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Choosing a specific field of scientific study and the fulfilling careers it leads to is a critical step in predicting the you of the future.
“University is your opportunity for you to become you, not just in your classes but in everything you do at university” Alisia says. “As you start to discover more about yourself and what you’re passionate about, you’ll learn how to apply that to your science.”
But given that science is such a broad field, how does she guide students with some very big decisions to make?
On the right path
“It really depends on where they’re coming from,” says Alisia. “Some students haven’t discovered their passion for certain subjects at that stage. With those students, we start off with, ‘What do you find interesting?’ Others have an idea in their head of what career they want and are searching for the best path to an identifiable career such as a ‘doctor’, 'pharmacist' or ‘optometrist.’”
This chart is meant to guide you if you enjoy science but haven’t figured out what you want to study specifically.
What are the Science degrees?
ݮƵ’s Faculty of Science offers 17 Bachelor of Science degrees, many more than the biology, chemistry, physics, earth and environmental sciences, and business courses offered in most high schools. We offer majors in all of them, but you’ll quickly realize that other majors branch out from these subjects.
Check out how to apply to a program in the Faculty of Science.
Interested in Science with ultimate flexibility?
For students who don't yet have a specific area of interest and want to explore a bit of everything, the Honours Science program is a great option. If you need specific courses to apply to a professional school, it has a lot of flexibility so you can cover those requirements. Honours Science is the most flexible program that allows you to choose the science courses you’re most interested in, with plenty of electives, as you progress through your degree.
Interested in Biology?
For students looking for biology-based programs and planning to apply to a medical or other professional school (e.g., optometry and pharmacy), Biology, Biomedical Sciences along with Honours Science are great options. For students for whom co-op is a priority, Biology is your best choice, while those who are looking to apply to medical school sooner normally choose Biomedical Sciences. Psychology is another biology-based program if you’re interested in exploring the science of behaviour and the mind while connecting the physiological and biological processes that underline neuroscience.
ݮƵ's Faculty of Science offers direct pathways to professional schools, including a conditional admission program with partner medical schools around the world. The School of Pharmacy and the School of Optometry and Vision Science, are also part of the Faculty of Science.
Pick a program that’s flexible enough to meet the requirements to reach your goals, but also pick one you love because you’ll see more success in something you’re passionate about.
Interested in Chemistry and/or Physics?
If you’re interested in medicine and sustainable materials, we advise you to consider Chemistry, which has the option for you to specialize in Computational Chemistry. You can also explore the Biochemistry major and understand the chemistry of biology, with the option to specialize in Biotechnology. Materials and Nanosciences is a major that will prepare you for a variety of careers in fields like nanotechnology, quantum materials, bionic research and energy. In Medicinal Chemistry you will learn how to design and evaluate potential drugs in the pursuit of better and more effective medicines.
For physics lovers, check out the majors of Physics, which allows you to study various physics disciplines at once (from quantum to distant galaxies), Biological and Medicinal Physics, to study the physics of the human body such as the fluid mechanics of the blood, or how X-Rays, MRIs, and Ultrasounds work. Mathematical Physics, which is more of the theoretical side of physics, and Physics and Astronomy, the study of space and the forces that shape our universe.
If you are into exploring the dynamic systems that shape our Earth and environment and want to develop sustainable solutions, we offer two programs. In the Environmental Sciences program you can choose a specialization in Ecology, Water Science, or Geoscience. While an Earth Sciences major allows you to select specializations in Geology, Geophysics, or Hydrogeology.
Interested in more than just Science?
If you are interested in Science and Business, we have this unique program that equips you with both scientific know-how and valuable business skills. You can specialize in Biochemistry, Biology, or Biotechnology. Another great option is the Biotechnology/Chartered Professional Accountancy program that provides flexible specializations bridging science and business management in a technology-intensive global marketplace.
Finally, the Science and Aviation program allows you to pursue a career as a pilot while studying the scientific foundation associated with flight and the field of aviation.
Check out how to apply to a program in the Faculty of Science!
What if I want to switch my program?
You can absolutely change tracks but remember that it gets harder the longer you remain in one program. Switching may end up tacking another term onto a degree, but it can be done. “Once you get here, we encourage you to get involved from day one,” Alisia says.
“Put yourself out there, have conversations with your professors, immerse yourself in the culture here. A lot of interests will start to develop and that’s when you might discover a new path. We also encourage co-op if you’re not sure what to focus on. Through our co-op program, you’ll really discover things about yourself. It’s a great testing ground to figure things out.”
How can I customize my degree?
