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University of Calgary Calendar 2015-2016 Faculty of Science 3. Faculty Regulations 3.4 Program Requirements
3.4 Program Requirements

The following general requirements apply to all programs administered by the Faculty of Science. In addition, there are the course requirements for the individual programs. These are listed in Section 5 (Program Details).

Table I

The following courses may form part of a student's degree program in Science, but may not be used to satisfy the requirement of 18 units (3.0 full-course equivalents) from outside the Faculty.

Anthropology 309, 413, 425, 435, 451, 552, 571

Archaeology 203, 417, 555

Chemical Engineering 427, 501, 535, 537, 541

Civil Engineering 461

Computer Engineering 339, 369, 467

Electrical Engineering 327, 353, 469, 475, 563, 565, 575, (if both 563 and 565 are taken, one may be counted as from outside Science)

Engineering 201, 233, 311, 317, 319, 349, 407

Energy and Environment, Engineering 355

Geography 305, 307, 313, 415, 417

Kinesiology 263, 363, 463

Management Information Systems 321, 331

Mechanical Engineering 479, 485

Medical Science (all courses in this category)

Political Science 399

Psychology 312, 407, 478, 531

Sociology 311, 315

A. Graduation Guarantee

The University of Calgary is committed to providing students with rich undergraduate educational experiences that can be completed in four years. Beginning in the Fall of 2008, for first year students studying in the Faculties of Arts or Science the University introduced a four-year graduation guarantee. Participation in this program requires a shared commitment from the University and the student ensuring timely progression towards degree completion. To find out more on this program visit www.ucalgary.ca/gradguarantee/. If you have additional questions on this please call the Undergraduate Science Centre, 403.220.8600.

B. Major Degree Programs

A student must present an approved list of courses completed with passing grades. This list will be referred to as the program. The program must satisfy the following conditions.

(a) The program must contain at least 120 units (20 full-course equivalents) with a maximum of 48 units (8.0 full-course equivalents) at the 200 level.

(b) The program must contain at least 48 units (8.0 full-course equivalents) in a Science field. Maximum allowable courses limits are specified in program regulations for each degree. The field chosen for a program will be referred to as the "major field." The Science fields are listed in Section 5 (Program Details). Only 6 units (1.0  full-course equivalent) in the major field may be a "D" or "D +".

(c) The GPA calculated over the program must be at least 2.00, and the GPA for courses in the major field must also be at least 2.00. The program may not contain more than 18 units (3.0 full-course equivalents) with "D" or "D+" grades.

(d) Breadth requirement: The program must contain at least 54 units (9.0 full-course equivalents) from outside the major field, of which at least 18 units (3.0 full-course equivalents) must be courses selected from Faculties other than the Faculty of Science. Of these 18 units (3.0 full-course equivalents), students must take at least 6 units (1.0 full-course equivalent) from the Faculty of Arts.

The 18 units (3.0 full-course equivalents) from other faculties may not be chosen from among the courses listed in Table I. The requirement to include 18 units (3.0 full-course equivalents) in other areas is intended to broaden the student's perspective beyond ones offered by the Faculty of Science.

Science 311 may be counted among the 18 units (3.0 full-course equivalents) from other faculties.

(e) The program must include certain specified courses. The specified courses required for individual programs are listed in Section 5 (Program Details).

(f) No more than 60 units (10 full-course equivalents) taken at other institutions and acceptable for transfer credit may be included in the program. A maximum of 24 units (4.0 full-course equivalents) taken at other institutions and acceptable for transfer credit may be included in the major field.

(g) Credit will not be granted toward Science degrees for Physical Activity courses (i.e., Dance Education Activity/Theory, Outdoor Pursuits Activity/Theory, and Physical Education Activity/Theory).

