16.9 ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

16.9.1 BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (BSC)

16.9.1.1 Structure of the Program

To satisfy the requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree a student must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours (40 courses) distributed as follows:

• A minimum of 66 credit hours must be taken in the Faculty of Science**. Of these:
  • A minimum of 42 credit hours in a major discipline;
  • A minimum of 18 credit hours in disciplines other than the major;
  • The following courses must be included:
    • • 6 credit hours of natural science courses. These courses are taught in the departments of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Geology and Physics;
    • One of MATH 105 or 110;
    • CS 110.
• A minimum of 18 credit hours, including ENGL 100 and 110, must be taken in the Faculties of Arts and/or Fine Arts.
• • Up to 36 credit hours of electives (as required to total 120 credit hours), which may include a maximum of 18 credit hours in courses from faculties other than Science, Arts, or Fine Arts.

** Geography and Economics courses are considered to be within the Faculty of Science only for BSc and BSc (Hon) students who are majoring in Geography or Economics respectively.

16.9.1.2 Limit on 100-level Courses

A maximum of 60 credit hours may be in 100-level courses.

16.9.1.3 Selection of Majors

The requirements of each major offered by the Faculty of Science can be found under the relevant departmental listing in §16.11.

16.9.1.4 Optional Minor

Students may complete a minor in a subject other than, and distinct from, their major. The minor is a concentration of at least six courses in a discipline from any of the Faculties of Science, Arts or Fine Arts. The specific courses required for a minor in a given discipline can be found under the relevant departmental listing. Courses used in the major discipline cannot also be used toward the minor. Consult with the Department Head or Associate Dean (Academic) to discuss options.

16.9.1.5 Double and Combined Majors

Students wishing to pursue a major in more than one discipline should discuss their program with the Associate Dean (Academic).

The Faculty of Science has a number of BSc programs with a combined major in two disciplines. In such a program the student is not required to complete as many courses in a single discipline as for the single or double major program. At present, combined programs have been approved in chemistry and biochemistry, computer science and mathematics, biology and biochemistry, biology and statistics, biology and geography, geology and geography, mathematics and statistics, and statistics and economics. Details about the specific course requirements for these programs can be found in the departmental listings (§16.11).

16.9.1.6 Second Degrees

Registration for a second degree in the Faculty of Science requires prior approval from the Associate Dean (Academic). Except under special conditions, approval will not normally be given for two degrees or two majors from Mathematics/Statistics/Actuarial Science.

For further information refer to §6.13 and §16.3.

16.9.2 BACHELOR OF SCIENCE HONOURS (BSC HONOURS)

The structure of the BSc Honours degree is the same as that of the BSc, except that a minimum of 54 credit hours must be in the major discipline, and a maximum of 24 credit hours of electives is permitted.