- 2 years at RDC
- 2 years at most universities
The Bachelor of Science (BSc) General program gives you a broad education in more than one branch of study. Students either complete two majors or one major and one minor. Majors are chosen from ten science subject areas.
If you enroll in the General program and intend to transfer to a BSc Specialization or Honors program in the Faculty of Science at University of Alberta (U of A), carefully follow the requirements for the latter program when selecting your courses (consult an Academic Advisor). This applies to all students intending to transfer to the Universities of Calgary (U of C) or Lethbridge (U of L) which do not offer a BSc General program.
The following content provides a basic understanding of General Science programs but does not contain specific details regarding specific course requirements. This information is current at the time of publication but may change as the universities change. their requirements. While the below schedule is complimentary to the majority of concentrations included within the University of Alberta’s BSc General program, as well as the University of Lethbridge’s General Science and University of Calgary’s BSc Natural Science programs, it is recommended you contact an academic advisor regarding your chosen major/university.
Suggested Pattern Year 1
- BIOL 217/BIOL 218 (6 credits)
- CHEM 211/CHEM 212 (6 credits)
- MATH 202 or MATH 203 & STAT 251 or Option (6 credits)
- ENGL 219/ENGL 220 (6 credits)
- Two non-science options (6 credits)
Suggested Pattern Year 2
Please contact the artscienceinfo [at] rdc [dot] ab [dot] ca (Advisors in the School of Arts and Sciences), or refer to the Academic Advising Planning Guides.
For the most current university program and transfer information, see the Planning Guides
This program transfers to BSc General at the U of A and also allows for subsequent transfer to University of Alberta BSc Specialization and Honours programs if admission requirements are met for those programs. It also allows for transfer to University of Calgary BSc Honours and majors programs, majors in the University of Lethbridge BSc program, and majors in Royal Roads University BSc Environment and Sustainability programs.
Note: There are some major/minor combinations which have required courses (usually in the second year) that are not offered at RDC. Students taking these combinations can either take other (transferable) courses during a second year or can transfer after their first year at RDC.
Related Link: Admission requirements for specific programs will often refer to Alberta Grade 12 course groups. Visit the Admissions page for detailed group descriptions.
1. Minimum average of 60% with no mark below 50% in:
- ELA 30-1
- Mathematics 30-1
- Two of Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Mathematics 31, Physics 30
- Subject from Group A, B, or C
OR
2. Mature Student
You must be 19 years of age or older, out of high school for at least one full year before the program starts, and have a minimum average of 60% with no mark below 50% in:
- ELA 30-1
- Mathematics 30-1
- Two of Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Mathematics 31, Physics 30
Note: Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency in addition to the program admission requirements.
You must pass 20 term university transfer courses or a minimum of 60 credit hours, and achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 to receive a Diploma in University Transfer Studies.
A degree in Bachelor of Science is extremely versatile, allowing students the ability to pursue many careers in almost any field. BSc Graduates will have superior skills in such things as scientific reasoning, data analysis and interpretation, hands-on laboratory skills, and research acumen. BSc graduates will be integral to advancing scientific knowledge, evolving many existing careers, and identifying new areas of work that currently do not exist.
Students are able to use a BSc Degree to pursue further studies in areas such as Medicine, Veterinary Studies, Dentistry, and Pharmacy, in addition to Masters and Doctoral designations in their field of Science.
Examples of careers include, but are not limited to:
- Careers in Physics
- Astronomer
- Geophysicist
- Game Design Physicist
- Research Scientist
- Risk Surveyor
- Careers in Government & Public Service
- Administration & Management
- Armed Forces
- Community Planner
- Conservation Officer
- Chiropractor
- Dentist
- Dental Hygienist
- Counselling
- Law Enforcement and Corrections
- Medical Doctor
- Pharmacist
- Urban Planning
- Veterinary Doctor
- Private Sector & Entrepreneurial
- Advertising
- Consulting
- Data Analysis
- Laboratory Researcher
- Industrial Relations
- International Relations
- Project Management
- Research
Note: Some of these careers will require additional study beyond an undergraduate degree.