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Return to: Faculty of Science
Definitions
The following terms are specific to the Faculty of Science; they are used throughout this section of the Calendar and Faculty of Science Programs . Also see the Calendar’s Glossary .
- Arts Option
Those courses offered by the Faculty of Arts for which the student is eligible, and Christian Theology courses and Native Studies courses listed in Course Listings .
- Courses Attempted
Refers to university or university transfer courses completed with a final grade and excludes courses from which a student has withdrawn.
- Courses Successfully Completed
Refers to university courses with a final grade of D or higher.
- Pre-Fall 2024 Program
Bachelor of Science (Honors, Specialization, and General) programs in effect prior to Fall 2024.
- Science Course
Any course offered by the Faculty of Science. For students registered in a Faculty of Science program, courses offered by the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry with the following course designators are also considered Science courses:
- BIOCH
- CELL
- MMI (except MMI 133 )
- NEURO
- PMCOL (except PMCOL 300 )
- PHYSL
- Science Option
Any science course, as defined above.
- Subject Area
Academic discipline available as Honors, Major, or Minor for the Bachelor of Science (Major and Honors) programs offered by the Faculty of Science.
- Subject Area Course
A course at the 200-level or higher that satisfies a specific requirement or option in a Major or Honors subject area, as outlined on each subject area page. See Subject Areas Offered by the Faculty of Science .
- Subject Area GPA
Grade Point Average calculated on the subject area courses for a Major or Honors subject area credited to the Bachelor of Science (Major and Honors) degree.
- Year of Program
Year of program, as referred to throughout the Science section, is defined below. Students who are applying to, or continuing in, the Faculty of Science are considered to be in
- Year 1 if they have successfully completed up to 29 units of course weight of their degree program;
- Year 2 if they have successfully completed between 30 and 59 units of course weight of their degree program;
- Year 3 if they have successfully completed between 60 and 89 units of course weight of their degree program;
- Year 4 if they have successfully completed at least 90 units of course weight of their degree program.
Transfer Credit
In determining the AGPA of any applicant, all attempted courses are deemed ‘transferable’ if they are transferable to the University of Alberta.
Transfer credit will be given for university transferable coursework with a minimum grade of C- as applicable to the applicant’s degree program in the Faculty of Science. If an applicant has repeated a course in which they previously obtained a passing grade at any institution, the repeated instance is not considered for transfer credit.
Credit by Special Assessment
A student who has completed systematic studies equivalent to a 100- or 200-level course that would be eligible for credit in the Faculty of Science may apply for credit by special assessment. Certain IB and AP courses or completion of online courses, for instance, may qualify a student for consideration for credit by special assessment. The application process is initiated through the department offering the course. The department may require the student to write a regular final examination covering the material of the course being assessed. With the exception of students who are eligible for consideration as a result of having completed IB and AP courses [see Applicants from International Baccalaureate (IB) Curriculum and Applicants from Advanced Placement (AP) Curriculum ], credit by special assessment is normally not available in laboratory courses. A fee for credit by special assessment will be levied by the Office of the Registrar except in the case of IB and AP courses. Credit by Special Assessment is not offered in courses in which a student has previously received a failing grade. See Credit by Special Assessment for further information.
Academic Standing
- Academic standing is used to determine the eligibility of students to continue or graduate from their programs. The academic standing of all students in the Faculty of Science is assessed annually on the basis of the Grade Point Average (GPA) calculated on all coursework attempted in the Fall/Winter. Spring and Summer work is not included.
For students not in their final Fall/Winter, the Faculty may defer the assessment of academic standing for one Fall/Winter for students who attempt less than 9 units of course weight in courses with letter grades. In such cases, the academic standing assigned at the last assessment remains in effect until the conclusion of the next Fall/Winter.
- Academic Standing Assessment
- Academic Standing Assessment for Students Registered in a Pre-Fall 2024 Program:
- First Class Standing, also referred to as the Dean’s Honor Roll, is assigned to students who successfully complete at least 24 units of course weight and achieve a minimum 3.5 GPA. First class standing is also assigned to students who, as a result of participation in Study Abroad or the Science Internship Program, attend only one term of a Fall/Winter at the University of Alberta and successfully complete at least 12 units of course weight with a minimum 3.5 GPA.
- Satisfactory Standing is assigned to students in the BSc General program who achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0. Satisfactory standing is assigned to students in BSc Specialization and BSc Honors programs who meet the minimum continuation requirements for their program, including Fall/Winter GPA, and any course specific grade or GPA requirements, as shown in the table below.