Note: These requirements may change with every Calendar issue. A given Calendar issue applies to the academic year beginning on July 1 and ending on the following June 30. The time of entry into a program in the Faculty of Science is defined as the first session after admission to the program during which a student successfully completes any courses applicable to the program. A student's program is subject to the course requirements which are in the Calendar current at the time of entry into the program, and a student is allowed five years counted from the time of entry into the program to graduate under these requirements. Students in Co-operative Education or Internship programs have six years counted from the time of entry into the program to graduate under these requirements.

Students who exceed this five-year limit must consult with the Head of the Department (or designate) or Program Director (or designate) concerned who will decide on an acceptable set of course requirements for the proposed date of graduation. The Head (or designate) or Program Director (or designate) will communicate the decision to the Associate Dean (Undergraduate), or designate, in writing.

Note: Course work that forms part of the requirements from a student's major field as listed in Section 5 (Program Details) and which is more than six years old at the time of graduation may be included in the program only with written permission of the Head (or designate) of the Department or Program Director (or designate) concerned.

Note: Courses taken in the University of Calgary Faculties of Medicine or Veterinary Medicine (and, at the discretion of the Associate Dean, courses taken as part of a degree in Dentistry or Optometry or Medicine or Veterinary Medicine outside of Calgary) may be counted towards a BSc degree in the Faculty of Science if at least 90 units (15 full-course equivalents) have been taken in a Science program, and if the Science course requirements for a Science Major are met by those 90 or more units (15 or more full-course equivalents). Honours degrees and degrees with distinction will not be granted in this manner. Not all Major programs can be completed in this way in three years.

C. Degrees "With Distinction"

The notation "With Distinction" will be entered in the permanent record and on the graduation parchment of a student successfully completing a Major program with a grade point average of at least 3.60 over the last 90 units (15 full-course equivalents) taken for the degree. In cases in which the "last 90" must include some but not all of a group of courses taken concurrently, the selection will be made in the manner most advantageous to the student.

A student who has taken part of his/her course work at another university or who has transferred into the Faculty at a relatively late stage may be granted a degree "With Distinction" at the discretion of the Faculty.

D. Honours Degree Programs

Degrees with Honours are awarded in two classes: Honours and First Class Honours.

The requirements are the same as for the Major Programs, except for the following additions or changes.

Honours Requirements

  • A minimum GPA of 3.30 over the last 90 units (15.0 full-course equivalents).
  • Completion of Honours requirements as outlined in Section 5 (Program Details).
  • The program must contain at least 54 units (9.0 full-course equivalents) and no more than 78 units (13.0 full-course equivalents) in the major field.

Note: A student who fails to maintain the necessary performance standards or who decides not to continue in an Honours program may transfer to a Major program.

First Class Honours Requirements

In addition to the Honours requirements, successful completion of a department-approved program equivalent to 120 units (20.0 full-course equivalents). with a GPA of at least 3.60 over the last 90 units (15.0 full-course equivalents). A student who has taken part of his/her course work at another university may be granted a degree with First Class Honours at the discretion of the Faculty.

E. Co-operative Education/Internship Degree Programs

The Faculty of Science has Co-operative Education programs in Applied Chemistry, Ecology and Actuarial Science and one Internship program in Computer Science. Co-operative Education and Internship programs normally take five years to complete and include 12 to 16 months of paid supervised work experience in various private companies, government agencies and non-profit organizations. Apart from this work experience, the degree requirements are the same as for the regular Major and Honours programs. After second year, three or four work terms are interspersed with regular academic terms. Co-operative Education and Internship Programs provide students with opportunities to experience the linkages between academic knowledge and a variety of appropriate job situations. Students completing the requirements of the Co-operative Education and Internship option will graduate with "Co-operative Education" or "Internship" designated on their transcripts and degree parchments.

For general information on Co-operative Education and Internship programs refer to the Co-operative Education/Internship section of this Calendar. For specific program details, see Section 5 (Program Details) in the Faculty of Science section of the Calendar.

Students who wish to enter a Co-operative Education or Internship program are urged to discuss their pre-admission course selection with the Co-operative Education and Internship Coordinator in the Undergraduate Science Centre and the Undergraduate Officer of the Department offering the program as early as possible.

