The college did not hold its first class until 1838, until then operating sporadically due to financial difficulties. It reopened for a third time in 1863 following a reorganization that brought a change of name to "The Governors of Dalhousie College and University". The university formally changed its name to "Dalhousie University" in 1997 through provincial legislation, the same legislation that merged the institution with the Technical University of Nova Scotia.

The university's notable alumni include a Nobel Prize winner, two Canadian Prime Ministers, two Herzberg Prize winners, a NASAastronaut who was the first American woman to walk in space, 89 Rhodes Scholars, and a range of other top government officials, academics, and business leaders. The university ranked 235th in the 2014 QS World University Rankings, 226-250th in the 2014-2015 Times Higher Education World University Rankings,and 201–300th in the 2014 Academic Ranking of World Universities. Dalhousie is a centre for marine research, and is host to the headquarters of the Ocean Tracking Network.

The Dalhousie library system operates the largest library in Atlantic Canada, and holds the largest collection of agricultural resource material in the region. The university operates a total of fourteen residences. There are currently two student unions that represent student interests at the university: the Dalhousie Student Union and the Dalhousie Association for Graduate Students. Dalhousie's varsity teams, the Tigers, compete in the Atlantic University Sport conference of Canadian Interuniversity Sport. Dalhousie's Faculty of Agriculture varsity teams are called the Dalhousie Rams, and compete in the ACAA and CCAA. Dalhousie is a coeducationaluniversity with more than 18,000 students and 110,000 alumni.

• Faculty of Agriculture

  You’ve never seen a campus like ours. Located just outside Truro in Bible Hill, Nova Scotia, the Faculty of Agriculture is home to a working farm, almost 1,000 acres of research fields, gardens and greenhouses, and is built on a proud history of industry-leading education and research since 1905. In 2012, we joined with Dalhousie University to continue our tradition of excellence in education and research.

  Agriculture in today's world is an interesting and challenging industry where you can have a real impact. Our unique programs combine the core disciplines of agricultural sciences with business management and innovative technology. Here, you can study engineering, landscape architecture, international food business, aquaculture, and many more.

  Our classes include lively discussions around current issues as well as hands-on learning in the classroom, the lab and the field, giving you practical experience and a competitive advantage heading into careers on a local, national and global scale. 

• Faculty of Architecture and Planning.

  Our Faculty offers students interested in the careers of Architecture or Planning an excellent entry point straight out of high school; the Community Design program prepares you for professional studies in planning and architecture.  Whether you are in your first or second year, you will meet students in the professional programs and see their work.  

  We also welcome transfer students and those with previous degrees. With two years of university in just about any field, you can begin professional architectural studies at Dalhousie. Our planning programs are delivered at the undergraduate and graduate levels.  And for students seeking to develop their research skills, we offer research-based degrees such as the Master of Planning Studies and the Master of Environmental Design Studies in Design-Build.

  We also benefit from one of the most established co-op programs in the country, begun in 1970. Our co-op students get access to hundreds of employers — regionally, across Canada and around the world.

  So if you are interested in the fields of architecture, planning or community design, consider Dalhousie. Located in the rich context of a research-intensive university with 12 Faculties and many professional schools, Dalhousie offers the variety and richness of a much larger university in the beautiful and historic capital of Atlantic Canada.

• Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

  Dalhousie's Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) offers a world of choices. We are the oldest and one of the largest faculties on campus.  We boast thousands of courses. Two-hundredprofessors. Thirty-five academic programs.
  The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences encompasses the arts, humanities and social sciences.

  Dive into thought-provoking courses such as Youth and Society, Explorations in Religion, Gender Theory and World Politics. Wrap your tongue around a language, with classes in Arabic, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, even Mandarin. Sharpen your reasoning skills and writingabilities by taking a literature or philosophy class. Step into the spotlight during a theatre or music class. And learn about international development first-hand by living abroad for a semester.

• Faculty of Computer Science

  In the Faculty of Computer Science (FCS), you don't just learn to program or install the next generation of smartphone, you actually develop the skills and knowledge to go beyond that - to be an inventor or innovator.

