Bachelor of Science - University Transfer

Credential
Bachelor's Degree
Duration

- 2 years at RDC
- 2 years at U of A, U of C or U of L

Location
Main Campus
The Program

The objective of these programs is to provide access to the first and, in some cases, the second year of study toward "general" or "subject specific" programs which can be transferred to the provincial universities.

The "subject specific" programs provide education in the conventional scientific disciplines. You can take a number of options, but the number and sequence of the science courses is more rigid than in the "general" program.

The "general" program gives you the flexibility to build a science program around your personal strengths and interests by blending the "subject specific" areas. This is done by declaring a major and minor subject.

The "pre-professional" programs are designed to meet the admission requirements of professional schools (such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, optometry, and chiropractic medicine). Pre-professional course work for Dental Hygiene and Medical Laboratory Science is also available (apply to BSc General).  Admission to professional programs is very competitive, and you should plan your program so that you have the option of completing a science degree if your admission into the professional program is denied or delayed.

In many cases, transfer from one major to another can be arranged with a minimal loss in study time.

University Transfer Program

For the most current university program and transfer information, see the Planning Guides.

Transfer Features

The courses offered in this program can be transferred in full to most universities. The courses you select must meet the program requirements of the university chosen. You should be prepared to choose a major within the biological sciences.

A transfer student may obtain up to 2 full years credit in Biological Sciences at U of A, U of C, or U of L.  (See the Alberta Transfer Guide.)

Program Cost Estimates
Admission Requirements

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:

  1. Biology 30
  2. Chemistry 30
  3. ELA 30-1
  4. Mathematics 30-1
  5. Subject from Group A, B, OR C (Physics 30 or Mathematics 31 strongly recommended)

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:

  1. Biology 30
  2. Chemistry 30
  3. ELA 30-1
  4. Mathematics 30-1

Note: Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency in addition to the program admission requirements.

Graduation 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.

Related Careers

Bachelor of Science degrees are integral to and support a variety of disciplines and careers. As such, science graduates play a critical role in contributing to Canada’s knowledge-based economy across numerous sectors: health, energy, agriculture and forestry, industry and education. The following list of potential occupations for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science reflects the broad range of possible careers for graduates of the program. 

  • Medical Doctor
  • Dentist
  • Dental Hygienist 
  • Veterinary Doctor
  • Pharmacist 
  • Chiropractor 
  • Conservation Officer
  • Biologist
  • Psychiatrist 
  • Actuary
  • Community Planner

Career and Life Skills

  • Data Analysis and Scientific Reasoning
  • Data Interpretation 
  • Project Management/Organization
  • Skills in Field Research and Laboratory Research
  • Qualitative and Quantitative Research
  • Leadership
  • Communicating complex scientific reasoning and data to public
  • Improving health and wellness for humans, animals and environment 
  • Problem Solving 
  • Argumentation
  • Critical Reasoning
  • Communication and Active Listening
  • Information Literacy
     

University of Alberta

(Please note these credits are U of A credits.)

Suggested Pattern Year 1

  • BIOL 217/BIOL 218 (6 credits)
  • CHEM 211 and either CHEM 212 or CHEM 351 (6 credits)
  • Arts or Science Option (3 credits)
  • ENGL 219/ENGL 220 (6 credits)
  • STAT 251 (3 credits)
  • One of MATH 202MATH 203 or MATH 221 (6 credits)

Year 2

The UofA offers three different concentrations for their Biological Sciences degree: Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, and Integrative Physiology. The second year schedule will depend on the concentration chosen. For more information, please contact the artscienceinfo [at] rdc [dot] ab [dot] ca (Advisors in the School of Arts and Sciences) or refer to Academic Advising Planning Guides.

University of Calgary

(Please note these credits are U of C credits.)

Note: Physics 30 is recommended for this program.

Suggested Pattern Year 1

  • BIOL 217/BIOL 218 (6 credits)
  • CHEM 211/CHEM 212 (6 credits)
  • Two non-science options (6 credits)
  • MATH 202 or MATH 203 MATH 221 (6 credits)
  • PHYS 205 or Option/PHYS 226 or Option (6 credits)

Suggested Pattern Year 2

Given the variety of Biological Sciences concentrations the UofC offers, please contact the artscienceinfo [at] rdc [dot] ab [dot] ca (Advisors in the School of Arts and Sciences) regarding the second year schedule, or refer to Academic Advising Planning Guides.

University of Lethbridge

Suggested Pattern Year 2

If you plan to transfer to the U of L, please contact the artscienceinfo [at] rdc [dot] ab [dot] ca (Advisors in the School of Arts and Sciences).