Continuation Requirements for Pre-Fall 2024 Programs
| Pre-Fall 2024 Degree Program |
Minimum Fall/Winter GPA |
Additional Requirements |
| BSc General |
2.0 |
N/A |
| BSc Specialization in Astrophysics; Cell Biology; Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology; Environmental Earth Sciences; Geology; Geophysics; Immunology and Infection; Integrative Physiology; Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology; Paleontology; Physics; Planning; Psychology |
2.3 |
N/A |
| BSc Specialization in Biochemistry |
2.7 |
N/A |
| BSc Specialization in Chemistry |
2.3 |
Minimum 2.3 GPA on all CHEM courses |
| BSc Specialization in Computing Science |
2.3 |
Minimum 2.3 GPA on all CMPUT courses |
| BSc Specialization in Computing Science - Business Minor; Computing Science - Software Practice |
2.3 |
Minimum 2.3 GPA on all CMPUT and Business courses |
| BSc Specialization in Mathematics |
2.3 |
Minimum 2.3 GPA on all MATH courses |
| BSc Specialization in Mathematics - Computational Science |
2.3 |
Minimum 2.3 GPA on all CMPUT, MATH, and STAT courses |
| BSc Specialization in Mathematics and Economics |
2.3 |
Minimum 2.3 GPA on all ECON, MATH, and STAT courses |
| BSc Specialization in Mathematics and Finance |
2.3 |
Minimum 2.3 GPA on all ACCTG, ECON, FIN, MATH, MGTSC, OM, and STAT courses |
| BSc Specialization in Pharmacology |
2.7 |
Minimum 2.7 GPA on all Science courses, and minimum 2.7 GPA on all PMCOL courses |
| BSc Specialization in Statistics |
2.3 |
Minimum 2.3 GPA on all MATH and STAT courses |
| BSc Honors in Astrophysics; Biochemistry; Cell Biology; Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology; Environmental Earth Sciences; Geology; Geophysics; Immunology and Infection; Integrative Physiology; Mathematical Physics; Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology; Paleontology; Physics |
3.0 |
N/A |
| BSc Honors in Applied Mathematics; Applied Mathematics - Minor in Computing Science; Applied Mathematics - Minor in Statistics |
3.0 |
Minimum 3.0 GPA on all MATH courses |
| BSc Honors in Chemistry |
3.0 |
Minimum 3.0 GPA on all CHEM courses |
| BSc Honors in Computing Science |
3.0 |
Minimum 3.0 GPA on all CMPUT courses |
| BSc Honors in Mathematics; Mathematics - Minor in Computing Science; Mathematics - Minor in Statistics |
3.0 |
Minimum 3.0 GPA on all MATH courses |
| BSc Honors in Mathematics and Economics |
3.0 |
Minimum 3.0 GPA on all ECON, MATH, and STAT courses |
| BSc Honors in Mathematics and Finance |
3.0 |
Minimum 3.0 GPA on all ACCTG, ECON, FIN, MATH, MGTSC, OM, and STAT courses |
| BSc Honors in Neuroscience |
3.3 |
N/A |
| BSc Honors in Pharmacology |
3.0 |
Minimum 3.0 GPA on all Science courses, minimum 3.0 GPA on all PMCOL courses, and minimum grade of B- in each PMCOL course |
| BSc Honors in Physiology |
3.0 |
Minimum grade of B in PHYSL 212 and PHYSL 214 in Year 2 (if applicable) |
| BSc Honors in Psychology |
3.3 |
N/A |
| BSc Honors in Statistics |
3.0 |
Minimum 3.0 GPA on all MATH and STAT courses |
Students in satisfactory standing may continue in, and when requirements met, graduate from, their programs.
- Marginal Standing is assigned to students with a GPA between 1.7 and 1.9. Students meeting these criteria who do not have in their postsecondary education a prior requirement to withdraw, an academic warning, a probation period or their equivalents may be permitted to continue on academic warning in the BSc General program or the Bachelor of Science (Major) program. Students in BSc Honors and BSc Specialization programs who meet the criteria for marginal standing may not continue in their current programs, but must transfer to the Bachelor of Science (Major) program in order to continue on academic warning.
To clear academic warning and return to satisfactory standing, students must obtain a minimum 2.0 GPA in the next Fall/Winter (or in a subsequent Fall/Winter if they choose to interrupt their studies). Students who fail academic warning are required to withdraw.