  At FCS, we have a variety of course and research topics, exploring everything from network security and privacy issues to how people actually interact with technology. Here, you learn in an environment where leading-edge technology takes place on a daily basis; where small class sizes, hands-on labs and successful Co-op placements will introduce you to a whole new world.

  Be on a first-name basis with your computer science profs, many of whom teach first-year classes. When they’re not teaching, or conducting life-changing research, faculty members often participate in the social events put on by our student societies. Our students love the tight-knit, family feel that comes with learning and socializing alongside our staff and profs.

• Faculty of Dentistry

  Located on Dalhousie's Carleton Campus in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, the Faculty of Dentistry has a rich history and a tradition of excellence. As the only dental school in Atlantic Canada, our passion is educating dental professionals who we're proud to welcome as our colleagues.

  We offer small class sizes and individualized attention from faculty, ensuring our students are challenged throughout the course of their studies. Our faculty members are world-renownedwithin their fields of specialty. They're dedicated to our students' education and enhancing the field of dentistry.

  Our diploma, undergraduate and graduate programs in dentistry and dental hygiene provide students with a solid foundation to launch successful careers in the compassionate and challenging dental profession. We offer unmatched classroom and clinical experiences, as well as community outreach opportunities.

• Faculty of Engineering

  Built on a solid 100-year foundation, the Faculty of Engineering goes beyond traditional classroom education. Our professors provide students with real-world experience through participation in faculty research projects. Such collaboration gives students the vast set of skills necessary to become leaders. Nova Scotia Technical College, Technical University of Nova Scotia, and now Dalhousie have an extensive history of educating some of the best engineers in Canada, and we intend to keep doing that for a very long time.

• Faculty of Graduate Studies

  The Faculty of Graduate Studies at Dalhousie University is home to over 3500 studentsstudying in over 90 Master’s and 40 PhD programs. Our students come from all over the world to study in a variety of fields such as Engineering, Ocean Sciences, Computer Science, Social Science, Health Professions, Law, and much more.

  Dalhousie is known for its quality research. We are the only Atlantic Canadian member of the U-15, a group of leading research-intensive universities, and receive over $135 million in research funding every year.

  Situated on three beautiful, tree-lined campuses in the city of Halifax, graduate students at Dalhousie have access to not only world class education and research opportunities, but also to the vibrant cultural and social life that Halifax has to offer. Students who choose to study in the Faculty of Agriculture attend school in picturesque Truro, NS where they have access to state-of-the-art facilities and are within an hour of many of the province’s main attractions.

  Graduate degrees at Dalhousie open doors to countless opportunities, and many of our alumni have gone on to lead distinguished careers in academia, business, law, engineering, sciences, the arts, and more.

• Faculty of Health Professions

  The Faculty of Health Professions prepares students for a career in heath care and social services. Here your opportunities are almost limitless: you'll learn, explore and collaborate at one of Canada's best universities.

  The Faculty of Health Professions is one of the largest faculties at Dalhousie, comprised of eight schools, one college and one program, more than 200 faculty members, 80 staff members, and almost 2,500 students.

  We offer a wide range of programs for students at both the entry and advanced professional levels with opportunities for volunteering in the community, gaining practical experience and conducting research.

• School of Law

  Ten great reasons to study at the Schulich School of Law:

  1. You can bank on our 130-year old tradition of academic excellence.
  2. You'll earn a law degree that can take you anywhere in Canada — and beyond.
  3. You'll be part of a close-knit and well respected community. In fact, you may not find a more collegial law school in Canada... or anywhere else, for that matter.
  4. Your professors will inspire you, challenge you, encourage you — and get to know you.
  5. You'll gain an international perspective.
  6.  You'll have the chance to learn by doing.
  7. You'll have access to our first-class librarians and vast library collection.
  8. You'll get your career started with help from a supportive CDO.
  9. You'll have opportunities to specialize.
  10. You can benefit from one of the most generous law school scholarship and bursary programs in Canada.