You don’t need to select any specialization, option, or minor when you apply. Once you start your classes and you learn more about your passions and interests, you can explore and select different ways to tailor and customize your degree.
Specializations available only in specific programs
Within the Faculty of Science, some of the programs offer specializations that allow you to tailor and enhance your degree.
| Program | Specialization* |
|---|---|
|
Biochemistry (Life Sciences) |
Biotechnology |
| Chemistry (Physical Sciences) | Computational Chemistry |
| Earth Sciences (Physical Sciences) |
Geology, Geophysics, Hydrogeology |
| Environmental Sciences |
Geoscience, Ecology, Water Sciences |
| Science and Business |
Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology |
The specializations available in Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Science and Business are optional, while choosing a specialization in Earth Sciences and Environmental Sciences is mandatory.
Options available only for Faculty of Science students
An option is a great way to combine your interests in multiple subjects. They normally begin after your first year and usually have eight courses. An option is recognized in your degree.
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Bioinformatics
- Biotechnology Technician Diploma
- Microbiology
Learn more about options available in the Faculty of Science.
Minors available to all undergrad ݮƵ students
You have more than 50 minors available to choose from in other ݮƵ faculties regardless of which program you're studying. A minor is a group of eight-10 courses in a specific subject or topic that you complete as part of the 40 or so courses required to fulfill your degree.
Minors available through the Faculty of Science include:
- Astrophysics,
- Biology,
- Biochemistry,
- Biophysics,
- Chemistry,
- Earth Sciences,
- Medical Physiology,
- Neuroscience, and
- Physics.
Check out how to apply to a program in the Faculty of Science!
What are the recommended programs in Science to apply to medical school?
Our programs, courses, and student experience create strong candidates for medical school. There are different paths you can select.
First, check what the application requirements are of the school you are planning to attend and select the program accordingly. The most common programs are Honours Science, Biology and Biomedical Sciences.
Also, the Faculty of Science offers exciting medical school pathways around the world. Our students have access to guaranteed spots in top medical schools worldwide through exclusive ݮƵ agreements. For example, ACSOM has dedicated spots just for ݮƵ Science students.
What are the recommended programs to apply to the School of Optometry and School of Pharmacy at ݮƵ?
The Faculty of Science at ݮƵ offers three majors that’ll best prepare you for admission. If you are interested in other majors, that’s fine, just note it will likely take you more time and possible degree modifications to achieve the academic requirements for Optometry or Pharmacy admission.
- Honours Science
- Biology major (Life Sciences program)
- Biomedical Sciences major (Life Sciences program)
BSc and programs in science fields from other institutions are given equal consideration.
Check out how to apply to a program in the Faculty of Science!
Common questions
Will I be prepared for the workforce?
One of the biggest questions students ask is how to prepare for a career in a rapidly changing economy. They also want to know how to prepare for jobs that might not even exist when they’re applying to university.
“We talk about skill development,” Alisia says. “That’s the amazing opportunity with a degree in science. Jobs start coming up that are so new, we can’t always say ‘you’ll become this or you’ll become that’ as there’s no standard path to those new jobs. Science, by its very nature, helps students develop the skills that will get them from point A to point B; to really become critical thinkers.
The unique IDEAL program in the Faculty of Science is the way to get professional skills that employers and professional schools are seeking; we recognize student achievements in Innovation (creativity), Discovery (critical thinking) , Engagement (empathy) , Application (collaboration) , and Leadership (communication) — the qualities that truly matter to industry and academia. “That equips them for the jobs of tomorrow because they can analyze, discover, and determine what those new possibilities are.”
What kind of jobs are students saying they want?
The health profession is one of our biggest career paths. For instance, students who want to become a doctor, an optometrist, a pharmacist, a radiologist, a chiropractor … it’s not just any one career because there are many popular fields. Environmental and earth sciences are starting to move up in popularity due to climate change and resource shortages, with jobs increasing as well. For chemists and physicists, there’s definitely excitement for the fields of technology, materials science, and quantum computing.
What are the typical enrolment numbers for ݮƵ’s Faculty of Science?
About 1,200 new students a year.
The right resources: Follow the path to the right science degree
Connect with us! We would be happy to guide you and solve any question you may have. Also, while you are a Science student, we work to facilitate as many requests for changes as possible with the support of a dedicated advisor. In the Faculty of Science at ݮƵ, we don't want students to be in programs that they themselves don't want to be in. We understand your path is not always linear and we are here to support you!
- What kind of reaction will your degree get? Peruse science-related careers.
- Do you have the right chemistry (pun intended) to be admitted? Check out our admission requirements.
Check out how to apply to a program in the Faculty of Science →
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