Academic warning may be offered once only. To remain in satisfactory standing students must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA in all subsequent Fall/Winters. Students with a GPA below 2.0 and who have in their postsecondary education a prior requirement to withdraw, an academic warning, a probation period or their equivalents are required to withdraw.
Academic warning is not offered to Special Students or to students in BSc Specialization and Honors After Degree programs who are upgrading a previous degree with a major in the same discipline. Students in these programs with marginal standing will be required to withdraw.
- Unsatisfactory Standing is assigned to students whose GPA is below 1.7. It is also assigned to students with a GPA below 2.0 who have in their postsecondary education a prior requirement to withdraw, an academic warning, a probation period or their equivalents. Students with unsatisfactory standing are required to withdraw.
- Academic Standing Assessment for Students Registered in the Bachelor of Science (Major and Honors) Program:
- Satisfactory Standing (GPA 2.0 and above): Students who maintain satisfactory standing are permitted to continue their studies in the Faculty of Science.
Students in the Bachelor of Science with Honors program whose GPA is less than or equal to 0.3 grade points below the minimum continuation requirements of the subject area in which they are registered (i.e., GPA 3.0 to 3.2 inclusive for the Honors in Neuroscience subject area; GPA 2.7 to 2.9 inclusive for all other Honors subject areas) may continue in the Bachelor of Science with Honors program in the subject area in which they are registered, provided this is the first time they do not meet the continuation requirements while registered in the Bachelor of Science with Honors program. Students in the Bachelor of Science with Honors program whose GPA is greater than 0.3 grade points below the minimum continuation requirements of the subject area in which they are registered and students who do not meet the continuation requirements a second time or more while registered in the Bachelor of Science with Honors program may not continue in the Bachelor of Science with Honors program. They must transfer to the Bachelor of Science (Major) program.
- Marginal Standing (GPA 1.7 to 1.9 inclusive): Students with marginal standing who do not have in their postsecondary education a prior requirement to withdraw, an academic warning, a probation period or their equivalents by Faculty of Science standards are permitted to continue on academic warning in the Bachelor of Science (Major) program. Students in the Bachelor of Science with Honors program with marginal standing may not continue in their current program, but must transfer to the Bachelor of Science (Major) program in order to continue on academic warning.
To clear academic warning and return to satisfactory standing, students must obtain a minimum 2.0 GPA in the next Fall/Winter (or in a subsequent Fall/Winter if they choose to interrupt their studies). Students who fail academic warning are required to withdraw.
Academic warning may be offered once only. To remain in satisfactory standing, students must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA in all subsequent Fall/Winters.
Students with a GPA below 2.0 and who have in their postsecondary education a prior requirement to withdraw, an academic warning, a probation period or their equivalents by Faculty of Science standards are required to withdraw.
Academic warning is not offered to Special Students or to students in the Bachelor of Science (Major and Honors) After Degree program. Students in these programs with marginal standing are required to withdraw.
- Unsatisfactory Standing (GPA 1.6 and below): Students with unsatisfactory standing are required to withdraw.
- Requirement to Withdraw and Readmission
Students who are required to withdraw cannot continue or register in subsequent terms beyond Spring. If they wish to continue studies in the Faculty of Science, they must choose one of the following mutually exclusive options. Admission to the Faculty of Science is competitive. The number of readmissions to the Faculty is limited. Presentation of the minimum admissions requirements does not assure admission.
- Fresh Start Program: is available by recommendation of the Faculty to students whose GPA is between 1.3 and 1.6 and have attempted fewer than 60 units of course weight of postsecondary work. Students who have been on probation or have more than one requirement to withdraw or their equivalents are not eligible for the Fresh Start program. A minimum of 24 units of course weight with a competitive AGPA must be successfully completed in the Fresh Start program to be considered for readmission to the Faculty of Science. The Faculty may also specify course requirements to be fulfilled. Students who successfully complete the Fresh Start program may apply for readmission as transfer students (see Postsecondary Transfer Students ).
- Discontinue Studies and Apply for Fall Readmission: Students who are being required to withdraw for the first time in their academic record may elect to discontinue studies for a minimum period of one year and then apply for Fall readmission. Should any coursework be attempted at any institution during this period, the grades may be taken into consideration for readmission purposes, but transfer credit will not be granted.
