First-Year Options

The Faculty of Science offers the following registration options for first-year B.Sc. students who are admitted directly from high school.

Registration resources for students are on the Science website.

1. The standard option, in which students select courses consistent with the B.Sc. breath requirements and potential specializations. Students create their own course schedule and register for each course separately.
2. The Science One Program (SCIE_V 001; 28 credits) is a unique program that emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of science in a small-class environment with a standard timetable. A separate application is required.
3. Course Bundle Advanced Registration, where students are registered into courses of their choosing in advance of student registration. Effort is made to create cohorts of students who are in some of the same courses, to facilitate peer connections and support. Additionally, students may find it convenient to have part of their timetable populated before their personalized registration date. During the student registration period, students can change their courses and schedule if desired. To request advanced registration, students should follow the instructions on the Science website.

For additional information on first-year programs, visit the Faculty of Science.

Science One Program

Science One, a unique alternative to the standard first year in the Faculty of Science, is a 28-credit program of study spanning two terms. The aim of the curriculum is to provide a broad interdisciplinary science education for a student's first-year science studies within a small academic community of learners. Science One has dedicated classroom and study space, along with excellent student support.

This interdisciplinary option integrates the essential material of first-year biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics through lectures, tutorials, workshops, and laboratories. Successful completion of Science One with the necessary academic standing satisfies the entrance requirements for all second-year courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics. Successful completion of Science One allows students to apply to any B.Sc. specialization. Students with credit for SCIE_V 001 will be deemed to have satisfied all BIOL_V 112, BIOL_V 121, BIOL_V 180, CHEM_V 121, CHEM_V 123, MATH_V 100, MATH_V 101, PHYS_V 117, PHYS_V 118, PHYS_V 119, and PHYS_V 129 requirements. 

Students enrolled in Science One may register for additional credits of electives in consultation with Science One advisors.

On successful completion of the Science One Option, students receive one composite mark for the Science One course and individual marks for electives.

Prerequisites for enrolment in Science One are:

• admission to the Faculty of Science; see Admissions;
• marks of 80% or better in each of the following (or equivalents): Biology 11 or 12, Chemistry 12, Principles of Mathematics 12, Calculus 12, and Physics 12; and
• at least 75% in English 12 or English Literature 12 (or equivalent). Students who have not achieved this minimum English requirement may still apply for the program. They may be asked, however, to provide writing samples that will be evaluated by Science One professors.

Students who are lacking a prerequisite are advised to contact the Science One Office to discuss their alternatives.

Admission to Science One requires a formal application. Enrolment is limited. Information and the online application are available from Science One.