The general deadline for admission to a Co-operative Education or Internship program in the Faculty of Science is December 1. However, for some Co-operative Education programs, as for Internship programs, additional admission deadlines may be available. If so, these are listed in the Calendar section of the Department offering the program. Applications for admission to a Science Co-operative Education or an Internship program must be submitted to the Undergraduate Science Centre.

For continuation in Co-operative Education/Internship programs, students are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.30 or 2.70 (depending on the Major program) or 3.30 (Honours).

Note: Department requirements that exceed the Faculty minimum supersede these Faculty standards. Furthermore, students who receive a grade of "F" in a Co-operative Education/Internship course will be withdrawn from the Co-operative Education/Internship program and will not receive Co-operative Education/Internship designation.

Note: Developing and implementing job-search skills is a part of the Co-operative Education Program. The program does not guarantee that students will obtain work term placements.

Faculty of Science Co-operative Education and Internship Office

Location: Undergraduate Science Centre Energy Environment Experiential Learning (EEEL) 426

Phone: 403.220.8600

Email address: scicoop@ucalgary.ca

Website: http://www.ucalgary.ca/science/internshipcoop

F. Double Major and Double Honours Degree Programs

These are single degree programs. A student in a Major program whose program also meets the requirements for a second Major in a different field, in either the Faculty of Science or another faculty, may declare a second Major in this field. The same is true for Honours programs. It is not possible for one of the two programs to be an Honours program and for the other one to be a Major program.

Declaration of the second Major or Honours may be made no later than at the time of the last registration. Special restrictions apply to certain double Major or Honours combinations. Consult the relevant Department in Section 5 (Programs Details). All such double Major or Honours combinations must be able to be accommodated under the same rubric (either BSc or BA).

G. Combined Degree Programs Within the Faculty of Science

Students may pursue a combined program of at least 150 units (25 full-course equivalents) that leads to two degrees from the Faculty of Science. The two degrees will be awarded simultaneously. Interested students should consult with program advisors in the Undergraduate Science Centre and the Associate Dean (Undergraduate).

The two programs may not be from the same Department, except for combinations of Geophysics with one of Geology, Applied and Environmental Geology, or Environmental Science.

H. Second Degree Programs

The graduation requirements for a second degree are the same as those for a degree with a Major field except for the following:

Major Degree Requirements

(a) Up to 60 units (10 full-course equivalents) counted towards any previous degrees may be counted towards requirements in the second degree. These may not include more than half the minimum number required in the new Major field.

(b) Courses not used toward previous degrees (as determined by the institution awarding those degrees) may be used to reduce the number required in the second degree where applicable.

(c) Students normally will not be admitted to a second degree program in any field in which they already possess a degree. Students with a degree in the Natural Sciences should consult the Undergraduate Science Centre to find out whether they would be permitted to enrol in a program that covers the same subject matter as their Concentration One.

Upon admission to the program, students are advised to contact the Undergraduate Science Centre to discuss their academic plans and obtain general advice regarding the requirements of the second degree. The Undergraduate Science Centre will then prepare a detailed formal assessment outlining the remaining requirements in each individual case.

The second degree will be awarded "With Distinction" if a GPA of at least 3.60 is achieved over the courses completed in the second degree program, excluding those used in point (a).

Note: Departments are under no obligation to compress their course offerings in such a way as to minimize the time spent on a second degree.

Honours Degree Requirements

The graduation requirements for a second degree in Honours is the same as a degree with Honours, with the following modifications:

(a) Admissibility will be based on the overall grade point average obtained in the first degree, and grade point averages required for graduation will be calculated using courses completed in the second degree program.

(b) The student must obtain approval of the Department or Program concerned.

(c) The permissible duration of the second degree program will be determined by the Associate Dean (Undergraduate), or designate, at the start of the program in conformity with the spirit that governs the duration of a first degree honours program, taking into account what courses remain to be taken in the second degree program.