Students who have failed probation or been twice required to withdraw or equivalent by Faculty of Science standards may discontinue their studies for a period of five years from the date of last attendance and seek consideration for Fall readmission by writing a letter of petition to the Associate Dean, Undergraduate. Readmission, if offered, will be on probation, subject to conditions specified by the Associate Dean, Undergraduate.
Students who have been required to withdraw three times or equivalent by Faculty of Science standards are ineligible for readmission to the Faculty of Science.
- Requalify: Students who are being required to withdraw for the first time in their academic record may elect to requalify by taking further postsecondary work. Subsequent to having been required to withdraw, such applicants must present 24 units of course weight transferable to the University of Alberta with a competitive AGPA to be considered for admission or readmission.
- Probation Probation is granted to Faculty of Science students who are required to withdraw and successfully appeal or to Faculty of Science students who are readmitted after studies were discontinued for academic reasons. Probation is completed in the BSc General or Bachelor of Science (Major) program. When placed on probation, a student must fulfill specific conditions specified by the Associate Dean, Undergraduate, at the time of readmission. To clear probation and return to satisfactory standing, students must normally successfully complete a minimum of 24 units of course weight during the Fall/Winter, obtain a minimum 2.0 GPA, and successfully fulfill all other conditions of the probation. Students who fail to satisfy any of the conditions fail probation, and are required to withdraw without the option of appeal. Students who fail a second period on probation are ineligible for readmission to the Faculty of Science.
Graduation Year
Students who have completed 120 units of course weight or more and who have either not applied to graduate, or who have applied but have not met graduation requirements, are permitted to register only in those courses necessary to complete their current program as quickly as possible. Such students must have the written approval of the Associate Dean, Undergraduate, for every course beyond 120 units of course weight in which they register.
Reexamination
Reexaminations are not normally permitted in the Faculty of Science. Students seeking a reexamination for a course offered by the Faculty of Science must, in addition to meeting the requirements set out in Reexaminations , also meet the following conditions:
- Students must provide evidence of a medical condition or similarly compelling circumstance existing at the time of the writing of the final examination; and
- provide evidence that the student’s performance in the final examination was so affected by circumstances as shown in (1) that there was a substantial difference between the final examination results and the term work; and
- excluding the final exam, must have completed at least one-half of the term work.
Note: Students in a course offered by the Faculty of Science who fail to meet the graduation requirements of the degree program in which they are registered may be granted a reexamination in this course, whether passed or failed, provided (1) the maximum number of reexaminations (12 units) has not been previously taken, and (2) with a better grade in the course, they can graduate at the first upcoming convocation ceremony. This regulation applies to at most one course. Such a course must qualify for reexamination, according to Reexaminations .
Selection of Courses
Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with program requirements and limitations as specified in the Calendar, for ensuring their programs are properly planned in accordance with degree specifications, and for the completeness and accuracy of their registration. See Responsibility for Registration .
Students are responsible for ensuring they have satisfied the pre/corequisite requirements for all courses. Departments have the right to remove students from courses for failing to present a passing grade (or higher, where stipulated) in the prerequisite course(s) and/or for failing to be enrolled in the corequisite course(s).
Repeating Courses
No student will be permitted to repeat any University course, whether a failed course or a course having a grade of W, more than once except for reasons deemed sufficient by the Associate Dean, Undergraduate, of the Faculty in which the student is registered. See Reregistration in Courses . For Science students, the Faculty will withhold credit or indicate the course is extra to degree on any course that contravenes this regulation.
Normally, a student will not be permitted to repeat a course in which a grade of D or more has been received.
Only two exceptions are permitted, and each requires written approval of the Associate Dean, Undergraduate:
- When a higher grade is necessary for a course that is required in the student’s current degree program.
- When a student in Satisfactory Standing in Year 4 of a degree program repeats one course to raise any GPA required for graduation to the level required by the degree program.
A student who repeats a course in which a grade of D or more has been received, without written permission of the Faculty of Science, will have the grade attained on the initial passing of the course used for the purpose of meeting degree requirements, and no credit will be assigned to the repeated course.
Course Load Limits
Students are limited to 15 units in each of Fall and Winter terms and 6 units in each of Spring and Summer terms. When a student wishes to go beyond these limits, written approval is required from the Faculty of Science. Approval is contingent on having obtained a GPA of at least 3.0 on a course load of 30 units in the previous Fall/Winter at the University of Alberta.