• Faculty of Management

  Our graduates are leaders and managers in the business sector, public sector, and civil societywho live our vision of focusing on sustainability, managing with integrity, and getting things done. We have been recognized for our innovative, values-based approach to management education and research.

  Our professors are industry experts who bring real-world experience to the classroom. Ouradvisory board of experienced professionals works with us to ensure that course material isrelevant and practical.

  We drive regional prosperity by serving the community as consultants through our Management Without Borders and RSBconnect program: community-engaged learning that benefits everyone involved. We are nurturing the entrepreneurship eco-system with the Norman Newman Centre for Entrepreneurship. Our Executive Education programs are building Nova Scotia's management capacity.

• Medical School

  Dalhousie Medical School teaches scientific excellence and humanity in medicine, facilitates leading health research, influences social and health policy, and helps drive the regional economy.

  An integral part of Maritime Canada since 1868, Dalhousie Medical School's success has always been linked to our relevance to the communities we serve. While most Maritime doctors earned their MDs at Dalhousie, our well-trained, highly skilled graduates can be found caring for people of all ages throughout Canada and around the world.

• Faculty of Science

  Dalhousie University is eastern Canada's science powerhouse. Students learn from top professors, work in excellent facilities and collaborate with leading researchers on projects that can change the world.Our professors are regularly in the news for tackling high-profile issues from green technologyto biodiversity loss. Our instructors are experts in their fields, eager to share their knowledge in the lab and classroom.We run top facilities and labs used in student research and education, including Canada's largest university aquatic research facility.Our graduates are employable and connected. Science students build skills by working in labs, conducting research supervised by world-renowned academics and landing rewarding jobs. Study here and launch your science career.

• Faculty of Agriculture/Department of Environmental Science

• Faculty of Agriculture (Truro)/ Department of Environmental Sciences

• Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences

• Faculty of Agriculture/Department of Business and Social Sciences

• Faculty of Agriculture/Department of Plant and Animal Sciences

• Faculty of Agriculture (Truro)

• Faculty of Arts & Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology

• Faculty of Architecture and Planning

• Health Professions

• Faculty of Agriculture (Truro)

History of Dalhousie University

Dalhousie was founded as the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia George Ramsay, 9th Earl of Dalhousie desired a non-denominational college in Halifax. Financing largely came from customs duties collected by a previous Lieutenant Governor, John Coape Sherbrooke, during the War of 1812 occupation of Castine, Maine; Sherbrooke invested GBP£7,000 as an initial endowment and reserved £3,000 for the physical construction of the college.The college was established in 1818, though it faltered shortly after as Ramsay left Halifax to serve as the Governor General of British North America. The school was structured upon the principles of the University of Edinburgh, where lectures were open to all, regardless of religion or nationality. The University of Edinburgh was located near Ramsay's home in Scotland.

In 1821 Dalhousie College was officially incorporated by the Nova Scotia House of Assembly under the 1821 Act of Incorporation. The college did not hold its first class until 1838; operation of the college was intermittent and no degrees were awarded. In 1841 an Act of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly conferred university powers on Dalhousie.

In 1863 the college opened for a third time and was reorganized by another legislative act, which added "University" to the school's name: "The Governors of Dalhousie College and University". Dalhousie reopened with six professors and one tutor. When it awarded its first degrees in 1866 the student body consisted of 28 students working toward degrees and 28 occasional students. The first female graduate was Margaret Florence Newcome from Grafton, Nova Scotia, who earned her degree in 1885. Despite the reorganization and an increase in students, money continued to be a problem for the institution. In 1879, amid talks of closure due to the university's dire financial situation, a wealthy New York publisher with Nova Scotian roots,George Munro, began to donate to the university; Munro was brother-in-law to Dalhousie's Board of Governors member John Forrest. Munro is credited with rescuing Dalhousie from closure, and in honour of his contributions Dalhousie observes a university holiday called George Munro Day on the first Friday of each February.

