Natural Sciences

Bachelor of Science

(Faculty of Science)

What is Natural Sciences?

The Natural Sciences Program is an innovative, multidisciplinary program where students concentrate on two specialties within the Faculty of Science (Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Energy Science, Geoscience, Mathematics and Physics).

General Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission applicants are required to present the appropriate high school subjects and a competitive average.

Application/Document Deadlines

Transfer Students:

• Transfer students must present the competitive average plus the following specified courses:

Natural Sciences

After completing of at least four full-courses (FCE), applicants to the program may declare two concentrations from the following departments:

     *Biological Sciences: *
     Students are required to have completed the following courses with
     a minimum grade of C- or better in each course and to meet the
     competitive Biological Sciences Average:

• Biology 241 and 243
• Chemistry 201 or 211 and Chemistry 203 or 213
• one of Mathematics 249 or 251 or 281 or AMAT 217
• one of Mathematics 211 or 221 or 253 or 283 or AMAT 219

     *Chemistry: *
     Students must meet the competitive Chemistry Average.    

    *Computer Science: *
     Students must meet the competitive Computer Science Average.

     *Energy Sciences:*
     Students must meet the competitive average.

     *Geosciences: *
     Students must meet the competitive Geosciences Average.

     *Mathematics and Statistics: *
     Students must meet the competitive Mathematics and Statistics
     Average.

     *Physics and Astronomy: *
     Students must meet the competitive Physics and Astronomy Average.

     * Students must meet the competitive average for the Natural

     Sciences Major and for both of the two concentrations selected. 

Why study Natural Sciences?

As a Natural Sciences student, you will learn the essential skills that today's scientists need to be successful. The depth of your first concentration will give you substantial expertise in one area of science while the breadth of your second concentration will allow you to communicate effectively with scientists in other fields and substantially contribute to solving multidisciplinary research problems. You will learn to be an outstanding communicator, a valuable team member and an effective team leader. The Natural Sciences Program differs from traditional science programs by giving students a great deal of flexibility and choice in their educational plan. You will work with an academic advisor to create a unique program suited to your personal interests.

What do I need to get in?

You'll need to meet the admission requirements of the Faculty of Science.

What will I study in my first year?

As a first-year Natural Sciences student, you have a unique opportunity to participate in a small (<40 students) investigative science course called "Approaching Science as Scientists". Science 251 is designed to introduce students to the process of science. You will learn how to communicate effectively in a scientific setting by collaborating with your peers and working as a team. You will think critically about science by analyzing landmark scientific contributions and current scientific research. This course will help you to develop a well-rounded perspective on the progress of science and the structure of the scientific community. If you are interested in the energy sciences concentration (focusing on non-petroleum based energy sources), you should take Science 251 in your first year.

As a Natural Sciences student, you will design a distinctive, tailor-made degree program that reflects their individual interests. As such, there is no absolute list of courses that every student will take during the first year of a Natural Sciences degree. When planning first-year courses, you should consult the Faculty of Science section of the University of Calgary Calendar and the Course Registration and Planning Guide. In general, you should think about what area of science you are most interested in and take first-year courses in those areas following the information in the registration guide. Students are encouraged to contact the Natural Sciences office for advice about planning their degree program.

What will I study in my later years?

As you progress through your degree, you will take many courses focusing on discipline specific knowledge in your chosen concentrations. In addition to these courses, you will also take two, Natural Sciences specific classes, Science 403 (Science and Society) and Science 501 (Project Course in Natural Sciences).

These two courses demonstrate the power of an integrative approach to scientific problem solving. Students contribute the discipline-specific knowledge gained throughout their education andlearn to apply and integrate ideas in a multidisciplinary setting. Both Science 403 and 501 are central in developing students' ability to think critically, pose good scientific questions and relate theory and observation across disciplines. Furthermore, these courses are fundamentally important in developing the ability to communicate scientific ideas clearly and effectively.

In Science 403, you will focus on the effects of scientific ideas on contemporary society and social institutions. This course is normally taken in your third year of study. In your final year, you will take Science 501. You will work to develop your teamwork, critical thinking and problem solving skills by developing a group research proposal for a multidisciplinary project. Science 501 will teach you the necessary tools to integrate knowledge from several scientificfields. Past projects have focused on a wide range of topics from the organic synthesis of a new anti-malarial drug to understanding the impact and involvement of an emerging fungal infection on bat mortality

What can I do with my degree?

The career options available to Natural Sciences graduates greatly depend on each student's interest and the academic and professional experience they gain while pursuing their degree. Many Natural Sciences graduates have pursued careers in industrial, government and university laboratories; others have continued their academic studies in professional fields such as education, medicine, dentistry and optometry.

Additional Information

sciemail [at] ucalgary [dot] ca