Course Exclusion Lists
Each Credit Exclusion List below lists courses in which there is sufficient overlap that credit will be granted for only one of the courses in any degree offered by the Faculty of Science. This does not imply that courses listed together are interchangeable. Program specifications may require a specific course. A student who fails a course may attempt that course once more or may attempt one other from the same Credit Exclusion list, but only once. A student who passes a course may not take for higher standing that course or another course on the same Credit Exclusion list.
Credit will be granted in only one of NEURO 375 or ANAT 401 in any degree offered by the Faculty of Science.
Credit will be granted in only one of PHYSL 210 or (ZOOL 241 and ZOOL 242 ) in any degree offered by the Faculty of Science.
Credit will be granted in only one of (PHYSL 212 and PHYSL 214 ) or (ZOOL 241 and ZOOL 242 ) in any degree offered by the Faculty of Science.
Credit will be granted in only one of ACCTG 200 or ACCTG 211 in any degree offered by the Faculty of Science. ACCTG 200 will be declared extra to the degree for any Science program requiring ACCTG 211 .
Credit will be granted in only one of ANAT 200 , KIN 100 , NURS 106 , NURS 140 or PTHER 350 in any degree offered by the Faculty of Science.
Credit will not be granted for MIS 311, BTM 211 , MIS 415, BTM 415 , MIS 419 or BTM 419 towards the BSc Specialization in Computing Science in Software Practice degree or the BSc Specialization in Computing Science - Minor in Business degree. In all other degrees offered by the Faculty of Science, credit will be granted in only one of CMPUT 301 or MIS 419 or BTM 419 .
Credit will be granted in only one of STAT 252 or MGTSC 212 in any degree offered by the Faculty of Science. MGTSC 212 will be declared extra to the degree for any Science program requiring STAT 252 .
Credit will be granted in only one of STAT 151 , STAT 161 , KIN 109 , PTHER 352 or SOC 210 in any degree offered by the Faculty of Science. KIN 109 , PTHER 352 or SOC 210 will be declared extra to the degree for any Science program requiring STAT 151 or STAT 161 .
Graduate Courses
Courses numbered 500 and up are restricted to graduate students and normally may not be taken for credit by undergraduate science students without prior permission by the Associate Dean, Undergraduate, or designate.
Graduation
- Application for Graduation
Students must meet the continuation requirements of their program (see Academic Standing) in their final Fall/Winter as well as the residence and graduation requirements of their program in order to graduate.
- Graduation requirement for students in a Pre-Fall 2024 Program are as follows:
Graduation Requirements for Pre-Fall 2024 Programs
| Pre-Fall 2024 Degree Program |
Graduation Requirements |
| BSc General |
Minimum 2.0 GPA in the final Fall/Winter, Minimum 2.0 GPA on the last 60 units credited to the degree, and Minimum 2.3 GPA on all courses credited to the Major |
| BSc Specialization in Astrophysics; Geophysics; Physics |
Minimum 2.3 GPA in the final Fall/Winter and Minimum 2.3 GPA on the last 90 units credited to the degree |
| BSc Specialization in Biochemistry |
Minimum 2.7 GPA in the final Fall/Winter and Minimum 2.7 GPA on the last 60 units credited to the degree |
| BSc Specialization in Cell Biology |
Minimum 2.3 GPA in the final Fall/Winter |
| BSc Specialization in Chemistry |
Minimum 2.3 GPA in the final Fall/Winter, Minimum 2.3 GPA on all CHEM courses completed in the final Fall/Winter, and Minimum 2.3 GPA on the last 90 units credited to the degree |
| BSc Specialization in Computing Science |
Minimum 2.3 GPA in the final Fall/Winter, Minimum 2.3 GPA on all CMPUT courses completed in the final Fall/Winter, Minimum 2.3 GPA on the last 60 units credited to the degree, and Minimum 2.3 GPA on all CMPUT courses credited to the degree |
| BSc Specialization in Computing Science - Business Minor; Computing Science - Software Practice |
Minimum 2.3 GPA in the final Fall/Winter, Minimum 2.3 GPA on all CMPUT and Business courses completed in the final Fall/Winter, Minimum 2.3 GPA on the last 60 units credited to the degree, and Minimum 2.3 GPA on all CMPUT and Business courses credited to the degree |
| BSc Specialization in Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology; Immunology and Infection; Integrative Physiology; Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology; Paleontology; Psychology |
Minimum 2.3 GPA in the final Fall/Winter and Minimum 2.3 GPA on all courses credited to the degree |
| BSc Specialization in Environmental Earth Sciences; Geology; Planning |
Minimum 2.3 GPA in the final Fall/Winter and Minimum 2.3 GPA on the last 60 units credited to the degree |
| BSc Specialization in Mathematics |