Originally located at the space now occupied by Halifax City Hall, the college moved in 1886 to Carleton Campus and spread gradually to Studley Campus. Dalhousie grew steadily during the 20th century. From 1889 to 1962 the Halifax Conservatory was affiliated with and awarded degrees through Dalhousie. In 1920 several buildings were destroyed by fire on the campus of the University of King's College in Windsor, Nova Scotia. Through a grant from the Carnegie Foundation, King's College relocated to Halifax and entered into a partnership with Dalhousie that continues to this day.

Dalhousie expanded on 1 April 1997 when provincial legislation mandated an amalgamation with the nearby Technical University of Nova Scotia. This merger saw reorganization of faculties and departments to create the Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Computer Science and the Faculty of Architecture and Planning. From 1997 to 2000, the Technical University of Nova Scotia operated as a constituent college of Dalhousie called Dalhousie Polytechnic of Nova Scotia (DalTech) until the collegiate system was dissolved. The legislation that merged the two schools also formally changed the name of the institution to its present form, Dalhousie University. On 1 September 2012 theNova Scotia Agricultural College merged into Dalhousie to form a new Faculty of Agriculture, located in Bible Hill, Nova Scotia.

Accreditation

Institutional Accreditation or Recognition - Department of Labour and Advanced Education, Nova Scotia

Rankings

• #277 - QS World University Rankings
• 101-150 - QS World University Rankings by Subject Earth and Marine Sciences
• #16 Best Global Universities in Canada

Student life at Dalhousie University

The student body of Dalhousie is currently represented by two student unions; the Dalhousie Student Union, which represents the general student population, and the Dalhousie Association for Graduate Students, which represents the interests of graduate students specifically. Dalhousie Student Union began as the Dalhousie Student Government in 1863, and was renamed the University Student Council before taking its present name. The student union recognizes more than 100 student organizations and societies. The organizations and clubs accredited at Dalhousie cover a wide range of interests including academics, culture, religion, social issues, and recreation. Accredited extracurricular organizations at the university fall under the jurisdiction of the Dalhousie Student Union, and must conform to its by-laws. As of 2011, there were three sororities (Omega Pi, Iota Beta Chi, and Alpha Gamma Delta) and three fraternities (Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi, and Phi Kappa Pi). They operate as non-accredited organizations and are not recognized by the Dalhousie Student Union.

The university's student population operates a number of media outlets. The main student newspaper, The Dalhousie Gazette, claims to be the oldest student-run newspaper in North America. It is published Thursdays, and is distributed to over 100 locations around the Halifax area. The newspaper's offices are in the Student Union building. Dalhousie's student population runs a radio station which began as a radio club in 1964, and began to broadcast and operate as CKDU in 1975; it began FM frequency broadcasting in 1985. CKDU acquired its present frequency 88.1 in 2006 alongside an upgrading of its transmitting power.

Clubs and societies

In addition to the efforts made by the Dalhousie Student Union (DSU) Council, Dalhousie students have created and participated in over 320 clubs/societies. The Management Society, for example, is a group of students in the Faculty of Management who group together to enhance the experience of students in that faculty by hosting events, providing assistance and giving back. Dalhousie offers a website named "Tiger Society" which lists all current clubs and societies that are available for students to join. Through this website, students can request to join a society. Dalhousie also holds a Society Fair at the beginning of each fall and winter semester, in which all societies are given the opportunity to display their purpose/efforts and recruit new members. Student societies partake in a range of activities from simple gatherings, study groups, bake sales, intramural sports teams, to organizing larger scale fundraising events.

Top 7 reasons to study at Dal

1. Learn from award-winning professors: Over 90% of our faculty have a PhD.
2. Attend a world-recognized university: Dalhousie's strong academic track record has been recognized in The Scientist and the Times Higher Education and QS world university rankings.
3. Access top researchers: We conduct$149 million in funded researchannually and are one of Canada's leading research-intensive universities.
4. Choose from a wide variety of programs: Dalhousie offers over 180 degree programs.
5. Join a diverse and supportive community of students: Over 110 countries are represented at Dal.
6. Feel safe: The Global Peace Index rates Canada as the fourth most peaceful country in the world.
7. Explore the great outdoors: Nova Scotia has 7,400 miles of coastline and over 120 provincial parks.