(d) The degree will be awarded as First Class Honours if a GPA of at least 3.60 is obtained over the courses completed in the second Honours degree program.

I. Combined and Concurrent Degree Programs with Other Faculties

Students may pursue a combined program of at least 150 units (25 full-course equivalents) that leads to two degrees, one from the Faculty of Science and one from another faculty. The two degrees will be awarded simultaneously.

Students must meet the admission and graduation requirements of both Faculties involved, as described in the Faculties' sections of this Calendar.

These programs require careful selection of courses to complete the requirements of both faculties. Interested students are urged to contact the Student Affairs Offices of both faculties for advice in choosing their courses, beginning in first year, and should see the Associate or Assistant Deans of the two Faculties involved.

With the Faculty of Arts

BSc or BA (Science) and BSc or BA (Arts) Program

Students intending to pursue this program may enter either the Faculty of Science or the Faculty of Arts. At the time of admission to either faculty, students must apply for the combined degree program and declare two major fields as described in each faculty's section of this Calendar.

Degree Requirements for the BSc or BA (Science) and BSc or BA (Arts) Program

(i) The Faculties of Science and Arts require the successful completion of at least 48 and not more than 60 units (8.0 and not more than 10.0 full-course equivalents) in the Major Field. Faculty and departmental requirements for graduation in a program with a Major Field must be met.

(ii) Courses taken to satisfy the major field requirements for one of the two degrees may be counted towards the breadth requirement for the other degree.

(iii) The number of junior courses taken must not exceed 54 units (9.0 full-course equivalents) in total.

(iv) A maximum of 60 units (10.0 full-course equivalents) taken at other institutions and acceptable for transfer credit may be included in the combined programs. A maximum of 24 units (4.0 full-course equivalents) taken at other institutions and acceptable for transfer credit may be included in the major field of each program.

With the Haskayne School of Business

BComm and BSc (Actuarial Science) Program

For program details, please see the Haskayne School of Business section of this Calendar.

BComm and BSc (Computer Science) Program

For program details, please see the Haskayne School of Business section of this Calendar.

Concurrent Degrees with the Werklund School of Education

BSc (General Mathematics in Education) and BEd

For program details, please see the Department of Mathematics and Statistics section in Section 5 (Program Details).

BSc (Natural Sciences) and BEd

For program details, please see the Natural Sciences section in Section 5 (Program Details).

With the Schulich School of Engineering

BSc (Science) and BSc (Engineering) Program

Students intending to pursue this program may enter either the Faculty of Science or the Schulich School of Engineering. Students may either be admitted to both degree programs when they first apply to the University or may seek admission to a second Degree Program after being admitted. Students must satisfy the requirements for admission to both Faculties and Programs. (See the Undergraduate Admissions section of this Calendar.)

This combined program leads to a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the Schulich School of Engineering and a Bachelor of Science from the Faculty of Science. The Schulich School of Engineering provides complementary information on Combined Programs in their section of this Calendar.

Note: Because engineering degrees are highly structured, more than 150 units (25 full-course equivalents) are typically required. Further, students who opt out of this Combined Degree program, particularly if they do so after first year, often require more than four years to complete a single degree.

J. Minor Programs

The course requirements for the Minor Programs are listed in Section 5 (Program Details) under the appropriate Department. Students are cautioned to check the Calendar descriptions of the courses required for the Minor and to include the necessary prerequisites for these courses in their programs.

For a Minor, passing grades must be obtained in at least 30 units (5.0 full-course equivalents) in the minor field of which at least 18 units (3.0 full-course equivalents) must be numbered 300 or above. For certain major/minor combinations there will be considerable overlap between fields. The degree of permissible overlap must be discussed with the Associate Dean (Undergraduate), or designate, before proceeding. The GPA over all courses counting towards the Minor must be at least 2.00 and only 6 units (1.0 full-course equivalent) with a "D" grade will be allowed.