Minimum 2.3 GPA in the final Fall/Winter, Minimum 2.3 GPA on all MATH courses completed in the final Fall/Winter, Minimum 2.3 GPA on all courses credited to the degree, and Minimum 2.3 GPA on all MATH courses credited to the degree |
| BSc Specialization in Mathematics - Computational Science |
Minimum 2.3 GPA in the final Fall/Winter, Minimum 2.3 GPA on all CMPUT, MATH, and STAT courses completed in the final Fall/Winter, Minimum 2.3 GPA on all courses credited to the degree, and Minimum 2.3 GPA on all CMPUT, MATH, and STAT courses credited to the degree |
| BSc Specialization in Mathematics and Economics |
Minimum 2.3 GPA in the final Fall/Winter, Minimum 2.3 GPA on all ECON, MATH, and STAT courses completed in the final Fall/Winter, Minimum 2.3 GPA on all courses credited to the degree, and Minimum 2.3 GPA on all ECON, MATH, and STAT courses credited to the degree |
| BSc Specialization in Mathematics and Finance |
Minimum 2.3 GPA in the final Fall/Winter, Minimum 2.3 GPA on all ACCTG, ECON, FIN, MATH, MGTSC, OM, and STAT courses completed in the final Fall/Winter, Minimum 2.3 GPA on all courses credited to the degree, and Minimum 2.3 GPA on all ACCTG, ECON, FIN, MATH, MGTSC, OM, and STAT courses credited to the degree |
| BSc Specialization in Pharmacology |
Minimum 2.7 GPA in the final Fall/Winter, Minimum 2.7 GPA on all Science courses completed in the final Fall/Winter, and Minimum 2.7 GPA on all PMCOL courses completed in the final Fall/Winter |
| BSc Specialization in Statistics |
Minimum 2.3 GPA in the final Fall/Winter, Minimum 2.3 GPA on all MATH and STAT courses completed in the final Fall/Winter, Minimum 2.3 GPA on all courses credited to the degree, and Minimum 2.3 GPA on all MATH and STAT courses credited to the degree |
| BSc Honors in Applied Mathematics; Applied Mathematics - Minor in Computing Science; Applied Mathematics - Minor in Statistics; Mathematics; Mathematics - Minor in Computing Science; Mathematics - Minor in Statistics |
Minimum 3.0 GPA in the final Fall/Winter, Minimum 3.0 GPA on all MATH courses completed in the final Fall/Winter, Minimum 3.0 GPA on all courses credited to the degree, and Minimum 3.0 GPA on all MATH courses credited to the degree |
| BSc Honors in Astrophysics; Geophysics; Mathematical Physics; Physics |
Minimum 3.0 GPA in the final Fall/Winter and Minimum 3.0 GPA on the last 90 units credited to the degree |
| BSc Honors in Biochemistry; Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology; Environmental Earth Sciences; Geology; Immunology and Infection; Integrative Physiology; Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology; Paleontology |
Minimum 3.0 GPA in the final Fall/Winter and Minimum 3.0 GPA on the last 60 units credited to the degree |
| BSc Honors in Cell Biology; Physiology |
Minimum 3.0 GPA in the final Fall/Winter |
| BSc Honors in Chemistry |
Minimum 3.0 GPA in the final Fall/Winter, Minimum 3.0 GPA on all CHEM courses completed in the final Fall/Winter, and Minimum 3.0 GPA on the last 90 units credited to the degree |
| BSc Honors in Computing Science |
Minimum 3.0 GPA in the final Fall/Winter, Minimum 3.0 GPA on all CMPUT courses completed in the final Fall/Winter, Minimum 3.0 GPA on the last 60 units credited to the degree, and Minimum 3.0 GPA on all CMPUT courses credited to the degree |
| BSc Honors in Mathematics and Economics |
Minimum 3.0 GPA in the final Fall/Winter, Minimum 3.0 GPA on all ECON, MATH, and STAT courses completed in the final Fall/Winter, Minimum 3.0 GPA on all courses credited to the degree, and Minimum 3.0 GPA on all ECON, MATH, and STAT courses credited to the degree |
| BSc Honors in Mathematics and Finance |
Minimum 3.0 GPA in the final Fall/Winter, Minimum 3.0 GPA on all ACCTG, ECON, FIN, MATH, MGTSC, OM, and STAT courses completed in the final Fall/Winter, Minimum 3.0 GPA on all courses credited to the degree, and Minimum 3.0 GPA on all ACCTG, ECON, FIN, MATH, MGTSC, OM, and STAT courses credited to the degree |
| BSc Honors in Neuroscience |
Minimum 3.3 GPA in the final Fall/Winter and Minimum 3.3 GPA on the last 60 units in Year 3 and 4 of the program |
| BSc Honors in Pharmacology |
Minimum 3.0 GPA in the final Fall/Winter, Minimum 3.0 GPA on all Science courses completed in the final Fall/Winter, Minimum 3.0 GPA on all PMCOL courses completed in the final Fall/Winter, and Minimum grade of B- in each PMCOL course completed in the final Fall/Winter |
| BSc Honors in Psychology |
Minimum 3.3 GPA in the final Fall/Winter |
| BSc Honors in Statistics |
Minimum 3.0 GPA in the final Fall/Winter, Minimum 3.0 GPA on all MATH and STAT courses completed in the final Fall/Winter, Minimum 3.0 GPA on all courses credited to the degree, and Minimum 3.0 GPA on all MATH and STAT courses credited to the degree |
- Students in the Bachelor of Science (Major and Honors) program should refer to Bachelor of Science (Major and Honors) - Graduation Requirements .
