First-Year Options
The Faculty of Science offers three options for enrolment in first year:
- The standard program, in which students admitted to the Faculty design their own program according to Degree Requirements, selecting both the courses and the sections they wish to attend.
- The Coordinated Science Program (CSP), in which students admitted to the Faculty attend a standard timetable of core science courses, plus an interdisciplinary workshop, together as a group. Students register separately for electives, including at least 3 credits of first-year English.
- The Science One Program (27 credits plus 2 credits for corequisite Biology 140 Lab) is a unique program that emphasises the interdisciplinary nature of science in a small class environment with a standard timetable. A separate application is required.
For additional information on first-year programs, visit the Faculty of Science.
Coordinated Science Program
Students with a broad interest in science and who want to be part of a smaller academic community may wish to register in the Coordinated Science Program (CSP). There is a standard timetable for CSP students that consists of special sections of BIOL 121, CHEM 121/123, MATH 102/103, and PHYS 101. Students interested in pursuing specializations in Computer Science or Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences may also register in additional timetables allowing relevant CPSC, EOSC, ATSC or ENVR courses. There is flexibility to customize some timetables to accommodate advance credit or a lack of Calculus 12 or equivalent, and provide prerequisite courses for other interests such as cell biology. See details at the CSP website.
All CSP students attend their lectures together and have access to the CSP study space, creating a smaller social and learning community within first-year science.
The CSP instructors teach the same courses as the standard program and help design CSP workshops that augment the lecture classes.
Each week, CSP students meet in groups of approximately 30 for a two-hour multidisciplinary workshop led by the CSP Lecturers. The workshops involve participation in a variety of hands-on activities, discussions and debates, group projects, and student-led presentations. They also provide the opportunity to develop problem solving, critical thinking, and communication skills useful in all scientific disciplines and future careers. The workshops are not tutorial sessions. However, they do provide an opportunity to work in small groups to explore selected course topics and skills.
The CSP workshops require a weekly two-hour commitment from students, in addition to time scheduled for the lectures and labs. CSP students are expected to participate fully in workshop activities. The two-term CSP Workshop is worth 1 credit, with students receiving a mark on a pass/fail basis.
Students who have been admitted to the Faculty of Science and have credit for Biology 11 or 12, Calculus 12, Principles of Mathematics 12 or Pre-calculus 12, Physics 12, and Chemistry 12 (or their equivalents) are eligible for the program. There are limited spots for students without Biology 11, Biology 12, Calculus 12, Chemistry 12, Physics 12, or their equivalents. Please contact the Coordinated Science Program Office for more information. Students who are interested in the program but who lack prerequisites should contact the Coordinated Science Program Office, 604.822.0274, to discuss their options. Because writing is a significant part of the CSP, proficiency in English is strongly recommended.
Additional information about the program is available from the CSP website.
Science One Program
Science One, a unique alternative to the standard first year in the Faculty of Science, is a 29-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. Enrolment in the Science One Option requires concurrent enrolment in the first-year biology laboratory course BIOL 140 (2 of the 29 credits). 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. With appropriate choice of electives and the necessary academic standing, Science One will also satisfy the prerequisites for all second-year specializations in the Faculties of Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and others.
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 BIOL 140 and 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.
