Please note: the information on this page is a summary – for official and complete requirements, always refer to the Undergraduate Academic Calendar.
All programs have the following key components:
What are general education courses?
General education courses are one component of all degree programs.
For BSc degrees, it provides you with both the general foundation you need in science, mathematics, and computing, as well as some non-science courses intended to enhance your critical skills in reading, writing, and thinking while broadening your perspective on scholarship and the diversity of human experience.
For BA degrees, it provides a general foundation in the broad disciplines of social science and humanities, as well as exposure to scientific thought, processes, and impact on society. These courses are also intended to enhance your critical skills in reading, writing, and thinking.
The requirements are occasionally modified. Current requirements are for those beginning degrees in Fall/Winter 2012-2013.
BA and iBA programs
A minimum of 24 credits chosen from the areas of Humanities, Modes of Reasoning, Natural Science, and Social Science as it follows:
- a minimum of 6 credits but no more than 9 credits of the required 24 must be from Humanities.
- a minimum of 6 credits but no more than 9 credits of the required 24 must be from Natural Science.
- a minimum of 6 credits but no more than 9 credits of the required 24 must be from Social Science.
Please refer to the Undergraduate Academic Calendar for details on this requirement according to your program.
BSc, iBSc, and BSc Tech programs
27 credits in total as it follows:
- Non-Science: 12 credits from at least 2 different non-science disciplines chosen from the approved list of courses. No more than 9 credits in one subject area will be counted towards the general education requirements.
- Mathematics: 6 credits in mathematics at the 1000 level (excluding SC/MATH 1510 6.00, SC/MATH 1515 3.00, SC/MATH 1520 3.00).
- Computer Science: 3 credits in computer science at the 1000 level.
- Foundational Science: 6 credits from courses with laboratories at the 1000 level in any of the following areas: biology, chemistry, and physics (excluding SC/BIOL 1500 3.00, SC/CHEM 1500 4.00, SC/PHYS 1510 3.00).
Your major program requirements specify which mathematics, computer science, and foundational science courses are required. For details on the courses you need to take for your program, please refer to the Undergraduate Academic Calendar.
Study what inspires you and build the skills you need for your future. Explore the wide range of undergraduate, and certificate programs offered by the Faculty of Science, along with flexible study options such as double majors, major–minor combinations, and specialized or regular Honours degrees.
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Degree Type |
Allowed Program Combinations |
|
Honours Bachelor Degree |
Specialized Honours Honours Honours Double Major Honours Major/Minor Honours Minor |
|
Bachelor Degree (90 credits) |
Major - 90 Credits |
|
Professional Certificate |
Concurrent, Consecutive |
My program is ....
Science degree programs require completion of a specified number of credits in science disciplines outside the major.
A total of 24 credits in science disciplines outside the major, of which three credits must be at the 2000 level or above.
|
Honours Bachelor Degree |
At least 36 credits are at the 3000 level or above, at least 18 of which must be at the 4000 level. |
|
Bachelor Degree (90 credits) |
A minimum of 18 credits must be at the 3000 level or above |
Credits outside the major are courses which are intended to broaden the educational experience of students beyond their area of specialization. Credits outside the major include most courses which are not used to fulfil the general education requirements or major/minor requirements.
Additional elective credits as required for an overall total of at least 90/120 credits. Elective credits may be used for upper-level credits.
Programs also include GPA requirements:
Honours programs generally require an overall cumulative GPA of at least 5.0 to graduate (some require a higher OCGPA); and Bachelors programs require an OCGPA of at least 4.0 to graduate. Rules concerning academic standing are intended to ensure that students meet these GPA requirements by the end of their program.
The Faculty of Science has a number of services to help you understand your degree requirements and plan your studies. Degree Checklists, which layout your degree requirements and the various required credit totals, are available from Science Academic Services (SAS). The SAS office also offers Degree Audits. Your home department can also provide Advising and assistance.