Students who intend to receive a BSc degree must apply for the degree on Bear Tracks by February 1 for Spring Convocation or by September 1 for Fall Convocation.
If degree requirements have been met and the student has not applied to graduate, the Faculty may apply on their behalf.
All official transcripts from other postsecondary institutions are due by May 1 for Spring Convocation or by October 1 for Fall Convocation.
Students who intend to apply for admission to an alternate degree program in the Faculty of Science for convocation purposes only must meet all of the admission, continuation, residence and graduation requirements for that BSc program.
- Degree Requirements
All BSc degrees require a minimum of 120 units of course weight. Courses with weights of 0 units are offered for credit only, and, although they may be required in specific degree programs, cannot be used to meet the minimum units of course weight requirement in any degree program.
- Convocation
All requirements for graduation at Spring Convocation must be met by the end of Fall/Winter. Those completing degree requirements during Spring/Summer will graduate at the Fall Convocation.
- First-Class Honors
First-Class Honors Degrees are awarded to any student in an Honors program who obtained a GPA of at least 3.5 and no failing grades (F or NC) on the last 60 units of course weight in courses with letter grades, excluding courses declared extra-to-degree.
- With Distinction
Degrees With Distinction are awarded to any student in a Pre-Fall 2024 General or Specialization program or Bachelor of Science (Major) program who obtained a GPA of at least 3.5 and no failing grades (F or NC) on the last 60 units of course weight in courses with letter grades, excluding courses declared extra-to-degree.
Note: If determination of the last 60 units of course weight in courses with letter grades requires consideration of one or more courses from a given term, then all work from that term is included in the GPA calculation for the purposes of qualifying for First-Class Honors or With Distinction. Normally, only University of Alberta courses will be used in the calculation of the GPA for the last 60 units of course weight in courses with letter grades.
Appeals and Grievances
A copy of Faculty of Science regulations regarding appeals on grades, academic standing and practicum intervention is available on the Faculty of Science website. Certain academic standing decisions made by the Faculty Academic Appeals Committee may be appealed to the General Faculties Council Academic Appeals Committee. Appeals of decisions made by the Faculty Practice Review Committee may be appealed to the General Faculties Council Practice Review Board. See Appeals and Grievances .
Note: Deadlines exist for submission of appeals and are described in the appeals policy document.
Registration at Other Postsecondary Institutions
Permission to attend another institution as a Visiting Student depends on the student remaining in satisfactory academic standing in the Faculty of Science at the University of Alberta.
A student while registered in the Faculty of Science cannot attend two postsecondary institutions at the same time and will not receive permission to register as a Visiting Student at another institution if the equivalent course is given on campus in the same term, except in the case of formal exchange programs. Transfer credits will not be awarded if a student attends another postsecondary institution without first obtaining a current Letter of Permission from the Faculty of Science.
Letters of Permission are not approved for students taking courses at postsecondary institutions outside of Canada. Students interested in taking courses outside of Canada should explore studying abroad through the University of Alberta International’s Exchange and Summer Programs (see Study Abroad).
