Introduction

Welcome to Your Bachelor of Science Degree

Congratulations on being accepted into the Bachelor of Science degree program. Science is a cornerstone of today’s developments in technology, medicine, agriculture and more. Throughout your program you will explore scientific concepts and engage with leading scientists who conduct cutting-edge research in their fields. Through inquiry-based programs in the Faculty of Science you will have multiple opportunities for hands-on learning experiences in our research facilities, and continually develop the critical thinking skills necessary to create, discover and innovate.

The Bachelor of Science degree is offered as either a B.Sc., or B.Sc. (Honours). They both require the completion of 20.0 full course equivalents (120 credits) and normally four years of full-time study. An internship program is available for students majoring in Computer Science and students in Actuarial Science, Applied Chemistry or Ecology can combine their degree with cooperative education. Students interested in pursuing a career as a K-12 teacher can complete a five-year concurrent degree with the Faculty of Education. More information on the concurrent BSc/BEd degree is provided below, in the Education section of the First-Year Degree Guide and in the University Calendar.

Your Faculty and Major

Your Bachelor of Science degree means that you are a student in the Faculty of Science. The Faculty of Science offers a broad range of majors, minors, specializations and concentrations, from actuarial science to zoology. In general, your major refers to the subject area you would like your Bachelor of Science degree to focus on (ex. Bachelor of Science, major in Physics).

Explore all the different majors, specializations and concentrations the Faculty of Science has to offer.

Haven’t decided on a major?

If you are still deciding on your major area of interest, you should take courses from a number of different areas in your first year. The courses on this list will help you choose courses for first year registration. It is best to decide your focus as soon as possible so that you take the prerequisite courses for second-year classes in your area of interest and do not have to take extra courses to complete your program. Remember that you may not be able to register in some courses unless you are admitted to that major.

Courses required in your first year

There are certain courses that you are required to complete for your Bachelor of Science degree program. We strongly encourage you to follow the recommended course sequences outlined in this guide when planning your first-year courses.

See your recommended first-year courses >>

Did you receive credit (e.g. IB or AP) upon admission?

If you are coming to the U of C with Advanced Placement credit or International Baccalaureate credit, you will follow the same registration process as any first time university student. You may be eligible to use your transfer credit in your degree program depending on the program you have entered and whether or not the courses are applicable. Look for International Baccalaureate credit information at www.ucalgary.ca/admissions/ib and Advanced Placement information at www.ucalgary.ca/admissions/ap.

You may view your transfer credit by logging in to your online Student Centre. Once you know the transfer credit you have received, you may contact the academic advisor in your faculty to get advice on course selection.

Generally, students must complete 3.0 full course equivalents (6 half course equivalents or 18 units) at the junior (200-level) before they are allowed to register in 300-level courses. However, if you received IB or AP credit for a 200-level course, you may take the 300-level course that has your 200-level course listed as a prerequisite. For example, if you received IB credit for CHEM 203, you can take CHEM 351, as CHEM 203 is a prerequisite for CHEM 351.

Enhance your Bachelor of Science Program

Co-op and Internship: Get a head start on your career through our co-operative education and internship opportunities. You will gain valuable work experience in your industry—all before you graduate.

International Study Opportunities: Experience different cultures, gain a better understanding of world issues, and travel around the globe, all while earning credit towards your degree. The U of C offers exchanges and study abroad programs in 61 different countries.

Community Service-Learning: Combine your classroom learning with volunteer work that achieves community goals, and see first-hand how your academic learning relates to social issues.

Co-Curricular Record: The first of its kind in Western Canada, have your out-of-classroom experiences such as volunteer work, leadership training and club involvement documented on an official record.

Arts and Science Honours Academy: Be part of a unique program that combines collaborative study, global opportunities and academic challenge. The ASHA program brings together 25 like-minded high achieving students to learn and study in six distinct scholars courses. As an Arts and Science Honours Academy student, you will be one of a class of the best and brightest at the U of C.

Sign up for the Four-Year Graduation Guarantee Program

Be part of the Class of 2017! Even though graduation may seem far away, you should consider signing up for the Graduation Guarantee program today. This program is designed to help you stay on track each year of your degree program and to provide you with assurance that you will graduate in four years.

The Graduation Guarantee is a two-way street for students and the university—this means that there are certain requirements you will need to fulfill in order to hold up your end of the guarantee. As part of this program you can take advantage of regular meetings with your academic advisor. Not only will your advisor be able to give you advice on what courses to take and keep you on track to graduation, you’ll have a connection on campus to turn to for advice whenever you want it.

Signing up for the Graduation Guarantee is easy but you must do so before the start of your first year. Just log into your online Student Centre and click on the Graduation Guarantee link. For more information, visit the Graduation Guarantee website.