Study Abroad
The Faculty of Science encourages all full-time students who have completed at least 15 units of course weight at the University of Alberta, who are in satisfactory standing in their program with a CGPA of at least 2.5 and have a GPA of at least 2.7 in their most recently completed term, to consider a period of study abroad. This program is administered by University of Alberta International and details of this competitive program can be found on the University of Alberta International website.
Where possible, credit for courses successfully completed in study abroad programs will be granted transfer credit by the Faculty of Science. However, there may be courses required in a program where there is no substitute available elsewhere. Thus a period of study abroad may extend the time required to complete a BSc degree.
Note: The thesis-based independent research project required in many Honors programs must be completed at the University of Alberta.
Science Internship Program
The Science Internship Program (SIP) offers science undergraduate students work experience opportunities in addition to their academic courses.
To be eligible to register in this program, a student must:
- Have successfully completed a minimum of 48 units of course weight, and not more than 105 units of course weight, of a Pre-Fall 2024 program with a declared major or the Bachelor of Science (Major and Honors) program with a declared subject area.
- Have a minimum 2.3 GPA in the previous Fall/Winter Terms.
Students accepted into the program will receive access to approved position descriptions from employers wishing to hire SIP students. Employers are responsible for interviewing and selecting students for the positions. The internship may begin in May, September or January and must be of at least 8 months duration, but may extend to up to 16 months.
Students are limited to one 8 (may consist of two separate 4 month placements), 12 (continuous) or 16 (continuous) month internship placement during their undergraduate degree. Work during the internship period is full time, for which the student is paid by the employer at competitive rates. The student, employer and the Faculty must agree to terms of the internship. During the period of the internship, the student registers in a work experience (WKEXP) course each term and is considered a full-time student at the University of Alberta. All students must register in a minimum of two WKEXP courses that have associated fees.
To successfully complete the SIP, students must complete a minimum of eight months of the following WKEXP courses: WKEXP 955 , WKEXP 956 , WKEXP 957 and WKEXP 958 . An eight month placement may be comprised of two four month placements. Students who have completed one four month WKEXP and are not able to secure a second will receive acknowledgment of one WKEXP course on their transcript but will not receive the SIP designation. The ultimate responsibility for securing work rests with the student and there is no guarantee that all qualified students will be placed.
Work experience courses are assigned no units of course weight and are graded credit/no credit. Grades are determined by the student’s job performance as evaluated by the employer, and/or by the successful completion of assignments as assigned by the Faculty or designate.
The Science Internship Program Coordinator maintains contact at approximately four-month intervals with the student and the person designated by the employer to be responsible for the student’s progress. During this time, if the student’s performance is not satisfactory as evaluated by the employer, the internship may be terminated and the student would then return to classes at the next available opportunity. Following completion of the work experience, students return to the university to complete their degree program of studies.
Students should be aware that under the Protection for Persons in Care Act, all new employees, volunteers and other people engaged for services by designated agencies (hospitals, nursing homes, lodges, group homes, etc.) must complete a Police Information Check (also known as a Criminal Record Check, Security Clearance Check, or Police Clearance), which must include a Vulnerable Sector Check. In addition, certain other agencies, organizations, and educational facilities may require students to present a Police Information Check prior to entering a practicum, work placement term, internship, or field experience placement. Students who have concerns related to their ability to provide a clear Police Information Check should consult with the Associate Dean, Undergraduate. Students will be informed of the need for a Police Information Check prior to specific practicum (field experience) placement. See Requirement for Police Information Checks for more information on the general requirements concerning Police Information Checks and the fees associated with them.
Detailed information about the Science Internship Program is available at uab.ca/ScienceInternship.
Science After Degrees
- All students in After Degree programs must follow the program to which they have been admitted and must demonstrate progress towards completion of the degree in each Fall/Winter (see Graduation Year).
- After Degree students holding any BSc degree from the Faculty of Science at the University of Alberta must complete a minimum of 30 units of course weight while registered in the After Degree program. This includes a minimum number of senior units of course weight in their subject area(s), as follows:
- Major subject area: 9 units
- Honors subject area: 15 units
- Minor subject area (if applicable): 6 units
- After Degree students holding a degree from outside the Faculty of Science at the University of Alberta must complete a minimum of 60 units of course weight while registered in the After Degree program. This includes a minimum number of senior units of course weight in their subject area(s), as follows:
- Major subject area: 18 units
- Honors subject area: 24 units
- Minor subject area (if applicable): 12 units
- The actual number of credits required to complete an After Degree is dependent on the coursework that was completed prior to the After Degree program and will be determined at the time of admission.
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